European Parliament Exempts Pedal Assisted Electric Bikes

BRUSSELS, Belgium (BRAIN)--The European Parliament updated its motorcycle and moped classification, which now considers some electric pedal assisted bicycles (EPACs), a move that affects the legal requirements of their riders.

Owners of electric-assist bikes that meet this new classification no longer need to conform to helmet, licensing and other motorcycle laws.

"It's a great decision by the Parliament. This doesn't mean that European Union members will adopt this directive as law, that is up to individual nations. But it is a step in the right direction and will impact future discussions at the national level," said Brian Montgomery, the European Bicycle Manufacturers Association's chairman.

The Parliament defines EPACs as electric bikes that apply power assistance only when the pedals are pushed up to a maximum speed of 15.5 miles per hour. At speeds greater than that, or when the rider stops pedaling, power assist must be cut off. Electric bikes that meet the standard are treated like bicycles. This is similar to Japan's electric bike classification.

"We still need a manufacturing standard, since the regulations vary so widely in each country. Now we have to make different models depending on where we market it. But it is encouraging that we are finally getting clear direction on this," Montgomery said.

The situation in the United States is similar; each state treats electric bicycle differently. There is no federal classification to guide the states when they revise their vehicle laws.