1. Category

The EU’s regulatory standards for light electric vehicles are based on speed and driving performance.

l The above vehicles are electric moped and electric motorcycle respectively, belonging to the L1 and L3 categories of L vehicles, which are derived from the requirements of Regulation (EU)168/2013 on the approval and market surveillance of two-or three-wheel vehicles and quadricycles. Two- or three-wheel electric vehicles require type approval and need to perform E-mark certification. However, the following types of vehicles are not in the scope of category L vehicles:

1. Vehicles with a maximum design speed not exceeding 6km/h;
2. Pedal assisted bicycles with auxiliary motors with maximum continuous rated power less than or equal to 250W, which will cut off the motor output when the rider stops pedaling, gradually reducing the motor output and finally cut off before the speed reaches 25km /h;
3. Self-balancing vehicles;
4. Vehicles not equipped with seats;

It can be seen that low-speed and low-power pedal bicycles with electric assistance, balance vehicles, scooters and other light electric vehicles do not belong to the scope of two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicles (non-category L). In order to fill the gaps in the regulatory requirements for these non-category L light vehicles, the EU has compiled the following standards:

EN 17128: Light motorized vehicles for the transportation of persons and goods and related facilities and not subject to type-approval for on-road use – Personal light electric vehicles (PLEV) 

The e-bike shown above falls within the scope of the EN 15194 standard, which requires a maximum speed of less than 25km/h. It is necessary to pay attention to the irreplaceable “riding” nature of e-bike, which must be equipped with pedals and auxiliary motors, and cannot be completely driven by auxiliary motors. Vehicles driven entirely by auxiliary motors are classified as motorcycles. The EU’s Driving License Regulations (Directive 2006/126/EC) stipulate that motor scooter drivers must have an AM class driver’s license, motorcycle drivers need to have a A class driver’s license, and bicycle riders do not need a license.

As early as 2016, the European Committee for Standardization began to develop recommended safety standards for lightweight personal electric vehicles (PLEVs). Including electric scooters, Segway electric scooters, and electric balance vehicles (unicycles). These vehicles are governed by standard EN 17128, but the maximum speed also needs to be less than 25km/h.

2. Market access requirements

• L-category vehicles are subject to ECE regulations and require type approval, and their battery systems need to meet the requirements of ECE R136. In addition, their battery systems must also meet the requirements of the recent EU new battery regulation (EU) 2023/1542.
• Although electric power-assisted bicycles do not require type certification, they must also meet the CE requirements of the EU market. Such as the Machinery Directive (EN 15194 is a coordinated standard under the Machinery Directive), RoHS Directive, EMC Directive, WEEE Directive, etc. After meeting the requirements, a declaration of conformity and CE mark are also required. It should be noted that although the safety assessment of battery products is not included in the Machinery Directive, it is also necessary to simultaneously meet the requirements of EN 50604 (EN 15194′s requirements for batteries) and the new battery regulation (EU) 2023/1542.
• Like power-assisted bicycles, lightweight personal electric vehicles (PLEVs) do not require type approval, but must meet CE requirements. And their batteries need to meet the requirements of EN 62133 and the new battery regulation (EU) 2023/1542.