ZIV positions itself on future EPAC regulations
Berlin, 8 April 2025 | A number of EU ministries announced even before the 2024 European elections that they would be revising various legal regulations after the elections. New regulations for vehicles were also announced, which would also involve revising the existing EPAC regulations. The ZIV subsequently initiated a technical discussion among its member companies to determine which regulations the bicycle industry believes would be most suitable. The industry association presented its findings today.
E-bikes – or to use the correct legal designation, «EPACs» (standing for «electrically power assisted cycle») – are the most important driver of electric mobility with almost 16 million now on the roads in Germany. They are a key component of the mobility transition and the most popular recreational vehicle – and thus also decisive to the success of the German bicycle industry. «The success of e-bikes depends on their equal legal status to bicycles. To ensure this equality in the long term, we propose more precise parameters for this type of vehicle,» says the ZIV’s Chief Technology Officer Tim Salatzki of the position paper published today.
The equal status of EPACs and muscle-powered bicycles and thus also their exemption from Regulation 168/2013 on type approval is based on the comparable riding characteristics. Cyclists actively influence the riding behaviour and propel their vehicle by pedalling.
«We know that bicycles and today’s EPACs are active mobility. Cycles that are powered almost entirely by an electric motor and require virtually no physical effort therefore cannot be classified as EPACs.» Salatzki emphasises. This means that cyclists must always be actively involved in making their bicycle move. Limiting the assistance power also helps to ensure that EPACs retain their bicycle-like characteristics and do not become subject to the regulations that apply for mopeds.
E-bikes – or to use the correct legal designation, «EPACs» (standing for «electrically power assisted cycle») – are the most important driver of electric mobility with almost 16 million now on the roads in Germany. They are a key component of the mobility transition and the most popular recreational vehicle – and thus also decisive to the success of the German bicycle industry. «The success of e-bikes depends on their equal legal status to bicycles. To ensure this equality in the long term, we propose more precise parameters for this type of vehicle,» says the ZIV’s Chief Technology Officer Tim Salatzki of the position paper published today.
The equal status of EPACs and muscle-powered bicycles and thus also their exemption from Regulation 168/2013 on type approval is based on the comparable riding characteristics. Cyclists actively influence the riding behaviour and propel their vehicle by pedalling.
«We know that bicycles and today’s EPACs are active mobility. Cycles that are powered almost entirely by an electric motor and require virtually no physical effort therefore cannot be classified as EPACs.» Salatzki emphasises. This means that cyclists must always be actively involved in making their bicycle move. Limiting the assistance power also helps to ensure that EPACs retain their bicycle-like characteristics and do not become subject to the regulations that apply for mopeds.
Better defined parameters for EPACs – to ensure their status
The ZIV is of the opinion that the continuous rated power and maximum assistance speed currently stipulated in Regulation 168/2013 are reasonable.
It considers the following additional parameters to be characteristic of an EPAC:
It considers the following additional parameters to be characteristic of an EPAC:
- support ratio of 1:4 and
- support ratio of 1:6 possible up to max. 15 km/h and
- max. assistance power of 750 W at the drive wheel and
- max. weight of 250 kg for single-track EPAC or
- max. weight of 300 kg for multi-track EPAC
Position tallies with the consensus within CONEBI
The responsible working group within the European umbrella organisation CONEBI that is headed by Tim Salatzki has agreed a joint position that mirrors the one presented by the ZIV today.
«Europe is setting new regulations. We and our European partners are well prepared. For EPACs to continue to be considered equal to muscle-powered bicycles as a means of active mobility and not be subject to type approval, the restrictions and requirements mentioned must be incorporated into the legal regulations,» the ZIV’s CEO Burkhard Stork stresses.
«Europe is setting new regulations. We and our European partners are well prepared. For EPACs to continue to be considered equal to muscle-powered bicycles as a means of active mobility and not be subject to type approval, the restrictions and requirements mentioned must be incorporated into the legal regulations,» the ZIV’s CEO Burkhard Stork stresses.
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ZIV – German Bicycle Industry
The ZIV represents the interests of and is a strong voice for the Germany bicycle industry. As an industry association, the ZIV brings together and represents around 140 member companies vis-à-vis lawmakers in the EU and Germany, the German government, authorities, media, institutions and organisations. In 2024, around ninety percent of the bicycles and e-bikes produced in Germany were from ZIV member companies, which export 1.3 million units every year in addition to sales on the domestic market. The ZIV represents established companies and start-ups, manufacturers and retailers (including importers and wholesalers) as well as players from the entire bicycle ecosystem.
Press contact
Pablo Ziller, ZIV – German Bicycle Industry, Reinhardtstraße 7, 10117 Berlin, Tel.: +49 30 439 735 773, Mobile: +49 170 734 23 72, presse@ziv-zweirad.de