Associations want to improve legal framework for heavy e-cargo bikes
Berlin, 24 April 2026 | This weekend, the SPEZI International Special Bikes Show will take place in Freiburg. A wide variety of bicycles and e-bikes beyond the classic diamond frame will be showcased, including e-cargo bikes of all shapes and sizes. In the run-up to the SPEZI, the ZIV and Zukunft Fahrrad industry associations and the German Cycle Logistics Association (RLVD) announced a joint proposal on how heavy e-cargo bikes could better be regulated at the European level in the future.
The ZIV, Zukunft Fahrrad and German Cycle Logistics Association (RLVD) want vehicles subject to EN 17860-4 (heavyweight carrier cycles) to retain the legal privileges granted to bicycles, namely that they can be used on suitable cycle paths and do not require a driving licence, licence plate or type approval. These privileges are fundamental to the success of these vehicles.
In light of the dynamically growing, innovative ecosystem of manufacturers and parts suppliers, the associations call for clear and reliable framework regulations that provide long-term planning certainty and help drive innovation.
In April 2025, the ZIV sparked a constructive debate among the associations when it published its position paper entitled «E-bikes – active mobility as success factor» on e-bikes weighing up to 300 kg. The ZIV, Zukunft Fahrrad and RLVD now want to develop a joint proposal on how vehicles subject to EN 17860-4 (heavyweight carrier cycles) can be clearly and transparently classified within the EU regulation. They will also address the question of whether a dedicated subcategory is needed within the existing legal framework to cater to this vehicle class.
The associations see this joint approach as an important step towards firmly anchoring these vehicles in a suitable, enforceable and future-proof European regulatory framework for cycle logistics and other uses.
With this initiative, the ZIV, Zukunft Fahrrad and RLVD underscore their commitment to constructive cooperation and the joint development of practical solutions.
The proposal will be developed by a joint working group involving representative from all three associations:
The ZIV, Zukunft Fahrrad and German Cycle Logistics Association (RLVD) want vehicles subject to EN 17860-4 (heavyweight carrier cycles) to retain the legal privileges granted to bicycles, namely that they can be used on suitable cycle paths and do not require a driving licence, licence plate or type approval. These privileges are fundamental to the success of these vehicles.
In light of the dynamically growing, innovative ecosystem of manufacturers and parts suppliers, the associations call for clear and reliable framework regulations that provide long-term planning certainty and help drive innovation.
In April 2025, the ZIV sparked a constructive debate among the associations when it published its position paper entitled «E-bikes – active mobility as success factor» on e-bikes weighing up to 300 kg. The ZIV, Zukunft Fahrrad and RLVD now want to develop a joint proposal on how vehicles subject to EN 17860-4 (heavyweight carrier cycles) can be clearly and transparently classified within the EU regulation. They will also address the question of whether a dedicated subcategory is needed within the existing legal framework to cater to this vehicle class.
The associations see this joint approach as an important step towards firmly anchoring these vehicles in a suitable, enforceable and future-proof European regulatory framework for cycle logistics and other uses.
With this initiative, the ZIV, Zukunft Fahrrad and RLVD underscore their commitment to constructive cooperation and the joint development of practical solutions.
The proposal will be developed by a joint working group involving representative from all three associations:
- ZIV: Tim Salatzki (Chief Technology Officer) and Sebastian Grassow (Technology & Standards Officer)
- Zukunft Fahrrad: Arne Behrensen (Senior Expert – Transport Transition)
- RLVD: Helge Neubauer (Deputy Federal Chairman) and Sebastian Bächer (Board Member for International Affairs)
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ZIV – German Bicycle Industry
The ZIV is the national representative and a strong voice for the German and international bicycle industry, including importers and wholesalers as well as established businesses and start-ups from the entire bicycle ecosystem. As an industry association, the ZIV brings together and represents the interests of around 140 member companies vis-à-vis lawmakers in the EU and Germany, the German government, authorities, media, institutions and organisations. Around ninety percent of the bicycles and e-bikes produced in Germany in 2025 were from ZIV member companies, which export 1.4 million units every year in addition to sales on the domestic market.
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