With the increasing global demand for sustainable development, environmental protection and energy conservation have become the themes of our time. Low-carbon and energy-efficient means of transportation have become popular worldwide. Electric bikes have rapidly gained popularity and have become a favored choice for people around the world. To facilitate the management of electric bikes with different standards and import requirements in various regions and countries, it is important for China, as a technologically advanced region with the largest export volume, to have a comprehensive understanding of the standards and limitations imposed by different regions on electric bikes, such as the United States and Japan.
The answer would be Yes, for sure. However, different countries have different regulations. We collect all of them here to make your research easier.
- United States
The United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regulations classify low-speed electric bikes as consumer products under the jurisdiction of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The CPSC specifies that low-speed electric bikes or tricycles intended for commercial use must be equipped with pedals that can be used for propulsion. The electric motor's output power must not exceed 750 watts, and the maximum speed should not exceed 20 miles per hour (32 kilometers per hour). Additionally, the total weight of the vehicle should not exceed 50 kilograms. Compared to other countries, the United States has relatively lenient regulations and restrictions on electric bike products. However, the definitions and regulations for electric bikes may vary among different states in the US.Defination for Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 regulations for electric Bike.
Class 1 electric bikes are limited to a top speed of 20 miles per hour, and the electric motor works only when the rider is pedaling. A bike that has an electric motor that assists only during pedaling is called a pedelec.
Class 2 electric bikes are also limited to a top speed of 20 miles per hour, but they have throttles that work when you're not pedaling
Class 3 electric bikes can go up to 28 miles per hour and must have a speedometer, but may or may not have a throttle.
- Japan
Japan has implemented strict regulations on the use and management of electric bikes. Only "Intelligent Electric Assisted Bikes" are allowed on the roads, and specific strict requirements have been established for these bikes under the Road Traffic Law. The specific regulations for electric-assist bikes in Japan are as follows:
(1)Under any road conditions, the speed should be lower than 15 kilometers per hour, with the ratio of human power to electric power being equal to or greater than 1, meaning that electric assistance cannot exceed human power but should be close to it.
(2)Under any road conditions, when the speed exceeds 15 km/h, for every 1 km/h increase in speed, the electric power should decrease by 1/9.
(3)When the speed exceeds 24 km/h, the entire electric power system of the vehicle should be turned off.
(4)Within 1 second after starting to pedal, the electric power assist system should be activated. Within 1 second after stopping pedaling, the entire electric power-assist system should be turned off.
(5)To save energy, after a certain period of non-operation (usually 3 to 5 minutes), the intelligent electric-assisted bike enters sleep mode.
(6)Continuous cycling must be ensured, and there should not be intermittent power interruptions.
- European Union (EU)
Electric bikes in the European Union are generally classified into two main categories: electrically assisted bikes and electric bikes. Electrically assisted bikes, which can be legally driven without a license, have a maximum power limit of 250 watts and a maximum speed of 25 kilometers per hour. On April 30, 2009, the European Committee for Standardization officially published the new standard for electrically assisted bikes, EPAC/EN15194, which includes relevant technical specifications and testing procedures. The EPAC standard refers to electrically assisted bikes that have a maximum continuous power output of 250 watts and automatically cut off power when the speed reaches 25 kilometers per hour. The electric power system used is a 48VDC battery or a charger with a 230V input power device.
The EPAC standard sets safety specifications and testing methods for the engine and charging system circuits of E-bikes. The new EPAC standard is more complex than the previous CEN standard and mainly includes three major testing items: EMC, safety regulations, and mechanical properties. Among them, the EMC standard, which deals with electromagnetic compatibility, is the most difficult to pass. The EMC standard is primarily designed to ensure the safety of riders using electric vehicles and to ensure that the electronic components of the vehicles are not affected by electromagnetic pulses from devices such as mobile phones. Additionally, it officially defines electric bikes as EPAC (Electrically Pedal Assisted Cycle).
In January 2009, the European Union implemented the EN15194 testing standard, which applies to 30 EU countries, including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The full name of the regulation is EN15194:2009 Cycles Electrically power-assisted cycles-EPAC. This standard applies to electrically assisted bikes that meet the following conditions:
(1)Maximum rated power of 250 watts (0.25 kW).
(2)Gradual reduction and cut-off of output power when the speed reaches 25 km/h or when pedaling stops.
(3)Battery voltage below 48VDC or built-in charger voltage of 230V.
The main inspection contents covered by this standard include:
(1)Mechanical strength of the entire vehicle (EN 14764).
(2)Design and specification requirements for circuits and wire usage.
(3)Electromagnetic compatibility (interference and tolerance).
(4)Battery safety testing.
(5)Waterproof testing (IEC 60529 IP X4).
(6)Power output during operation.
(7)Overspeed and braking power cut-off.
(8)Requirements for vehicle marking and instruction manual content.
- Canada
Since 2001, Canadian federal safety laws have defined standards for Power Assisted Bikes (PABs). PABs are defined as bikes with two or three wheels that have an electric motor with a power output of less than 500 watts. When there is no electric power supply, these bikes can still be propelled by pedaling. In addition to safety requirements, the regulations stipulate a maximum speed of 32 kilometers per hour. Manufacturers are required to indicate on the vehicle that it is an electric bike. However, the requirements for electric bikes in different provinces of Canada may vary. Here are the requirements in a couple of provinces:
(1)Alberta: In Alberta, electric bikes are allowed on the road, with a maximum speed limit of 32 kilometers per hour, a maximum motor output of 750 watts, and a total weight not exceeding 35 kilograms. Riders must wear a helmet.
(2)Ontario: Ontario is one of the provinces in Canada that has relatively strict regulations for electric bikes. On October 4, 2006, the Minister of Transportation for Ontario announced that electric bikes must meet federal standard definitions to be legally operated on the road. Riders of electric bikes must be at least 16 years old and wear a helmet. They are also required to comply with bike-related regulations. The maximum weight limit for electric bikes is 120 kilograms, and the maximum braking distance is 9 meters. It is prohibited to modify the motor to exceed a speed of 32 kilometers per hour. Electric bikes are not allowed on 400-series highways, expressways, or other restricted areas. Riders under the age of 16 or those not wearing a certified helmet can face fines ranging from 60 to 500 Canadian dollars.
- Australia
In Australia, the Motor Vehicle Standards ActThe Motor Vehicle Standards Act of the Australian government stipulates that all vehicles used on the road must comply with the Australian Design Rules (ADRs) before being marketed. This includes bikes and electrically assisted bikes. The definitions are as follows:
(1)Two-wheeled and three-wheeled vehicles.
(2)Propelled solely by human power.
(3)Electrically assisted bikes are bikes equipped with pedals and one or more power-assisting devices, with a maximum power output not exceeding 250 watts.
(4)Electric bikes, on the other hand, refer to small motorcycles equipped with motors and engines, with an engine cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cc and a maximum speed not exceeding 50 kilometers per hour.
- India
In India, all-electric vehicles must undergo certification by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). Electric vehicles with an output power below 250 watts and a maximum speed below 25 kilometers per hour are relatively easier to obtain certification. However, electric vehicles with higher horsepower must go through the comprehensive testing process specified by the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR) regulations, which is time-consuming and costly. This has caused delays in the Indian electric vehicle market.
- New Zealand
Vehicles with motor output power below 300 watts are classified as electric bikes in New Zealand and must comply with the same specifications as bikes.
Regulations of electric bikes are always changing in different countries for safety issues.So you can focus on them on time.
