EN 15194: a framework for innovation
European regulation EN 15194 defines exactly what an electrically-assisted bicycle is: the maximum continuous power rating must not exceed 0.25 kW, and the power supply stops when the bicycle reaches 25 km/h. This standard guarantees legal use on public roads.
Contrary to popular belief, these regulations do not prohibit power peaks in excess of 250W. A motor is perfectly capable of withstanding a rise in temperature and absorbing power
up to 2.5 or even 3 times its rated power. It’s this technical distinction that enables some motors to deliver peak power ratings of 1000W, while complying fully with the law. Concrete use cases that justify power
Sarah, home care nurse in a hilly area
Sarah carries 15 kg of medical equipment in her panniers every day and has to climb the hills in her community. With a limited-power motor, her bike struggles and wears out prematurely. A power reserve enables her to maintain a stable speed even when climbing, without putting excessive strain on the motor.
Michel, disabled user
For Michel, who has regained his freedom of movement thanks to an electric bike, the 15% climbs near his home are only possible with a sufficient reserve of power. European legislation recognizes these specific needs, and the LEVA-EU association regularly points out that power limits exclude certain categories of users.
Daily use in rural areas
In the foothills of the Vercors, a short 15% climb with a loaded cargo bike represents a real technical challenge. Without sufficient torque, it’s a guaranteed walking aid and the risk of pushing 80 kg in sweat. This real-life situation illustrates why a power reserve is not a luxury but a practical necessity.
Each concrete situation can be verified mathematically. A power calculator makes it possible to precisely estimate requirements for different usage scenarios. Below you can estimate the power required for your journey:
The principle of motor sizing
The mechanics are simple to understand: an undersized motor, running at 90% all the time, breaks down quickly. An
oversized motor, operating at 60%, lasts for years without a problem. This is exactly the principle applied by the automotive industry. This logic applies to electric bikes with motors capable of high peaks for a few minutes, followed by more moderate continuous power. This architecture enables the motor to deliver the necessary effort in difficult passages without compromising its long-term durability.
Impact on actual performance
The practical consequences can be measured in concrete terms:
- With 1000W peak: average speed of 23-25 km/h maintained, driving pleasure preserved
- With 750W capped: average speed of 18 km/h, frustration and risk of returning to the car
This difference of 5 to 7 km/h on average completely changes the user experience and the adoption of the electric bike as a credible alternative to the car.
LEVA-EU’s position on power limitation
The European association LEVA-EU, which represents the light electric vehicle industry, is firmly opposed to proposals for strict power limits. In its official communications, it points out that arbitrary power limits exclude entire categories of users: cargo bikes, disabled people, users on hilly terrain.
For LEVA-EU, these limitations risk “turning Europe into an innovation wasteland” and jeopardizing the transition to more sustainable mobility. The organization advocates an approach based on actual use rather than arbitrary technical constraints.
The evolving European regulatory context
The European Commission is currently examining a revision of the regulations governing light electric vehicles (Regulation 168/2013). This revision, requested in particular by LEVA-EU, could clarify the status of more powerful electric bicycles, while preserving their classification as “bicycles” rather than “mopeds”.
The UK’s Transport Research Laboratory, commissioned by the Commission, is studying precisely which vehicles merit a regulatory overhaul. Cargo bikes and bikes for people with reduced mobility are among the categories under scrutiny.
Technological innovation and the circular economy
In the face of the motors that equip new top-of-the-range electric bicycles and force people to buy a new bike, electrifying existing bikes represents an interesting alternative. This approach respects thecircular economy, while offering access to the benefits of high technology.
Modern electrification kits demonstrate that it is possible to reconcile performance, legality and sustainability. Some of them offer long range even in hilly terrain, while maintaining the statutory 25 km/h regardless of the terrain.
Towards the democratization of electric mobility
The aim is not to go faster than 25 km/h, but to maintain this speed in all conditions. This fundamental distinction explains why peak power does not compromise safety or cohabitation with other road users.
On the contrary, an electric bike that maintains its regulation speed even when climbing is better integrated into urban traffic than one that slows down and creates dangerous speed differentials.
Conclusion: balancing performance and regulation
The question of high power peaks goes beyond the mere technical aspect. It raises questions about the evolution of electric mobility: how can we reconcile user needs, regulatory constraints and ecological transition objectives?
Current debates at European level show that this question is far from settled. Positions diverge between those in favor of strict limits to preserve “bicycle” status and those who advocate greater flexibility to include all users.
What seems certain is that the future of electric mobility will require innovative technical solutions, within existing regulatory frameworks, to meet the diverse needs of European users.
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