EU E-Bike Regulation: 750W Peak Power? A B2B Guide
Europe's electric bike market is facing a potential turning point. For years, the EU standard, defined by Regulation (EU) 168/2013, has effectively limited ebike motors to 250W continuous power—a key compliance benchmark for manufacturers and importers. But new discussions led by Germany's powerful ZIV industry association are pushing to modernize these rules. For B2B buyers, OEM brands, and wholesalers, understanding these shifts is crucial to planning your next product line or sourcing strategy.
Key Takeaways
-
Current Law (The 250W Limit): Under EU Regulation (EU) 168/2013, bikes with 250W continuous power and a 25 km/h cut-off are classified as "EPACs" (bicycles), avoiding moped type-approval.
-
The "Gray Zone" Reality: The 250W limit is "nominal," not "peak." Many popular, fully compliant motors (like the Bosch Performance Line CX) already deliver 600W or more in peak power for hill climbing.
-
Germany's 750W Proposal: Germany's ZIV (bicycle industry association) has formally proposed modernizing the rules, suggesting a higher peak power limit (such as 750W) to align with market realities and North American standards.
-
New Cargo Weight Limits: Regulators are also debating new cargo bike classifications, with proposals suggesting limits of 250kg (GVW) for two-wheelers and 300kg (GVW) for multi-wheelers.
-
B2B Opportunity: These changes could create huge opportunities for high-torque cargo ebikes and allow for "unified global SKUs" that are compliant in both the EU and North America.
⚡ The 250W Rule: Europe's Current Standard and "Gray Zone"
Most ebikes sold in the EU are labeled at 250W continuous power. This legal limit, outlined in Regulation (EU) 168/2013, is what defines an EPAC (Electrically Power Assisted Cycle). This classification is critical, as it ensures the bikes are treated as bicycles rather than mopeds, avoiding strict licensing and insurance requirements.
However, the "250W" figure is nominal, not peak. In practice, many popular drive systems (like the Bosch Performance Line CX or Shimano EP8) already deliver 500W–600W (or more) in peak power to provide necessary torque. This creates a gray zone where compliance is technically met based on the "continuous" rating, but performance already exceeds what the 250W number implies.
🇩🇪 Germany Leads Calls for a 750W Peak Power Limit
Recently, Germany’s ZIV (Zweirad-Industrie-Verband), the nation’s leading bicycle industry body, has publicly submitted position papers to revise EU ebike rules. Instead of the ambiguous 250W continuous limit, new proposals suggest allowing a clear 750W peak power limit, which would align more closely with North American Class 1 ebike standards.
The push is motivated by market realities and customer expectations for higher torque and better hill-climbing capacity, especially for heavy cargo ebikes. This time, Germany’s influence as Europe’s top ebike market (selling 2.1 million units in 2023 alone) gives the discussion real weight.
🚚 Proposed Cargo Ebike Weight Limits
Besides power levels, regulators and industry bodies like CONEBI are also debating new cargo bike weight rules as part of the Regulation (EU) 168/2013 review. Current proposals suggest creating new vehicle sub-categories with clear weight limits:
-
Two-wheeled cargo ebikes: 250kg Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
-
Multi-wheeled versions (3 or 4 wheels): 300kg Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
Heavier models may need entirely new classifications and safety standards, given their similarity to small delivery vehicles. For B2B buyers and fleet managers, this could significantly impact the design, cost, and permitted use of large cargo ebikes on public cycle lanes.
🛠️ What This Means for B2B Buyers and OEM Orders
If Europe formally raises the legal peak power to 750W, it opens significant opportunities for suppliers and buyers:
-
Expanded Spec Options: You can source mid-drive and rear hub motors up to 750W peak without regulatory headaches.
-
Better Cargo Performance: Heavy-duty cargo ebike models will be able to legally handle steep hills and heavy loads.
-
Unified Global SKUs: Manufacturers can simplify their supply chain with motors that are compliant in both Europe and North America.
At POLEEJIEK, we’re watching these developments closely. As a professional mid drive motor ebike and cargo ebike OEM/ODM supplier, we’re ready to adapt our designs for 250W, 500W, or 750W peak demands. Our factory offers flexible motor/battery configurations, and we already ship to the EU, North America, and other markets with country-compliant models.
📈 Plan Your Next Purchase With Confidence
Europe's ebike regulations may not change overnight, but momentum is building for higher power allowances and stricter cargo bike standards. Whether you're a distributor, retailer, or fleet buyer, now is the time to evaluate your supplier’s flexibility and readiness to meet new specs.
B2B Insight: A supplier who understands the nuances between 250W nominal, 750W peak, and the new 300kg cargo limits will be a critical partner in navigating this transition.
Ready to talk about custom orders or wholesale partnerships? Contact us to get a quote and discuss your needs.
FAQ
What is the exact EU ebike power limit right now?
The legal limit is 250W continuous rated power (nominal power), with assistance cutting off at 25 km/h. This is defined in Regulation (EU) 168/2013. There is currently no official EU-wide limit on peak power.
What is the difference between "continuous" and "peak" power?
Continuous Power (250W) is the power a motor can output indefinitely without overheating (this is the regulated figure). Peak Power (e.g., 600W+) is the maximum power the motor can output for short bursts, like during acceleration or climbing a hill.
Is a 750W e-bike legal in Europe?
Not currently, if it's rated at 750W continuous power. However, Germany's ZIV is proposing to allow a peak power of 750W, while keeping the continuous power limit at 250W, which would make these higher-performance bikes legal.
What are the proposed new cargo e-bike weight limits?
The limits being discussed are a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 250kg for two-wheelers and 300kg for multi-wheelers. These are not yet law but are part of the regulatory review.
