News Article

German Guideline on Replacement of E-Bike Components

BAD SODEN, Germany – To provide an insight for retailers on what’s permitted or not when exchanging CE approved 25 km/h e-bike components in their workshops, the German industry associations agreed on an uniform guideline. Though without a legal base this document could be pose an important standard for other European countries as well.

“This document gives the retailer at least an overview on best practice when replacing a part or component of an e-bike.” – Photo Bike Europe

According to the German industry association Zweirad Industrie Verband (ZIV) and the dealer association VSF it, “Is still unclear which components of an e-bike might be changed, repaired or replaced in case of a breakdown without approval by the e-bike manufacturer and/or the supplier of the electronic drive system.”

The future has to prove the practicability of the list. For a lot of components, like a motor or a battery, it is obvious to contact the bicycle manufacturer or electronic drive system supplier. But who would even think about getting approval from the components manufacturer when replacing a tyre or a rim tape?

Not on an European level

When asked, ZIV general manager Siegfried Neuberger, points out that, “The guideline is the result of a discussion in Germany between ZIV and VSF. At the moment we are not preparing to bring this document to a European level.” This means it will also not be included in the current review of the EN 15194 for e-bikes.

In close cooperation with the Zedler Institute on Cycling Technology and Safety, the industry associations developed a joint guideline. “This document gives the retailer at least an overview on best practice when replacing a part or component of an e-bike,” the three organizations stated in a joint press release today.

Interpretation of the legal situation

“Earlier this year we (the industry associations ZIV and VSF) got into a discussion and the legal situation was interpreted differently by the bicycle industry and other stakeholders represented by the VSF. However we agreed that clarification on this issue would be of great importance to all partners in the industry,” was said in the press release.

The document divides the e-bike components in four categories and provides different options on what to do in case of a replacement. The four categories are:

Components which can only be replaced after approval by the bicycle manufacturer/electronic drive system provider.

Components which can only be replaced after approval by the bicycle manufacturer.

Components which can only be replaced after approval by the bicycle or components manufacturer.

Components which can be replaced without approval.

For some components like the pedals, which can be replace without approval, the listing provides additional information in order to maintain the appropriate safety level.

The future has to prove the practicability of the list. For a lot of components, like a motor or a battery, it is clear to contact the bicycle manufacturer or electronic system supplier. But who would even think about getting approval from the components manufacturer when replacing a tyre or a rim tape?