European Cycling Industry Calls for Stricter Measures Against Non-Compliant E-Bikes
The European Cycling Industries (ECI) has recently unveiled a comprehensive manifesto urging the European Commission to implement stringent actions against non-compliant e-bikes infiltrating the EU market. This initiative aims to safeguard consumer safety, uphold market integrity, and protect the burgeoning e-bike sector from unfair competition.
Manifesto Highlights
ECI’s manifesto outlines several key demands:
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Ban on Tampering Kits: Prohibit the sale of tampering kits that can illegally modify e-bikes to exceed legal speed and power limits.
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Enhanced Market Surveillance: Strengthen and consistently enforce EU market surveillance regulations, particularly concerning online sales platforms.
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Investment in Enforcement: Allocate resources to local authorities for training and technical capacity building to effectively identify and act against non-compliant e-bikes.
These measures are designed to address the growing concerns over e-bikes that do not meet EU safety and technical standards, which can pose risks to riders and undermine consumer confidence in the e-bike market. (bicycleretailer.com)
Industry’s Self-Commitment
In conjunction with the manifesto, ECI has renewed its commitment to preventing e-bike tampering. The industry has published a position paper detailing technical benchmarks for effective anti-tampering protection, including:
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Cryptographically verified software updates with anti-rollback protection.
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Secure component authentication between motor, controller, and battery systems.
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Sensor plausibility checks against multiple signals.
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Tamper-resistant logging of critical parameter changes.
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Protected diagnostic and debug interfaces.
These standards aim to ensure that e-bikes entering the market are secure and compliant with EU regulations. (bicycleretailer.com)
Recent Enforcement Actions
The call for stricter measures is underscored by recent enforcement actions:
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France: In August 2026, over 10,000 seized e-bikes and e-scooters were auctioned, generating €1.85 million. These vehicles were part of a broader investigation into illegal imports and VAT fraud. (eppo.europa.eu)
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United Kingdom: The City of London Police have intensified efforts against illegal e-bikes, seizing over 800 non-compliant vehicles since July 2023. These actions highlight the growing concern over safety and legal compliance. (cyclingweekly.com)
Implications for the E-Bike Market
The ECI’s manifesto and the industry’s self-commitment signal a concerted effort to address the challenges posed by non-compliant e-bikes. By implementing these measures, the EU aims to:
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Protect Consumers: Ensure that e-bikes available in the market are safe and meet established standards.
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Uphold Market Integrity: Prevent unfair competition from manufacturers that bypass safety requirements.
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Support Industry Growth: Foster a compliant and sustainable e-bike market that contributes to the EU economy.
As the e-bike market continues to expand, these initiatives are crucial in maintaining consumer trust and ensuring the sector’s long-term success.
Highlights:
- ‘We will seize them and they will be destroyed’ – police force issues warning to illegal e-bike riders, Published on Friday, September 04
- ‘The rear wheel bolts can break when torqued’ – 20,000 Trek e-bikes recalled, Published on Wednesday, February 11