EU directives and LAW

[Cornelius]

In Norway they where actually forbidden until 2003.

I didn't know that.
Though, if there is no law regulating a vehicle, it's not legal I guess...

In my opinion, the regulations regarding power should be adjusted to each country's topology; there's no fun riding an e-bike in hilly Norway with just 250W, but in the flat Netherlands or Denmark it would be ok for assistance...

I myself @ 80kg with an 750W motor barely manages 25km/h up an steep hill... (Though, 40+km/h flat country are no problem (no pedlec, but with, it would be legal (except for the power...)).

I think there has been a change in the regulations regarding mopeds here; before the rules was max 50km/h, max 2.5hp, and now I think they've removed the 2.5hp limit, or adjusted it to 4-5hp?
That way, one can keep to the speed limit, and keep the speed uphills too...

(Edit:
My point with the last statement was that similar adjustments to the law should also be applied to e-bikes... )

[Perbear]

Here in this previous post is a full description of current legislation in Europe: http://goldenmotor.com/SMF/index.php?topic=499.0

Please be aware that new EU legislation is on its way and will likely slack the 250W limit to probably 1kW peak power and put on a weight limit of 25 kg that is likely to include batteries. You can read more about these new suggestions here:
http://www.bike-eu.com/news/4807/etras-e-bike-type-approval-draft-discussed-at-european-parliament.html?nb=bike&editie=01%20maart%202011&link=ETRA%E2%80%99s+E-Bike+Type+Approval+Draft+Discussed+at+European+Parliament&WT.mc_id=mail_bike_01+maart+2011

[MonkeyMagic]

Gee you guys would be itching to hear the news !!!

I really hope that 25Kg weight limit does not come into effect... Do the officers carry scales???

If you own a higher powered e-bike, obviously you already have a few tricks up your sleeve to avoid the law - but it must get on your nerves using PAS or pretending to pedal all the time??

Should the change occur, I'd say there would be a careful eye out from the law catching anyone going above the imposed speed limit.. Sorta defeats the purpose of having a e-bike that can rocket upto 25km/h and retain the speed uphill but how would they know how fast you can 'pedal' hehe