EU looking to relax rules for electric bicycles, but some are complaining about the dangers that would result

ETRA (The EU association for two-wheeler retail sales) is looking to relax the rules for electric bicycles.

Current EU rules are

• maximum speed of 15mph/25kph
• power rating of 250 w. maximum (currently 200 w. In UK)
• power cut-off when not pedalled (except for initial start-up i.e. no “twist-and-go” throttle capability

The changes appear to be to relax the power limit, and leave other regulations in place.

A BikeBiz.com posting from five days ago quotes large excerpts from an open letter by Phillip Darnton, executive director of the Bicycle Association, to ETRA. His open letter calls for ETRA to stand firm on the existing limits otherwise we'll have danger on the streets. A couple days ago ETRA posted a response, as an open letter, on their own website, saying that the only resistance to the proposed rules changes have been sporadic and full of half-truths like Darnton's letter is.

For more ..see..

http://blog.greentransportation.info/2011/12/eu-possibly-will-relax-electric-bicycle.html