In this regard, the European Directive No. 2002/24/EC, relating to the type-approval of two- or three-wheeled motor vehicles, sets the criteria for an electrically assisted bicycle (V.A.E. or VAE) to circulate on public roads.
The following three points must be respected:
- Assistance should only be provided if the cyclist pedals, and cut off when pedaling stops. Nevertheless, it is allowed to set up a starting assist without resorting to pedaling but which must not exceed 6 km/h.
- The assistance must be cut at a maximum of 25 km/h
- Motor power must not exceed 250 watts
Note that in France, European homologation is not enough and an electric bicycle (VAE) is subject to the same standards as a conventional cycle and must comply with Decree 95-937 on the prevention of risks resulting from the use of bicycles and the new standard NF EN 15194.
Important: most power-e-bike electric bike kits (VAEs) far exceed the limit of the authorized power.
Therefore we advise you to ride your future electric bike on a private lane