New e-bike category ups the power to 1000 watts

New EU rules let e-bike makers add more powerful motors to their machines

The latest ruling on e-bikes from the EU allows the sale of e-bikes with much more powerful electric motors. Under the previous legislation, e-bikes were limited to 250 watt motors and assistance had to cut out once the rider’s speed reached 25kph.

The 25kph limit stills stands, but the catchily named L1e-A classification now allows e-bikes to be powered by motors of up to 1000 watts. There’s no need for the rider to actually pedal either: power output can be regulated by a throttle.

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