The Radlogistikverband Deutschland e. V. (RLVD) has criticized the current position of the Zweirad-Industrie-Verband (ZIV) on the peak power limitation of pedelecs, viewing it as a threat to traffic safety. Cargo bikes and bike logistics are essential components for a transportation transition and contribute to calming traffic and making it more city-friendly, argues the association. Cargo bikes are bicycles and EPACs (pedelecs) and must remain so.
“A bicycle remains a bicycle – even with strong support” – under this title, the RLVD has drafted its first position paper, focusing on the perspective of the logistics industry, cargo bike manufacturers, and professional users. The draft is currently under discussion within the association and is set to be
discussed with the entire industry.
Key statements of the RLVD:
- Peak power ensures practicality – not a danger, but control: In commercial use – for example, when starting loaded cargo bikes on inclines, delivering in hilly Stuttgart, or in ramp situations in underground garages – a short-term high motor power is indispensable. Otherwise, the bike becomes too slow in flowing traffic and difficult to control. A rigid upper limit on peak power, as proposed by the ZIV, thus endangers the everyday practicality of established cargo bike systems.
- Safety arises from comprehensible technical standards – not from abstract watt limits: Cargo bikes as EPACs are electrically supported up to a maximum of 25km/h. Traffic calming through low
- speeds is proven to be the best way to achieve higher traffic safety. This is achieved by cargo bikes replacing vans and cars. Under the guise of a safety debate, the ZIV position proposes, among other things, limiting the electrical peak power to 750 W.
- The RLVD warns against such regulation: Instead of unclear power limits, consistent application of the European EN 17860 standards is needed. These already distinguish between light and heavy cargo bikes and contain clearly measurable safety-relevant requirements – such as permissible total weights per bicycle type, structural mechanical tests, and defined braking decelerations. Bicycles and EPACs are clearly regulated in the EU regulation 168/2013. The RLVD considers this definition sensible and sees
- no need for change at the national level.
- The safety of modern cargo bikes is ensured through technical standards – not through abstract power limits. A limitation on peak power in heavy commercial cargo bikes does not provide a safety gain. On the contrary, it would artificially restrict their usability, especially in starting behavior under load. This would hinder the desperately needed shift from large, emission-intensive motor vehicles to light, electrically supported cargo bikes – thus harming rather than benefiting traffic safety.
In this context, the association also invites you to the discussion “A bicycle remains a bicycle – Understanding realistic EPAC regulation” on June 26, 13-14 hours at the Yellow Stage of Eurobike 2025, Messe
