LEVA-EU has launched a Europe-wide open letter addressed to ZIV, CONEBI, and the European Commission, urging all stakeholders in light electric mobility to unite against ZIV’s proposal to change the definition of Electrically Power Assisted Cycles (EPACs).
The open letter warns that ZIV’s plan—set out in its 7 April 2025 paper “E-bikes – Active Mobility as Success Factor”—would introduce arbitrary technical limits on EPACs, including restrictions on assistance ratios, peak power, and vehicle weight. This would push countless vehicles into the burdensome L-category type-approval system under Regulation 168/2013.
According to LEVA-EU, such measures would:
- Eliminate entire categories of LEVs essential for sustainable logistics and urban mobility;
- Exclude elderly, disabled, and physically weaker users who depend on suitable EPACs for independence;
- Shield incumbents from competition while stifling innovation and start-ups;
- Undermine EU climate and mobility goals, reducing the role of LEVs in decarbonisation.
The open letter states: “Do not let Europe become the desert of light electric mobility innovations.”
Instead of narrowing the market through restrictive rules, the letter calls for a dedicated LEV Regulation—a future-proof, technology-neutral framework that ensures safety, fairness, and innovation across the entire sector.
A Collective Call for Action
This is not just a statement from LEVA-EU: the open letter is designed as a collective action. LEVA-EU is now calling on companies, researchers, associations, innovators, and everyday users to add their signatures and show broad support across Europe.
“Every signature strengthens the message,” said Annick Roetynck, LEVA-EU Managing Director. “Together, we can show policymakers that Europe needs legislation that supports—not suffocates—light electric mobility.”
The full open letter is here https://leva-eu.com/sign-leva-eu-open-letter-stop-ziv-proposal/
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For any further details, please contact Annick Roetynck, tel. +32 475 500 588, email info@leva-eu.com
About LEVA-EU:
Established in 2017, LEVA-EU is the only trade association in Europe to work exclusively for Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs). The Light Electric Vehicle Association in Europe (LEVA-EU) represents the strategic interests of light electric vehicle distributors, manufacturers and suppliers to promote the development, sale, and use of LEVs in the EU. The organisation aims at raising awareness and promoting the European LEV-sector vis-à-vis the European Institutions. LEVA-EU has around 65 members in and outside the EU. The members’ list is here: https://leva-eu.com/members/