What Is EN 15194? — EPAC Standard Definition
EN 15194 is the European standard for Electrically Power Assisted Cycles (EPAC). First published in 2006 and updated in 2017 (EN 15194:2017), it defines the safety and performance requirements for e-bikes sold in Europe. Under EN 15194, a legal e-bike (pedelec) must meet these criteria.
The EN 15194 EPAC definition (en 15194 250w 25 km/h):
- Motor power: Maximum 250 watts continuous rated power.
- Speed limit: Motor assistance must cut off at 25 km/h (rider can pedal faster, but without motor help).
- Pedal assist only: The motor must only activate when the rider is pedaling (no throttle).
- Walk assist exception: A walk-assist mode up to 6 km/h is permitted without pedaling (EN 15194 walk assist 6 km/h).
- No type approval needed: EN 15194 compliant e-bikes are classified as regular bicycles, not motor vehicles.
E-bikes meeting EN 15194 do not require registration, insurance, driving licence, or helmet (in most EU countries). E-bikes exceeding these limits are classified as speed pedelecs (S-Pedelec, up to 45 km/h) under EU Regulation 168/2013 and require type approval, registration, and insurance. If your e-bike is legal, check how much it costs to charge with our e-bike charging cost calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What does EN 15194 certified mean?
EN 15194 certified means an e-bike has been tested and meets the European EPAC standard: 250W maximum continuous motor power, 25 km/h speed cutoff, and pedal assist only. Certified e-bikes are classified as regular bicycles in the EU and do not require registration, insurance, or a driving licence. The certification is issued by accredited testing laboratories.
Is a 250W 25 km/h e-bike legal in Europe?
Yes, provided it also uses pedal assist only (no throttle beyond walk assist at 6 km/h). These are the three core requirements of EN 15194. An e-bike meeting all three criteria is legal throughout the European Union without registration or insurance.
What is the difference between EPAC and S-Pedelec?
EPAC (Electrically Power Assisted Cycle) under EN 15194 is limited to 250W and 25 km/h — classified as a bicycle. S-Pedelec (Speed Pedelec) can have up to 4000W and assist up to 45 km/h — classified as a motor vehicle under EU Regulation 168/2013, requiring type approval, registration, insurance, helmet, and a driving licence.
Are e-bikes with throttles legal in the EU?
No. Under EN 15194, the motor must only engage when the rider is pedaling. A walk-assist throttle up to 6 km/h is the only exception. E-bikes with full throttle capability are classified as mopeds in the EU and require type approval and registration. In the UK and US, throttle rules differ — use the checker above to verify your specific configuration. For proper tyre setup on your legal e-bike, try our eMTB tyre pressure calculator — designed for heavier e-bike system weights.
Is EN 15194 the same in the UK after Brexit?
The UK adopted its own EAPC (Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle) regulations, but the core requirements are nearly identical to EN 15194: 250W continuous, 15.5 mph (25 km/h), pedal assist only. The main difference is the regulatory framework — UK uses SI 2015/24 instead of EU directives. In practice, an EN 15194 compliant e-bike is also legal in the UK.
Is my e-bike legal in the EU?
In the EU, an electric bicycle is classified as an EPAC (Electrically Power Assisted Cycle) and requires no registration, insurance, or licence if it meets three conditions: maximum continuous motor power of 250W, motor assistance cuts off at 25 km/h, and the motor only assists when pedalling (no throttle-only operation). E-bikes that exceed any of these limits are classified as mopeds (L1e-A) and require registration, insurance, and a driving licence.
What is the maximum motor power for an e-bike in the EU?
Under EN 15194:2017, the maximum continuous rated power for an EPAC (legal e-bike) in the EU is 250 watts. This is the continuous rated output, not peak power. Many e-bike motors can produce 500–700W peak power temporarily during acceleration — this does not make them illegal as long as the continuous rated power does not exceed 250W. Check your motor's specification sheet for the continuous rated power figure.
Is a throttle e-bike legal in the EU?
No. EU law (EN 15194) requires that the motor only provides assistance when the rider is pedalling. A throttle that propels the bike without pedalling classifies the vehicle as a moped regardless of motor power. Throttle e-bikes are legal in the US (as Class 2) and some other markets but not in the EU or UK for road use without registration. Some EU e-bikes have a "walk assist" mode (max 6 km/h) which is legal.
What happens if my e-bike exceeds 25 km/h assistance?
If the motor continues assisting above 25 km/h, the bike is classified as a moped (L1e-A) under EU law. Riding it on public roads without registration, insurance, and the appropriate driving licence (AM category in most EU countries) is illegal. Police can confiscate the vehicle and issue fines. "Speed unlocking" or "derestricting" an e-bike — modifying it to exceed the 25 km/h limit — invalidates the CE certification and voids insurance.
What is EN 15194 certification?
EN 15194:2017 is the European harmonised standard for EPACs (Electrically Power Assisted Cycles). It defines technical requirements and test methods for e-bikes including electrical safety, motor power limits, speed assistance limits, and pedal sensing requirements. E-bikes sold in the EU must carry the CE mark indicating compliance with EN 15194 and other applicable directives. The standard is enforced through market surveillance by national authorities.
Do EU e-bike rules apply in the UK after Brexit?
Yes. The UK retained the same EAPC (Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle) rules as the EU after Brexit: maximum 250W continuous power, assistance cut-off at 25 km/h (15.5 mph), and pedal sensing required. The UK uses its own UKCA mark rather than the EU CE mark for newly certified products. Practically, the technical requirements are identical to EN 15194. UK riders face the same restrictions as EU riders.
Are speed pedelecs legal in the EU?
Speed pedelecs — e-bikes with assistance up to 45 km/h and motors up to 500W — are legal in most EU countries but are classified as L1e-B (fast mopeds). They require type approval, registration, insurance, a minimum AM driving licence (equivalent to moped licence), and the rider must wear a helmet. They are not permitted on cycle paths — they must use the road. Rules vary slightly between EU member states.
Can I modify my e-bike to go faster legally?
No. Modifying an e-bike to remove the speed limiter or increase power beyond 250W continuous makes it non-compliant with EN 15194, invalidates the CE certification, voids the manufacturer warranty, and classifies it as an unregistered moped — illegal to ride on public roads. If you need higher speed, a speed pedelec (L1e-B) is the legal route, which requires registration and a driving licence.