Why the Mubea eCargo bike is classified as an E-Pedelec
The Mubea U-Mobility eCargo bike is a multi-track, four-wheeled electric cargo bike designed for professional urban use. It offers a payload of up to 250 kg and a permissible gross vehicle weight of up to 650 kg, with dimensions of approximately 3.15 m x 1 m x 2 m (L x W x H – example: Cargo PACK). Despite these dimensions, it is legally classified as an E-Pedelec and therefore as a bicycle.
This classification is based on clearly defined European regulations, which we will examine in more detail in the following blog article.
Legal Basis
The starting point is the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic (1968), which defines bicycles as vehicles powered by muscular force. For electrically assisted bicycles, this framework has been further specified at European level.
The relevant criteria are set out in EU Regulation 168/2013. According to this regulation, E-Pedelecs are not classified as motor vehicles if they:
- provide assistance only when the rider is pedaling
- cut off assistance at 25 km/h
- have a maximum continuous rated power of 250 watts
- progressively reduce assistance as speed increases
If these requirements are met, the vehicle remains legally classified as a bicycle.
Technical and Regulatory Framework
As E-Pedelecs are not subject to type approval, they fall under product safety legislation. They are classified as machines and must comply with the requirements of the Machinery Directive.
The key technical basis is EN 15194, a harmonised standard for E-Pedelecs. It defines safety and testing requirements for electrical, mechanical and dynamic riding properties.
New Standards for Cargo bikes: EN 17860
With the EN 17860 series of standards, a European standard specifically for (electric) cargo bikes has been created for the first time.
Important to note:
- EN 17860 is not a legally binding regulation, but a technical standard
- However, it reflects the state of the art and serves as a key point of reference for design and safety
The standard takes into account different vehicle classes and areas of application, including:
- single-track cargo bikes for lighter applications
- multi-track cargo bikes with higher stability and payload capacity
- heavy cargo bikes with a very high permissible gross vehicle weight of up to 650 kg
This means that, for the first time, the area of application of large, multi-track cargo bikes used in professional environments is also technically classified within the bicycle category.
Classification of the Mubea eCargo bike and practical consequences
In summary, these legal standards and requirements show that the eCargo bikes from Mubea U-Mobility meet the central technical criteria of an E-Pedelec. Mubea U-Mobility provides pedal assistance only when active muscular force is applied, limits assistance to 25 km/h and uses a maximum continuous rated power of 250 watts – in line with EPAC requirements. At the same time, with a permissible gross vehicle weight of up to 650 kg, the vehicle falls within the category for heavy cargo bikes described in EN 17860.
This classification as an E-Pedelec provides clear advantages for everyday commercial use of cargo bikes in city centres or on campuses:
- no registration requirement
- no insurance requirement
- no driving license required
- use of cycle paths and the road network in accordance with traffic regulations
- parking within the bicycle context, for example close to the destination