But I agree, my main concern is difference in speed with cars. Worst case I could use electric scooter just for "last mile" and use public transportation. That is something ebike will again have more problems with.
* under 250W, under 25km/h: no more approval than a pedal powered bicycle
* L1e-A: under 25km/h, under 1kW electric
* L1e-B: under 45km/h, under 4kW electric ("speed pedelec" class)
L1e-A and L1e-B ebikes need an extra type certification. Plus there are hurdles in terms of insurance, sometimes also helmet obligation, and more.
[0] https://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/automotive/legislation/m...
What is the extra certification required? I assume something about tyre size, brakes and perhaps frame strength?
The diference between 25 km/h electric and 25 km/h pedal only is the acceleration and the fact that electric motor never gets tired :)
To have a good acceleration they sell bikes with 500 W motors that are limited to 250 W. I guess in software.
The bikes that I tested, all have pedal assist but also a separate throtle.
European “Speed assist” bicycles that max out at 25km/hour don’t do 25 on their own; they decrease the amount of assistance to zero when your speed reaches 25. If you don’t do over 25 on a ‘normal’ bicycle, you won’t do it on one of these.