E-bikes, e-scooters and light electric vehicles

• Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 — Machinery
• Directive 2014/30/EU — EMC
• Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 — Batteries
• Regulation (EU) 168/2013 for faster vehicles

Who has to appoint one

Manufacturers outside the Union selling e-bikes, e-scooters and similar vehicles to EU users.

Thresholds and exemptions

Pedelecs up to 250 W with assistance to 25 km/h stay under machinery rules. Above that they become type-approved vehicles under Regulation 168/2013, which is a far heavier regime.

What must appear on the label

CE marking, manufacturer and representative details with an EU address, model and serial number, maximum continuous rated power, and the battery markings.

Marketplace fields

Marketplaces require the EU responsible person, the battery producer number and often the EN 15194 test report.

Documentation you must hold

EU declaration of conformity, technical file, risk assessment, battery and charger conformity documents, and WEEE and battery registrations.

Standards and testing

EN 15194 for electrically power-assisted cycles, EN 17128 for personal light electric vehicles, plus battery safety testing to IEC 62133.

Language requirements

Instructions and safety warnings in the language of each member state of sale.

When it applies

Before placing on the market, with battery and WEEE registration per country before the first shipment.

How long records are kept

10 years.

What happens if you do not comply

Withdrawal, customs refusal, and fines. Battery fires make this a heavily monitored category.

Who enforces it

National market surveillance authorities, transport authorities for faster vehicles, and battery registers.

Where the boundary lies

Exceeding 250 W or 25 km/h moves the vehicle into type approval, where an authorised representative alone is not enough: the vehicle needs approval before it can be sold at all.

Questions we are asked

Do we need a separate registration for the battery?

Yes, in every member state you ship to. The EU representative does not cover it.