After 5 years of uncertainty, the EU Commission have decided that ebikes with serial hybrid systems i.e. without a chain or belt drive, can also be classified as bicycles. This puts an end to years of tightrope walking and regulatory confusion about these types of ebikes. What does this mean for us?

Common sense has prevailed and the manufacturers of innovative mobility systems can invest their visions and energy in new mobility concepts suitable for the masses – especially in the cargo sector. But wait a minute: what the heck are serial hybrid systems anyway?

Serial hybrid systems: Terms and definitions

Serial hybrid bicycles make do without a mechanical connection, whether it’s by chain, driveshaft or belt drive, between the rider and the rear wheel. Instead, a generator in the bottom bracket area is connected to a rear-hub motor by a cable: the power generated by the rider is converted into electrical power at the bottom bracket shaft to power the motor and produce propulsion, with additional battery support if required. The advantage is obvious: the chain, chainring and cassette as well as the associated maintenance are no longer required.

Back in 2016, the Institute for Automation and Computer Science GmbH presented the serial hybrid drive system at the e:bikefestival Kitzbüheler Alpen.
The cross-section shows an eMTB with a serial hybrid system. The generator is shown in green, though the drawing is missing the rear hub motor.
Less parts, less maintenance. The serial hybrid system could be a particular advantage for commercial cargo bikes.

The concept of a chainless bicycle is an obvious evolution of the conventional bicycle, but so far, European bureaucracy has had trouble making the mental leap to the new hybrid concept. Only in the Netherlands have the drive systems been approved ahead of time. Many manufacturers, including Podbike with their Frikar model, have been left unable to develop their ideas for the future of mobility while faced with these unclear regulations.

What has been regulated at the EU level?

After 5 years of lobbying, the EU Commission have declared that serial hybrid bicycles are to be classified as EPACs (Electrically Power Assisted Cycle) i.e. bicycles that are assisted by electric power up to speeds of 25 km/h. Serial hybrid bicycles differ from “normal” bicycles only in that they have no chain, belt or driveshaft, and it is precisely this lack of a chain that has raised the question of whether it remains a bicycle without. In 2018, these ebikes were still classified as vehicles and some bicycle dealers received warnings from the Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (Federal Motor Transport Authority) along with threats of fines of € 5,000 for selling them.

Mobility taken a step further – the Podbike Frikar with its serial hybrid system offers electric assistance when pedalling up to a speed of 25 km/h and is now classified as a bicycle throughout Europe.

On 17 February 2022, the European members of the LEVA (Light Electric Vehicle Association) reconvened at the European commission after 5 years. The technical aspects and enormous market potential of this new type of vehicle were explained in detail and, this time, the EU Commission listened. The following criteria must now be met by series hybrid bicycles in order to be classified as an ebike:

  • The electric auxiliary motor may only operate with a maximum rated continuous power of 250 W.
  • The auxiliary function of the motor means that the vehicle cannot be propelled by the motor alone: pedalling is required (except for push assistance up to 6 km/h). When the cyclist stops pedalling, the motor turns off.
  • The assistance from the motor is gradually reduced and finally switched off completely before the 25 km/h is reached.
  • A chain to transmit the kinetic energy for propulsion is no longer required to be classified as an ebike. This provides technology neutrality.

Significant interest in these new systems existed long before the current legislation: at Eurobike 2021, the Schaeffler company presented a “Free Drive” chainless E-drive system for bicycles, making completely new bicycle architectures and pedal configurations possible, while simultaneously reducing the number of components. The robust and low-maintenance system also saves on operating and maintenance costs, eliminating parts that would usually wear out. In addition, serial drive systems can be built with a reverse gear, opening up new and exciting possibilities.

At Eurobike 2021, automotive supplier Schaeffler
presented their “Free Drive” chainless E-drive for bicycles.

Ernst Brust, publicly appointed and sworn expert for micromobility, supports the EU Commission’s decision: “You can’t stop the future”. In addition, the serial hybrid system offers a number of other advantages besides significantly lower wear and maintenance costs. The drive offers increased flexibility for design, opening up the possibility of doing things in a completely new way. Chains can no longer break, the chain line no longer has to be taken into account and the “layout” of the bike can be designed more freely. The gears can be changed without interference via software, or they can be automated at a set, feel-good cadence. Well implemented systems will feel just like riding a “normal” bike, and like a standard pedelec, you can also ride above the 25 km/h assistance limit, as long as you pedal hard enough.

In response to our question as to whether it would be possible to ride with an empty battery with a series hybrid system, Ernst Brust told us that the system would reduce or stop extra motor support early on, leaving the control system functioning. Depending on the manufacturer’s setup, it would be possible to cover certain distances or ride an arbitrary distance, as long as the rider is providing the requisite power. However, if the battery is defective or completely empty, the ebike would be left dead in the water.

Ernst Brust is a publicly appointed and sworn expert for micro mobility and founder of velotech.de.

What does this mean for us as consumers?

The EU Commission’s statement ends an almost 5-year problem that has unsettled and set back manufacturers investing in the development of series hybrid bicycles. Undoubtedly, this technology is still a niche product but manufacturers such as automotive supplier Schaeffler are increasingly investing in this technology. The extent to which this will benefit other alternative mobility concepts, such as the two-track Canyon Future Mobility Concept, remains to be seen in the future.

Canyon’s “Future Mobility Concept” is a Light Electric Vehicle, which could easily be powered by a serial hybrid system.

The EU Commission have ended 5 years of uncertainty and classified serial hybrid powered ebikes as bicycles. Series hybrid drivetrains provide a huge advantage in terms of reduced maintenance. In addition, this also clears the way for implementing modern ebike concepts, particularly for cargo bikes as well as innovative multi-track designs. We don’t yet know what will ultimately prevail on the market and which concepts will shape the cities of tomorrow, only that the developments will be exciting.

Words: Susanne Feddersen Photos: Schaeffler, Podbike, Canyon, Manne Schmitt