European Cycling Industries (ECI) says the rise of illegal and non-compliant EPACs entering the EU market—often through online sales or smuggling—is triggering a stronger industry response. ECI argues that manufacturers should ensure products are compliant by design and resistant to unauthorized modification that can push a bike beyond its legal factory settings.
ECI is preparing a position paper focused on anti-tampering and on helping market-surveillance authorities identify non-compliant or modified e-bikes. It is also working with the European Bicycle Manufacturers Association on anti-smuggling measures and closer support for customs authorities, while backing consumer-facing initiatives such as the UK Bicycle Association’s “E-Bike Positive” trust mark.
WHY IT MATTERS• EU compliance is shifting from a paperwork issue toward a product-architecture and anti-tampering requirement.• Online sellers and cross-border supply chains are likely to face tighter scrutiny from customs and market-surveillance bodies.• OEMs serving European brands should make controller settings, traceability and compliance documentation easier for customers to audit.