Authorities are waking up...

[notaninfluencer]

Translation to English

CONFINDUSTRIA ANCMA
National Association of Bicycles, Motorcycles and Accessories
Milan, 28 May 2026

Subject: Sale of Non-Compliant Pedal-Assist Bicycles – Updates and Risks

Dear Retailer,

We would like to draw your attention to the issue of marketing and selling pedal-assist bicycles (“e-bikes”) that do not comply with current regulations, a matter that has recently been the focus of investigations and initiatives at both the industry association and institutional levels.

In recent months, ANCMA has undertaken specific legal and institutional initiatives, including formal inquiries to the relevant authorities (the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Made in Italy), aimed at clarifying the applicable regulatory framework and promoting stronger market surveillance activities.

The issue of non-compliant e-bikes was also featured on the television programme "Mi Manda Rai3", broadcast on 7 March 2026.

In this context, we wish to highlight the following:

• Current legislation clearly defines the technical characteristics an e-bike must possess in order to be legally classified as such.
• The sale of non-compliant products (for example, regarding power output, operating modes, or pedal-assistance systems) exposes not only manufacturers but also retailers to significant liability, including administrative sanctions and, in some cases, criminal responsibility.
• Monitoring and enforcement activities are currently underway and are expected to intensify further, driven by industry associations and involving the relevant authorities.

In light of the above, we invite you to:

• Carefully verify the compliance of all products you sell.
• Request appropriate technical documentation and declarations of conformity from suppliers.
• Refrain from selling products where there are doubts regarding compliance with applicable regulations.

It should also be noted that the market itself is becoming increasingly aware of this issue and is developing widespread methods for reporting irregular situations, resulting in greater exposure to risk for non-compliant operators.

This communication is intended for informational and preventive purposes, with the aim of protecting compliant businesses and helping to combat the problem of illegal e-bikes at its source.

We remain available should you require any further clarification.

Yours sincerely,

CONFINDUSTRIA ANCMA (Italian National Association of Bicycles, Motorcycles and Accessories)

 

[Vision_Tim]

I don't mind this, it's a good start. Here in NY you can't buy ebikes that have non-UL listed batteries. Amazon, Wal-Mart and the other big chains won't sell them to you. Local bike shops though... So you can still get them but for the casuals it's getting harder.

 

[Bndit]

Good!

 

[Suns_PSD]

 

[sjturner2112]

Ok, so DJI Avinox system is not classified as an e-bike in CA, but as a motorcycle? How does this affect DJI, shops selling DJI bikes, etc? Seems like they are now in a different legal class than ebike? Is it the 'nominal' motor power loophole? That is how all the non-legal ebikes get sold at retail, the makers always say 'nominal' power is 750 watts, but the motor is capable of like 3000 or 5000 watts. That's like, every other ebike sold in CA. The nominal thing should probably be rescinded. It's either 750 or less, or it's not.

 

[irie]

Will take a while to rumble ...

 

[Powerslider]

Translation to English

CONFINDUSTRIA ANCMA
National Association of Bicycles, Motorcycles and Accessories
Milan, 28 May 2026

Subject: Sale of Non-Compliant Pedal-Assist Bicycles – Updates and Risks

Dear Retailer,

We would like to draw your attention to the issue of marketing and selling pedal-assist bicycles (“e-bikes”) that do not comply with current regulations, a matter that has recently been the focus of investigations and initiatives at both the industry association and institutional levels.

In recent months, ANCMA has undertaken specific legal and institutional initiatives, including formal inquiries to the relevant authorities (the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Made in Italy), aimed at clarifying the applicable regulatory framework and promoting stronger market surveillance activities.

The issue of non-compliant e-bikes was also featured on the television programme "Mi Manda Rai3", broadcast on 7 March 2026.

In this context, we wish to highlight the following:

• Current legislation clearly defines the technical characteristics an e-bike must possess in order to be legally classified as such.
• The sale of non-compliant products (for example, regarding power output, operating modes, or pedal-assistance systems) exposes not only manufacturers but also retailers to significant liability, including administrative sanctions and, in some cases, criminal responsibility.
• Monitoring and enforcement activities are currently underway and are expected to intensify further, driven by industry associations and involving the relevant authorities.

In light of the above, we invite you to:

• Carefully verify the compliance of all products you sell.
• Request appropriate technical documentation and declarations of conformity from suppliers.
• Refrain from selling products where there are doubts regarding compliance with applicable regulations.

It should also be noted that the market itself is becoming increasingly aware of this issue and is developing widespread methods for reporting irregular situations, resulting in greater exposure to risk for non-compliant operators.

This communication is intended for informational and preventive purposes, with the aim of protecting compliant businesses and helping to combat the problem of illegal e-bikes at its source.

We remain available should you require any further clarification.

Yours sincerely,

CONFINDUSTRIA ANCMA (Italian National Association of Bicycles, Motorcycles and Accessories)

Considering the threats of legal exposure, it sounds to me like manufacturers might want to stop importing ebikes into Italy. Thats how at least one firearms manufacturer I know treats radical leftist states like New York, California, New Jersey, etc.. When I used to live up there, I had to go to Pennsylvania to source the particular high-end brand of rifle I wanted. So nice to live in Arizona now where I’m not committing a felony for simply having hollow points in my EDC.

 

[doochenozzle]

View attachment 185855

I love this. I have an Avinox m1 motor but I think they should cap max output at 750w and/or 100Nm and 4x assist. That’s plenty but it still remains a bike that needs significant human input.

 

[Powerslider]

I love this. I have an Avinox m1 motor but I think they should cap max output at 750w and/or 100Nm and 4x assist. That’s plenty but it still remains a bike that needs significant human input.

Why do you need “them” to limit your bike’s output? Just limit it yourself.

 

[Astro66]

Why do you need “them” to limit your bike’s output? Just limit it yourself.

Because all their mates are getting better climbing bikes with more peak power. It's tough and embarrassing always being last on the climb with your Bosch/Shimano, or if you've hobbled your own bike........

SWorks\Mahle\Dyname\Avinox for the win ........

 

[Astro66]

The issue of non-compliant e-bikes was also featured on the television programme "Mi Manda Rai3", broadcast on 7 March 2026.

I saw that programme. How about you present the facts, that the bike featured in that story was an illegal E-Moto and illegal E-Scooters, and nothing to do with EMTBs ? This is an EMTB forum.

The bike below was featured in the programme. As well as scooters. Some with speeds up to 70kph.

I have no issue with the issue of illegal e-Motos and e-Scooters being raised. It needs to be. But what we don't want is for those with an agenda to smear EN15194 compliant ebikes and EMTBs in the process.

Let's be clear about what the problem is. The problem is Illegal, throttle driven E-Motos and E-Scooters. Not compliant E-Bikes and EMTBs.

 

[Stihldog]

This is what we’ve had to deal with. Apparently there are 8 in the area. None of the riders have a licence and most are under 16.

The authorities are trying to catch them but it’s not easy. The Surron’s are fast and very capable. We had a few issues last year on our fire roads …but it’s getting worse this year. Spraying rocks at hikers, weaving while in traffic, etc.

We can only take pics and report.
Class1 EMTB’s only on this mountain.

 

[Astro66]

We can only take pics and report. Class1 EMTB’s only on this mountain.

Agree totally. We need to raise awareness of the scourge of these offenders. But we must also ensure there is an awareness of separation between these E-Motos, and the Class 1, or EN15194, compliant E-Bikes.

The OP seems determined to confuse the two, to push his narrative.

As someone coming from the MotorX background. These E-Motos have their place, where they can be legally ridden. But that is not on the roads or our National Parks in Australia. If you wish to ride them on the roads. You need a license and the proper registration, like the rest us using motorised vehicles on the road.

 

[Plummet]

Translation to English

CONFINDUSTRIA ANCMA
National Association of Bicycles, Motorcycles and Accessories
Milan, 28 May 2026

Subject: Sale of Non-Compliant Pedal-Assist Bicycles – Updates and Risks

Dear Retailer,

We would like to draw your attention to the issue of marketing and selling pedal-assist bicycles (“e-bikes”) that do not comply with current regulations, a matter that has recently been the focus of investigations and initiatives at both the industry association and institutional levels.

In recent months, ANCMA has undertaken specific legal and institutional initiatives, including formal inquiries to the relevant authorities (the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Made in Italy), aimed at clarifying the applicable regulatory framework and promoting stronger market surveillance activities.

The issue of non-compliant e-bikes was also featured on the television programme "Mi Manda Rai3", broadcast on 7 March 2026.

In this context, we wish to highlight the following:

• Current legislation clearly defines the technical characteristics an e-bike must possess in order to be legally classified as such.
• The sale of non-compliant products (for example, regarding power output, operating modes, or pedal-assistance systems) exposes not only manufacturers but also retailers to significant liability, including administrative sanctions and, in some cases, criminal responsibility.
• Monitoring and enforcement activities are currently underway and are expected to intensify further, driven by industry associations and involving the relevant authorities.

In light of the above, we invite you to:

• Carefully verify the compliance of all products you sell.
• Request appropriate technical documentation and declarations of conformity from suppliers.
• Refrain from selling products where there are doubts regarding compliance with applicable regulations.

It should also be noted that the market itself is becoming increasingly aware of this issue and is developing widespread methods for reporting irregular situations, resulting in greater exposure to risk for non-compliant operators.

This communication is intended for informational and preventive purposes, with the aim of protecting compliant businesses and helping to combat the problem of illegal e-bikes at its source.

We remain available should you require any further clarification.

Yours sincerely,

CONFINDUSTRIA ANCMA (Italian National Association of Bicycles, Motorcycles and Accessories)

What does Italy consider an E-bike?

 

[Plummet]

Why do you need “them” to limit your bike’s output? Just limit it yourself.

I think this thread topic is the why. Sure there's kids ripping around on e motos and super high powered scooters. But Avinox bikes do not comply with most countries legal definition of what is an e-bikes. They should be officially classified as a moped or motorbike.

These bikes are effectively being sold as e-bikes to suspecting and unsuspecting people who are riding them on trails that only allow mtb and e bike use but do not allow the use of mopeds or motorbikes.

The real risk is that there will be more policing and legislation to lock down the definitions and ensure overpowered e bikes aren't on trail. Worst case scenario is kneejerk reactions by legislators locking out all e-bike usage on mtb trails.

The real risk for the avinox crew is that they will potentially find themselves effectively lockout out of most mtb trails due to being over powered. At that point a customer driven manual adjustment of power wont cut the mustard as far as authorities are concerned. It will have to be a firmware adjustment that prevents customer adjustment to be legal.

 

[KleineAnfange]

I think this thread topic is the why. Sure there's kids ripping around on e motos and super high powered scooters. But Avinox bikes do not comply with most countries legal definition of what is an e-bikes. They should be officially classified as a moped or motorbike.

These bikes are effectively being sold as e-bikes to suspecting and unsuspecting people who are riding them on trails that only allow mtb and e bike use but do not allow the use of mopeds or motorbikes.

The real risk is that there will be more policing and legislation to lock down the definitions and ensure overpowered e bikes aren't on trail. Worst case scenario is kneejerk reactions by legislators locking out all e-bike usage on mtb trails.

The real risk for the avinox crew is that they will potentially find themselves effectively lockout out of most mtb trails due to being over powered. At that point a customer driven manual adjustment of power wont cut the mustard as far as authorities are concerned. It will have to be a firmware adjustment that prevents customer adjustment to be legal.

I got the impression from the Avinox post a few weeks ago that they’re fine with OTA updates to limit power as required by jurisdiction. Whether that’s easy to hack or not is another question, but I think an OTA update would be the minimum to cover themselves under various consumer product safety regulations.

 

[Doomanic]

But Avinox bikes do not comply with most countries legal definition of what is an e-bikes.

Why do people on here keep singling out Avinox? Every FF eBike motor has peak power over 250W. Shit, even my gutless Mahle 1.1 has 320W peak.
In the EU the definition is 250W "Nominal". How nominal is defined is a grey area, but you can't blame the manufacturers for the law being opaque.

 

[Fangs2k]

Shit, even my gutless Mahle 1.1 has 320W peak.

Come on, like me, you probably purchased it for the monster 35Nm torque?!

 

[Plummet]

Why do people on here keep singling out Avinox? Every FF eBike motor has peak power over 250W. Shit, even my gutless Mahle 1.1 has 320W peak.
In the EU the definition is 250W "Nominal". How nominal is defined is a grey area, but you can't blame the manufacturers for the law being opaque.

Its contnious power output over 250w or in nz's case 300w. To my knowledge the only manufacturer that well and truely exceeds that continious rating is avinox, The others are all locked down to within the rules. Hell the latest avinox can run at 1000w continious.

 

[RustyMTB]

The law is vague on this. Makes you wonder why one of the industrial behemoths with deep pockets & a problem with DJI doesn't test it in court. I can think of a reason or two.

 

[Astro66]

But Avinox bikes do not comply with most countries legal definition of what is an e-bikes.

Which country ? They appear to comply with all. What do you believe is the non-compliance ?

Hell the latest avinox can run at 1000w continious.

No it cannot. It will heatup and de-rate. It has a thermistor in the motor to prevent overheating, which derates the motor. The new battery can provide more power than the motor can support. But that's not the regulation. The motor is the regulation.

It actually has a similar profile to the Bosch CX5. It's just the Bosch derates from 750 watts. But both are still doing well over 250 watts after 20 mins.

 

[action99]

I saw that programme. How about you present the facts, that the bike featured in that story was an illegal E-Moto and illegal E-Scooters, and nothing to do with EMTBs ? This is an EMTB forum.

The bike below was featured in the programme. As well as scooters. Some with speeds up to 70kph.

View attachment 185867

I have no issue with the issue of illegal e-Motos and e-Scooters being raised. It needs to be. But what we don't want is for those with an agenda to smear EN15194 compliant ebikes and EMTBs in the process.

Let's be clear about what the problem is. The problem is Illegal, throttle driven E-Motos and E-Scooters. Not compliant E-Bikes and EMTBs.

I also saw the transmission and has zero to do with EMTB and trails.... but this is typical Alex, a fake news click bait attention seeker personality.

But the good news about forums that these pseudo salesman/influencers/attention-seekers they are the minority and get exposed very quickly.

 

[Astro66]

I also saw the transmission and has zero to do with EMTB and trails.... but this is typical Alex, a fake news click bait attention seeker personality.

But the good news about forums that these pseudo salesman/influencers/attention-seekers they are the minority and get exposed very quickly.

It's a shame. He used to make good videos. It's all just negativity now. I had to unsubscribe. Don't need those negative vibes.

 

[KleineAnfange]

It's a shame. He used to make good videos. It's all just negativity now. I had to unsubscribe. Don't need those negative vibes.

I disagree. I anticipate more regulation in Europe soon. I don’t think the bike reviews and motor reviews are all negative either. They’re exhaustive, and critical, but the negative stuff is mostly focused on one retailer that is disrupting the market. Disruption brings innovation, but downside as well. I think we’ll see power increase and more bike brands shutdown. In short, the number of people focusing on Avinox without any critical analysis is annoying as well. It’s like folks only care about power at the expense of all other areas.

 

[Astro66]

I anticipate more regulation in Europe soon.

25kph limit, 250 watts rated motor and pedal-assist only is not enough ??? ....... sure. This is why the world is looking to China, and the rest of the world will stop buying from Europe. My previous 2 bikes before the Amflow were European. I certainly will not buy another European bike, if Europe further tightens regulations. They are too strict now.

Be careful what you wish for.

 

[action99]

I think this thread topic is the why. Sure there's kids ripping around on e motos and super high powered scooters. But Avinox bikes do not comply with most countries legal definition of what is an e-bikes. They should be officially classified as a moped or motorbike.

These bikes are effectively being sold as e-bikes to suspecting and unsuspecting people who are riding them on trails that only allow mtb and e bike use but do not allow the use of mopeds or motorbikes.

The real risk is that there will be more policing and legislation to lock down the definitions and ensure overpowered e bikes aren't on trail. Worst case scenario is kneejerk reactions by legislators locking out all e-bike usage on mtb trails.

The real risk for the avinox crew is that they will potentially find themselves effectively lockout out of most mtb trails due to being over powered. At that point a customer driven manual adjustment of power wont cut the mustard as far as authorities are concerned. It will have to be a firmware adjustment that prevents customer adjustment to be legal.

Fact check for you: Bosch sustains > 500w for more than 30min so way above the stupid limit 250w.... so either 95% of the motors are illegal then we are basically done as 250w max brings you nowhere or then they are all legal. Bosch wants about 750w but is their agenda not EU agenda. EU already has a rule and guess what it will be much quicker to enforce than come up with new rules..

So if you call for a ban probably your e-bike(s) will be banned to. Be mindful what you wish ;-)

 

[KleineAnfange]

25kph limit, 250 watts rated motor and pedal-assist only is not enough ??? ....... sure. This is why the world is looking to China, and the rest of the world will stop buying from Europe. My previous 2 bikes before the Amflow were European. I certainly will not buy another European bike, if Europe further tightens regulations. They are too strict now.

Be careful what you wish for.

They unlock when you change your region. That’s why people use vpns to unlock. It’s software, not hardware.

 

[Astro66]

They unlock when you change your region. That’s why people use vpns to unlock. It’s software, not hardware.

Oh Jesus ...... Talk about a broken record ? ......... There is already a Lexbot thread that got moved to de-restriction. This has been discussed there many, many, many times. I suggest you do some reading. I'm not doing it again.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Fact check for you: Bosch sustains > 500w for more than 30min so way above the stupid limit 250w.... so either 95% of the motors are illegal then we are basically done as 250w max brings you nowhere or then they are all legal. Bosch wants about 750w but is their agenda not EU agenda. EU already has a rule and guess what it will be much quicker to enforce than come up with new rules..

So if you call for a ban probably your e-bike(s) will be banned to. Be mindful what you wish ;-)

The problem is really the way the regulations are written in the US and EU, if we want to believe that motors should only output mechanically 250W and/or 750W peak. We could argue Avinox is pushing the boundaries, but I bet their complaint. Their position is less conservative than say Bosch, for sure.

This is irrespective of moral/ethical issues it may raise to the MTB community through pushing those boundaries.

I've been trying to understand how this works, for the sake of curiosity, because on the surface to the laymen... the EU law implies a motor should only deliver 250W under continuous operation. In the US, state law is fractured, as most reference 750W. Some are 1000W and a few are not really regulated/clear cut. However the language of most of these US laws doesn't stipulate nominal or peak or even if its mechanical output or electrical input.

US law is actually the most vague and manufacturers could make assumptions that 750W is nominal instead of peak. I think the intention was peak, because the 750W would have corresponded with motors of the time roughly 600-750W in peak capability.

The EU law is a bit more clear cut, but due to its implementation there's no limit to peak power. EN 15194 is the EU standard for pedelecs or EPACs and its hard to find, besides paying $$ for a copy of the standard. However, you can find manufacturer's certification reports on their pedelecs or EPACs. Example language regarding power from certification report:

The maximum continuous rated power shall be measured according to EN 60034-1 when the motor reaches its thermal equilibrium as specified by the manufacturer. NOTE Thermal equilibrium: temperatures of motor parts do not vary more than 2K per hour. In circumstance where the power is measured directly at the shaft of the electronic motor, the result of the measurement shall be divided by 1,10 to consider the measurement uncertainty and then divided by 1,05 to include for example the transmission losses, unless the real values of these losses are determined.

So EN15194 states a motor must have a maximum of 250W continuous rated power per EN 60034-1. EN 60034-1 Rotating Electrical Machines: Rating and Performance is a standard for rating electrical motor performance/power. Continuous rated power has a specific definition in EN60034-1:

A rating at which the machine may be operated for an unlimited period, while complying with the requirements of this standard. This class of rating corresponds to duty type S1 and is designated as for the duty type S1.

Duty Type S1 - Continuous Running Duty
Operation at a constant load maintained for sufficient time to allow the machine to reach thermal equilibrium.

Thermal Equilibrium
The state reached when the temperature rises of the several parts of the machine do not vary by more than a gradient of 2 K per hour.

So continuous rated power is when components within the motor don't increase in temperature at a rate higher than 2 K per hour. However the point of thermal equilibrium or the temperature is up to the manufacturer to decide. This is affected by technology, such as modern brushless motors run cooler than traditional brushed ones (when EPAC law was written). Selection of higher temperature tolerant components I'd imagine is a factor too.

Above 250W the motor temperature must increase at a rate greater than 2 K per hour to be compliant.

 

[notaninfluencer]

I saw that programme. How about you present the facts, that the bike featured in that story was an illegal E-Moto and illegal E-Scooters, and nothing to do with EMTBs ? This is an EMTB forum.

The bike below was featured in the programme. As well as scooters. Some with speeds up to 70kph.

View attachment 185867

I have no issue with the issue of illegal e-Motos and e-Scooters being raised. It needs to be. But what we don't want is for those with an agenda to smear EN15194 compliant ebikes and EMTBs in the process.

Let's be clear about what the problem is. The problem is Illegal, throttle driven E-Motos and E-Scooters. Not compliant E-Bikes and EMTBs.

not all emtbs are compliant...