The CE marking for eBikes and eMTBs
Whether lawn mower, Bluetooth box or hair dryer - everywhere in the European Union (EU) the small CE logo is emblazoned on everyday products. Also on the ROTWILD e-mountain bikes. We explain what the product labeling is all about and why it also influences the work of our engineers.
CE - two small letters with a high safety effect
The European Community established the CE marking many decades ago. The aim is to sell only products in the EU and throughout the European Economic Area that are safe for the end user to use. In simplified terms, this means that the CE logo is like a technical passport for a product. This allows it to be sold without restriction throughout the EU single market.
EU directives specifically define the safety requirements for the respective product. For the area of e-bikes, which is elementary for ROTWILD, the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC is decisive. The corresponding CE marking proves that the E-MTB as a "machine" meets the requirements of the EU directive. In addition, DIN EN 15194 stipulates that an E-MTB must be marked with the CE mark as an EPAC (Electrically Power Assisted Cycles). The ROTWILD product must comply with these relevant European directives. This also includes a successfully completed test of electromagnetic compatibility - EMC for short.
The CE marking is not legally a seal of quality. It only documents that the product meets the minimum legal requirements.
CE and the significance for ROTWILD practice
Accordingly, ROTWILD must check on its own responsibility which EU directives are included in the design and production of the bikes. The manufacturer may only place a product on the market and put it into operation if it complies with the provisions of all directives applicable at the time. In practice, it happens that bikers gradually replace parts on their bikes or add additional elements. A classic example is the side stand on the chain stay or the replacement of the approved and installed headlight with another one. These changes mean that the manufacturer can no longer guarantee compliance with the CE requirements. Then the CE marking expires and with it the liability of the bike manufacturer.
Conversions according to CE only according to strict guidelines
To meet individual customer requirements such as the mounting of a kickstand on a mountain bike, ROTWILD has developed a CE-compliant solution. With the Kick Stand Adapter, a replaceable inlay on the rear axle, a side stand can be mounted safely. This type of mounting is approved in contrast to mounting on the chain stay and meets the safety requirements of the EU directive. However, it should be borne in mind that the range of use of the bike is reduced with mounted side stand. Forest roads and light touring are unproblematic. But off-road or on the trail, riders should keep the lower ground clearance in mind. Front headlights on the e-bike must be precisely matched to the rest of the e-MTB electronics. Non-approved headlights can damage the battery, the motor control or the function of the display by changing the voltage. Currently, the two headlights Supernova Mini 2 and Supernova M99 Mini Pro are approved for ROTWILD e-bikes and e-MTBs. The use of alternative headlights - even with the same wattage as the two Supernova lights - is not approved.
