If you’ve been keeping an eye on the e-bike world, you’ve probably noticed the buzz around a fresh proposal that could dial back electric assistance on pedal-assist bikes. The Zweirad-Industrie-Verband (ZIV), Germany’s two-wheeler industry association, is pitching new rules that would limit the assistance ratio to 1:4 and cap peak motor power at 750 W. That means if you’re putting 100 W into the pedals, the motor can’t exceed a 400 W boost, and the absolute top-end assistance would never go above 750 W.
On paper, it’s pitched as a safety and standardization move—keeping e-bikes feeling like, well, bikes. In reality, though, the chatter isn’t just about torque curves and wattage caps. Some insiders are pointing fingers at Bosch, the behemoth provider of e-bike motors in Europe, suggesting that the company might be nudging these restrictions into existence to protect its turf.
Is Bosch Pulling the Strings?
Critics argue that Bosch’s ambassador in ZIV committees has been unusually vocal about stricter power limits. While ZIV insists the restrictions are a collective decision, whispers around the industry floor suggest that Bosch is lobbying hard for a rule set that conveniently matches its own product lineup—none of which exceeds 750 W in peak output anyway.
Annick Roetynck, head of the Light Electric Vehicle Association (LEVA-EU), didn’t hold back in a recent chat with Bike Radar. She labeled the move as nothing short of protectionism, saying, “It’s classic market locking. They want to keep the game at levels they’ve already mastered.” At a glance, that’s a heavy charge. But peel back the layers, and you’ll see the frustration of smaller motor makers who suddenly find their high-torque offerings in the crosshairs of regulatory talk.
Unfair Rules for Performance Riders
One of the biggest concerns from cargo bike builders and performance e-bike designers is that a strict 1:4 ratio and 750 W cap could hobble innovation. Cargo bikes used in urban delivery and passenger transport often rely on short bursts of high power to haul heavy loads up steep hills. If those surges are throttled by regulation, the business case for many utility e-bikes starts to wobble.
Beyond commercial use, there’s a whole segment of riders—people with limited leg strength or certain disabilities—who count on extra juice for a comfortable ride. As Roetynck pointed out, “Someone who can’t easily push out 100 W on the pedals may struggle more under a tight limit. That undermines inclusivity, turning regulations into unintentional barriers.” In other words, the rules could look neat in a handbook but feel like a roadblock on the pavement.
Fierce Accusations in the Industry
The tone heated up when veteran e-bike engineer Hannes Neupert spoke to Bikebiz. He accused Bosch of deliberately slowing down rivals: “It’s a blunt business play. They fell behind in motor innovation and now want to clip everybody else’s wings.” Neupert’s gripe is that the official narrative of “dangerous competition” between high-powered motor suppliers is just a smokescreen for a more calculated strategy.
ZIV, for its part, is waving away those allegations. Technical director Tim Salatzki stresses that Bosch is just one of 140 association members and that the proposal emerged from a nearly two-year consultative process. Still, skeptics wonder if equal voices really get heard when an industry giant is in the room.
Potential Impact on Everyday Riders
With the European Union gearing up to review e-bike regulations across the bloc, the debate could soon move from committee meeting rooms to law books. If the 1:4 ratio and 750 W peak assistance become standard, it could reshape what manufacturers bring to market—and what riders end up pedaling.
At the end of the day, this isn’t just a squabble over specs—it’s about user experience. Will urban commuters have to slow down on hilly routes? Will cargo operators need to rethink fleet investments? And will riders with physical limitations find fewer options that suit their needs? Those are questions that matter when the rubber meets the road.
Permanezca atento as industry players, regulators, and advocacy groups iron out the final details. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a weekend adventurer, or someone who relies on an e-bike for essential travel, what happens next could make a noticeable difference in your next ride.
