Europe’s e-bike market continues to expand rapidly, driven by environmental goals, urban mobility needs, and technological advances. With this growth comes heightened scrutiny on safety, particularly regarding lithium-ion batteries and overall vehicle performance. Two European standards frequently discussed in this context are EN 15194 and EN 50604 (specifically EN 50604-1).
EN 15194 and EN 50604-1 are complementary EU standards for e-bike compliance. EN 15194 covers the complete e-bike system (EPAC), while EN 50604-1 focuses specifically on lithium battery safety. Since 2023, EN 50604-1 has become a mandatory requirement within EN 15194, making both standards essential for CE compliance in Europe.
This article provides a clear, practical comparison to help e-bike manufacturers, importers, distributors, and safety professionals navigate compliance in the EU market. It explains the standards’ scopes, technical differences, certification implications, and real-world impacts as of 2026.
Background and Development
EN 15194:2017 (Cycles – Electrically power assisted cycles – EPAC Bicycles) was developed to define safety and performance requirements for pedelecs with a maximum continuous rated power of 250 W and a speed cut-off at 25 km/h. It covers the complete bicycle system and has long been the primary harmonized standard under the Machinery Directive (now transitioning to the Machinery Regulation 2006/42/EC) for CE marking.
Originally, battery safety in EN 15194 referenced more generic standards such as EN 62133-2. In early 2023, the Netherlands raised a formal objection, arguing that these battery requirements were insufficient for e-bike use cases and did not adequately address fire risks. The European Commission responded by partially withdrawing harmonization of EN 15194:2017 for battery-related essential health and safety requirements.
The CEN/TC 333 working group addressed this by issuing Amendment A1:2023, resulting in EN 15194:2017+A1:2023. This version explicitly requires that batteries comply with EN 50604-1:2016 + A1:2021 (Secondary lithium batteries for light EV applications – Part 1: General safety requirements and test methods).
EN 50604-1 (with its 2021 amendment) was originally published in 2016 and is tailored to lithium-ion traction batteries in light electric vehicles. It provides more realistic testing for e-bike operating conditions compared to portable-device-focused standards.
Timeline of key changes:
- 2023: Publication of EN 15194:2017+A1:2023 and partial withdrawal of harmonization of the old version for battery requirements.
- 15 May 2024: Publication in the Official Journal restoring harmonization for the amended standard (including mandatory EN 50604-1).
- 15 May 2026: Final deadline. Only EN 15194:2017+A1:2023 with mandatory compliance to EN 50604-1:2016 + A1:2021 provides presumption of conformity under the Machinery Directive. The original EN 15194:2017 loses presumption of conformity for battery-related requirements.
What Is EN 15194? (E-Bike System Standard Explained)
EN 15194 applies to EPACs (Electrically Power Assisted Cycles), in other words, complete e-bikes.
Scope includes:
- Electrical system safety
- Mechanical integrity (frame, braking, etc.)
- Functional requirements (speed limits, motor cutoff)
- EMC (electromagnetic compatibility)
- Charger and wiring integration
Key point: EN 15194 evaluates the entire vehicle as a system, not individual components in isolation.
What Is EN 50604-1? (E-Bike Battery Safety Requirements)
EN 50604-1 is specifically designed for LEV battery packs, including e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar applications.
Scope includes:
- Overcharge / overdischarge protection
- Short circuit testing
- Thermal abuse and fire risk
- Mechanical stress (shock, vibration, crush)
- Cell and pack-level safety validation
Key point: EN 50604-1 ensures the battery itself is intrinsically safe, independent of the vehicle.
Is EN 50604-1 Mandatory for E-Bike Batteries in 2026?
Yes. As of 2026, EN 50604-1 is effectively mandatory for e-bike batteries under EN 15194:2017+A1:2023.
To achieve CE marking and presumption of conformity in the EU:
- The complete e-bike must comply with EN 15194
- The battery must comply with EN 50604-1+A1
Without EN 50604-1:
- ❌ EN 15194 certification may not be accepted
- ❌ Additional testing or redesign may be required
- ❌ Market entry delays and compliance risks increase
EN50604 vs EN15194: Key Differences for E-Bike Compliance in Europe
Aspect | EN 15194 (Whole EPAC) | EN 50604-1 (Battery Only) |
|---|---|---|
Primary Focus | Complete bicycle (mechanical + electrical) | Lithium-ion battery pack & BMS |
Power/Speed Limit | 250 W continuous, 25 km/h cut-off | Not limited (applies to relevant voltage classes) |
Test Categories | Mechanical fatigue, brakes, steering, EMC | Electrical, mechanical, thermal abuse |
Stringency for Batteries | Previously referenced EN 62133-2; now requires EN 50604-1 | High – tailored to LEV/e-bike usage |
Usage Simulation | Real-world riding conditions for the bike | Realistic vibration, shock, and cycling for batteries |
Outcome | CE marking presumption for the EPAC | Safer batteries that integrate into EN 15194 |
EN 50604 vs EN 62133: What’s the Difference?
Many buyers still confuse EN 50604-1 with EN 62133-2.
Key difference: application scenario.
- EN 62133-2 → Designed for portable electronics (phones, laptops)
- EN 50604-1 → Designed specifically for light electric vehicles (e-bikes, e-scooters)
Why EN 62133 is no longer sufficient:
- Does not simulate real riding vibration and shock
- Limited thermal runaway testing under traction conditions
- Not tailored for high-capacity LEV battery packs
Why EN 50604-1 is required:
- Includes mechanical stress tests (vibration, crush)
- Covers real-world charge/discharge cycles
- Focuses on fire prevention and thermal stability
Practical Implications and Real-World Impact
For manufacturers and importers:
- Supply chain adjustments are necessary, battery suppliers must deliver packs certified to EN 50604-1+A1.
- Testing costs and timelines have increased due to more rigorous battery protocols.
- Benefits include reduced fire risk, greater consumer confidence, and smoother market access across the EU.
The shift addresses past concerns about battery fires in micromobility devices. EN 50604-1’s focus on preventing thermal runaway and ensuring robust BMS protection directly improves safety in real-use scenarios (daily commuting, variable weather, frequent charging).
Note that EN 15194 applies only to standard pedelecs; cargo e-bikes or higher-power models may require additional standards (e.g., EN 17860 for certain cargo bikes). Compliance with these EU standards does not automatically satisfy requirements in other markets, such as UL 2849 in the United States.
Other related regulations include the EU Battery Regulation (for carbon footprint, recycling, and due diligence) and UN 38.3 for transport safety.
Real-World Certification Scenario
Case 1: You are an e-bike brand (OEM)
To sell in Europe:
- ✔ Must comply with EN 15194
- ✔ Battery must meet EN 50604-1
Case 2: You are sourcing battery packs
If your supplier lacks EN 50604-1:
- ❌ Your EN 15194 certification may fail
- ❌ Testing costs and time increase significantly
- ❌ Risk of redesign or supplier replacement
Why This Matters for B2B Buyers
From a procurement and risk management perspective:
1Faster Certification: Pre-certified batteries (EN 50604-1) reduce system-level testing complexity.
Lower Compliance Risk: Battery failures are the #1 safety concern in LEVs, this standard directly addresses that.
Supply Chain Reliability: Qualified battery suppliers shorten time-to-market and reduce engineering rework.
How to Choose the Right Supplier
When evaluating battery partners, ask:
- Do you have certified compliance with EN 50604-1?
- Can your battery integrate seamlessly into EN 15194-certified systems?
- Do you provide test reports (not just declarations)?
- Can you support system-level certification if needed?
Conclusion
As of 2026, the relationship between EN 15194 and EN 50604-1 is no longer optional or loosely interpreted, it is clearly defined and mandatory for compliant e-bike market entry in Europe.
EN 15194 ensures that the entire e-bike system meets safety and performance requirements, while EN 50604-1 guarantees that the battery, the most critical and highest-risk component, meets rigorous, application-specific safety standards. Together, they form a complete compliance framework aligned with real-world usage conditions and evolving regulatory expectations.
For OEMs and procurement managers, choosing an EN 50604-1 certified battery supplier is no longer optional, it directly determines your ability to achieve EN 15194 compliance, control certification costs, and avoid redesign risks.
Tritek supports:
- EN 50604-1 compliant battery packs
- System-level integration for EN 15194 certification
- Custom e-bike battery solutions with full safety validation
Frequently Asked Questions (EN 50604 & EN 15194)
What is the difference between EN 15194 and EN 50604-1?
EN 15194 is a system-level standard covering the entire e-bike (mechanical, electrical, and functional safety), while EN 50604-1 focuses specifically on lithium-ion battery safety, including thermal, electrical, and mechanical risks.
Is EN 50604-1 mandatory for e-bike batteries?
Yes. Under EN 15194:2017+A1:2023, compliance with EN 50604-1 is required for batteries to achieve full CE conformity in the EU market.
Can EN 62133 replace EN 50604-1?
No. EN 62133 is designed for portable electronics and does not meet the safety requirements for e-bike battery applications. EN 50604-1 is specifically required for light electric vehicles.
What happens if a battery is not EN 50604-1 certified?
The e-bike may fail EN 15194 certification, leading to:
- Delays in CE marking
- Increased testing costs
- Potential redesign or supplier change
Does EN 15194 include battery testing?
EN 15194 evaluates the full e-bike system, but battery safety must be validated separately under EN 50604-1.
How do I choose an EN 50604-1 compliant battery supplier?
You should verify:
- Valid EN 50604-1 test reports
- BMS safety validation capability
- Experience with EN 15194 system integration
- Ability to support certification documentation
Reference:
- EN 15194:2017+A1:2023, European Committee for Standardization (CEN/TC 333).
- LEVA-EU (2025). Understanding EN 50604 Battery Standard and its Relation to EN 15194.
- European Commission – Publication of harmonised standards in the Official Journal of the EU (15 May 2024 reference for EN 15194:2017+A1:2023).
