When shopping for an e-bike, you might see EN 15194 Certified or Built to comply with EN 15194. But what does that actually mean? For Australian buyers, understanding EN 15194 Certification is essential, because it can determine whether an e-bike is legally a bicycle, or an unregistered motor vehicle. This guide breaks down what EN 15194 Certification is, why it matters, and how to check that your e-bike truly meets the standard.
EN 15194 Certification defines how an e-bike must be designed, built, and tested to meet Europe’s safety standard for Electrically Power-Assisted Cycles (EPACs). It defines how an e-bike should perform and behave to qualify as a road-legal bicycle. Originally introduced in 2009 and updated in 2017, the latest version is EN 15194:2017+A1:2023.
The standard ensures that:
- The motor provides power only while pedalling (except for a walking-assist mode up to 6 km/h).
- The motor’s continuous rated power does not exceed 250 watts.
- Pedal assistance cuts out at 25 km/h.
EN 15194 also verifies that the e-bike has passed tests for mechanical safety, electrical safety, battery protection, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Together, these ensure the e-bike performs safely under real-world riding conditions.
If an e-bike meets these criteria, it qualifies as a bicycle in Europe and Australia. If it doesn’t (and isn’t certified under another approved standard such as AS 15194 or UL 2849 in NSW) it’s treated as a motor vehicle, which requires registration, licensing, and insurance to operate legally.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. E-bike regulations vary across states and territories. Always check your local laws before riding.
EN 15194 in Australia
Australia has adopted the same technical definition of an EPAC as Europe. Across every state and territory e-bikes must:
- Deliver motor assistance only when pedalling.
- Cut off motor assistance at 25 km/h.
- Have a motor with a maximum continuous output of 250 W (500 W in NSW).
To qualify as a bicycle, the e-bike must be labelled to show it complies with EN 15194 (or another accepted standard) and display:
- The manufacturer’s name.
- The motor’s continuous rated power.
- The pedal-assist cut-off speed.
Without this label, an e-bike can potentially be classed as an unregistered vehicle.
In New South Wales, regulations are tightening further. From February 1, 2026, all e-bikes sold in NSW must be certified to one of three approved standards:
- EN 15194:2017+A1:2023 (for 250 W EPACs)
- AS 15194 (Australia’s adaptation of the standard for up to 500 W)
- UL 2849 (for electrical system safety)
This means manufacturers and importers can no longer simply claim compliance, they must provide lab-certified evidence.
For a broader overview of Australian certification rules, see our full guide: (E-Bike Certification in Australia (2025): What You Need to Know).
What EN 15194 Tests and Verifies
EN 15194 Certification is comprehensive. It assesses the entire e-bike, not just the motor. Testing is performed by accredited organisations like TÜV Rheinland, SGS, or Intertek.
Key testing areas:
1. Motor Power and Speed Regulation
- The motor must not exceed 250 W continuous power.
- Pedal assistance must progressively reduce as the bike nears 25 km/h and stop entirely once that speed is reached.
- A throttle (if fitted) may only operate up to 6 km/h.
- The e-bike must not be easily modified to exceed these limits.
2. Electrical Safety
The e-bike’s electrical system (including motor controller, connectors, and charger) must be safe from electric shock, overcurrent, or short circuits. EN 15194 now references EN 50604-1 for lithium battery safety, which tests:
- Overcharge, discharge, and short-circuit protection.
- Crush, drop, and vibration resistance.
- Fire and thermal runaway prevention.
3. Mechanical Strength and Durability
The frame, fork, and brakes are tested for mechanical fatigue, ensuring the e-bike can safely handle daily use. It also verifies that braking performance remains safe with the added motor weight.
4. Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
E-bikes must not emit or be affected by electromagnetic interference that could affect their electronics or nearby devices.
5. Markings and Documentation
Each compliant e-bike must include a permanent label showing power and speed limits, as well as a user manual outlining correct usage, charging, and maintenance.
EN 15194:2017 vs EN 15194:2017+A1:2023
The 2023 amendment, A1:2023, introduces updates primarily focused on battery safety and documentation. Under the new version:
- Battery packs must demonstrate compliance with EN 50604-1, improving thermal stability and reducing fire risk.
- Manufacturers must provide more detailed technical documentation, including test reports and conformity declarations.
- The new version better aligns EN 15194 with international safety standards, including IEC and UL battery testing protocols.
Starting February 1, 2026, NSW will require this version for all 250 W EPACs. If your bike label still shows EN 15194:2017 without the +A1:2023 update, it may no longer qualify under the new rules.
Certified vs Built to Comply
Many e-bikes brands claim to comply with EN 15194, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re certified to it.
| Term | What It Means | Verified By |
|---|---|---|
| Certified to EN 15194 | The model has been tested by an independent accredited lab (e.g., TÜV Rheinland, SGS) and officially certified. | Third-party testing authority |
| Built to comply with EN 15194 | The manufacturer claims the design meets the requirements but has not undergone independent testing. | Manufacturer self-declaration |
Certification provides stronger assurance that the e-bike genuinely meets legal and safety requirements. Self-declared compliance can be accurate, but without external verification, it’s harder for buyers to be sure.
When buying, check with the retailer or brand if the e-bike’s is certified or built to comply with the standard. If the information seems inconsistent or incomplete, it’s worth checking.
How to Check if an E-Bike Is EN 15194 Certified
- Look for the label
Find the EN 15194 marking on the frame or near the motor. It should list the manufacturer, continuous power, and assist cut-off speed. - Confirm the version
Check if the label includes 2017+A1:2023. If it only says 2017 or 2009, the certification may be outdated. - Ask for documentation
Reputable brands can provide the EN 15194 certificate or Declaration of Conformity. These are often issued by testing bodies such as TÜV Rheinland or SGS. - Watch out for unrealistic claims
If an e-bike advertises 500 W or 1000 W motors while claiming EN 15194 compliance, it’s misleading. The standard only applies to 250 W pedelecs. - Check battery certifications
Look for accompanying marks such as EN 50604-1, IEC 62133-2, or UL 2271 for the battery. These confirm that the energy source meets modern safety standards.
Why It Matters
E-bike certification protects both riders and the wider industry. Certified bikes lower the risk of fires, improve reliability, and keep manufacturing standards consistent across brands. For consumers, it provides genuine peace of mind knowing the e-bike meets internationally recognised safety standards through verified testing and build quality.
In Australia, EN 15194 Certification plays a central role in defining what qualifies as road-legal. A 250 W e-bike that passes EN 15194 can be ridden anywhere bicycles are permitted. Any model that exceeds those limits, without certification under another accepted standard, may lead to fines, confiscation, or insurance issues.
As NSW introduces mandatory certification in 2026, EN 15194 will become more visible in marketing and product descriptions. Understanding what it means helps buyers cut through confusion and spot false claims.
Summary for Buyers
| Feature | What It Confirms |
| EN 15194:2017+A1:2023 | Latest approved standard for 250 W EPACs in NSW from Feb 2026. |
| AS 15194 | Australian version covering up to 500 W. |
| UL 2849 | US-developed system safety standard, does not verify watt or speed limits. |
| Battery Safety (EN 50604-1 / IEC 62133-2) | Confirms tested cell and pack integrity. |
| RCM Mark (Chargers) | Shows charger meets Australian electrical-safety laws. |
| If you want to buy a model that already meets EN 15194 and local watt limits. Our Legal E-Bikes in Australia page highlights True North models that fit within these rules. |
Conclusion
EN 15194 Certification is the most important indicator of an e-bike’s legal and safety status in Australia. It verifies that the bike limits assistance to 25 km/h, the motor does not exceed 250 W continuous power, and the entire system has passed mechanical, electrical, and EMC safety tests.
For Australian riders, e-bikes labelled EN 15194:2017+A1:2023 or AS 15194 represent the safest path to compliance. If you’re buying an imported or online e-bike, always check that its certification is valid, up-to-date, and independently tested.
For more on how EN, AS, and UL standards fit together, read our comprehensive guide: (E-Bike Certification in Australia (2025): What You Need to Know).
