Factor of 4 regulation – What is it?

Legal basis

EU: S-pedelecs technically fall under the EU vehicle category L1e-B (light two-wheeled motor vehicles), more precisely mopeds. The L1e-B classification is defined in the EU Regulation No. 168/2013 specified. They may have a maximum motor power of 4,000 watts (Section 2, Paragraph 11a of the FZV) with a maximum pedal-assist power of 400% [ingenieur.de]. The maximum speed with motor assistance when pedaling is 45 km/h.

CH: In Switzerland, S-pedelecs are regarded as „motorized bicycles“ and are not permitted in the Vordinance on the technical requirements for Sroad vehicles (VTS) in Art. 18 let. a VTS. controlled. The maximum electric motor power is 1,000 watts. A maximum pedal assistance of 400% (the ‘Factor 4 control„) is not explicitly defined or mentioned.

What does „Factor 4“ mean?

According to EU Regulation No. 168/2013, the „Factor 4 rule“ refers to the maximum pedal assist power of 400% for S-pedelecs. However, „Factor 4” is not mentioned directly in Regulation 168/2013 itself, but rather in the accompanying delegated Regulation (EU) No. 3/2014, Annex XIX. He is also referred to there not as „Factor 4“ but as an "assistant factor." The regulation applies specifically to „Cycles designed to pedal“ - i.e. pedal-based vehicles - in the class L1e-B (two-wheeled moped / S-pedelec up to 45 km/h), not for normal 250 W pedelecs that are classified as bicycles.

In practice, this means that the motor [provides] the rider's pedaling power. by a maximum of four times is allowed. If a driver z. e.g. 75 watts pedals, the motor is allowed to Maximum 300 watts (= 75 × 4).

The regulation ensures that S-Pedelecs are still considered pedal-assisted vehicles despite their higher speed and do not become pure motorcycles - the rider must therefore actively pedal in order to receive motor assistance.

Where does this regulation apply?

The regulation applies throughout the EU, as it is set out in the EU Regulation No. 168/2013 is definedDEURAG/ ingenieur.deIt is therefore binding in all EU member states.

Since myStromer AG, as a Swiss company, has also approved its S-Pedelecs in the EU, it is subject to EU regulations and therefore also to the „Factor 4 Regulation“.