According to Zedler, manufacturers and dealers had to face challenges resulting from the CE-marking without being aware of them yet. The CE-marking were the manufacturer’s declaration that their products meet the respective legal requirements of the EU. In Germany, the product safety law is applicable for this issue. In the case of e-bikes, the following applies: For selling an e-bike the CE-marking is obligatory. Zedler accordingly draws the attention to the risks of the dealers: "Never buy an e-bike without CE-marking! As soon as you import it into the EU, you become manufacturer in the eyes of the authorities and herewith assume liability for the product." Whoever sells e-bikes without CE-marking, must take into account that the authorities would impose a sales ban and seize the goods.
Many dealers do not hand over the user manuals to the end customer. In connection with the CE-marking they must be supplied together with the product in the respective language.
It is recommended to document the handing over of the user manual on the invoice. A new problematic issue is the replacement of components: If the e-bike customer doesn’t like the handlebars or the seat post, he cannot simply replace these components. "Each e-bike must have a parts list. It only meets the requirements of the CE-marking with the parts mentioned on the list," says Zedler. If a dealer mounts another handlebar, he modifies the e-bike and is held liable in the case of an accident. "Be sure to only assemble original parts or ask the e-bike manufacturer whether a handlebar is approved. If it is not, mounting is not allowed."
The manufacturer is obliged to perform random quality control tests of all parts used. But testing is expensive. Therefore Zedler requests from the manufacturers to adopt a stronger platform thinking: "The automotive industry shows how to do." More carry-over parts in production join forces in purchase and reduce quality control costs. Conducting tests is the only way to supply safe products and to protect yourself against claims for damages.
Author: cm
