"European Union directive 2002/24/EC exempts vehicles with the following definition from type approval: 'Cycles with pedal assistance which are equipped with an auxiliary electric motor having a maximum continuous rated power of 0.25 kW, of which the output is progressively reduced and finally cut off as the vehicle reaches a speed of 25 km/h or if the cyclist stops pedaling.'"
Being a bike means (depending on the country) that you have to use a helmet, insurance, drivers license, cannot ride on an optional cycle lane, etc.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_bicycle_laws#Europe:
"European Union directive 2002/24/EC exempts vehicles with the following definition from type approval: 'Cycles with pedal assistance which are equipped with an auxiliary electric motor having a maximum continuous rated power of 0.25 kW, of which the output is progressively reduced and finally cut off as the vehicle reaches a speed of 25 km/h or if the cyclist stops pedaling.'"
Being a bike means (depending on the country) that you have to use a helmet, insurance, drivers license, cannot ride on an optional cycle lane, etc.