Industry association, European Cycling Industries (ECI), has set out a comprehensive framework for tackling the growing challenge of non-compliant e-bikes in Europe. In a new white paper, it distinguishes between different forms of non-compliance, including technical breaches of the EPAC standard, customs and trade fraud, and downstream tampering. These issues require targeted enforcement rather than blanket restrictions on compliant e-bikes, the industry organisation argues.

A new draft for the revision of the bicycle trailer standard EN 15918 has been presented by the European standardisation working group. The revision is intended to replace the existing standard EN 15918:2011+A2:2017 and adapt the safety requirements for bicycle trailers to the current state of the art.

Testing, inspection and certification company SGS has expanded its global bicycle and e-mobility testing network with the opening of a new laboratory in Bentonville, Arkansas, on 18 May. The new lab will focus on compliance testing for bicycles, e-bikes and other micromobility products destined for North American and international markets.

In the Netherlands, fatbikes have become the new scooters. Not legally: a fatbike is still not a separate vehicle category. If it meets the rules for an electrically assisted bicycle, it is an e-bike. If it does not, it may quickly become something else, such as a moped.

In recent months, we've been shaken once again by two major product-safety incidents. Several brands of infant formula were found to be contaminated with cereulide, a toxin produced by Bacillus cereus. Under certain conditions, it can cause health complaints, and this triggered anxiety and recalls.

Starting 18 February, 2027, the European Union will mandate a digital battery passport for all light means of transport (LMT) batteries, including e-bikes, to enhance sustainability and traceability. This digital record, accessed via QR code, will contain detailed information on the battery's composition, carbon footprint, technical performance and lifecycle. With one year to go, various solutions and regulatory clarity for the e-bike market are beginning to take shape.