Revised European bicycle trailer standard

Source: SAZ Bike

A revised draft of the European bicycle trailer standard, EN 15918, has been published, introducing updated safety requirements for bicycle trailers, including new provisions covering wheel retention, visibility, braking warnings and compatibility with electrically assisted bicycles (EPACs). However, the draft’s coverage of modern cargo and logistics trailers remains limited.

The revision has been developed by the European standardisation working group CEN/TC 333/WG 1, Cycles for Common Use and Bicycle Trailers, and is intended to replace the existing EN 15918:2011+A2:2017 standard.

The updated document seeks to align bicycle trailer safety requirements with current European standards, including EN ISO 4210 for bicycles and EN 1888 for wheeled child conveyances, while reflecting advances in trailer technology and changing patterns of use.

Strengthening wheel retention and coupling safety

One of the most significant developments within the draft is the introduction of a dedicated section covering wheels and tyre assemblies.

For the first time, the standard references requirements contained within EN ISO 4210, including testing procedures for composite wheels, overpressure testing and enhanced user information.

The revision also addresses wheel retention security, recognising the growing use of quick-release mechanisms, thru-axles and tool-free removable wheels on modern bicycle trailers. The draft acknowledges the potential safety risks associated with incorrectly secured wheel attachments and proposes the development of dedicated requirements for wheel retention systems.

Greater recognition of e-bike usage

The revised standard also reflects the increasing use of bicycle trailers with electrically assisted bicycles, or pedelecs.

Manufacturers will be required to inform users that the use of trailers behind an EPAC may be subject to national legislation, recognising that trailers are now widely used with both conventional bicycles and electric-assist models across Europe.

Visibility and user safety requirements expanded

The draft further expands on requirements relating to trailer visibility.

Manufacturers must ensure trailers are fitted with front, rear and side reflectors, while providing clear guidance on the correct installation of lighting systems. Existing requirements for high-visibility safety flags remain unchanged, with minimum size and mounting height specifications retained.

In addition, new information requirements will require manufacturers to warn users that towing a trailer can increase braking distances. These warnings must be included both within operating instructions and on product labelling, highlighting the impact that additional loads can have on braking performance and overall handling.

Durability testing remains mostly unchanged

While several technical requirements have been updated, the draft retains the existing durability testing procedures.

Frame and chassis testing will continue to be conducted at 125% of the trailer’s rated load over 10,000 load cycles using 38mm obstacles at a speed of 12.5km/h.

Similarly, coupling systems must still withstand 100,000 load cycles under forces equivalent to plus or minus 4.5 times the trailer’s total weight.

Standard continues to exclude larger commercial trailers

Despite the proposed revisions, the scope of EN 15918 remains largely unchanged.

The standard continues to apply to two-wheeled bicycle trailers, child trailers carrying up to two children, and trailers with a maximum total mass of 60kg.

Single-wheel trailers, many bikepacking trailers, heavy-duty cargo trailers and commercial logistics trailers remain outside the scope of the standard, despite their growing use within urban freight and last-mile delivery operations.

Industry observers note that this leaves an important gap within a rapidly expanding sector, where higher payloads and different operating conditions present additional safety considerations.

As commercial cargo cycling continues to expand across Europe, further revisions are expected to be required to ensure future standards adequately address the evolving demands of professional transport and urban logistics applications.