Tag Archive: Standardisation

  1. Shaping the Future of Light Electric Vehicles: Why Your Involvement in Standardisation Matters

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    The Light Electric Vehicle (LEV) industry has gained strong momentum in Europe. From e-bikes and cargo cycles to e-scooters and self-balancing transporters, new innovative solutions are emerging that can transform mobility and logistics sustainably—helping to tackle climate change.

    Yet, as the sector grows, so does the complexity of ensuring these vehicles meet legal safety, performance, and interoperability requirements. European and international standards play a central role, helping the industry translate regulatory requirements into concrete technical specifications and testing procedures.

    For LEV companies—whether startups, scale-ups, or established businesses—the stakes have never been higher. Standards define compliance, provide legal certainty, shape market access, and influence innovation. Yet, too few businesses recognize the critical role of standardisation in their success—or the risks of staying on the sidelines. Many lack a global overview of standardisation efforts and, more importantly, do not fully understand the relationship between legislation and standardisation.

    This is where LEVA-EU steps in. As the European trade association for the LEV sector, LEVA-EU represents companies in key standardisation committees, ensuring their voices are heard. But we cannot do it alone. The industry must engage proactively to ensure standards remain accurate, practical, forward-looking, and aligned with technological advancements. Here’s why your participation in standardisation matters—and how LEVA-EU is already driving change.


    Why Standardisation Matters for LEV Companies

    Standards are the backbone of the LEV industry. They ensure safety for users and for companies, market access, legal certainty, and fair competition. However, standard-setting without proper industry input can lead to consequences that impact companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in specific ways:

    • Barriers to market entry: Standards shaped by larger players without SME involvement may favour established technologies or impose costly compliance requirements, making it harder for smaller companies to compete.
    • Increased operational costs: SMEs often operate with limited resources, and sudden regulatory changes can require expensive adaptations, including new certifications, testing, or redesigns.
    • Delayed innovation: If standards fail to accommodate emerging technologies, SMEs may struggle to bring innovative solutions to market, losing valuable time and competitive advantage.
    • Legal and regulatory risks: Misaligned standards can result in SMEs unintentionally falling out of compliance, exposing them to fines or liability issues.

    For SMEs, proactive engagement in standardisation—for instance through LEVA-EU or direct involvement—can mitigate these risks and ensure that their interests are represented.

    By engaging in standardisation, companies gain early insights into standardisation trends, influence the direction of new requirements, and future-proof their products. LEVA-EU bridges the gap between businesses and policymakers in standardisation, amplifying our collective impact.


    LEVA-EU’s Key Standardisation Initiatives

    LEVA-EU actively participates in five critical Technical Committees (TCs) and their Working Groups (WGs). Here’s how we are involved in shaping standards today:

    CEN/TC 333 – Cycles

    • WG 5: Electric Power-Assisted Cycles (EPACs) – Overseeing EN 15194, the key standard for EPACs and the only LEV standard harmonized under the Machinery Directive. LEVA-EU advocates for a clear, technology-neutral standard that fosters innovation while preventing overregulation.
    • WG 9: Carrier Cycles – Developing safety and load-testing standards for cargo bikes, trailers, and passenger transport solutions.

    CEN/TC 354 – Ride-on, Motorized Vehicles

    • WG 4: Light Electric Vehicles & Self-Balancing Vehicles – Updating standards for e-scooters and self-balancing vehicles to counter fragmented national regulations.

    CLC/TC 21X – Secondary Cells and Batteries

    • Updating the EN 50604, the battery standard for LEVs and currently also developing performance and durability requirements aligned with the EU Battery Regulation.

    CEN/TC 125 – e-Transporters

    • Standardisation for electric transport devices (e.g., e-scooters, delivery robots) in public spaces. Bram Rotthier, LEVA-EU’s technical director is secretary to this TC.

    ISO/TC 149/SC1 – Cycles (International)

    • Aligning EU and international cycle standards to reduce trade barriers.


    How LEVA-EU Members Stay Ahead

    Membership in LEVA-EU isn’t just about representation—it’s about access and preparedness. LEVA-EU provides:

    • Regular updates on draft standards and committee discussions
    • Analysis of impacts on your product category
    • Opportunities to voice concerns through our technical experts
    • Collaboration with SBS, the voice of European SMEs in standardisation. As an SBS-expert, Eddie Eccleston works in TC333 to safeguard SME interests.


    Your Seat at the Table

    The LEV industry cannot afford to overlook standardisation. Standards will define tomorrow’s winners and losers. By joining LEVA-EU, you gain:

    • Influence over standards that affect your business
    • Early warnings about regulatory shifts
    • A network of peers navigating the same challenges

    Don’t let others decide your future. Join LEVA-EU today and ensure your innovations thrive in a regulated world. Together, we’ll build standards that work for our industry—not against it.

    LEVA-EU: Empowering Your Innovation Through Smarter Standards.

    Learn more about membership benefits at leva-eu.com.

  2. Light electric vehicle charging solutions: the need to adapt to regional requirements and drive standardisation

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    Source: ETAuto

    The necessity of urgently addressing the optimisation of LEV charging solutions was addressed at the 9th edition of ETAuto Conclave in New Delhi.

    The urgent need to optimise charging solutions for light electric vehicles (LEVs) was a key topic at the 9th edition of the ETAuto Conclave, held in New Delhi on December 11-12, 2024. As LEVs continue to gain global traction due to their sustainability and efficiency, the industry faces significant challenges in developing effective charging infrastructure that accommodates diverse regional requirements and fosters global standardisation.

    At the event, Kevin Ng, Chief Strategy Officer and Group Vice President of Chogori Technology, underscored the importance of adapting to the evolving LEV landscape. He highlighted that charging infrastructure varies widely across regions, reflecting differences in LEV adoption rates, vehicle types, and local policies.

    Importance of meeting regional needs

    One key consideration is addressing regional charging needs. For example, battery swapping has emerged as a popular solution in India and China, offering quick turnaround times for users and catering to the demands of motorcycle taxi drivers in Africa. Local infrastructure plays a critical role as well. In Southeast Asia and Africa, extreme weather conditions necessitate the use of waterproof connectors designed for durability and resilience. Meanwhile, Europe and Japan are seeing the development of fast-charging infrastructure, often equipped with connectors that support higher amperage to meet growing demand.

    Standardisation challenges

    However, the absence of global standardisation remains a notable hurdle. While some regions have adopted Type 6 and Type 7 connectors, a universally accepted standard has yet to be established. This fragmentation requires charging providers to supply solutions tailored to each market while simultaneously contributing to efforts aimed at creating global standards.

    Ng acknowledged this dynamic, stating, “We don’t set any of these standards. We just work on supporting the market and the customers based on what they need us to do”

    His comments reflect the industry’s balancing act between meeting immediate market demands and promoting long-term standardisation.

    As the global LEV market continues to expand, the evolution of charging infrastructure will be critical to supporting increased adoption. Standardisation, in particular, is seen as essential to creating a more streamlined and efficient path to global mobility. By addressing both regional needs and universal requirements, the LEV industry is poised to drive sustainable growth and innovation.

  3. LEVA-EU & SBS Announce Further Webinars on Standardisation for Light Electric Vehicles

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    LEVA-EU and SBS are excited to announce two more upcoming webinars on standardisation for the light electric vehicle (LEV) sector. These webinars will be held on Thursday, 28 November, and Friday, 13 December, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM. These sessions are part of LEVA-EU and SBS’s ongoing efforts to empower stakeholders in the LEV industry with vital insights into the standardisation process.

    The two webinars will cover critical standardisation topics such as:
    • The development and approval of standards
    • The relationship between standards and legislation
    • How companies can engage in the standardisation process
    Key discussions will also include updates on the new EU Machinery Regulation, Battery Regulation, and the latest amendments to the EN15194 standard for EPACs.

    Registration and Participation
    Participation in the webinars is free of charge, but advance registration is required. Secure your spot here: https://shorturl.at/lG2Fv. Upon registration, participants will receive a link to join the webinar shortly before the event.

    Free Briefing on Standardisation

    In collaboration with SBS, LEVA-EU has published a comprehensive briefing on standardisation, covering essential information for the LEV sector. This resource is available for free and can be accessed here: https://vqr.vc/Ejy0eaDbu.

    Partnership with SBS: Supporting SMEs in Standardisation
    LEVA-EU has strengthened its commitment to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by collaborating with Small Business Standards (SBS). Together, they aim to ensure that SMEs are well-informed and active participants in the standardisation process. This partnership highlights LEVA-EU’s dedication to creating a more inclusive and transparent standardisation system.

    Meeting Standards
    The webinar on Thursday 28 November is part of Meeting Standards, a European initiative organised by SBS and dedicated to helping SMEs understand and benefit from standardisation.

    The initiative aims to:
    • Increase awareness: Educate SMEs about the importance of standardisation and its impact on their businesses.
    • Foster engagement: Encourage SME participation in the standards development process.
    • Share knowledge: Keep SMEs informed about the latest standardisation developments relevant to their industries.
    • Build community: Connect SMEs and standardisation organisations across Europe.

    The complete agenda of the Meeting Standards Week is here: https://shorturl.at/Dly9Y

    Contact Information for the LEV Standardisation Webinars
    For more information, please contact:
    Annick Roetynck
    LEVA-EU Manager
    ✉️ annick@leva-eu.com

    Join us to gain expert insights and stay ahead in the evolving LEV sector!

  4. ICBF organisers reflect on impactful 2024 edition in Utrecht

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    The organisers of the International Cargo Bike Festival (ICBF) are looking back on a successful 2024 edition. The event, which took place for the first time in the world-renowned cycling city of Utrecht, the Netherlands on the 25th and 26th October, attracted a diverse range of exhibitors. Alongside the expo and test track, visitors were also treated to a jam-packed programme discussing topics relevant to cargo bikes, with panels and speakers drawn from across the globe, plus several side-events. Also striking was the number new products or even brands unveiled at the ICBF. Yet more exhibitors made their Netherlands debut at the show, with ICBF attendees the first to experience these new developments up close. With the introduction of zero-emission zones from 1 January 2025, these developments are more relevant than ever.

    Networking

    With free entry on offer, around eight hundred visits were made to ICBF 2024 across the two expo days. The event drew together the cargo bike industry’s top innovators, experts, and enthusiasts, as well as policymakers and both dealers and every-day users of cargo bikes. Networking was also high on the agenda, with 200 people using matchmaking tool ‘Conversation Starter’ to connect with other attendees and schedule appointments.

    More quality, more impact

    “For those familiar with larger shows like Eurobike and Velofollies, our visitor numbers may seem modest by comparison,” explains ICBF Co-organiser Tom Parr “but they reflect a dedicated and highly engaged audience focused specifically on cargo bikes. Our approach has always been different. What matters to us are quality and impact; not quantity. And by making sure exhibitors and visitors can interact in a relaxed environment, the result for both is a higher quality level of contact. Real conversation, real connection, building those all-important relationships. This allows exhibitors to explain their offerings and listen to visitors’ needs, while visitors feel heard and informed; making them more likely to buy the cargo bike or accessory that fits their requirements. It’s win-win, and often makes more actual impact.”

    “Our communications also support this approach”, adds Parr. “By constantly engaging with our audience online, they show up to the ICBF clued-up and inspired. In other words, they already know what questions to ask. That online engagement also means that the brands we work with also get a lot of exposure to the people who can’t make it to the show.” And with exhibitors reporting several bikes sold from the expo floor at ICBF 2024, it’s a blueprint that seems to work.

    Plenty of ideas for 2025

    “A lot of people also mentioned the high quality of the exhibitors, attendees, speakers and panel discussions this year”, says ICBF Director Jos Sluijsmans. “When we reflect on the 2024 edition, what lingers most of all is the positive atmosphere at the event; something that we ourselves greatly value.”

    Sluijsmans points to the changes made for the 2024 edition – returning to a standalone event; two expo days instead of three; free visitor entrance; and a new venue – saying that they are based on direct feedback from previous years. “Several exhibitors told us that they noticed we have really listened to them”, explained Sluijsmans. “We do our best to incorporate their opinions when we make improvements the ICBF. We don’t just organise the show for ourselves; it is for the manufacturers, speakers, visitors and ultimately to create better cities for all.”

    “It’s our job now to go away, evaluate and come back even better next year. We already have lots of ideas for 2025, but more importantly, we will be asking both exhibitors and visitors to tell us what they think worked and what could be improved. In the meantime, Tom and I would like to thank the exhibitors, speakers, moderators, and behind-the-scenes contributors – they know who they are. Without them, ICBF 2024 wouldn’t have been able to happen. We’re grateful to them all.”

    LEVA-EU Session on Standardisation

    LEVA-EU actively participated in the ICBF with a well-attended booth and an informative session on standards for electric cargo bikes. This was the second of four standardization sessions that LEVA-EU is organizing this year in collaboration with SBS. Those who missed the previous sessions at Eurobike and ICBF can still attend on either November 28 or December 13, both at 9 AM. These sessions will last two hours and will take place online. They will cover standardization not only for electric cargo bikes but for all light electric vehicles. LEVA-EU will soon launch online registration for these two meetings, but you may want to mark these dates in your calendar already.

  5. Last Call: LEVA-EU Info-Session on Standardisation at International Cargobike Festival

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    At the International Cargobike Festival (ICBF), LEVA-EU will host a free information session on standardisation on Friday 25 October from 12:00 to 14:00. The meeting is free of charge for all interested professional visitors and press, but for practical reasons registration here, https://shorturl.at/6lVzJ, is required. The session will guide participants through the intricacies of standardisation, including how standards are developed, approved, and connected to legislation, as well as how companies can get involved in the process.

    The aim of this meeting is to familiarise participants with all aspects of standardisation. Attendees will learn how standards are developed and approved, how they relate to legislation, and how companies can be directly or indirectly involved in the standardisation process. In addition, LEVA-EU will provide a comprehensive overview of the current standards for e-carrier cycles.

    The new Machinery Regulation and Battery Regulation issued by the EU last year will also be discussed. The meeting will explain how these regulations intersect with existing standards. Moreover, under the new Battery Regulation, the European Commission has tasked CENELEC with developing a series of new standards for batteries used in light transport vehicles. These as well as the amendment to EN15194 for EPACs, which introduces new battery requirements, will also be covered. Attendees will have ample time to ask questions.


    In addition, with the support of SBS, LEVA-EU has published a detailed briefing on standardisation. This document is available for free via this QR code.

    LEVA-EU will be offering both hot and cold beverages during the meeting. However, please note that no food will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own lunch, which can be purchased from the food stalls available at the exhibition.

    LEVA-EU will be present at ICBF on both days with a booth. We warmly invite you to stop by if you have any questions regarding electric carrier cycles, light electric vehicles, LEVA-EU membership, or relevant rules and legislation. On Friday, both LEVA-EU’s Technical Director, Bram Rotthier, and Manager, Annick Roetynck, will be available. On Saturday, Annick Roetynck will be there to assist you. If you’d prefer, you can schedule an appointment in advance: https://calendly.com/annick_leva-eu/eurobike-meeting.”

    Access to the International Cargo Bike Festival is free, but visitors are requested to register in advance on this webpage: https://shorturl.at/71roZ

  6. IEC TC125 calls for Battery Experts

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    TC125 of the International Electric Committee (IEC) is dedicated to the development of standards for e-transporters. A while ago, the TC decided to investigate existing battery standards and requirements with a view to developing appropriate requirements for batteries use in personal e-transporters, such as self-balancing vehicles and e-scooters. That work is being carried out as a Preliminary Work Item (PWI) 125-4. The project leader of this PWI, Wangtan Yuan, has now launched the following call for additional experts to join this battery project.

    Project Overview

    Objective: To develop appropriate safety requirements for batteries used in personal e-transporters, such as self-balancing scooters or electric scooters.

    Scope: Identifying safety risks, evaluating current standards, and formulating appropriate safety requirements

    Goal: To provide a scientific and practical basis for international standardization in the field of batteries for personal e-transporters

    Expertise Sought: We are looking for industry professionals with expertise in battery technology and safety for personal e-transporters as well as in consumer safety

    Expert Responsibilities: Experts are expected to engage in online/f2f (if possible) discussions, to provide professional insights based on their expertise and to assist in drafting the proposal

    How to Join If you are interested in contributing to the project: 1) Contact your national standardisation institute to join IEC TC125 WG1 2) Send an introduction email to: Wangtan Yuan (Project Leader): wangtan.yuan@ninebot.com, to François Rummens (Assistant Secretary of IEC/125): francois.rummens@ceb-bec.be.

    We look forward to collaborating with you to enhance the safety of personal e-transporters globally. 

    Wangtan Yuan,
    Project Leader

    LEVA-EU is also part of IEC TC125. You’re welcome to contact technical director, Bram Rotthier, bram@leva-eu.com, if you have further questions on the procedure to join and on the functioning of TC125.

  7. LEVA-EU and SBS Unveil LEV-Standardisation Briefing at Eurobike

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    At Eurobike, LEVA-EU and SBS joined forces to offer professional visitors comprehensive information on standards for electric (cargo) cycles, e-scooters, and self-balancing vehicles. The event’s highlight was a lunch meeting on Thursday, July 4th, where experts from LEVA-EU and SBS presented the latest developments in standardisation work and introduced an extensive briefing on LEV-standardisation.

    About LEVA-EU

    LEVA-EU is the European trade association dedicated to companies in the light electric vehicle (LEV) sector. Covering all LEVs both within and outside the scope of Regulation 168/2013, LEVA-EU is the only professional association in the EU exclusively focused on LEVs. These vehicles range from e-scooters and e(cargo)cycles to e-mopeds, e-motorcycles, and microcars. Currently, LEVA-EU represents around 70 companies active in all LEV segments, including component manufacturers and service suppliers.

    The trade organisation provides its members with critical information and guidance on LEV regulations and legislation. Additionally, LEVA-EU advocates for better legislation and regulations directly with European institutions.

    LEVA-EU’s Expert Involvement in Standards Development

    LEVA-EU has three experts actively participating in European and international technical committees (TC) on LEV standards:

    • Annick Roetynck, LEVA-EU Manager, focuses on CEN TC333 – cycles, actively participating in WG5-EPACs and WG9-(e) carrier cycles.
    • Bram Rotthier, LEVA-EU Technical Director, is heavily involved in IEC TC125, where he contributes to the development of standards for eTransporters. As the secretary of this TC, he plays a particularly prominent role.
    • Eddie Eccleston has been an SBS expert in CEN TC333 cycles for years, with a specific mandate from SBS to protect the interests of SMEs in the development of standards.

    LEVA-EU’s direct involvement in these committees ensures that the standards and regulations developed are practical and beneficial for the LEV sector.

    Strengthening SME Focus: LEVA-EU and Small Business Standards

    To bolster its support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), LEVA-EU joined Small Business Standards (SBS) last year. SBS is a European non-profit association co-financed by the European Union and EFTA Member States. Its mission is to represent and defend SMEs’ interests in the standardisation process at both European and international levels. SBS also aims to raise SME awareness about the benefits of standards and to encourage their participation in the standardisation process. The establishment of SBS aligns with the European Union’s goal to make the standardisation system inclusive, transparent, and accessible.

    Successful Standardisation Information Meeting at Eurobike

    At Eurobike, LEVA-EU and SBS organised a highly successful information meeting on standardisation, attracting over 100 registrations. The purpose of the meeting was to familiarise participants with various aspects of standardisation, including:

    • How standards are developed and approved
    • The relationship between standards and legislation
    • Ways in which companies can be involved in the standardisation process, directly or indirectly

    LEVA-EU and SBS provided an extensive overview of the current standards for e-scooters, self-balancing vehicles, EPACs, and e-cargocycles. Key points covered included:

    • The new EU Machinery Regulation and Battery Regulation issued last year
    • The relationship between these regulations and the relevant standards
    • The European Commission’s mandate to CENELEC to develop new standards for batteries used in light means of transport
    • The latest amendment to the EN15194 standard for EPACs, which includes new battery requirements

    Extensive Briefing on Standardisation

    With the support of SBS, LEVA-EU has published a detailed briefing on standardisation. This comprehensive resource is now available for free, accessible via the following link: https://vqr.vc/Ejy0eaDbu.

    By joining forces with SBS and organising such informative events, LEVA-EU continues to empower SMEs in the LEV sector, ensuring they are well-informed and actively engaged in the standardisation process.

    Upcoming Webinars on Standardisation

    The information meeting on standardisation will repeated in the autumn with three webinars. The dates for these webinars will be announced at the end of August.

    For more information, please contact: Annick Roetynck, LEVA-EU Manager, annick@leva-eu.com.