Meeting Standards, the European initiative created by Small Business Standards (SBS) which is dedicated to helping Small and Medium-sized Enterprises understand and benefit from standardisation, has issued a call for activities to be a part of the 2026 Meeting Standards Week.
Taking place from 22-30 June, Meeting Standards Week is a campaign specifically designed to raise awareness among SMEs about standards, and enabling them to discover how standardisation can help their business thrive. It was created based on a simple, but powerful, observation that SMEs are mostly absent from the standardisation tables and processes that impact their industries.
Standardisation has an effect on virtually every sector, and the light electric vehicle (LEV) is of course no exception. SBS has noted that SMEs often are lacking in the resources and confidence to engage with standardisation, and says of Meeting Standards Week that it “mobilises standards bodies and SME organisations from across Europe to organise a wide and diverse range of activities: workshops, webinars, roundtables, training sessions and networking events, all tailored to help small businesses understand the value of standards and take an active role in shaping them.”
Comments Off on Register to the EDU4Standards Training: Standards for SME Business Strategy – Learn the Essentials
Standards shape markets, drive innovation, and open doors, but for many SMEs, they still feel complex and out of reach. What if you could turn them into a strategic advantage?
Join the EDU4Standards online training “Standards for SME Business Strategy – Learn the Essentials” on 27 and 28 April 2026 (10:00–12:30 CEST) and discover the basics of standards and standardisation. In two dynamic, interactive sessions, you’ll gain a clear, practical understanding of how standards work, who shapes them, and, most importantly, how your business can benefit and get involved. No prior knowledge is needed.
Organised by SBS, of which LEVA-EU is a member, and Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in the context of the EDU4Standards project, this free training combines expert insights with real-world relevance. Whether you represent an SME, an SME organisation, or work closely with small businesses, this is your chance to build valuable knowledge around standards in just five hours.
The sessions take place online via Microsoft Teams, in English, and include interactive elements to keep learning engaging and practical.Places are limited, so don’t wait too long to secure your spot. Take this opportunity to demystify standards and discover how they can support your business growth!
Comments Off on SBS responds to the consultation on the revision of the New Legislative Framework
In February SBS, of which LEVA-EU is a member, submitted its reply to the European Commission public consultation on the revision of the New Legislative Framework (NLF). Since its creation, the NLF has played a central role in the achievement of the Single Market, providing a flexible framework that allows to cope with technological developments and bring lasting and tangible benefits to European SMEs.
SBS believes that the revision process of the NLF should maintain its overarching principles and proceed towards a moderate revision.
Furthermore, SBS believes that the provisions related to the CE marking are still appropriate. While acknowledging that there are cases where there can be confusion among consumers about the nature and scope of the CE marking, this does not seem to be a sufficient reason to eliminate a well-known, well-established system that is still serving its purpose.
However, the revision on the NLF must be an occasion to clarify and integrate certain definitions (such as “refurbishment“, “repair”, “reuse” and “substantial modification“) that are either absent or not fully clear and harmonised in the current NLF framework, along with clarifying the obligations and responsibilities of operators carrying out these activities.
With regards to the Digital Product Passport (DPP), which will be a centrepiece of the new revised NLF, SMEs have to be provided with guidance and clear compliance tools to make the DPP a success for EU citizens and all economic operators. Much stronger efforts are needed in terms of clarity and guidance to SMEs to make sure that such solutions can provide economic advantages and not, on the other hand, place excessive requirements that would put SMEs and microenterprises at a disadvantage vis á vis market surveillance authorities, other economic operators and customers.
The revision of the NLF is part of the Commission initiatives towards a future EU Product Act, which will also include the revised Standardisation Regulation and Market Surveillance Regulation (MSR). In this sense, SBS believes that the future revised Standardisation Regulation should remain as a standalone piece of legislation within the Product Act, while there could be merit in merging the future NLF and MSR together, provided that the new joint act is designed coherently and any overlaps and discrepancies are avoided.
Comments Off on Industry Poll on the Use of Flame Retardants in Light Electric Vehicle Batteries
IEC TC 21 – Joint Working Group 84, responsible for drafting an international safety standard for batteries used in Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs), is organising a short poll regarding the current use of flame retardants in LEV batteries. The objective of this poll is to better understand current industrial practices related to fire safety measures, in order to support technically sound and realistic standardisation work and safety requirements. This is a strong call to all companies, organisations and experts who hold relevant information on this topic to complete the poll below and forward it to: francois.rummens@ceb-bec.be. He’s responsible for this poll on behalf of IEC TC 21 JWG 84.
The results of this poll will be kept strictly confidential and will be reported to the IEC TC 21 JWG 84 experts only in an anonymized and aggregated form. No company names or identifiable information will be disclosed.
IEC TC 21 JWG 84 kindly asks you to provide, where applicable and according to your organization knowledge, answers to the following questions:
• Use of flame retardants in LEV batteries
◦ Battery enclosure / housing: ☐ Yes ☐ No
◦ Accessories, adhesives, potting or bonding materials: ☐ Yes ☐ No
◦ Liners, separators, wrapping foils or insulation layers: ☐ Yes ☐ No
• Fire safety standard(s) or requirement(s) achieved
(e.g. use of materials rated UL 94 V-0 @ 1.6 mm or equivalent)
– Please specify and comment if relevant.
• Fire hazard is addressed (fire scenario)
– Please specify and comment if relevant.
• Generic type(s) of polymer
(e.g. PP, PC, PA 6 …, plasticized PVC wrapping … PE based (copolymer) hot-melt adhesive …)
◦ Battery enclosure / housing:
◦ Accessories, adhesives, potting or bonding materials:
◦ Liners, separators, wrapping foils or insulation layers:
– Please specify and comment if relevant.
• Generic type(s) of flame retardant used
(e.g. metal hydroxides, brominated systems, phosphorus-based systems, intumescent compounds and/or coatings, Sb₂O₃ or other synergists)
◦ Battery enclosure / housing:
◦ Accessories, adhesives, potting or bonding materials:
◦ Liners, separators, wrapping foils or insulation layers:
◦ Printed circuit
– Please specify and comment if relevant.
Please comment also on the use of cells with “flame retarded” modified electrolyte (phosphor, fluorine, … based chemistry).
• Impact of the flame retardants used on polymers recyclability
– Please comment, if assessed or known.
• Documentation on safe charging and storage of battery in intended use
– Do you specify in your documentation do and don’t related to safe charging and storage of the battery
Feel free to provide François Rummens, francois.rummens@ceb-bec.be, (or forward the e-mail to) contacts outside your company or organization if you believe they may provide useful insight on the topic.
Thank you in advance for your valuable contribution to this standardisation effort!
Comments Off on LEVA-EU: Driving the Future of Light Electric Mobility in Europe
Over the past year—and indeed over many years—LEVA-EU and its members have worked together to fundamentally strengthen the position of light electric vehicles (LEVs) in Europe. Through focused advocacy, deep technical expertise, and sustained engagement with EU institutions and standardisation bodies, LEVA-EU has ensured that the voice of the LEV industry is heard where it matters most.
As the only European association fully dedicated to light electric vehicles in all their diversity, LEVA-EU plays a critical role in protecting the sector’s interests, shaping regulatory frameworks, and creating the conditions for innovation and fair competition. Our achievements to date, and our ambitious plans for the years ahead, demonstrate both the impact of our work and the value of being part of a strong, united industry platform.
Our Strategic Priorities for 2026
Looking ahead to 2026, LEVA-EU is further strengthening its capacity to support members and defend the future of the LEV sector.
From 1 January 2026, we will welcome two new colleagues, Laurent Guérisse and Luca Destro, who will focus specifically on member recruitment and enhanced membership services. This expansion marks the next step in the continued growth of the LEVA-EU team, allowing us to deliver even more targeted support while intensifying our advocacy at both EU and national level.
A central priority for 2026 will be the firm opposition to regulatory initiatives that threaten the viability of light electric vehicles. Proposals such as peak power limits, restrictive support ratios, or arbitrary methods for measuring maximum continuous rated power risk stifling innovation, distorting markets, and undermining the competitiveness of European LEV manufacturers—particularly in segments such as electric cargo cycles and advanced electric bicycles. LEVA-EU will continue to challenge these approaches with clear technical arguments and evidence-based policy input.
In parallel, we are advocating for the inclusion of L5, L6 and L7 light electric vehicles in policy measures currently aimed exclusively at electric cars. These vehicles are a vital part of the sustainable mobility ecosystem and must be recognised as such in incentive schemes and deployment strategies.
LEVA-EU will also maintain pressure on the European Commission to move towards a dedicated LEV Regulation—one that reflects the technical realities and market diversity of the sector—and to establish a dedicated consultation platform for LEV stakeholders. This is essential to ensure that future legislation is developed with, rather than about, the industry.
Additional priorities for 2026 include:
Further development of our internal Battery Working Group to support members on battery safety, compliance, and waste management.
Continued opposition to anti-dumping duties on components imported from China for the assembly of electric bicycles in Europe.
Ongoing monitoring and advocacy to keep EU and national policies aligned with the interests of the LEV sector.
Comprehensive legislative intelligence and hands-on guidance for our 65+ members to ensure regulatory compliance across Europe.
Delivering Tangible Results for the LEV Industry
LEVA-EU’s credibility is built on results. In recent years, our work has delivered concrete outcomes that benefit the entire sector.
Embedding Light Electric Mobility in EU Urban Policy
Within the European Commission’s Expert Group on Urban Mobility, LEVA-EU successfully secured the formal recognition of “light electric mobility” alongside walking and cycling in the Group’s Recommendations for Urban Mobility Policy. Crucially, these recommendations now explicitly call on the European Commission for harmonised technical legislation and dedicated standards for LEVs, developed in close consultation with the sector itself.
Progress Towards a Dedicated LEV Regulatory Framework
LEVA-EU has consistently pushed back against inappropriate legislative frameworks, working to exclude light electric vehicles from both the Machinery Directive/Regulation and Regulation (EU) 168/2013. At the same time, we continue to press the Commission to propose a dedicated LEV Regulation tailored to the specific characteristics of these vehicles.
Shaping Standards That Reflect Market Reality
Our association has played a decisive role in standardisation:
Contributing extensively to the EN 17860 standards for electric cargo cycles and trailers, now fully published.
Ensuring that Series Hybrid (SH) systems are properly addressed through close collaboration with members.
Actively participating in the systematic review of EN 15194 for EPACs, with continued advocacy for the inclusion of SH systems.
Representing LEV interests within CENELEC TC21X and successfully advocating within IEC TC125 for the creation of a joint Working Group.
Supporting the international revision of EN 50604-1+A1 to better align battery safety requirements with LEV applications.
Participating in CEN TC354-WG4 for the review of EN 17826.
Building Awareness and Capacity on Standardisation
Through close cooperation with Small Business Standards (SBS), LEVA-EU continuously informs members—particularly SMEs—about standardisation developments and their implications. Our regularly updated Briefing on Standardisation for Light Electric Vehicles has become a key reference point for the industry.
Influencing Battery and Waste Legislation
LEVA-EU is actively involved in the European Commission’s Waste Expert Group, contributing directly to the Implementing Acts under the new Battery Regulation. To translate these complex requirements into practical guidance, we have also established a dedicated internal working group focused on battery compliance and EN 50604-related challenges.
Defending Fair Trade Conditions
LEVA-EU has been at the forefront of engagement in EU anti-dumping and anti-circumvention cases affecting bicycle components from China and therefore also assembly of electric cycles in the EU. We have supported companies unfairly targeted by measures that fail to reflect the realities of the LEV supply chain, clearly communicating to EU institutions the structural lack of alternative component sourcing and the impracticality of certain origin and assembly requirements. Our ongoing advocacy seeks trade defence measures that protect European industry without causing unjustified disruption to the market.
Standing Firm Against Restrictive National Frameworks
At national level, LEVA-EU has actively opposed initiatives such as the proposed Dutch LEV framework, continuing to petition for its withdrawal due to its disproportionate and damaging impact on the sector.
Why Membership Matters
LEVA-EU’s work is made possible by its members. By joining and supporting the association, companies ensure that the LEV industry speaks with one strong, informed, and credible voice in Brussels and beyond. Membership means direct access to regulatory intelligence, technical expertise, and representation at the highest policy and standardisation levels—resources that no individual company could realistically replicate alone.
As the LEV sector continues to grow in strategic importance for Europe’s mobility transition, the need for effective, professional representation has never been greater. LEVA-EU stands ready to meet that challenge—together with its members.
Join us in shaping the future of light electric mobility in Europe.
For more details on LEVA-EU membership, contact Laurent Guérisse, laurent@leva-eu.com, or if your company is in Italy, contact Luca Destra, luca@leva-eu.com.
Comments Off on SBS comments on the revision of Regulation 1025/2012 on European Standardisation
Small Business Standards (SBS), the association which acts as the voice of European SMEs in the standardisation process, has shared its comments on the European Commission’s Call for Evidence on the revision of Regulation 1025/2012 on European Standardisation.
SBS states that it welcomes the “focus on ensuring that standardisation is accessible to EU SMEs and startups” stated by the European Commission in the call, and emphasises that this should be a primary policy objective of the revision.
The European Commission has published a report on the evaluation of Regulation 1025/2012, and an accompanying study, which together give an in-depth analysis of the state of the European Standardisation System (ESS) since entering into the force of the Regulation, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses. SBS states that it agrees there is a need to improve parts of the ESS, but comments that “the evaluation at times seems to underplay certain nuances and the tangible improvements achieved since the entry into force of the Regulation.”
LEVA-EU is a member of SBS; at present we have no further commentary available.
Comments Off on LEVA-EU Info-Session on EU Battery Regulation & ZIV-Proposal International Cargobike Festival
At the International Cargobike Festival (ICBF), LEVA-EU will host a free information session on the EU battery Regulation and the ZIV-proposal on Monday 13 October from 12:30 to 14:30 in Meeting Room 6. The meeting is free of charge for all interested professional visitors and press, but for practical reasons registration here, https://tinyurl.com/mpcjuf28, is required.
The regulatory landscape for e-cargo bikes is shifting on two fronts:
EU Battery Regulation: New obligations are phasing in step by step. Each guidance note and deadline clarifies what manufacturers and suppliers must do in practice.
EN 17860 series: For the first time, the sector has a comprehensive, purpose-built set of technical requirements and test methods for e-cargo bikes. Under the current Machinery Directive framework, this enables manufacturers to place demonstrably safe vehicles on the market.
At the same time, the ZIV proposal could push a large share of today’s e-cargo bikes out of the EPAC framework and intoRegulation (EU) 168/2013 type-approval—an ill-suited, moped-/motorcycle-oriented regime that would overhaul compliance pathways, add significant fixed testing and certification costs, and jeopardize the availability of many viable models.
What LEVA-EU will do at ICBF
Explain the changes: We’ll map the practical implications of the Battery Regulation, EN 17860-standards, and the ZIV proposal for manufacturers, importers, and suppliers.
Listen and collect input: Your operational realities—design choices, component sourcing, documentation, testing—will inform our advocacy.
Coordinate industry response: We’ll help align positions to protect fair, proportionate, and innovation-friendly rules.
Free information session (open to all professional visitors), please register here: https://tinyurl.com/mpcjuf28
LEVA-EU will host a free info meeting on standardisation and compliance, focusing on:
The Battery Regulation: upcoming obligations and what to prepare now
EN 17860: how to use the series to demonstrate safety and conformity
The ZIV proposal: risks of narrowing the EPAC definition and pushing innovative LEVs—such as e-cargo bikes and vehicles adapted for people with disabilities—into type-approval, with knock-on effects for costs, time-to-market, and inclusion
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. If you’d prefer, you can schedule an appointment in advance through the Conversation Starter app of ICBF.
Comments Off on Shaping the Future of Light Electric Vehicles: Why Your Involvement in Standardisation Matters
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
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.
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.