The EC has published TRL’s Study on the need for harmonised rules to support the rise of micro mobility and increased road safety for personal mobility devices

As the UK moves closer towards e-scooter and other micro-mobility devices legislation, the European Union faces a different challenge: inconsistent regulatory approaches across member states.

A comprehensive study, conducted by TRL in collaboration with fka for the European Commission, has highlighted the benefits and feasibility of harmonised regulations for Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) across Europe.

The report, titled Study on the Need for Harmonised Rules to Support the Rise of Micromobility and Increased Road Safety for Personal Mobility Devices, lays out a clear roadmap for achieving a unified approach.

Key recommendations include:

1. Establish a New PMD Vehicle Category

• Separate from the L-category for motor vehicles.
• Defined by safety-critical factors: a maximum speed of 25 km/h and a maximum laden weight of 250 kg.

2. Future-Proofed Classification System

• Avoid rigid classifications to accommodate innovation.
• Implement a universal approval system for all PMDs.

3. Performance-Based Standards

• Embed a performance-based not featured-based approach, testing and approving devices on the basis of their safety performance not the size of their wheels or the angle of the handlebars.
• Replace outdated power limits with a maximum acceleration limit of 2 m/s² under all load conditions.

4. Safety-Driven Technical Requirements ·Incorporate additional detailed technical requirements for key aspects including (but not limited to) structural integrity, battery safety and anti-tampering, building on existing standards like EN 17128 and 15194).

The Benefits of Harmonisation:

• Harmonised micromobility regulations would provide numerous advantages for stakeholders, including:
• Manufacturers: A single product design could meet EU-wide standards, reducing costs and fostering innovation.
• Distributors: Streamlined processes for importing and selling PMDs across the EU. ·Rental Operators: Economies of scale and reduced overheads through common fleet standards.
• Law Enforcement: Standardised metrics for assessing PMDs on roads and at borders.
• National Authorities: Reduced regulatory burden with a consistent EU framework.
• Consumers and Users: Higher safety standards and greater confidence in product quality.

Dr Ianto Guy, Vehicle Safety Engineer at TRL, and Lead Author of the report said: “The safety of micromobility devices is paramount. The clear winners from this approach are ultimately the users (along with other road users), who benefit from all PMDs having a baseline level of road safety. The market is currently fragmented and the range in quality of designs is substantial. Our proposed PMD framework serves not only to simplify the approvals process for a broad range of personal mobility devices but also to support improved quality, safety and consumer confidence in the products coming to market”.

Dr George Beard, co-author of the report and Head of New Mobility at TRL, added: “To combat climate change we need to generate massive shifts in behaviour, and providing compelling alternatives to the car is crucial. Micromobility as a broad vehicle category has tremendous potential to transform the way we move people and goods, but we need the right underlying regulatory framework in place to support adoption of these products and ensure safety for users. We want to encourage innovation whilst also ensuring adequate checks and controls on underlying road safety performance are in place. Our proposal aims to achieve this balance.”

A Vision for the Future

While achieving full regulatory harmonisation across Europe may take years, the report serves as a practical framework for policymakers. Its recommendations could also inspire similar approaches in other international jurisdictions, paving the way for safer, more sustainable transport systems worldwide.