European Commission publishes report on harmonized standards for personal mobility devices
Last November, the European Commission released a new report titled “Study on the Need for Harmonized Rules to Support the Growth of Micro-mobility and Improve Road Safety for Personal Mobility Devices.” The document is an important step in addressing the regulatory challenges related to Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) and promoting uniform regulation across the European Union.
The Firm’s Objectives
The report, conducted in collaboration with the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) and fka GmbH, explored various aspects related to the regulation of PMDs, with the aim of improving road safety and facilitating market access. Key objectives of the study include:
- Classification of personal mobility devices to identify common design elements.
- Analysis of market trends to identify devices that would benefit most from harmonized rules.
- Assessment of safety implications, based on incident data and other sources.
- Examination of the impact of regulatory fragmentation on market development.
- Proposed regulatory options for technical safety requirements.
The study involved a wide range of stakeholders, a review of national and EU regulations, and an in-depth analysis of accident data, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of PMD issues.
The proposed regulatory options
The report then proposes four possible approaches to harmonize rules on personal mobility devices:
- Maintain the current regulatory framework, leaving regulations in the hands of individual member states.
- Amend the Rules and Regulations (UE) n. 168/2013 To include personal mobility devices.
- Create specific approval schemes for particular groups of PMDs.
- Develop a single universal approval framework for all personal mobility devices.
The recommended solution: a single, harmonized framework
According to the study’s findings, the fourth option offers the greatest benefits while limiting market disruptions. Indeed, a single framework of harmonized rules would allow:
- Facilitate market access for PMDs in different member states.
- Promote road safety by reducing the risks associated with the use of these devices.
- Incentivize environmental sustainability by encouraging a transition to greener forms of mobility.
This approach aims to ensure that personal mobility devices meet uniform technical standards and consistent traffic rules, facilitating their safe and widespread adoption throughout Europe.
Toward a sustainable and secure future
The need for harmonized rules reflects the rapidly developing market for personal mobility devices, which includes electric scooters, hoverboards and other micro-mobility tools. With the growing popularity of these means, it is critical to address safety issues and regulatory fragmentation to ensure responsible and sustainable use.
The European Commission’s proposal is therefore a crucial step toward more inclusive, safe and environmentally friendly mobility. If adopted, the single regulatory framework could not only improve road safety but also stimulate innovation and competitiveness in Europe’s micro-mobility sector.
The full Study is available by clicking here.
Source: EU Urban Mobility Observatory
