European Commission hosts Personal Mobility Devices workshop
On 14 September 2022, the Commission will hold a workshop on the technical requirements and road safety of personal mobility devices (PMD).
As Annick Roetynck, Manager of LEVA-EU, points out, “PMD include all electric cycles, including cargo bikes and speed pedelecs, e-scooters, self-balancing vehicles, electric skateboards, etc.”
The workshop aims to exchange with authorities and stakeholders on national rules to regulate the safety and approval mechanisms of personal mobility devices such as e-scooters, cargo bikes or self-standing devices and to share best practices on the preferred way to introduce common rules. We will also gather views and information at the event in light of the impact assessment the Commission will launch in 2023.
Registration for the workshop – a hybrid event and will take place both in Brussels and online – is open until 8 September, 12:00 CEST.
The LEVA-EU raises concerns that whilst previously regulation outlined a position which concluded: ‘In our view this new system for the regulation and approval of PMDs would provide the flexibility necessary to support innovation in this rapidly evolving sector, while maintaining technical standards and road safety.’ this new workshop “seems to focus one-sidedly on e-scooters.”
Of further concern: “…before the Commission enters into discussion with the participants, only 1 e-scooter manufacturer is allowed to comment on technical aspects and regulatory compliance.”
Content for the workshop can be found here.
The Light Electric Vehicle Association (LEVA-EU) has previously called for changes in regulations which seriously hinder manufacturers of eMobility solutions.
