First-ever Regulations Introduced for Cargo Bike Makers

Europe Introduces New Safety Standards for Cargo Bikes to Boost Quality and Consumer Confidence

DELFT, the Netherlands – In response to growing concerns over cargo bike safety, European regulators have established a comprehensive set of standards to ensure higher quality and reliability across the industry. The move follows high-profile incidents involving frame failures and recalls, which have shaken consumer trust in these increasingly popular vehicles.

Addressing Safety Concerns

Last year, cargo bike safety came under intense scrutiny after reports of spontaneous frame breakages in Babboe models, along with recalls from brands like Vogue and Carqon. These incidents highlighted the need for stricter manufacturing guidelines, particularly as cargo bikes—used to transport children and heavy goods—carry greater risks than standard bicycles.

The new European Cargo Bike Standard aims to prevent such issues by setting clear safety and durability benchmarks. However, experts clarify that the initiative was already in development long before these incidents, reflecting the market’s rapid growth rather than a direct reaction to recent failures.

A Five-Year Collaborative Effort

More than 100 industry experts—including manufacturers, testing institutes, government bodies, and universities—have spent the past five years drafting the standards. The Netherlands Standardisation Institute (NEN), overseeing the process, emphasizes that cargo bikes require unique regulations due to their distinct design and usage.

"A cargo bike is completely different from a regular bicycle," explains Joost Witsenburg, a consultant at NEN. "They handle heavier loads, face different stresses, and often carry children. With their rising popularity, it was essential to create clarity for manufacturers and consumers."

What the Standards Cover

The framework comprises seven chapters, five of which have already been published, with the remaining two expected by September 2024. Key areas include:

1. Terminology & Definitions – Standardizing industry language.

2. Lightweight Two-Wheelers – For models under 250kg.

3. Multi-Wheel Cargo Bikes – Addressing stability and load distribution.

4. Heavy-Duty Commercial Bikes – Ensuring durability for business use.

5. Electrical Systems – Battery safety and motor performance.

6. Passenger Transport – Seat attachments and child safety.

7. Trailers – Compatibility and structural integrity.

Why Compliance Matters  

While the standards are not legally mandatory, manufacturers who ignore them risk serious consequences. "If an accident occurs and your bike doesn’t meet these guidelines, you’ll have a hard time in court," Witsenburg notes. The rules serve as a benchmark for liability, helping companies demonstrate due diligence in product safety.

For retailers, the standards mean better-quality products on shelves, reducing the risk of recalls. Testing agencies like EFBE and Velotech, which helped draft the rules, will use them to certify bikes before they hit the market.

A Sign of a Maturing Market

The introduction of these standards signals the cargo bike industry’s evolution from a niche market to a mainstream transportation solution. "This is about filtering out subpar products," says Witsenburg. "Manufacturers now have clear guidelines, and consumers can trust that certified bikes meet high safety criteria."

As Europe pushes for greener urban mobility, ensuring the safety and reliability of cargo bikes will be crucial. With these new standards, the industry aims to rebuild trust and encourage wider adoption of these eco-friendly vehicles.

Final publication of all chapters is expected by September, after which the standards will apply across the EU.

Article source: BIKE-EU