What is E&E Micromobility

E&E (Electrical and Electronics) Micromobility covers compact, electric-powered devices intended for short-distance travel.
Below are the several different types of micromobility products.

• E-bikes: Bikes with electric-assist with a pedal or throttle.
• E-Scooters: Stand up scooters equipped with electric motors.
• E-Cargo Bikes: Bikes designed to transport cargo with added electric assistance.
• Hoverboards: Self-balancing, motorized boards.
• Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs): Small, electric-powered vehicles like golf carts.
• Electric Motorcycles: Compact motorcycles for urban use, powered by electricity only.
• Electric Skateboards: Skateboards with motorized propulsion systems.

Classification of Micromobility Bicycles

There are different regulations and classifications for micromobility bicycles that vary globally, setting speed, power and structural standards for different categories. Depending on the part of the world, every micromobility has different classification.

United States

• Class 1: eBikes that are pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and have a maximum assisted speed of 20mph.
• Class 2: eBikes that also have a maximum speed of 20 mpg, but are throttle-assisted.
• Class 3: eBikes that pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph.

Europe

• L1e-A (Powered Cycles): Max 1kW, up to 25 km/h.
• L1e-B (Mopeds): Max 4kW, up to 45km/h.
• L2e (Three-Wheel Mopeds): Same as L1e-B, but with three wheels.
• L6e(light quadricycles): 450 kg max, 45km/h for commercial/utility uses.

Australia

• Power-Assisted Pedal Cycle: Max 200W motor output
• Pedelecs: Max 250W, speed limited to 25km/h

The Different Use of E&E Micromobility

Personal Use

As sustainability becomes a priority within this world, urban consumers increasingly prefer micromobility solutions. Personal-use micromobility devices, including electric scooters, bikes, skateboards, and even one-wheel devices, are becoming increasingly popular for individual transportation.

These devices offer people an easy, convenient, and environmentally friendly way to navigate short commutes or urban settings without rely on cars or public transit. Riders should wear helmets, follow local laws, and stay mindful of pedestrians and road traffic. Regular maintenance is also important to keep devices in top shape, ensuring they are safe and reliable.

Shared Micromobility (SMM)

SMM services, is a new way to get around the city that uses dockless e-bikes, dockless e-scooters and station-based e-bike shared systems in cities across Europe and North America. These devices are often operate by companies that provide fleets available for ren from mobile apps, where users can locate and unlock a device, ride to their destination and leave it there for the next user. 
 
Safety standards are critical to the success of shared micromobility programs. Devices testing is essential to ensure that e-scooters, e-bikes and other vehicles meet safety standards and durability requirements. Compliance with local regulations, such as speed limits, maximum power output, and helmet laws, helps improve safety for users and pedestrians.

Last-Mile Delivery 

Micromobility devices such as e-bikes and cargo bikes, are transforming last-mile delivery by providing efficient and eco-friendly solutions that help companies navigate logistics in condense urban areas. These compact vehicles are perfect for maneuvering through congested city streets, allowing for faster delivery times while significantly reducing carbon emissions. As more consumers prioritize sustainability in e-commerce, micromobility vehicles stand out as a way for companies to meet eco-conscious demands and streamline operations in densely populated areas.

Testing helps confirm that micromobility devices meet standards for electrical safety, battery integrity, structural durability, and impact resistance. Since these devices often rely on powerful battery systems to enable long delivery routes, testing for battery safety under extreme conditions such as heavy usage, charging cycles, and exposure to weather elements is critical to prevent overheating, short circuits, and fires.

Standards for E&E Micromobility Products

Safety standards are essential to ensure that micromobility devices meet operational, structural, and environmental safety requirements. Below are more details of the standards. 

United States 

ANSI/CAN/UL 2849: Electrical Systems for eBikes.
ANSI/CAN/UL 2271: Batteries for Use in Light Electric Vehicle Applications.
ANSI/CAN/UL 2272: Electrical Systems for Personal E-Mobility Devices.

Europe 

EN 15194: Cycles – Electrically Power Assisted Cycles – EPAC Bicycles
EN 17128: Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEV)
EN 17860: Carrier cycles

Why Are These Standards Important

As micromobility continues to evolve, it brings both opportunity and responsibility. Consumers, manufacturers, and governments must work together to ensure the safe integration of these vehicles into daily life. By understanding classifications, use cases, legislations, and safety standards. These regulatory measures ensure E&E micromobility products meet rigorous safety and quality benchmarks, securing consumer trust and supporting their continued adoption of day to day use.

About ACT Lab

ACT Lab is an independent third-party ISO/IEC 17025 testing laboratory and ISO/IEC 17065 certification body specializing in consumer product safety and compliance. Specialties include mechanical and chemical testing of bicycles, bicycle components, e-bicycles and accessories, helmets and head protection, scooters, sporting goods, children’s products, toys, outdoor industry products and more. Founded in 2008 with operations in USA, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Czech Republic, ACT Lab allows customers to deliver safer, more reliable products more effectively and consistently to market. For more information, please visit act-lab.com.

About COTECNA

COTECNA is a leading provider of testing, inspection, and certification services. We offer solutions to facilitate trade and make supply chains safer and more efficient for our clients. Our trusted network of professionals and certified laboratories provide expertise across five key sectors: government & trade solutions, agriculture, food safety, minerals & metals, and consumer goods & retail. Founded in Switzerland in 1974, COTECNA started off as a family business and has now grown to become a world-class international player with over 5,000 employees in more than 100 offices across approximately 50 countries.  For more information, please visit cotecna.com.