A new study commissioned by the European Commission is calling for harmonised regulations for Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) across Europe.
The report, conducted by transport consultancy TRL in collaboration with automotive research institute fka GmbH, suggests that inconsistent rules among EU member states are hindering safety improvements and market growth.
The study proposes creating a dedicated PMD vehicle category, distinct from motor vehicles, with a maximum speed of 25 km/h and a weight limit of 250 kg. It also recommends replacing outdated power limits with an acceleration cap of 2 m/s² and adopting performance-based safety standards rather than prescriptive design requirements.
Dr. George Beard, Head of New Mobility at TRL and a co-author of the report, highlighted the potential benefits of a unified approach.
“In developing this framework we have aimed to strike a balance between ensuring adequate mitigation of key safety issues whilst also supporting innovation in future. We believe this approach, if implemented, can bring a range of benefits to users, manufacturers, operators, distributors, law enforcement agencies and national authorities,” he told Zag Daily.
The study identifies several advantages of harmonisation, including reduced costs for manufacturers, streamlined processes for distributors, and consistent safety standards for consumers.
The report’s recommendations aim to balance safety with innovation by addressing issues such as battery standards, structural integrity, and anti-tampering measures while allowing flexibility for future developments in the sector.
While achieving regulatory alignment across Europe could take years, the study provides a framework that could influence policymakers and potentially inspire similar approaches in other regions. Beard described it as a necessary step to unlock micromobility’s potential while ensuring safety for users.
