Inspector's Encyclopedia | Electric Bicycle Inspection Methods and Export Standards

1. Core items of electric bicycle inspection

Inspection must cover three modules: safety testing , mechanical performance , and electrical systems , specifically including:

1. Vehicle safety testing

   • Braking performance : Braking distance and response time must meet the target market standards.

   • Pedaling capability : The vehicle can still be pedaled normally even when the power is off.

   • Structural test : inspection of pedal clearance, vehicle body protrusions, and verification of insulation performance after water spraying/wading (insulation resistance ≥ 1MΩ after wading) 7 10 .

2. Machinery safety testing

   • Frame/fork strength : vibration and impact test (such as hitting a rigid block at 25km/h, repeated 10 times) 7 .

   • Reflectors and lighting : Night visibility meets standards, lighting brightness ≥ 200cd (EU) 7 .

3. Electrical safety testing

   • Wiring installation : No exposed wires, short circuit protection function is effective (automatic power off in case of overcurrent).

   • Battery and charger : overcharge/overdischarge protection, temperature protection (-20℃~60℃ normal charging and discharging), battery cycle life ≥500 times2 4 .

   • Fire retardant : Plastic parts have passed UL94 V-0 combustion test (USA) 2 .

4. Packaging and transportation testing

   • Drop test : According to ISTA 1A standard (dropped 10 times on one point, three sides and six surfaces), the packaging is not damaged1 4 .

   • Label scanning : the barcode information is consistent with the product, and the outer box mark is printed clearly4 .

2. Export to European Standard (EN 15194:2017)

The EU mandates compliance with the harmonized standards of the Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC). The core provisions include:

1. Basic parameters

   • Voltage ≤ 48V DC, power ≤ 250W;

   • When the speed is ≥25km/h, the motor power will be automatically cut off;

   • Saddle height ≥635mm 1 8 10 .

2. New technical difficulties

   • Risk assessment (EN ISO 12100) : It is necessary to analyze the risks of the entire product life cycle (for example, chain drives need to be equipped with chain guards to prevent pinching) 1 8 .

   • Control system safety level (PLr) : Assess the performance level according to EN ISO 13849-1 and record it1 .

3. Test scope

   • Mechanical safety (EN14764:2005), electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), electrical circuit safety 7 10 .

Certification process : provide samples → laboratory testing (mechanical/EMC/electrical) → issue EN15194 test report → CE mark 3 10 .

3. Export to the US Standards (UL 2849 & Amazon's New Regulations)

Amazon will require UL 2849 certification (covering electric bicycles, scooters, etc.) starting in 2025:

1. Electrical safety core tests

   • Overcharge/short circuit protection : Automatically cut off the power when the charging voltage is ≥1.1 times, and cut off the circuit 2 4 instantly when short circuit occurs.

   • Temperature adaptability : -20℃ low temperature start-up, high temperature heat dissipation meets the standard (shell temperature ≤80℃) 4 .

   • Waterproof grade : IPX4 (can be used in rainy days) 2 .

2. Amazon compliance requirements

   • The report must be issued by an ISO 17025 certified laboratory6 ;

   • The product page must be marked with: UL file number, rated voltage, production batch code4 ;

   • Instructions in 13 languages (including battery safety guide) 4 .

3. Other regulations

   • Motor power ≤ 750W (1 horsepower), pure electric drive speed ≤ 20mph (about 32km/h) 4 ;

   • Complies with 16 CFR 1512 (Bicycle Structural Safety) 9 .

4. Comparison of key differences between European and American standards

5. Summary of Inspection Process

1. Pre-inspection : Check the accessories list (such as battery/controller model), label and packaging consistency.

2. Field test :

   • Functional test (brake/power off/speed cut off);

   • electrical safety (battery protection, wiring);

   • Mechanical strength (frame impact, load bearing).

3. Document review :

   • Europe: EN15194 test report, CE certificate;

   • USA: UL 2849 report (ISO 17025 laboratory), multi-language manuals 4 6 .

Note : The new EU Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 has come into effect in 2023, requiring an additional battery carbon footprint declaration7 .

Products exported to the European and American markets must be designed strictly in accordance with the standards of the target country, with particular attention paid to electrical safety and local certification to avoid returns or removal from shelves due to compliance issues.