MEPs Cavedagna and Nesci (ECR) Press Commission on E-Scooter Safety and Fake E-Bikes

Two Italian MEPs from the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group have asked the European Commission to clarify how it plans to address safety gaps in the regulation of personal mobility devices (PMDs) such as e-scooters and illegally souped-up e-bikes, which they say pose risks to consumers and other road users.

In a written parliamentary question submitted on 10 April 2026, Stefano Cavedagna and Denis Nesci point out that millions of PMDs sold in the EU fall outside vehicle type-approval rules (Regulation (EU) No 168/2013) and are only covered by the Machinery Directive, which does not set road safety requirements like braking, lighting, speed limitation or anti-tampering. They also flag a growing influx of electric bicycles sold as pedal-assisted but capable of 50–85 km/h, effectively functioning as unregistered mopeds without insurance, helmet or licence obligations.

The MEPs note that a November 2024 study by TRL/fka, commissioned by the Commission, documented fraudulent CE certifications and recommended a universal EU PMD approval scheme. In December 2025, 16 Member States called for an EU-wide framework. The question asks three things: what tools market surveillance authorities have under Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 to intercept non-compliant PMDs sold online; whether the Commission considers the Machinery Regulation adequate for devices used daily on public roads; and whether the Commission will include PMD harmonisation in its 2027 work programme.

The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will signal whether it plans to propose new harmonised rules, potentially affecting manufacturers, online platforms, national enforcement authorities and the millions of EU consumers who use these devices.