MEP Manuela Ripa (PPE) has asked the European Commission to clarify its plans for introducing harmonised charging and battery systems for light means of transport (LMTs) such as e-bikes and e-scooters, warning that market fragmentation is driving up consumer costs and electronic waste. In a written parliamentary question dated 23 June 2026, Ripa points to Recital 41 of the Batteries Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, which calls on the Commission to assess how harmonised standards for common chargers for LMT batteries can be introduced.
She notes that no concrete proposals have been submitted so far and asks three specific questions: what steps the Commission has taken since the regulation entered into force; whether it intends to introduce EU-wide mandatory standards or interoperability requirements and on what timeline; and how it assesses the impact of non-interoperable systems on e-waste, consumer costs, and public charging infrastructure. The question signals a push for regulatory action to prevent waste and reduce costs for consumers and the growing LMT sector. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks, and its answer will indicate whether it plans to move toward mandatory harmonisation or continue relying on voluntary industry standards. If adopted, mandatory standards would benefit consumers through lower costs and convenience, and reduce e-waste, but could impose compliance costs on manufacturers, particularly smaller producers, and potentially slow innovation in charging technology.