Did you know that in foreign countries, compared with our domestic shared bicycles, people prefer to use shared electric scooters. So if a company wants to import electric scooters to the UK, how can they enter the country safely?
security requirements
Importers have a legal obligation to ensure that the products supplied are safe for use before placing electric scooters on the market. There must be restrictions on where electric scooters can be used. It will be illegal for consumer-owned e-scooters to be used on sidewalks, public sidewalks, bike lanes and roads.
Importers must ensure that the following basic safety requirements are met:
1. Manufacturers, their representatives and importers shall ensure that electric scooters comply with the requirements of the Machinery Supply (Safety) Regulations 2008. To this end, manufacturers, their representatives and importers must certify that electric scooters have been assessed against the most relevant safety standard BS EN 17128: Light motor vehicles intended for the transport of persons and goods and associated Type approval. Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEV) requirements and test methods NB: Standard for Personal Light Electric Vehicles, BS EN 17128 does not apply to electric scooters with a maximum design speed exceeding 25 km/h.
2. If electric scooters can be legally used on the road, it is only applicable to some electric scooters that have been manufactured in accordance with specific technical standards (such as BS EN 17128)
3. The manufacturer should clearly determine the intended use of the electric scooter at the design stage and ensure that the product is evaluated using relevant conformity assessment procedures. It is the importer’s responsibility to check that the above has been done (see last section)
4. Batteries in electric scooters must comply with appropriate battery safety standards
5. The charger for this product must comply with the relevant safety requirements for electrical equipment. Batteries and chargers must be compatible to ensure there is no risk of overheating and fire
label, including the UKCA logo
Products must be conspicuously and permanently marked with the following:
1. Manufacturer’s business name and full address and manufacturer’s authorized representative (if applicable)
2. The name of the machine
3. Name of series or type, serial number
4. Year of manufacture
5. From January 1, 2023, machines imported into the UK must be marked with the UKCA logo. Both UK and CE markings can be used if the machines are sold to both markets and have relevant safety documentation. Goods from Northern Ireland must bear both the UKNI and CE markings
6. If BS EN 17128 has been used to assess compliance, electric scooters should also be marked with the name “BS EN 17128:2020″, “PLEV” and the name of the series or class with the highest speed (for example, scooters, Class 2, 25 km/h)
Warnings and Instructions
1. Consumers may not be aware of the difference between legal and illegal use. The seller/importer is obliged to provide information and advice to consumers so that they can use the product legally
2. The instructions and information required for the legal and safe use of electric scooters must be provided. Some descriptions that must be provided are listed below
3. Specific ways to assemble and use any folding device
4. The maximum weight of the user (kg)
5. The maximum and/or minimum age of the user (as the case may be)
6. Use of protective equipment, e.g. head, hand/wrist, knee, elbow protection.
7. The maximum mass of the user
8. Statement that the load attached to the handlebar will affect the stability of the vehicle
certificate of compliance
Manufacturers or their UK authorized representatives must demonstrate that they have carried out relevant conformity assessment procedures to ensure that their products are safe for use. At the same time, a technical document must be drafted, including documents such as risk assessment and test report.
Afterwards, the manufacturer or his UK authorized representative must issue a Declaration of Conformity. Always request and check these documents thoroughly before purchasing an item. Copies of documents must be retained for 10 years. Copies must be provided to market surveillance authorities on request.
The declaration of conformity shall contain the following items:
1. The business name and full address of the manufacturer or its authorized representative
2. The name and address of the person authorized to prepare the technical documentation, who must be resident in the UK
3. Description and identification of the electric scooter, including function, model, type, serial number
4. Confirm that the machine meets the relevant requirements of the regulations, as well as any other relevant regulations, such as battery and charger requirements
5. Reference to the test standard for assessing the product, such as BS EN 17128
6. The “name and number” of the third-party designated agency (if applicable)
7. Sign on behalf of the manufacturer and indicate the date and place of signing
A physical copy of the Declaration of Conformity must be provided with the electric scooter.
certificate of compliance
Goods imported into the UK may be subject to product safety checks at the border. A number of documents will then be requested, including:
1. A copy of the declaration of conformity issued by the manufacturer
2. A copy of the relevant test report to prove how the product was tested and the test results
3. The relevant authorities may also request a copy of a detailed packing list showing the quantity of each item, including number of pieces and number of cartons. Also, any markings or numbers to identify and locate each carton
4. The information must be provided in English
certificate of compliance
When purchasing products you should:
1. Buy from a reputable supplier and always ask for an invoice
2. Make sure the product/package is marked with the name and address of the manufacturer
3. Request to view product safety certificates (test certificates and declarations of conformity)