Starting in 2026, the European Union will roll out its updated safety and technical specifications for electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters, based on a revision of EN 12184 along with additional supplementary clauses. These new rules place higher compliance demands on wheelchair brands exporting to Europe. Baichen's regulatory team has broken down the three most consequential changes to help industry players and end users get ready in time.
Change 1: Speed Limits Now Tied to Operating Scenarios
Earlier EU standards set fairly broad speed caps, generally between 6 and 15 km/h. The 2026 framework introduces a "use‑case dependent speed classification":
Indoor use: Hard limit of ≤6 km/h, which must be enforced via a physical switch or software locking mechanism to avoid unintended operation.
Footpath/cycle lane use: Maximum speed not exceeding 12 km/h, bringing the rule in line with recent traffic code updates in France and Germany.
Assisted walking mode: Motor‑assisted speed ≤6 km/h, with power cut‑off occurring within one second after the user releases the push handles.
Change 2: Stricter Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Immunity Norms
As electric wheelchairs become more integrated—incorporating sophisticated controllers, lithium‑ion battery management systems, and wireless modules—their vulnerability to electromagnetic interference has grown. The new 2026 standards expand the EMC immunity test frequency range from the previous 30 MHz–1 GHz to 80 MHz–2.7 GHz, and introduce additional requirements:
Radiated immunity field strength: Raised from 10 V/m to 20 V/m, simulating interference from strong sources like 5G base stations and wireless charging pads.
Electrostatic discharge (ESD): Contact discharge ±8 kV, air discharge ±15 kV; during testing, the wheelchair must not show unintended acceleration, sudden braking, or loss of steering.
Conducted immunity: New protections against surge events when connecting or disconnecting on‑board chargers.
Change 3: Tougher Slope Parking and Anti‑Rollback Performance
Reflecting the hilly urban landscapes found in many European cities (e.g., Lisbon, Edinburgh), the revised standards redefine slope‑related performance expectations:
Static parking on a slope: The required incline has been increased from 8° to 12° under full load. The wheelchair must remain stationary without slipping for 30 minutes on a wet, smooth test surface.
Dynamic start on a slope: The wheelchair must be able to start smoothly from a complete stop on a 10° ramp, with backward rollback limited to no more than 100 mm.
Baichen's Response: Staying Ahead Through Proactive Compliance
The transition period for the new regulations ends on December 31, 2025. After that date, every new batch of electric wheelchairs entering the EU market must be certified according to the updated rules. Baichen has already collaborated with TÜV SÜD and SGS to conduct pre‑certification tests on 11 of its models, and has established a monthly tracking mechanism to monitor any further standard revisions.
Ultimately, these stricter requirements reflect a deeper commitment to user safety. Baichen will continue to invest in regulatory research and advanced engineering to ensure that every wheelchair exported to Europe not only meets the new standards but also delivers a superior experience. For detailed test reports or technical consultations, please visit the official Baichen website.
Baichen is dedicated to offering safer, more convenient smart mobility solutions to users worldwide through innovative technology and human‑centered design. For more product information and travel guidance, please visit the Baichen official website.
Ningbo Baichen medical Devices Co.,LTD.,
+86-18058580651
Baichenmedical.com
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