Cargo Bike Safety Standard: EN 17860

Cargo bikes have become an increasingly popular solution for urban transportation, offering an eco-friendly and efficient means to transport goods and passengers. To ensure the safety, reliability, and performance of these vehicles, standardized regulations are essential. One such standard is EN 17860, developed to address various aspects of cargo bike design and usage. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of EN 17860 by addressing the following questions:

1. What is EN 17860, and which country’s standard is it?

EN 17860 is a European Standard developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) under Technical Committee CEN/TC 333, which focuses on cycles. As a European Standard, it is not specific to any single country but is intended for adoption across all member countries of the European Union (EU) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). This standard provides guidelines and requirements for the design, safety, and performance of carrier cycles, commonly known as cargo bikes.

2. Why was this standard introduced?

The introduction of EN 17860 was driven by the rapid growth of the cargo bike market and the need for a unified framework to ensure safety and performance across Europe. Prior to EN 17860, manufacturers primarily relied on national standards like Germany’s DIN 79010:2020, which, while comprehensive, were not applicable across all EU countries. This lack of harmonization led to inconsistencies in safety and performance criteria. EN 17860 aims to standardize these aspects, facilitating safer designs, promoting consumer confidence, and supporting the broader adoption of cargo bikes for both personal and commercial use. 

3. Which types of vehicles does it primarily target?

EN 17860 encompasses a wide range of cargo bikes, addressing various configurations and capacities. The standard is divided into several parts, each focusing on specific types of carrier cycles:

• Single-track carrier cycles: These are two-wheeled cargo bikes designed for transporting goods or passengers.

• Multi-track carrier cycles: This category includes three- or four-wheeled cargo bikes, offering greater stability and load capacity.

• Heavyweight multi-track carrier cycles: Designed for substantial loads, these bikes can handle weights up to 650 kg, making them suitable for heavy-duty commercial applications.

• Electrically assisted carrier cycles: Cargo bikes equipped with electric assistance to aid the rider, especially useful when transporting heavier loads or navigating challenging terrains.

• Trailers: Cargo trailers designed to be attached to bicycles, expanding their carrying capacity.

By covering this broad spectrum, EN 17860 ensures that safety and performance standards are maintained across various cargo bike designs and uses.

4. What are the main contents of EN 17860?

EN 17860 is structured into multiple parts, each addressing different facets of cargo bike design and functionality. The key components include:

• Part 1: Terms and Definitions: Establishes a common vocabulary related to safety and performance requirements for the design, assembly, and testing of carrier cycles.

• Part 2: Lightweight Single-Track Carrier Cycles – Mechanical and Functional Aspects: Specifies mechanical and functional requirements for two-wheeled cargo bikes, including aspects like frame strength, braking systems, and stability.

• Part 3: Lightweight Multi-Track Carrier Cycles – Mechanical and Functional Aspects: Focuses on three- or four-wheeled cargo bikes, detailing requirements to ensure their safe operation and durability.

• Part 4: Heavyweight Multi-Track Carrier Cycles – Mechanical and Functional Aspects: Addresses the specific needs of heavy-duty cargo bikes, emphasizing structural integrity and load-bearing capabilities.

• Part 5: Electrical Aspects: Covers the electrical components of electrically assisted cargo bikes, including motor power management, battery safety, and electrical circuit requirements.

• Part 6: Passenger Transport: Provides guidelines for cargo bikes designed to carry passengers, ensuring safety features are in place for both the rider and passengers.

• Part 7: Trailers: Outlines safety and performance standards for cargo trailers intended to be attached to bicycles.

Each part includes detailed requirements and test methods to assess compliance, ensuring that cargo bikes meet consistent safety and performance criteria across Europe. 

5. What other regulations exist for cargo bikes in the EU?

In addition to EN 17860, other standards and regulations pertain to cargo bikes within the EU:

• DIN 79010:2020: A German national standard that defines requirements and test methods for transport and cargo bicycles used to transport goods and persons. While comprehensive, its applicability is primarily within Germany.

• EN 15194: This European Standard applies to Electrically Power Assisted Cycles (EPACs), specifying safety requirements and test methods for bicycles equipped with electric motors. However, it primarily focuses on city and trekking bikes and does not fully address the unique characteristics of cargo bikes.

• ISO 4210: An international standard specifying safety requirements for bicycles, covering aspects like frame durability and braking performance. Similar to EN 15194, it is more suited to standard bicycles and does not encompass the specific needs of cargo bikes.

The development and adoption of EN 17860 aim to fill these gaps by providing a dedicated standard that addresses the unique design, safety, and performance considerations of cargo bikes used across Europe.