New EU Electric Wheelchair Regulations Set to Take Effect in 2026—Maximum Speed, EMC, and Ramp Parking Emerge as Three Key Focus Areas

Starting in 2026, the European Union will officially implement revised safety and technical standards for electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters (based on EN 12184 and newly added supplementary clauses). These new regulations impose stricter compliance requirements on Chinese wheelchair brands exporting to the European market. Baichen’s regulatory research team has promptly analyzed the three core changes to assist industry partners and users in preparing well in advance.

Change 1: Graded Limits on Maximum Speed ​​for More Precise Road-Use Compatibility

The previous standards imposed relatively broad limits on the maximum speed of electric wheelchairs (typically ranging from 6 to 15 km/h). The new 2026 standards introduce a "scenario-based speed classification" system for the first time:

Indoor Mode: A mandatory speed limit of ≤ 6 km/h is enforced, requiring activation via a physical switch or software lock to prevent accidental operation;

Sidewalk/Bicycle Lane Mode: The maximum speed must not exceed 12 km/h (aligned with the latest traffic regulations in France and Germany);

Assisted Pushing Mode: With motor assistance engaged, the speed must not exceed 6 km/h; furthermore, power assistance must cease within one second of the user releasing the push handles.

Change 2: Significant Enhancement of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Immunity Levels

With the increasing integration of controllers, lithium-ion battery management systems (BMS), and wireless modules, electric wheelchairs have become more susceptible to electromagnetic interference. The new 2026 standards expand the electromagnetic immunity test frequency range from the previous 30 MHz–1 GHz to 80 MHz–2.7 GHz, while introducing the following additional requirements:

Radiated Immunity Field Strength: Increased from 10 V/m to 20 V/m (simulating high-interference environments such as 5G base stations and wireless charging devices);

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD): Contact discharge ±8 kV, air discharge ±15 kV; during testing, the wheelchair must not exhibit unintended acceleration, sudden stops, or loss of steering control;

Conducted Immunity: New protection requirements have been added to address voltage surges occurring during the connection and disconnection of on-board chargers. Change 3: Stricter Requirements for Ramp Parking and Anti-Slip Performance

Addressing the urban environments of Europe characterized by numerous slopes (such as Lisbon and Edinburgh), the new standards redefine the ramp performance requirements for electric wheelchairs:

Static Parking Slope: The requirement has been raised from the previous 8° to 12° (under full load conditions), necessitating that the device remain stationary—without any slippage—for 30 minutes on a wet, smooth test surface.

Dynamic Start Slope: The wheelchair must be capable of smoothly initiating movement from a complete standstill on a 10° ramp, with any backward slippage limited to a maximum of 100 mm.

Baichen’s Initiative: Proactive Compliance to Facilitate Global Market Entry

The transition period for the new standards concludes on December 31, 2025; thereafter, all new batches of electric wheelchairs entering the EU market must undergo certification in accordance with the new regulations. Baichen has already partnered with certification bodies such as TÜV SÜD and SGS to complete pre-testing for 11 distinct models, and has established a monthly tracking mechanism to monitor standard updates.

At its core, this upgrade in standards represents a heightened commitment to user safety. Baichen will continue to invest in regulatory research and advanced technical development to ensure that every wheelchair exported to Europe not only meets the required standards but also exceeds expectations. For detailed test reports or technical consultations, please visit the official Baichen website.

Baichen is dedicated to leveraging innovative technology and user-centric design to provide global users with safer, more convenient, and intelligent mobility solutions. For more product information and mobility guides, please visit the official Baichen website.

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