Beginning in 2026, the European Union will implement revised safety and technical requirements for electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters, based on an updated EN 12184 standard and additional supplementary provisions. These regulations introduce stricter compliance obligations for wheelchair manufacturers exporting to Europe. Baichen’s regulatory affairs team has identified three major changes that most directly affect both producers and users.

1. Speed Limits Now Depend on Usage Mode

Previous EU regulations set relatively generous speed thresholds, typically between 6 and 15 km/h. The 2026 rules introduce a scenario‑based speed classification:

Indoor operation: Strictly capped at ≤6 km/h, requiring activation via a physical switch or software lock to prevent accidental misuse.

Sidewalk or bicycle lane operation: Maximum speed limited to 12 km/h, aligning with recent traffic law revisions in France and Germany.

Assisted pushing mode: With motor support engaged, speed cannot exceed 6 km/h, and the motor must cut power within one second after the user releases the push handles.

2. Stronger Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Immunity Requirements

As electric wheelchairs incorporate more advanced controllers, lithium‑ion battery management systems, and wireless communication modules, they become increasingly susceptible to electromagnetic interference. The updated 2026 standards expand the EMC immunity test frequency range from the old 30 MHz–1 GHz to 80 MHz–2.7 GHz, and add the following:

Radiated immunity field strength: Increased from 10 V/m to 20 V/m to simulate interference from powerful sources such as 5G base stations and wireless charging pads.

Electrostatic discharge (ESD): Contact discharge at ±8 kV and air discharge at ±15 kV; during testing, the wheelchair must show no unintended acceleration, abrupt braking, or steering loss.

Conducted immunity: New surge protection requirements for events that occur when connecting or disconnecting on‑board chargers.

3. More Demanding Slope Parking and Anti‑Rollback Performance

Given the hilly terrain of many European cities (e.g., Lisbon, Edinburgh), the revised standards redefine expectations for slope performance:

Static parking on an incline: The required gradient increases from 8° to 12° under full load. The wheelchair must remain stationary without any slippage for 30 minutes on a wet, smooth test surface.

Dynamic start on a slope: The wheelchair must be capable of starting smoothly from a standstill on a 10° ramp, with backward rollback limited to no more than 100 mm.

Baichen’s Proactive Approach to Compliance

The transition period for these new regulations ends on December 31, 2025. After that date, any new batch of electric wheelchairs entering the EU market must be certified under the updated rules. Baichen has already worked with TÜV SÜD and SGS to conduct pre‑certification testing on 11 of its models, and has set up a monthly tracking system to monitor any further standard amendments.

Ultimately, these tighter requirements reflect a stronger industry commitment to user safety. Baichen will keep investing in regulatory research and advanced engineering to ensure that every wheelchair exported to Europe not only meets the new standards but also provides an outstanding user experience. For detailed test reports or technical inquiries, please visit the official Baichen website.

Baichen is dedicated to providing safer, more convenient smart mobility solutions to users around the world 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

Service09@baichen.ltd

www.bcwheelchair.com