Enhancing Micromobility Vehicle Regulation and Certification:
Exploring Different Models and the CREDZ Solution
By Stephen Coulter, Co-Founder of Zipidi Micromobility and CREDZ
Executive Summary:
Micromobility vehicles, such as electric bikes and scooters, have become increasingly popular as a mode of transport. However, the rapid growth of these vehicles has led to safety concerns, particularly related to low-quality, non-compliant vehicles, batteries and uncertified components. The lack of comprehensive regulation and certification processes has hindered effective control.
Different countries have adopted various regulatory models for micromobility vehicles. For example, Australia’s model is governed by the Federal Government, but each state can have its own specifications, leading to confusion and limited enforcement. Spain has introduced strict standards, but the lack of direct links between certifications and individual vehicles poses challenges.
Singapore has been an early adopter of micromobility regulations, with comprehensive standards and strict enforcement. However, improvements can be made to increase weight limits for vehicles, implement a secure recording system for serial numbers, and ensure provable authentication of certifications.
The CREDZ solution offers an innovative way to verify product authenticity and compliance with regulations using patented imaging technology and computer vision. By scanning a CREDZ image with a mobile phone, users can instantly verify a product’s legitimacy and regulatory adherence. This solution promotes safety, reduces risks associated with non-compliant components, and fosters a more trustworthy micromobility market.
By implementing the recommended improvements and adopting the CREDZ solution, countries can enhance their micromobility regulations, ensuring safer and more sustainable transportation options for users.
This article explores and compares in detail the Australian, Spanish and Singaporean approaches to regulating micromobility vehicles. A truly effective method has yet to be implemented, and we discuss how CREDZ can be used in any market to provide proven authentication of vehicles, key components and their certifications.
We will be adding further countries to this analysis. Please add a comment with a country you would like to see reviewed.
Introduction:
Micromobility vehicles, particularly electric bikes and scooters, have witnessed a remarkable surge in popularity, emerging as one of the fastest-growing modes of transport. This rapid growth has led to a proliferation of diverse vehicle models and core components, such as batteries. While many micromobility vehicles adhere to high-quality and safety standards, there are instances of poorly-built vehicles that utilise low-grade batteries and cells. Alarmingly, incidents of lithium-ion battery fires have been predominantly linked to using cheap, uncertified batteries, highlighting the urgency for comprehensive regulation and certification processes.
The path to effective regulation has been hindered by slow government response, with manufacturers often tasked with ensuring compliance rather than a robust regulatory framework inspecting vehicles and certifications. Nevertheless, some countries are taking proactive steps towards ensuring safer micromobility practices. For instance, Spain has recently introduced new standards that mandate vehicles to be tested at specific laboratories and receive a government certification of compliance with Spanish regulations. This certification entitles the vehicle to be listed on a designated government website. At the same time, non-compliant models have a moratorium until January 2027, after which all existing and new vehicles must adhere to Spanish regulations.
Safety stands as the paramount reason behind the establishment of vehicle specification standards.
These standards encompass various elements such as design, manufacturing, materials, features, and performance to ensure the creation of safe and reliable vehicles. Common components of specifications include vehicle speed limits, effective brakes, lights, weight restrictions, and battery standards.
However, the complexity arises from variations in specifications across different countries and even within individual states. Consequently, manufacturers face the challenge of configuring their vehicles to comply with multiple markets or incorporating adaptable technology to meet diverse compliance requirements.
In addition to specifications, certifications are vital in ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. A single micromobility vehicle may require multiple certifications to meet the regulations of various countries. Moreover, certifications must be regularly updated when a model undergoes changes or when a specified time limit expires. Yet, this essential process is marred by counterfeit certifications flooding the market, raising concerns about their authenticity and reliability.
Crucially, certifications are currently conducted at a model level, overlooking the need for a link to each device’s unique serial number. This missing link in most government processes and regulations presents a challenge to ensure traceability and authenticity.
To address these pressing issues, this article delves into three different regulatory models, evaluating their effectiveness and proposing a model enhanced by CREDZ. CREDZ offers a groundbreaking solution that authenticates certifications and links them to individual vehicle serial numbers, paving the way for a best-practice future regulatory model in the realm of micromobility vehicles.
The Australian Model for Micromobility Vehicle Regulation
The regulatory landscape for micromobility vehicles in Australia is governed by the Federal Government, which sets overall vehicle standards. However, a significant drawback of this model is that State Governments can deviate from the Federal specifications. As a result, the lack of harmonisation between states has led to confusion for manufacturers, retailers, and end-users alike.
The core Federal specifications, last updated in July 2021, provide a reasonably progressive framework for Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs). According to these specifications, a PMD is defined as a device that:
(a) is designed to carry one person only; and
(b) has one or more wheels; and
(c) is propelled by an electric motor; and
(d) has an effective stopping system, including one or more of the following:
(i) brakes;
(ii) gears;
(iii) motor control; and
(e) is not capable of exceeding 25 km/h on level ground when propelled by the motor; and
(f) has a footprint of no more than 1250 mm by 700 mm; and
(g) is not more than 1350 mm in height; and
(h) has an unladen mass of 60 kg or less; and
(i) is not equipped with:
(i) any object or fitting not technically essential to the device that protrudes from any part of the device in a manner that likely increases the risk of bodily injury to any person; or
(ii) any object or fitting that, because it is pointed or has a sharp edge, likely increases the risk of bodily injury to any person.
One strength of Australia’s definition lies in its non-vehicle specific nature. Instead of being limited to a particular type of vehicle, like scooters, any device that meets these parameters can be classified as a PMD, including scooters, skateboards, electric unicycles, one wheels, and others.
However, a notable weakness in the Australian model is the stringent 1250 mm length restriction. More than 30% of new electric scooter models exceed this limit. Longer scooters often offer enhanced safety features due to larger wheels and bigger decks, providing greater stability and improved handling over bumps and potholes.
Some safer models, like the UK Swifty scooter or the Razor EcoSmart Cargo scooter, are currently illegal in Australia due to this limitation.
The lack of stringent enforcement hampers the effectiveness of Australia’s specifications. The process for vehicle manufacturers or importers involves confirming that their PMD qualifies as a “Non Road Vehicle” based on Federal regulations. A mere $55 fee allows them to apply for an “Advisory Notice,” supported by the manufacturer’s declared vehicle specifications, to confirm compliance. However, this process relies heavily on goodwill, with little inspection conducted by government bodies to verify the vehicles’ specifications and performance.
Upon importation, documentation is typically checked, but the vehicles themselves inside the container are rarely inspected against the manifest. Even if they were, Australian Border Force would not necessarily know if the specifications were consistent with the Advisory Notice.
After release, enforcement becomes the responsibility of various government agencies and departments:
The Australia Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) handle issues related to product legality, faults, and consumer claims.
State Police forces enforce regulations set by individual states.
Each state retains the ability to vary or reject specifications altogether, leading to inconsistent standards across the country.
Considering the strengths and weaknesses, Australia’s regulatory system receives a National Specifications score of 7/10. However, the system’s overall effectiveness garners a mere 2/10 due to limited enforcement and varying state standards. As a result, the overall score for Australia’s Micromobility Vehicle Regulation stands at 4/10.
Australia’s Scorecard
National Specifications: 7/10
Effective Control: 2/10
Overall: 4/10
Three Key Improvements for Australia’s Micromobility Vehicle Regulation and Enforcement
- Harmonise Australian and State Laws to National Standards:
Australia could take significant strides in improving micromobility regulation by harmonising Australian and State laws to a unified National standard. This includes reevaluating the length restriction currently in place for Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs). By removing this limitation, safer and more contemporary PMDs can be legally ridden, benefiting both users and the overall safety of micromobility in the country. - Establish a Formal Approval System and Database for PMDs:
Following the lead of countries like Spain and Singapore, Australia should implement a formal approval system and establish a comprehensive database of approved PMD models. This database should be easily accessible to the public on the Internet, promoting transparency and accountability. Additionally, all imported PMDs should be mandatorily linked to approved models at the serial number level, ensuring only compliant devices are allowed for sale and usage within the country. - Provable Authentication of Certifications and Model Linkage:
To further enhance the integrity of the regulatory process, Australia should require that all PMD certifications be provably authenticated and directly linked to approved models. This measure would instil confidence in consumers and authorities alike, as it provides verifiable evidence of compliance with safety standards and regulations. A robust authentication system will help prevent the sale and use of non-compliant or potentially dangerous PMDs, promoting a safer and more secure micromobility landscape.
By implementing these three changes, Australia can significantly improve the regulation and enforcement of safe micromobility vehicles, fostering a safer, more sustainable, user-friendly transportation ecosystem.
The Spanish Model for Micromobility Vehicle Regulation
Spain implemented new standards for Personal Mobility Vehicles (PMVs) in January 2022, introducing a certification requirement for all new PMDs sold in the country starting on 22 January 2024. An existing vehicle moratorium for non-compliant PMVs will continue until January 2027.
The key criteria for a legal PMV under Spanish regulations include:
- Maximum speed between 6 and 25 kph
- Maximum power of 1,000W or 2,500W if self-balancing
- Maximum weight of 50 kg
- Maximum length of 200cm
- Minimum wheel size of 20cm
- Must have two independent sets of brakes
- Must have a kickstand or parking stand
- Must have front, rear, and brake lights
- Must have an acoustic warning device
These requirements are comprehensive, with detailed specifications available through the provided link.
To comply with the regulations, all vehicles must have a visible specification plate containing essential information, such as maximum speed, serial number or identification, certificate number, year of construction, brand, and model. The plate should be made of 1050 aluminium alloy with a thickness of 1 ± 0.2 mm, featuring a matt black background colour and measuring 104x30 mm, with a tolerance of ± 2 mm in dimensions.
Vehicles must also have provision for an identification or registration plate in a specified format.
Moreover, all vehicle models must undergo certification by one of two specified laboratories, which includes testing for braking speed, maximum speed, electricals, and more. Models that meet the requirements are then listed on the Director General of Traffic’s website and are the only ones allowed to be sold in Spain starting from January 2024.
For vehicles used to transport freight and other services, additional requirements exist, allowing for a maximum weight of up to 400 kg and larger dimensions to facilitate efficient freight transport. However, these vehicles cannot be designed for passenger transport, raising a potential gap in the categorisation system, particularly for neighbourhood electric vehicles.
Effectiveness of the Spanish Regulations
Spain’s regulations are highly detailed and prescriptive and involve a rigorous certification process. The broad specifications cater to various PMD types, encompassing scooters, skateboards, electric unicycles, and other existing and future PMDs.
Additionally, the provisions for freight and higher-weight vehicles accommodate larger PMDs for specific uses within Spain. However, the absence of a clear categorisation for passenger transport vehicles remains a notable gap in the current system.
The primary weakness in the Spanish model lies in the lack of a direct link between the certification process and individual PMDs through serial numbers in a provable manner. While compliance plates contain serial numbers, the government database does not mandate manufacturers to provide serial number authentication against the certified models.
This shortcoming could be effectively addressed by incorporating CREDZ into the labelling process and utilising CREDZ’s secure capability to link serial numbers to models and verifiable certifications.
Spain’s Scorecard
National Specifications: 8/10
Effective Control: 7/10
Overall: 7/10
Three Enhancements to Spain’s Micromobility Regulation Model
- Expand the Over 50 kg Category to Allow Passenger Vehicles:
Spain can enhance its micromobility regulation model by revising the over 50 kg category to permit passenger vehicles. With the emergence of various micromobility models catering to children, people with disabilities, the elderly, pets, and other passengers, allowing these vehicles under proper regulations will promote inclusivity and accessibility. By accommodating passenger vehicles within this category, Spain can support a more diverse and inclusive micromobility ecosystem. - Implement a Secure Recording System for Approved Model Imports:
To strengthen the regulation and enforcement of approved micromobility models, Spain should establish a secure recording system that registers all imports at the serial number level. This database should be accessible by relevant authorities and provide a reliable means of verifying the authenticity and compliance of imported models with Spanish requirements. Such a system ensures that only approved and safe micromobility vehicles are available for use within the country. - Provable Authentication of Micromobility Certifications and Model Linkage:
Spain can further enhance its micromobility regulation model by mandating provable authentication of all micromobility certifications. Each certification should be verifiable and linked to specific approved models, offering transparency and accountability in the certification process. By ensuring that certifications are authentic and directly tied to approved models, Spain can instil trust in consumers and authorities, fostering a safer and more reliable micromobility market.
These enhancements will not only elevate Spain’s micromobility regulation model but also promote a more diverse, secure, and accessible micromobility landscape in the country.
The Singaporean Model for Micromobility Regulation
Singapore has been an early adopter of micromobility and has set comprehensive standards for electric personal mobility devices (ePMDs) since 2017. The initial requirements aimed to promote safe mixed use of ePMDs on footpaths and bike paths with pedestrians and cyclists, reflecting the city’s commitment to sustainable and efficient transportation.
Singapore’s Initial PMD Regulations in 2017:
The introduction of ePMDs and Electric Power Assisted Bikes (ePABs) saw rapid proliferation for various uses, including delivery services and private riders. The city’s compactness, hot weather, and high cost of car ownership made ePMDs and eBikes a convenient and practical transportation option.
To address the growing numbers and reckless riders, Singapore mandated the registration of electric scooters in late 2018, ensuring ownership records and identification markings to enforce laws effectively. The registration process includes vehicle inspections at authorised centres every two years to ensure ongoing compliance.
Increase in Registrations and Safety Measures:
By 2019, over 100,000 ePMDs were registered, which led to an increase in lithium-ion battery fires in apartments. To address safety concerns, the government refined vehicle standards, making UL2272 certification mandatory for the electrical integrity of all electric scooters.
Footpath Ban and Riding Regulations:
As electric scooter crashes continued to rise, the government made further regulatory changes in November 2019, banning ePMDs from footpaths and restricting riders to 440 km of bike paths and the “park connector network.” This significant restriction affected end-to-end journeys, leading to penalties for non-compliance, including fines and imprisonment. Shared mobility and last-mile delivery services using ePMDs were also discontinued.
Formal Approval and Database for ePMDs:
Since June 2021, ePMDs and ePABs must receive formal approval from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) through the Small Motorised Vehicles (Safety) Act 2020. A database of approved ePMDs and ePABs is maintained by the LTA, ensuring that only compliant devices can be legally sold and ridden in Singapore.
Effectiveness of Singapore’s Regulations:
Singapore’s regulatory system is highly evolved and emphasizes compliance. However, some weaknesses remain, such as the low 20 kg weight limit in the ePMD specifications, restricting the legality of popular scooters. Despite the strict regulations and database of legal models, there are still issues with oversized ePMDs and non-compliance with UL2772 requirements.
Addressing Challenges and Improving the System:
The LTA is actively enforcing compliance and seized around 1,000 non-compliant devices in 2022. Efforts to raise public awareness on the dangers of non-compliant devices and promote proper usage through communication programs are underway. However, the lack of linking individual serial numbers to import approvals and the inability to prove the authenticity of certifications remain challenges.
Integrating CREDZ for Enhanced Efficiency:
Introducing CREDZ as part of the labeling process and leveraging its ability to securely link serial numbers to provable certifications could be a solution. This would reduce costs and eliminate the need for frequent registration label issuance, overcoming current weaknesses in the system.
Singapore’s Score Card:
National Specifications: 7/10
Effective Control: 6/10
Overall: 6/10
Three Potential Improvements for Singapore’s PMD Regulations:
- Increase the Weight Limit for PMDs:
One change Singapore could consider is increasing the weight limit for Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) from 20 kg to 35 kg or more. Initially, the 20 kg limit was justified to minimise the impact on pedestrians when PMDs were allowed on footpaths. However, since footpath use has been banned since 2019, PMDs operate primarily on bike lanes and park connector networks with fewer pedestrians. Allowing a higher weight limit would enable the use of safer and more stable scooters equipped with larger wheels, providing better control and enhanced safety in areas with limited pedestrian traffic. - Secure Recording of Serial Numbers for Approved Models:
To enhance accountability and traceability, Singapore should consider implementing a secure and tamperproof system for recording the serial numbers of approved PMD models. This measure would enable authorities to keep track of individual devices more effectively, ensuring that only authorised and compliant PMDs are used in the city. Such a system would offer transparency and authenticity, mitigating the risk of illegal and non-compliant devices being used on public paths. - Provably Authenticated PMD and PAB Certifications:
Requiring all PMD and Power-Assisted Bicycle (PAB) certifications to be provably authenticated would further bolster the integrity of the regulatory process. A robust authentication mechanism would provide a verifiable way to confirm the legitimacy of certifications issued to various models of PMDs and PABs. This step would instil confidence in consumers, manufacturers, and authorities alike, ensuring that only genuinely certified devices can be sold and operated in Singapore.
By implementing these potential improvements, Singapore can strengthen its PMD regulations, fostering a safer and more efficient micromobility landscape for its citizens and visitors.
CREDZ — Empowering Governments to Regulate and Ensure Safe Micromobility Vehicles
CREDZ offers an innovative solution that utilises patented imaging technology and computer vision to verify products, components, and certifications in the micromobility industry. Despite its sophisticated capabilities, CREDZ is remarkably simple to implement and use. Partnering with Laava, the creator of the Smart Fingerprint™️ technology in collaboration with Australia’s CSIRO, Laava has already seen successful deployment on over five million products globally. Now, CREDZ and Laava are focusing on revolutionising the transport and mobility sector.
With a quick scan of a CREDZ image using any mobile phone, users can instantly verify a product’s authenticity and ensure its compliance with local regulations. Moreover, the process facilitates the sharing of valuable information with users while fostering connections between manufacturers, retailers, and their end customers.
For instance, try scanning the CREDZ image of an electric scooter in Queensland, Australia, at www.credzid.com/scan. You’ll witness the power of CREDZ in action as it showcases the scooter’s results and regulatory compliance.
Each CREDZ image is securely linked to immutable production records at the serial number level. By leveraging Laava’s patented computer vision, CREDZ can accurately determine regulatory adherence, offering users value-added experiences and solutions, such as logbook servicing and insurance.
Digital twins of devices are represented through CREDZ images, providing digital proof of ownership and enabling manufacturers to support device owners throughout their products’ lifecycle. Authenticated information linked to CREDZ can be securely shared for registration, insurance, digital logbooks and other services.
This also leads to creating a scannable “Trustmark,” exclusively available to reputable manufacturers, serving as a reliable method to verify and identify a device’s credentials. This becomes particularly crucial as many cheap and non-compliant bikes, scooters, and batteries are sold without proper compliance checks, posing safety risks and potential lithium-ion battery fires.
By proving the authenticity of products and compliance with international standards and local regulations, CREDZ significantly improves safety while reducing the risks associated with non-compliant components.
Additionally, manufacturers can easily and cost-effectively CREDZ-enable quality vehicles and components, ensuring a safer and more trustworthy micromobility market.
CREDZ is a transformative solution for promoting safety and regulatory compliance in the dynamic world of micromobility.
