How do I verify the certification and safety standards of the electric scooter I plan to buy?

How do I verify the certification and safety standards of the electric scooter I plan to buy?
As the pace of urban life accelerates, electric scooters are becoming more and more popular as a convenient and environmentally friendly short-distance means of transportation. However, there are many brands of electric scooters on the market, and the quality varies. How to ensure that the electric scooters you buy are both in compliance with relevant certifications and have sufficient safety has become the focus of consumers. This article will explore in depth the certification and safety standard verification methods for electric scooters to help you make a wise choice when purchasing.

1. The importance of electric scooter certification
As an emerging personal transportation tool, the quality and safety of electric scooters are directly related to the life safety of users. In order to regulate the market and protect the rights and interests of consumers, various countries have formulated corresponding certification standards. These certifications are not only a "passport" for products to enter the market, but also a strong proof of product quality and safety. By verifying the certification of electric scooters, you can ensure that the product meets local regulatory requirements and avoid legal risks and safety accidents caused by non-compliance with standards.

2. Common electric scooter certification standards

(I) EU market (CE certification)
In the EU market, CE certification is mandatory, which indicates that the product meets the EU's safety, health and environmental protection requirements. For electric scooters, the following directives and standards are mainly applicable:
Machinery Directive (MD 2006/42/EC): Ensure the mechanical safety of the product, including structural strength, stability and other aspects.
Low Voltage Directive (LVD 2014/35/EU): Target the safety of electrical equipment and prevent electrical accidents.
Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC 2014/30/EU): Ensure that the product does not cause interference in the electromagnetic environment.
Radio Equipment Directive (RED 2014/53/EU): If the product has wireless communication functions, such as Bluetooth lock function, it must comply with this directive.
EN ISO 12100:2010: Machinery safety standard, which specifies the basic safety requirements for product design and manufacturing.
EN 60204-1:2018: Safety requirements for electrical equipment, involving electrical control, wiring and other aspects.
EN 15194:2017: Electric bicycle-specific standard, although it is mainly for electric bicycles, electric scooters can also refer to this standard in some aspects.
EN 55014-1:2017/A11:2020, EN 55014-2:1997/A2:2008: Electromagnetic compatibility standards to ensure that the product does not interfere with other electronic devices during use.

(II) US market (UL2272 certification)
In the United States, UL2272 certification is an important standard for the safety of the electrical system of electric scooters. This standard applies to a variety of personal electric transportation equipment products, including electric skateboards and various types of electric scooters. UL2272 certification can ensure the safety of the product's electrical system during design, manufacturing and use. In addition, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) calls on manufacturers, retailers, etc. to follow UL safety standards to ensure consumer safety.

(III) Japanese market (PSE certification)
In Japan, electric scooters need to pass PSE certification. PSE certification is divided into two types: circular and diamond, respectively for different product types. The circular PSE is mainly for lithium batteries and must meet the JISC8712 test requirements; the diamond PSE is for equipment such as chargers and must be certified by a third-party laboratory. In addition, importers must also register with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan.

(IV) Korean market (KC certification)
In Korea, electric scooters must comply with KC certification, which covers aspects such as electromagnetic compatibility and safety to ensure the compliance and safety of products in the Korean market.

3. How to verify the safety standards of electric scooters

(I) Mechanical safety test
The mechanical safety test mainly evaluates the structural strength and stability of electric scooters. It includes frame strength testing to ensure that the frame will not deform or break when carrying the maximum load; braking performance testing to test the braking distance under dry and wet road conditions to ensure the reliability and effectiveness of the braking system; and drop and vibration testing to simulate the impact and vibration that the product may encounter during transportation and use to verify its structural stability.

(II) Electrical safety test
The electrical safety test focuses on evaluating the electrical system safety of electric scooters. Including insulation withstand voltage test, verifying the insulation performance of the circuit system under high voltage to prevent leakage accidents; overcharge/over-discharge protection test, ensuring that the battery management system (BMS) can effectively protect the battery during the charging and discharging process to avoid abnormal conditions such as overcharge and over-discharge; and short circuit and temperature rise test, simulating the safety of abnormal use scenarios, ensuring that the electrical system can operate stably under various conditions.

(III) Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) test
The electromagnetic compatibility test is designed to ensure that the electric scooter will not interfere with surrounding electronic equipment during use, nor will it be interfered with by other equipment. Through radiated emission (RE) and anti-interference (EMS) tests, the compatibility of the product in the electromagnetic environment is verified to meet relevant standard requirements, such as FCC Part 15B.

4 Environmental protection and chemical testing
Environmental protection and chemical testing are mainly aimed at harmful substances that may be contained in the product. For example, the EU's RoHS 2.0 restricts the use of 6 types of harmful substances such as lead and cadmium; REACH detects chemical substances in the SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) list; California Prop 65 targets the California market in the United States and restricts the content of harmful substances such as heavy metals.

IV. Other considerations when buying an electric scooter
In addition to verifying certification and safety standards, you should also pay attention to the following points when buying an electric scooter:
Brand awareness: Choosing products from well-known brands usually means higher quality and more reliable after-sales service. For example, brands such as Tesla, Niu Electric, and Xiaomi have high recognition in the market.
Configuration and technology: Pay attention to the configuration and technical parameters of the electric scooter, such as cruising range, maximum speed, maximum load, etc., and choose a product that suits your needs.
Material and craftsmanship: High-quality electric scooters usually use materials such as high-strength aluminum alloy or carbon fiber, with a strong structure, light weight, and fine welding technology, which ensures the stability and safety of the scooter.
User reviews: Check other consumers' reviews and feedback on the brand's electric scooters, understand the pros and cons of the product, and refer to the user experience on e-commerce platforms and forums.
After-sales service: Understand the brand's after-sales service policy, including warranty period, maintenance point distribution, customer service attitude, etc. Good after-sales service can provide more convenience and protection for the use process.

5. Summary
Verifying the certification and safety standards of electric scooters is a crucial step in the purchase process. By understanding and following the certification standards of various countries, such as the EU's CE certification, the US's UL2272 certification, and Japan's PSE certification, you can ensure that the products you purchase comply with local regulations and have sufficient safety and reliability. At the same time, paying attention to safety tests in mechanical safety, electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility, environmental protection and chemistry, as well as other factors such as brand, configuration, material, user evaluation and after-sales service can help you make a more informed purchase decision. While enjoying the convenience and fun brought by electric scooters, ensure the safety of yourself and others, making every trip more secure and comfortable.