Decree n°2016-364, well known in the bicycle and light mobility sector, establishes the safety requirements applicable to bicycles. A recent notice has amended this decree, introducing two major changes that must be complied with before selling bicycles on the French market. These new requirements have already been incorporated into our product development cycle.
Two major changes to decree 2016-364
In the electric bicycle market, batteries must now undergo more stringent vibration and impact tests. From 15 May 2026, electrically assisted bicycles on the French market must comply with standard EN 15194:2023+A1. Amendment A1 concerning batteries requires compliance with EN 50604-1 Secondary lithium batteries for light EVs (electric vehicles).
For cargo bikes, standard EN 17860 formalises the requirements for these utility bicycles, which are used to transport passengers or heavy loads. A first part will become mandatory in France from 22 September 2027 and applies to longtail and front-loading cargo bikes. This development must be incorporated by manufacturers from the design phase onwards to avoid delays in bringing products to market.
Regulatory analysis: a core expertise
Antidote Solutions supports brands in understanding their legal obligations, anticipating and integrating normative and regulatory changes. Our design office includes a service dedicated to regulatory analysis. Our experts support and advise manufacturers on their obligations before launching a new bicycle or light mobility vehicle on the market:
- CE declaration and marking,
- selection of the appropriate normative framework,
- comprehensive list of relevant requirements,
- prioritisation of actions,
- consultation with testing laboratories,
- preparation of the technical instructions addressing each requirement.
For example, in the conception phase of a new cargo bicycle, Antidote Solutions supports the manufacturer with:
- definition of critical load cases,
- finite element analysis to assess mechanical strength before industrial production,
- “on field” testing with data acquisition to refine calculations and reduce the risk of non-compliance during laboratory testing,
- custom fatigue testing using our test bench to evaluate the long-term mechanical durability of the frame under multiple simultaneous loads.
This modelling–calculation–field testing process maximises the likelihood of prototype validation at the first laboratory test and helps to avoid additional costs. If necessary, we also address the mechanical service life of frames beyond the standard’s requirements.
A head start on upcoming evolutions
By integrating regulatory and normative requirements from the design stage, brands secure the launch of their new products on the market. By working with Antidote Solutions, they benefit from our active monitoring. Our experts take part in working groups within standardisation bodies.
For cargo bikes, standard EN 17860 requires manufacturers to define their own critical load cases and extreme loading conditions of their vehicles. This represents a major change, a normative approach similar to the automotive sector, which we have already incorporated for several months.
To access the full text of decree No. 2016-364 and its latest updates, read here: https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/loda/id/JORFTEXT000032304239
