The European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) has released a revised draft of the bicycle trailer standard, EN 15918. The update aligns safety requirements with current bicycle (EN ISO 4210) and child conveyance (EN 1888) standards. However, it continues to exclude the fast-growing commercial cargo sector.

Key Safety Revisions

1. Wheel Security: Introduces locking requirements for quick-release and thru-axles to prevent accidental detaching, alongside composite wheel and overpressure testing.

2. E-Bike Compatibility: Requires manufacturers to warn users that towing trailers with electric-assist bikes (EPACs) may face local legal restrictions.

3. Visibility: Mandates front, rear, and side reflectors, plus clear guidelines for lighting installations.

4. Braking Warnings: Labels and manuals must explicitly state that extra weight increases braking distances.

Durability Testing Thresholds

The draft maintains strict structural testing requirements:

1. Frame & Chassis: Must endure 10,000 cycles at 125% payload over 38mm obstacles at 12.5 km/h.

2. Coupling Systems: Must withstand 100,000 cycles under push-pull forces equal to \pm4.5 times the total trailer weight.

The Commercial Cargo Gap

The scope of EN 15918 remains restricted to two-wheeled trailers, carriers for up to two children, and payloads under 60 kg. Heavy-duty cargo trailers and commercial logistics fleets used for urban last-mile deliveries remain in a "standard vacuum". Experts note that a separate framework will likely be required to regulate professional urban transport safely.