When it comes to sourcing electric scooters for your business, product certification is more than just a checkbox—it’s a critical factor that impacts both safety and marketability. One certification in particular, EN17128, is vital if you’re planning to sell electric scooters in Europe. But why exactly does this certification matter, and what are the consequences of not having it?
In this guide, we’ll break down why product certification should be at the top of your procurement checklist, and how partnering with a supplier like DriveTron, whose products meet EN17128 standards, ensures you stay compliant and competitive.
1. What is EN17128 and Why Is It Important?
EN17128 is the European safety standard that governs personal light electric vehicles, including electric scooters. This certification ensures that scooters meet stringent safety requirements, covering aspects like speed control, braking systems, and battery management.
Safety Compliance
The main purpose of EN17128 is to ensure the safety of users. From speed limitations to battery safety protocols, this certification makes sure that the scooters you’re selling won’t pose a risk to your customers. Without this certification, you might be unknowingly offering products that fail to meet critical safety benchmarks.
Legal Compliance
EN17128 compliance is required by law if you’re selling in Europe. Failing to comply can result in fines, product recalls, or even bans on selling in certain markets. If your supplier isn’t providing certified products, you could face legal issues and costly setbacks.
Read more about EN17128 compliance requirements here
2. How Does EN17128 Affect Your Market Access?
For any company looking to enter the European market, compliance with EN17128 is a must. Here’s how this certification affects your ability to operate successfully.
Regulatory Approval
Without EN17128 certification, your electric scooters can be stopped at customs, preventing them from reaching their destination. This not only leads to delays but can also result in fines or even product bans. Compliance ensures smooth entry into European markets, avoiding potential legal issues.
Customer Trust
Customers today are more informed than ever. Many will only purchase products that meet recognized safety standards. By offering EN17128-certified scooters, you signal to your customers that you prioritize safety and quality—two factors that can significantly boost your brand’s reputation.
3. Why Certification Should Be a Top Priority in Procurement
If your supplier is cutting corners by skipping certifications, you’re taking a risk that could cost you more in the long run. Here’s why certification should always be a top priority.
Avoiding Legal and Financial Risks
Non-compliant products open your business up to lawsuits, regulatory fines, and product recalls. Ensuring that every electric scooter you purchase is certified helps you avoid these costly mistakes. In the long term, non-compliance can damage your business’s reputation and financial stability.
Ensuring Product Quality
Certification isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s a sign that the product has undergone rigorous testing and meets the highest standards for safety and performance. A supplier that prioritizes certification is likely to also prioritize quality in their manufacturing processes.
4. How DriveTron Ensures Compliance with EN17128
At DriveTron, we make compliance simple. All of our electric scooters are designed and tested to meet the EN17128 standard, ensuring they are safe and legal for sale in Europe. Here’s how we make sure you get the best.
Certified Products, Every Time
Whether you’re ordering a custom OEM model or one of our standard designs, you can be confident that all DriveTron scooters meet the required certifications. This includes EN17128 for Europe, ensuring that your products meet the legal and safety requirements for your target market.
OEM/ODM Services with Certification
DriveTron offers OEM/ODM services, and we ensure that any custom-built scooters also comply with the necessary certifications. You don’t have to worry about navigating the complexities of compliance—we handle that for you.
5. How to Ensure Your Supplier Provides Certified Products
To protect your business and customers, always ensure your supplier is offering certified products. Here are some steps to verify certification.
Request Certification Proof
Ask your supplier to provide documentation proving that their products comply with EN17128 or other necessary certifications for your target market. Reputable suppliers should have no problem providing this.
Check for Transparency
If your supplier is reluctant to share certification information or avoids the topic altogether, that’s a red flag. A trustworthy supplier like DriveTron will be upfront about certifications and testing processes.
Third-Party Audits
You can also request third-party audits or check if the supplier has been inspected by reputable organizations. This helps ensure that the certifications are legitimate and that the supplier is maintaining quality standards.
Stay Tuned for the Next Part!
In the next article, we’ll dive into logistics and global supply chain management. Learn how DriveTron’s warehouses in Europe, North America, and Mexico help streamline your operations, reduce costs, and get your products to market faster.
Stay tuned!
Conclusion
In today’s competitive market, product certification is essential. Not only does it ensure that your scooters are safe and compliant with local laws, but it also builds customer trust and opens up new markets. By partnering with a supplier like DriveTron, whose products are EN17128-certified, you can confidently enter the European market knowing that your scooters meet the highest safety and legal standards.
