Europe insists: motorcycles, a sector to be regulated

It's a fixed thought. European bodies are feverishly working on drafting a new regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motorcycles, mopeds, scooters, quadricycles and tricycles. The European Commission is trying to speed up the process, consumer associations are calling for additional reflection before final approval, motorcycle manufacturers are asking for a rationalization of the proposed calendar.

The key points around which the changes revolve they are the extension of the Euro 3 standards to motorcycles and the Euro 4 and Euro 5 standards to large displacements since 2016; and the provision of mandatory ABS over 51 cc. On this last point, ACEM, the association representing the European motorcycle industry, holds back, considering the decisions of the Imco (Internal market and consumer protection) Commission of the European Parliament reviewable since they translate into a higher cost in a period of general crisis for the motorcycle industry.

And then, adds the association coordinated by the general secretary Jacques Compagne, why reject alternatives like the a priori Combined braking system on which years of work and economic resources have been spent? Dutch Community MP Wim Van De Camp, rapporteur of the report in the European Parliament, tries to shed some light: “We want to guarantee a period of time that is sufficient for the development of the technical details that accompany the main text. Producers must have time to apply the standards required by the complexity of this regulation. Once the vote has taken place, and consultations with the Council and the Commission, it will be our priority to check the timetable to ensure that the rationalization of the requirements is compatible with industrial processes. Finally, especially in light of the current economic difficulties, before taking a definitive position, IMCO will launch a study on the economic impact of the environmental and safety objectives that we have proposed.".