In the face of the exponential growth in sales and the use of electric bikes and scooters, the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Repression (DGCCRF) recently issued a major warning. These urban mobility devices, highly popular in urban and peri-urban areas, pose significant safety and compliance challenges. By 2025, with brands such as Decathlon, Intersport, Go Sport, as well as manufacturers like Giant, Xiaomi, Segway, and Wayscral being key market players, the threat of incidents related to technical defects, especially with lithium-ion batteries, is more closely monitored than ever. This spotlight highlights several issues: fire risks, conformity defects, and dangers to users. The DGCCRF calls for determined action from both vendors and consumers to minimize accidents. Simultaneously, this initiative aligns with strengthened regulatory frameworks and aims to inform users about best practices, serving as a prelude to increased safety. A summary table of sensitive points and recommended measures illustrates this alert, which also includes market analysis and recommendations on product selection and usage.
Fire risk and electric bike and scooter batteries under surveillance
Li-ion batteries, the energy core of electric bikes and scooters, are the main source of identified fire risks. Their design and handling require impeccable technical precautions. The DGCCRF emphasizes that these batteries must be charged with suitable chargers, under conditions that prevent overheating and premature degradation of cells. Numerous cases of domestic or public space fires have been recorded, attributed to intrinsic battery faults or improper usage, including overcharging, repeated shocks, or improper storage.
Major retailers such as Decathlon, Norauto, Leclerc, or Intermarché, responsible for distributing these products, are under increased scrutiny to ensure compliance with current European standards. The supply chain is also at risk of non-compliance when low-cost references enter the market without rigorous testing.
List of main risk factors related to batteries:
- 📌 Use of incompatible chargers
- 📌 Overcharging and exceeding recommended charging times
- 📌 Physical shocks and impacts on the battery during accidents
- 📌 Storage in environments with extreme temperatures
- 📌 Counterfeits or inferior quality spare parts
A thorough inspection of products sold by brands such as Giant, Xiaomi, and Segway revealed that some models had defects in resistance to electrical or thermal shocks, which promotes ignition. The phenomenon is even more critical with cheaper urban mobility devices, sometimes imported without proper control.
| ⚠️ Risk | 🔧 Cause | 🎯 Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Battery fire | Overcharge and unsuitable charger | Use only original chargers and adhere to recharge times |
| Explosion | Manufacturing defect or physical impact | Check battery integrity before use, avoid drops |
| Electrical failure | Product non-compliance | Favor recognized and controlled brands |
Non-compliance of electric devices and reinforced controls by DGCCRF
Since 2019, the DGCCRF has conducted targeted inspections in the urban mobility motorized vehicle sector, including scooters, hoverboards, monowheels, and electric bikes. These investigations critically assess the conformity of marketed products, whether regarding electrical safety standards, mechanical safety, or the information provided to consumers. In 2020, an in-depth survey revealed that nearly 70% of tested models on the market exhibited more or less serious anomalies, endangering the end user.
The establishments selling these devices, such as Go Sport or Wayscral, are particularly targeted. The DGCCRF denounces risks of exceeding legal thresholds on essential safety features like brakes or lighting. Furthermore, clear mention of usage restrictions, such as maximum speed or required age, is often missing or ambiguous. This lack of information promotes accidents and liability disputes.
To restore safety, several corrective measures are required: recall of non-compliant products, improvement of instructions and information, and administrative sanctions in case of recurrence. The market is thus evolving under regulatory pressure, as evidenced by the expansion of obligations to all resellers, including online platforms.
- 📍 Electrical and mechanical homologation control
- 📍 Verification of safety devices (brakes, lighting)
- 📍 Transparency of consumer information
- 📍 Distributor engagement in awareness campaigns
- 📍 Administrative sanctions and product recalls
| 🔎 Control points | 📈 Results 2019-2025 | 📌 Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical homologation | Good level but defects remain | Strengthen laboratory tests before market release |
| Mechanical safety | Numerous non-conforming devices detected | Require adoption of stricter technical standards |
| Consumer information | Improvements but still insufficient | Enforce clearer labeling regulations |
Best practices for using electric bikes and scooters to prevent accidents
Using an electric bike or scooter involves shared responsibility between the manufacturer, the seller, and the user. The DGCCRF emphasizes the need to adopt safety behaviors to prevent accidents and incidents related to mechanical or electrical faults. Prevention begins with choosing a compliant product from a recognized distributor, such as Decathlon or Leclerc, at the time of purchase.
Next, correct usage entails:
- ⚠️ Wearing a certified helmet at each ride
- ⚠️ Respecting speed limits, especially in urban areas
- ⚠️ Periodically checking the integrity of braking and lighting systems
- ⚠️ Recharging carefully, without exceeding recommended times
- ⚠️ Storing in a dry place, at a stable temperature, protected from the sun
For example, a user who neglected to check the battery experienced an avoidable fire starting one afternoon. Such incidents are largely linked to poor maintenance and sometimes hidden defects present at the time of purchase, industry professionals agree.
Several awareness campaigns are currently being implemented to promote these best practices, including initiatives linked to Road Safety since 2023. It is noteworthy that these efforts have advanced thanks to the support of physical and online distribution networks.
- 👷 User training in specialized stores
- 👷 Dissemination of simplified and accessible instructions
- 👷 Control operations at purchase at Norauto, Intersport
- 👷 Implementation of QR codes to access online tutorials
- 👷 Collaboration between authorities and brands to ensure safety
Impact of manufacturing defects and counterfeits on the safety of motorized devices
A major issue identified by the DGCCRF concerns the import and sale of counterfeit products or those not compliant with manufacturing standards. These copies are often offered at lower costs in non-specialized points of sale or on certain digital platforms without effective verification. The poor quality of components, especially batteries and electrical circuits, increases the risks of serious failures that can lead to fires or electrocution.
Recognized manufacturers like Giant and Xiaomi implement rigorous quality procedures, but the entry of non-conforming competing products disturbs the market. The shadow of counterfeiting also extends to critical mechanical elements, such as defective braking systems, exposing users to accidents with sometimes dramatic consequences.
The fraud repression authorities have intensified interventions, targeting unscrupulous resellers to protect consumers. This action involves:
- 🚨 Identification of counterfeit or non-compliant products
- 🚨 Seizures and destruction of defective lots
- 🚨 Collaboration with customs and police services
- 🚨 Raising public awareness about the dangers of low-cost purchases
- 🚨 Highlighting distributors committed to safety
A summary table presents the characteristics of reliable versus counterfeit products on the market.
| 🔍 Criteria | ✔️ Compliant product (Giant, Xiaomi, Segway) | ❌ Counterfeit / Non-compliant product |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | Certified with integrated protections | Uncertified, increased fire risks |
| Brakes | Mechanical standards respected | Fragile and ineffective system |
| Warranty and service | Support and spare parts available | No warranty, difficult to assert claims |
Role of major retailers in securing the electric vehicle market
The presence of leaders such as Decathlon, Intersport, Norauto, Leclerc, and Intermarché plays a crucial role in market security. These distributors have strict requirements outlined in their specifications to offer compliant and safe products. They work closely with manufacturers to test devices before they are put on shelves, thereby reducing risks.
These retailers are also heavily involved in consumer communication to reinforce good usage practices. The importance given to training sales staff, as well as disseminating accessible and clear information, contributes to better risk management related to these means of transportation.
- ✅ Strengthened quality control upon receipt of goods
- ✅ Educating customers on safe use
- ✅ Implementation of maintenance and service workshops
- ✅ Extended warranty and reliable after-sales services
- ✅ Regulatory monitoring to anticipate market changes
A recent study shows that products purchased from these retailers exhibit significantly fewer defects in actual use, which reassures about their durability and reduces accident risks. Simultaneously, the growth of online commerce requires increased vigilance to ensure the provenance of devices sold on digital platforms.
Legal and regulatory issues surrounding electric bikes and scooters
The regulatory framework for electric bikes and scooters is continuously evolving to meet new safety and sustainable mobility challenges. European and national directives impose precise technical standards, especially concerning motor power, maximum permitted speed, and braking systems.
Manufacturers must comply with these requirements before marketing their products in France. The DGCCRF oversees the enforcement of this compliance and can impose sanctions if necessary.
Additionally, regulations require users to adhere to specific rules for these devices, particularly in urban areas, to ensure harmonious coexistence among pedestrians, motorists, and users.
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