Certified vs. Cheap: The Truth About E-Bike Safety

Why Not All E-Bikes Are Built the Same

E-bikes are booming — and here in Porto, we see more and more people using them for commuting, leisure, family transport, and business. As the market grows, so does the number of low-cost brands offering flashy models online. But while they may look similar on the outside, not all e-bikes are created equal.

Bikes must be built to handle substantial loads—not just the weight of the frame, rider, and cargo, but also the added strain that comes from rough roads (downtown Porto is that you?), potholes, and the increased power provided by electric assistance.

wHY shOULD We care

You get the picture. Specially cargo e-bikes are expected to be much heavier-duty machines than regular bikes, so it only makes sense for tougher standards on the design and build quality of these bikes to be in place to ensure the safety of riders, passengers, and other road users.

If you care about safety, reliability, and long-term value, it's essential to understand what’s behind the bike. And that starts with certifications — especially DIN 79010.

What is DIN 79010

DIN 79010 Cycles - Transportation bikes and cargo bikes developed by the German Institute for Standardisation is the first standard specifically defining testing methods and safety requirements for both electric and non-electric cargo bikes, covering two- and multi-wheeled models designed to carry cargo and passengers.

Before DIN 79010, manufacturers relied on older international standards like ISO 4210 and EN 15194, which were created before the rise of cargo bikes and only support loads up to about 120 kg (264 lb). These limits are insufficient for the heavier loads cargo bikes carry.

DIN 79010 addresses this gap by allowing significantly higher maximum weights—250 kg (551 lb) for two-wheeled and 300 kg (661 lb) for three-wheeled cargo bikes—and includes specific tests for brakes, frame strength, child passenger safety, and extreme overload conditions to ensure the durability and safety of heavily loaded cargo bikes."

Why is DIN 79010 important for e-bike safety?

DIN 79010 is one of the most demanding safety certifications for electric bikes in Europe.

This certification includes rigorous lab testing for:

• Frame and fork strength and fatigue resistance

• Brake performance under load and in emergency stops

• Handling and stability with cargo, children, or on hills

• Electrical system safety and wiring quality

• Real-world use simulations over thousands of cycles

In short, this certification ensures that the bike:

✅ Safe for children – The rear rack won’t break or fall apart, even after years of heavy use.
✅ Reliable braking – Delivers safe and effective braking, even when carrying passengers or heavy cargo.
✅ Built for daily urban use – Designed to handle everyday rides with extra weight like school bags, shopping, or other cargo — safely and consistently.

EFBE Tri-Test

EFBE Tri-Test: Extreme Testing for Real-World Toughness.

The EFBE Tri-Test is a rigorous mechanical testing protocol developed in Germany, based on DIN 79010 and tailored for cargo and city bikes. It simulates a bike’s full lifespan under heavy loads through intense fatigue, maximum load, and overload tests.

A single frame must survive 10 demanding stress tests — with damage from one test carrying into the next. The result? Only the strongest, most durable bikes pass, giving riders and families peace of mind and proven safety under real-world conditions.

Other E-Bike Certifications That Matter

Alongside DIN 79010, there are other standards that ensure a safe and durable e-bike:

• EN 15194

• This is the European base standard for e-bikes (up to 25 km/h), focusing on electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility.
  ⚠️ Important: Many brands claim to "follow" this standard without having full certification — it’s not the same!

  ✅ Tern, Riese & Müller, and Bosch systems are fully EN 15194 certified for safety and reliability.

• ISO 4210

• Applies to traditional bicycles and is sometimes used by e-bike makers as a shortcut. But ISO 4210 is not enough for e-bikes that carry more weight and have higher forces acting on the frame.

What are the trade-offs of a cheap e-bike?

Many low-cost e-bikes — specially unbranded Chinese imports — don’t go through this level of testing. Some may claim compliance with basic standards, but that’s very different from being certified by an independent lab.

Without proper certification, you risk:

🚫 Underperforming brakes — especially dangerous when carrying children or cargo
🚫 Frame issues that could lead to child falls or serious accidents
🚫 Poor-quality electronics prone to malfunctions or even fires
🚫 Structural failures after just a few months of use
🚫 No local support or spare parts when something goes wrong

An e-bike might look like a bargain at €900, but if it breaks down quickly or puts your safety at risk, it’s no bargain at all.

Why We Only Work with Certified Brands

At CICLO, we work with trusted brands like Tern and Riese & Müller — companies that invest in engineering, rigorous testing, and full certification — because we believe in offering products you can truly rely on.

When you buy a certified e-bike from us, you get:

✅ A bike tested to handle daily use and heavy loads
✅ Peace of mind when riding with your children
✅ A sustainable choice that doesn’t cut corners
✅ Access to qualified local service and spare parts

Yes, our bikes cost more — but they’re built to last, keep you safe, and perform day after day in the real world of Porto: hills, cobblestones, wet roads, and heavy use.

Make a Smart Investment

Your safety is priceless.

Think of an e-bike like a car or scooter — you want it to be safe, reliable, and supported. Certifications like DIN 79010 aren’t just marketing; they’re your guarantee that the bike is ready for the real world.

Ask questions. Request proof of certification. Compare beyond specs.

At CICLO, we’ll walk you through everything — because we care about you and your family.

MARCAR UM TEST-RIDE