The Commission is committed to preserving and improving the road safety performance of motorcycles through the enforcement and constant update of the requirements of the motorcycle type approval framework (Regulation (EU) 168/2013)[1] in line with the development of international standards at United Nation’s (UN) level and technological advancements.

Article 40 of Regulation (EU) 168/2013 allows motorcycle manufacturers to apply for an EU type-approval in respect of a type of vehicle, system, component or separate technical unit that incorporates new technologies that are incompatible with one or more of the legal technical requirements but contribute to the safety performance of the vehicle. This has been recently used by the Commission to approve a motorcycle system with advanced braking and distance control capabilities that are not yet subject to UN Regulations.

According to our knowledge, the motorcycle airbag is a technology in its early stages of development. The Commission does not yet have sufficient evidence of the road-safety benefits related to this new technology to consider a mandatory requirement.

The Commission promotes the safety of vulnerable road users, including r iders of powered two-wheelers, through all available means. These include networks of Member State officials and of stakeholders in the sector, EU road safety conferences, twinning programmes between responsible authorities and awards schemes.

Last updated: 9 July 2025