Adrian Johnson
TL;DR:
The UN has expanded its cyber security rules to include motorcycles, scooters, and electric bicycles with speeds exceeding 25 km/h. The decision was made by the Working Party on Automated/Autonomous and Connected Vehicles and will be submitted for adoption in June 2024. The move comes as the motorcycle industry introduces complex assistance systems and addresses growing concerns about potential cyber risks in this vehicle category.
The UN’s Working Party on Automated/Autonomous and Connected Vehicles has made the decision to expand its cyber security rules to include motorcycles, scooters, and electric bicycles with speeds exceeding 25 km/h. This decision comes in response to the introduction of complex assistance systems in powered two-wheelers by the motorcycle industry and growing concerns about cyber risks in this vehicle category.
The UN Regulation No. 155 on cyber security and cyber security management, in force since January 2021, currently covers passenger cars, trucks, and buses. It offers an international framework for the type approval of road vehicles with regards to cyber security. The Working Party reviewed the requirements in Regulation 155 and decided to insert motorcycles into its scope as well.
The decision to expand the scope of Regulation 155 will be submitted to the UNECE-hosted World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) for adoption in June 2024. However, national implementation roadmaps can deviate from this timeline and have earlier milestones.
This decision comes as the motorcycle industry introduces complex assistance systems in powered two wheelers, such as Adaptive Cruise Control and advanced connectivity. These developments have raised concerns about potential cyber risks and the need for cyber security measures in this vehicle category.
The expansion of UN Regulation 155 to include motorcycles follows a trend of increased regulation affecting the automotive industry, especially in China, Europe, and India. These regions are implementing regulations to ensure a risk-based minimum level of cyber security protection for all products with digital elements in the market.
The inclusion of motorcycles, scooters, and electric bicycles in the UN’s cyber security rules will provide an international framework for ensuring cyber security in these vehicles. It will allow for type approval of road vehicles in this category and address the growing concerns about cyber risks in the motorcycle industry.
