This post covers the compliance requirements sellers must meet to sell bikes, children's bicycles, and e-bikes on Amazon. These safety standards are in place to ensure customers feel confident when buying bikes without having to worry about safety or quality issues. They also uphold the integrity of the Amazon marketplace because they promote safety for customers, partners, and employees. It is the seller’s responsibility to comply with all laws, regulations, and Amazon policies. Abiding by Amazon’s compliance requirements helps sellers avoid blocked listings or even removal of selling privileges. Avoiding critical compliance issues can help sellers increase their chances of succeeding on Amazon. This post includes why it’s important to comply with safety testing, the different bike requirements Amazon has, and how you can submit your compliance documents.
Selling Bikes on Amazon in Compliance
This section will cover the general overview of selling bikes and the required documentation for policy compliance selling on Amazon.
Types of Bikes Included in the Bicycle Policy
As we know, bikes can come in many shapes and sizes but for the purpose of bicycle compliance, Amazon defines a bike as “A bicycle is a two- or three-wheeled vehicle that has a rear-drive wheel that is solely human-powered. Bicycles covered by this policy include those with a seat that is more than 25 inches above the ground, when the seat is adjusted to its highest position, and sidewalk bicycles, which have a seat height of 25 inches or less. Recumbent bicycles that are intended for road use are also covered by this policy.” This policy does not include made to order, one-of-a-kind bicycles that do not require assembly, tack bikes intended for competition that includes a tubular tire with a single crank-to-wheel ratio, and no freewheeling feature. This policy is geared mostly for mass produced bikes that Amazon customers build themselves. In later sections of this post we will cover children’s bicycles and e-bike specific policy compliance.
Regulation, Standard, and Requirement for Selling Bicycles on Amazon
If you want to sell bicycles on Amazon the required documentation is 16 CFR Part 1512 (Requirements for Bicycles) set by the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations. It is important to review all of the details outlined in the safety standards but there are a few key points to remember:
Mechanical Safety Requirements - there are specific requirements around the brakes, wheel & tire integrity, pedals & cranksets, handlebars, fork & frame, and sharp edges.
Performance Requirements - bikes must have reflectors (front - white, rear - red, pedal - amber or yellow, and wheel - reflectors on each wheel or reflective tires), chain guards, and toe clearance so your foot does not get caught on the front wheel while turning.
Labeling Requirements - There must be a permanent label that includes - manufacturer or private labeler's name, month & year of manufacture, and model identification. They must also include safety instructions, brake adjustment info, and proper fit guidance for the end customer.
Certification for Selling Bikes on Amazon
Sellers must submit specific documentation in order to comply with the Bicycle Policy on Amazon. This includes test reports from an ISO 17025-accredited laboratory demonstrating that the product complies with the regulations, standards, and requirements listed in the 16 CFR Part 1512 (Requirements for Bicycles) along with a GCC (General Certificate of Conformity). The image requirements include: Model, part, or item number; name and address of manufacturer, importer, distributor, or authorized representative; brand name or registered trademark; product labels; product packaging; compliance markings; hazard warnings; product instructions and manuals. Amazon may request additional information to verify product safety and compliance at any time.
Children's Bicycles Selling on Amazon within Compliance
This section covers the additional policy requirements for selling children’s bikes on Amazon. In general, children’s bikes fall under the same compliance requirements as adult bikes but depending on the age of who the product is designed for may require additional lead and small parts testing and certification.
Amazon Definition of Children’s Bike
Amazon defines a children’s bicycle as “a two-wheeled vehicle that has a rear-drive wheel that is solely human-powered and a seat height of 25 inches or less, or is designed or intended for use by children 12 years of age or younger.” Similar to the bicycle policy, this does not include one-of-a-kind bicycles made to the order of an individual without assembling stock or production parts. It is important to note how your bicycle is designed, intended, and marketed towards as there are additional policies for age brackets including under 3 years of age as well as bikes for the 3 to 6 years age group.
Regulation, Standard, and Requirement for Selling Children’s Bicycles on Amazon
Depending on the age bike sellers designed, intended, or marketed the bike for children, there are additional requirements for each age group.
All Children’s Bicycles Requirements - All children’s bicycles must comply with the 16 CFR Part 1512 (Requirements for Bicycles), see above section for more information on this requirement. The other requirements for children’s bicycles are CPSIA (Lead) & the CPSA 14(a)(5) (Tracking Label).
Children Under the Age of 3 - If the bike you are selling is designed, intended, or marketed for children under the age of 3 you must also comply with 16 CFR Part 1501 (Small Parts Testing).
Children Age 3 to 6 - If the bike you are selling is designed, intended, or marketed for children aged 3 to 6, you must comply with 16 CFR Part 1500.19 and 16 CFR Part 1500.20 (Small Parts Labeling).
Certifications for Selling Children’s Bicycles on Amazon
Once you have established which age group your Children’s bike falls into, you must get the proper certification from a CPSC accepted laboratory demonstrating that the product complies with all of the applicable requirements listed above as well as a CPC (children’s product certificate). Similar to the general bike policy, Amazon requires sellers to submit images of: the model, part, or item number; name and address of manufacturer, importer, distributor, or authorized representative; brand name or registered trademark; product labels; product packaging; compliance markings; hazard warnings; product instructions and manuals. In addition, sellers need to upload images of the CPSA Tracking label (permanently affixed to the product and its packaging) & registration card for safety alerts and recalls.
Electrical Bicycles (e-bikes or e-bicycles) Policy Compliance on Amazon
This section covers the definition, standards, and certifications for selling electrical bicycles (e-bikes or e-bicycles) on Amazon.
Amazon Definition of Electrical Bicycles
Amazon defines electrical bicycles for selling on Amazon as “Electric bicycles and electric tricycles, also called e-bikes and e-trikes, are electrically assisted pedal bicycles. These are two-wheeled or three-wheeled e-mobility devices used for personal transportation, with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 250 watts and top power speed of 25 km (15.5 miles) per hour that provides propulsion assistance.” There are different requirements for electronic mobility devices so ensure your product falls within the specific electric bicycle definition to know which regulation/standard and certification the product you sell falls under.
Regulation, Standard, and Requirement for Selling E-Bicycles on Amazon
All e-bikes fall under the same 16 CFR Part 1512 (Requirements for bicycles) requirements as a traditional bicycle, so review the above section for those details. In addition, e-bikes fall under safety regulation ANSI/CAN/UL 2849 (Standard for Electrical Systems for Electrical Bicycles). This regulation covers more specifically the electrical drive system and battery as they have a greater risk of fire, explosion, or electrical shock. UL 2849 covers the entire e-bike electrical system as an integrated unit covering the rechargeable battery system, electric motor, charger & charging circuitry, controller & sensors, wiring and connectors. New York state has additional requirements including: New York S 7503-B, New York S 7760-A, and New York S 7744-D, which in general covers more about the lithium-ion batteries and operating manual requirements.
Certifications for Selling E-Bikes on Amazon
Sellers of e-bikes must submit certification test reports from an ISO 17025-accredited laboratory demonstrating that the product complies with the regulations, standards, and requirements listed from the above section. In addition, the following images are required: model, part, or item number; manufacturer or brand name; product labels; compliance markings; product instructions and manuals.
In addition, for New York specifically, e-bike sellers need to upload:
User manual PDF in the following languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Yiddish, Bangla, Korean, Haitian Creole, Italian, Arabic, Polish, French, and Urdu.
Red tag affixed to the charging cord of the product which clearly states, "Unplug when not in use"
Notice affixed to the product which clearly stating "NOTICE: Always yield to pedestrians and follow traffic laws. Riding on the sidewalk may be illegal; consult local laws."
How to Submit Your Bike Compliance Documents
Once you have identified the requirements needed for your products and have received the correct documentation, the next step is to upload the documents to the manage your compliance page.
Within Seller Central, navigate to the Account Health page
Click on the Product Compliance Request link
Identify the ASIN and SKUs that requires documentation and click Add or Appeal Compliance
Provide all the required documentation including: testing documents, images, and additional comments
Wait for Amazon to review the documents for approval
Once Amazon has reviewed and approved the documents, it is important to check your listing on the Amazon store to ensure that it has been reinstated and has an active offer.
Frequently Asked Questions for Selling Bikes on Amazon Policy Requirements
What compliance standards do you need to meet in order to sell bikes on Amazon?
You must meet requirements of 16 CFR Part 1512 standards.
What type of bikes are covered under Amazon’s bicycle compliance policy?
The policy covers two or three wheeled, human-powered bicycles, including those with seat heights above or below 25 inches and recumbent road bikes. It excludes one-of-a-kind or competition-only bikes.
What documentation is required to prove compliance for bikes?
Sellers must provide test reports from an ISO 17025-accredited lab and a General Certificate of Conformity (GCC) along with high-quality images of product labels, packaging, safety instructions, and other manufacturing details.
How does Amazon define a children’s bicycle?
Amazon defines a children’s bike as a two-wheeled vehicle that has a rear-drive wheel that is solely human-powered and a seat height of 25 inches or less, or is designed or intended for use by children 12 years of age or younger
What additional regulations and requirements must I meet for selling a children’s bike?
All children’s bikes must comply with 16 CFR Part 1512, CPSIA (lead), and tracking label rules (CPSA 14(a)(5)). If your product is for under 3 years old, you must also comply with 16 CFR Part 1501 (Small Parts Testing). If the bike is for someone aged 3-6 you must comply with 16 CFR Parts 1500.19 & 1500.20 (Small Parts Labeling)
What qualifies as an electric bike under Amazon’s policies?
Amazon defines e-bikes as: Electric bicycles and electric tricycles, also called e-bikes and e-trikes, are electrically assisted pedal bicycles. These are two-wheeled or three-wheeled e-mobility devices used for personal transportation, with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 250 watts and top power speed of 25 km (15.5 miles) per hour that provides propulsion assistance.
What are the safety regulations for selling e-bikes on Amazon?
E-bikes must meet 16 CFR Part 1512 and the ANSI/CAN/UL 2849 standard, which covers the full electrical system including the motor, battery, charger, and connectors.
What are the New York state specific requirements for selling an e-bike on Amazon?
To sell an e-bike in New York, sellers must comply with S 7503-B, S 7760-A, and S 7744-D, which include extra labeling, safety notices, and multilingual manuals.
Conclusion
I hope that you have learned more about the policy requirements for selling bikes, children’s bicycles, and e-bikes on Amazon. It can be frustrating if you are getting blocked or your product listing is being removed due to not having the correct documentation. The goal of these requirements and testing documents is to ensure that products sold on Amazon are safe for customers. When customers can trust the products they buy are safe, this rises the tide for all sellers on the marketplace. If you have any questions or need help selling bikes (or any other products) on Amazon, please reach out.
About the Author
This post was written by Mike Gray, an Account Manager at Goat Consulting. Mike helps his clients sell on Amazon by increasing sales, mitigating risk, reducing costs, and solving problems. Mike both loves to bike and has extensive experience researching and solving Amazon policy requirements for his clients. If you want help understanding selling bikes, or any other product that can be sold on Amazon, Mike is happy to lead your account.