ISO 13063-1:2022

Overview

ISO 13063-1:2022 - "Electrically propelled mopeds and motorcycles - Safety specifications - Part 1: On-board rechargeable energy storage system (RESS)" defines safety requirements for on-board rechargeable energy storage systems used in electric mopeds and motorcycles. The standard focuses on protection of persons (riders and bystanders) from electrical, chemical and thermal hazards arising from RESS. It is not a comprehensive occupational safety manual for manufacturing, maintenance or repair personnel.

Keywords: ISO 13063-1, RESS, rechargeable energy storage system, electric mopeds, electric motorcycles, safety specifications.

Key Topics and Technical Requirements

• Scope & intent: Safety requirements for RESS in electrically propelled mopeds and motorcycles; covers design, installation and component-level considerations aimed at person protection.
• Electrical classification & marking: Voltage class B components and wiring must be identified (symbol ISO 7010–W012) and cables conductively connected to RESS must use orange outer covering per ISO 13063-3.
• Isolation resistance: Required isolation resistance per maximum working voltage:
  • 100 Ω/V for DC-only RESS or AC RESS with additional AC protection;
  • 500 Ω/V for AC RESS without additional AC protection.
  • The standard recommends measuring isolation resistance before vehicles enter service.
• Creepage distance and clearance:
  • Formula-based creepage requirements when electrolyte leakage is possible:
    • Between terminals: d ≥ 0.25·U + 5 (mm)
    • Between live parts and electric chassis: d ≥ 0.125·U + 5 (mm)
  • Minimum clearance: at least 2.5 mm, with larger clearances recommended as voltage and current increase (tables in the standard provide ranges by U and current).
• Protection against hazards:
  • Controls for emission of hazardous gases and substances (prevention of hydrogen accumulation for open traction batteries).
  • Measures to prevent hazardous heat generation under first-failure conditions (temperature/current/voltage monitoring).
  • Design to prevent electrolyte spills reaching rider or nearby persons.
  • Requirements addressing accidental detachment, over-current interruption, and connectors for removable RESS.
• Documentation: Owner’s guide/manual requirements for safe use.

Applications and Users

This standard is intended for:

• Vehicle manufacturers and OEMs designing electric mopeds and motorcycles
• Battery and RESS system designers and integrators
• Electrical and safety engineers responsible for vehicle certification
• Test laboratories and conformity assessors performing isolation, creepage and clearance checks
• Regulatory bodies and fleet operators specifying safety requirements

Practical uses include design validation, component selection (connectors, enclosures), vehicle-level electrical safety verification, and preparing owner manuals.

Related Standards

• ISO 13063 series - Part 2: Vehicle operational safety; Part 3: Electrical safety (see ISO 13063-3 for electrical test methods and wiring colour rules)
• ISO 18243 - Test specifications and safety requirements for lithium‑ion battery systems

Using ISO 13063-1 helps ensure RESS designs for electric mopeds and motorcycles meet internationally recognized safety specifications for person protection.