The ECE R-90 regulation is a European standard aimed at guaranteeing the quality, safety, and reliability of brake components used in vehicles, including motorcycle brakes and bicycles. This regulation establishes a series of highly demanding tests and requirements that replacement brake components must meet in order to be legally sold on the European market. Knowing whether a product is approved under ECE R-90 is essential to ensure that a bicycle brake kit or vehicle brake system is not only effective, but also complies with the safety standards imposed by authorities.
The ECE R-90 homologation process
ECE R-90 homologation is not a simple process. It involves a series of rigorous tests that manufacturers must pass in order to obtain certification. The process begins with the manufacturing of brake pads and discs, which must meet high-performance criteria defined by the regulation. These tests include evaluating braking effectiveness under extreme conditions of temperature, speed, and wear resistance. Only components that meet the braking performance and durability standards established by ECE R-90 can be approved for sale on the European market.
One of the most important aspects of this regulation is that it focuses not only on safety, but also on the ability of brake components to deliver consistent performance throughout their service life. In other words, brakes must not only perform well when new, but also maintain their effectiveness after many kilometres of use.
Technical tests required for ECE R-90 homologation
The tests that brakes must pass to comply with ECE R-90 are comprehensive and cover several technical aspects. Below are some of the most relevant tests:
- Cold braking test: Brakes must remain effective at low temperatures, which is critical for proper operation during winter conditions.
- High-temperature braking test: Brake performance is evaluated under extreme heat to ensure braking effectiveness does not deteriorate during intensive riding or driving conditions.
- Wear test: Brakes must show minimal performance loss as they wear, ensuring a high level of safety throughout prolonged use.
- Speed sensitivity test: Brake performance is assessed at different speeds to ensure the system responds correctly across a wide range of riding and driving situations.
These tests, among others, ensure that brakes are not only effective, but also durable and capable of delivering consistent performance over time.
The importance of ECE R-90 homologation for road safety
ECE R-90 homologation plays a crucial role in road safety. By ensuring that brake components meet strict quality and performance standards, the risk of brake system failure while riding or driving is significantly reduced. This is especially important in emergency situations, where effective braking can make the difference between avoiding an accident or not.
In addition, this regulation has a direct impact on reducing accidents caused by brake wear or malfunction. ECE R-90 certification acts as a guarantee that the brakes installed on a vehicle meet performance and safety expectations, contributing to the protection of both the rider or driver and other road users.
Galfer products comply with the ECE R-90 regulation, ensuring optimal performance in line with the most demanding safety standards. Discover more on our website.
How to know if your brake kit complies with ECE R-90
To determine whether your brake kit complies with ECE R-90, it is important to check if the product has the appropriate certification. Approved brakes must display a distinctive marking indicating that they have passed all the required tests. This mark usually appears on the brake pad or disc and is accompanied by an approval number corresponding to the ECE R-90 regulation.
In addition, manufacturers that comply with this regulation typically provide supporting documentation confirming adherence to ECE R-90 requirements. This includes test certificates and results obtained during the homologation process. If this information is not available on the product or in the accompanying documentation, it is advisable to contact the manufacturer directly to verify compliance with legal requirements.
Benefits of ECE R-90 approved brakes
Choosing brakes approved under the ECE R-90 regulation offers several benefits for riders and drivers, including:
- Safety: The main advantage is safety. Approved brakes are designed and tested to deliver optimal performance in a wide range of riding and driving conditions, reducing the risk of accidents.
- Reliability: ECE R-90 approved brakes offer superior durability. Having undergone rigorous wear and performance testing, they are expected to maintain their effectiveness over long periods, even under high-demand braking conditions.
- Legal compliance: Using approved brakes ensures compliance with current European legislation. This is especially important when selling or registering a vehicle within the European Union, as non-approved brake components may be considered illegal.
- Higher resale value: Vehicles or bicycles equipped with approved components generally have a higher resale value, as buyers can be confident that safety standards are met.
How to choose an ECE R-90 compliant brake kit
Choosing a brake kit that complies with ECE R-90 is essential to ensure safety. When selecting a kit, it is important to check that ECE R-90 certification is clearly indicated on the product or its packaging. Other factors to consider include the type of use (urban, mountain, competition), climatic conditions, and product durability.
In summary, selecting the right approved brake kit not only ensures legal compliance, but also guarantees the safety of the rider or driver and other road users.
