CE Markings Explained: What They Mean for Mobility Equipment Buyers

When it comes to choosing mobility equipment, safety and reliability are non-negotiable. Whether you’re investing in a wheelchair, mobility scooter, hoist, or stairlift, you want to be confident that what you’re buying has been thoroughly tested and approved for everyday use. CE marking is essential for products to be legally placed on the European market, ensuring they meet all necessary safety and compliance standards.

That’s where CE marking comes in. You may have seen it before, a simple logo printed on the side of a device or product, but what does it mean?

At Multicare Mobility, we’re committed to helping you make safe, informed decisions about your equipment. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about CE marking for mobility aids, how it affects your rights as a customer, and how we ensure mobility equipment compliance across our entire product range.

What is CE Marking?

CE marking is a certification mark that indicates a product has been assessed and meets EU health, safety, and environmental protection standards. Although the UK has now officially left the EU, CE marking remains recognised in many sectors and is still relevant for certain products, especially when they are manufactured in or imported from Europe.

The European Commission is responsible for developing and overseeing the CE marking directives and standards, ensuring harmonised product safety requirements across the EU.

For mobility equipment buyers like you, CE marking is a valuable assurance. It indicates that the product has undergone thorough testing and meets stringent criteria, which is especially important for devices that support your day-to-day wellbeing and independence.

EU Legislation and Harmonised Standards

EU legislation forms the backbone of product safety and compliance across the European Union, especially for essential mobility aids like stairlifts. The EU has developed a comprehensive set of harmonised standards, created by respected bodies such as CENELEC and CEN, that manufacturers must follow to ensure their products meet the essential requirements for safety, reliability, and performance. These harmonised standards are directly linked to key regulations, including the Energy Related Products Regulations and the Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations, which set out specific criteria for a wide range of products.

For mobility equipment such as straight stairlifts and curved stairlifts, adhering to these harmonised standards is not just a formality; it’s a vital step in guaranteeing that every stairlift is safe for daily use. By designing and manufacturing stairlifts in line with EU legislation, companies can confidently apply the CE marking, showing that their products conform to the highest safety standards required within the European Union. This process ensures that all stairlifts, whether for a straight staircase or a curved staircase, are rigorously tested and certified before reaching your home. Ultimately, harmonised standards and EU regulations work together to protect users, giving you peace of mind that your mobility equipment is both safe and reliable.

Does CE Marking Still Apply After Brexit?

Following Brexit, the UK introduced the UKCA mark (UK Conformity Assessed) as its new safety standard. However, CE marking continues to be accepted for many products, including medical and mobility devices, during a transition period that’s still ongoing.

The UK government has confirmed that CE marking will remain valid in Great Britain for many product categories beyond 2025, including medical devices and mobility equipment. CE marking also remains valid in all EU member states, ensuring that products can be sold and recognised across the European Economic Area. That means CE marking is still an important consideration when you’re evaluating the quality and safety of a mobility aid.

We stay on top of all regulatory updates, so you don’t have to worry; all of the equipment we supply meets either CE, UKCA, or both sets of standards.

What Products Require CE Marking in Mobility?

Not all products need a CE mark; only those covered by specific UK or EU regulations, such as the Medical Devices Regulations or the Machinery Directive. In the world of mobility and care equipment, this typically includes:

• Wheelchairs (manual or powered)

• Mobility scooters

• Stairlifts 

• Homelifts

• Electric Powerchairs

• Riser Recliner Chairs

• Bath Lifts

• Adjustable Mobility Beds 

Where CE or UKCA marking is required, we ensure every product fully complies, giving you peace of mind when choosing your mobility aid.

These products are considered medical devices or assistive technologies, which means they must meet strict safety standards for your benefit. When a product bears the CE mark, it means the manufacturer is taking responsibility for its compliance with the EU Medical Devices Regulation (MDR) or the equivalent UK standards.

Some mobility equipment may also include protective systems or electrical components that must comply with additional safety standards and regulations.

Why CE Marking Matters When Choosing Mobility Aids

When you’re selecting a piece of mobility equipment, you’re not just buying a product; you’re investing in your quality of life, safety, and independence. That’s why CE marking is so important.

Choosing a supplier that offers comprehensive services, including repair, maintenance, and ongoing support, is essential to ensure your mobility equipment remains compliant and safe throughout its use.

Here’s what CE marking ensures for you:

1. Safety First

CE marking confirms that the equipment has been tested for safe use. It also ensures the equipment is working properly, meeting all necessary safety and performance standards. For example, a CE-marked stairlift will have undergone stress testing, safety stop mechanisms testing, and electrical safety compliance.

2. Product Reliability

Mobility aids are daily-use items. CE-marked equipment has to prove it can stand up to repeated use under normal and even challenging conditions.

The reliability assessment is only complete once the product has passed all required tests and inspections.

3. Legal Compliance

Buying CE-marked equipment means you’re getting a product that complies with UK and EU laws. CE-marked equipment must meet all relevant requirements set out by EU and UK legislation to ensure technical documentation and product conformity. This also protects you legally if something goes wrong, as manufacturers must maintain documentation and traceability.

4. Peace of Mind

There’s reassurance in knowing that your equipment has been evaluated against internationally recognised standards. You can trust it to do the job it’s designed for.

For further information on CE marking or product compliance, please consult official resources or contact our team for guidance.

How Do Manufacturers Obtain CE Marking?

Manufacturers can’t just stick a CE label on a product and call it compliant. Before starting the process, manufacturers must first identify which new approach directives apply to their product to determine if CE marking is required. They must follow a detailed process, including:

1. Risk Assessment: Identifying potential hazards during normal use.

2. Design Evaluation: Ensuring the product is engineered to minimise risks.

3. Testing: Putting the equipment through practical tests for safety and performance.

4. Technical Documentation: Creating and maintaining a file that proves the equipment meets relevant standards.

5. EU Declaration of Conformity: The manufacturer formally declares the product’s compliance with EU regulations. This document is critical and required for CE marking.

The manufacturer has the sole responsibility for ensuring the product's compliance with all applicable regulations when affixing the CE mark. In some cases, an authorised representative within the EEA may sign the EU Declaration of Conformity on behalf of the manufacturer.

Sometimes, third-party bodies (called Notified Bodies) are involved to verify claims, especially for more complex or high-risk equipment.

At Multicare Mobility, we only work with reputable manufacturers who follow this process in full. We also check that all documentation is in place before offering any product to our customers.

Role of Notified Body

A Notified Body plays a crucial role in the CE marking process, acting as an independent expert that ensures products meet all relevant EU legislation and harmonised standards. When it comes to mobility equipment like straight stairlifts and curved stairlifts, a Notified Body is often required to step in, especially for products that demand a higher level of safety assurance. Their job is to thoroughly review the manufacturer’s technical file, which contains all the supporting documentation, test results, and design details needed to prove the product complies with essential requirements.

The Notified Body will conduct detailed audits, inspections, and sometimes even on-site testing to verify that the stairlift or other mobility aid is safe and fit for purpose. Once satisfied, the Notified Body assigns its unique identification number, which must appear alongside the CE marking on the product. This number is your assurance that an independent authority has verified the product’s compliance. Manufacturers are also required to involve the Notified Body in ongoing surveillance, ensuring that every batch of stairlifts continues to meet EU standards throughout its lifecycle. This rigorous process helps guarantee that every CE-marked stairlift you purchase is built to the highest safety and quality standards.

Spotting Fake or Misleading CE Marks

Unfortunately, there are imitations out there, particularly from online marketplaces or overseas sellers. Some products display a "China Export" mark that looks suspiciously like the CE mark but doesn’t carry the same legal meaning.

Here’s how to tell the difference:

• Real CE mark: The two letters are spaced out with proper alignment.

• Fake CE mark: The letters are closer together and may be incorrectly shaped.
  

When you buy through Multicare Mobility, you never need to second-guess this. We rigorously vet every product, supplier, and importer to ensure genuine compliance.

CE Marking vs UKCA Marking: What’s the Difference?

Think of CE and UKCA markings as two versions of the same concept, tailored to different markets.

We keep a close eye on both standards. As they evolve, so will we. Our priority is ensuring that you always receive equipment that complies with the current regulations.

What About Used or Reconditioned Mobility Equipment?

At Multicare Mobility, we understand that used or reconditioned mobility aids can offer excellent value for money. However, it’s crucial that these products still meet safety standards.

If you’re considering second-hand equipment:

• Check that the original CE marking is still visible

• Ask for a declaration of conformity or maintenance record

• Ensure that any modifications haven’t invalidated the certification

When you buy reconditioned equipment from us, we carry out full inspections and servicing to make sure it still meets compliance standards. Your safety remains our top priority, whether it’s brand new or previously owned.

It’s important to note that repairing used or reconditioned mobility equipment must be performed under safety and compliance standards to maintain certification.

How We Ensure Mobility Equipment Compliance at Multicare

We don’t just take a manufacturer’s word for it. Every product we supply must go through our internal quality checks before reaching your home. To help us ensure accurate compliance checks, please provide as much detail as possible about your equipment, including the make, model, and any issues you are experiencing.

Our team specialises in stairlift repairs, including both straight and curved stairlift models. We have extensive experience servicing stairlifts and repairing a wide range of stairlift models, lifts, and home lifts. Whether you need routine maintenance or emergency repairs, our qualified engineers are ready to help.

It does not matter if your stairlift, lift, or home lift is under warranty or a service contract; our team can assist with repairs and servicing regardless of your current coverage. We offer transparent pricing and value for money, so you always know the cost of ongoing maintenance and repair services.

For prompt assistance with any compliance or repair needs, please contact our team by phone or through our online form. We are here to help with all your stairlift repairs, servicing stairlifts, and lift maintenance requirements.

Here’s what we do:

Documentation Verification

We verify that CE and/or UKCA markings are genuine and supported by technical documentation, including risk assessments and conformity declarations. All documentation is also checked for compliance with relevant instruments regulations to ensure product safety and conformity.

Ongoing Supplier Audits

We regularly review our suppliers to ensure they continue to meet compliance standards, especially when regulations change.

Engineer Training

Our installation and service engineers are trained to spot safety risks, assess product wear and tear, and ensure continued compliance during setup or repairs.

Customer Transparency

We’re always happy to explain the compliance status of any product. If you have questions about a specific item, we’ll walk you through its certification and safety features.

What to Ask Before Buying Mobility Equipment

To make an informed decision, here are a few questions to ask any supplier, and how we answer them at Multicare Mobility:

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failing to comply with EU legislation and harmonised standards can have significant consequences for manufacturers and, more importantly, for the safety of end-users. If a stairlift or other mobility product is found to be non-compliant, it may be subject to immediate recall, and the manufacturer could face substantial fines, legal penalties, and even bans from selling their products within the EU. Beyond the financial impact, non-compliance can severely damage a company’s reputation and erode customer trust, especially in an industry where safety is paramount.

For users, the risks are even greater. A stairlift that hasn’t been properly certified or maintained according to the relevant legislation and approach directives may not function safely, potentially leading to accidents or injuries. This can result in unexpected repair costs, increased servicing needs, and a loss of confidence in the equipment. That’s why manufacturers need to work with fully qualified engineers, maintain up-to-date EU Declarations and accompanying documents, and follow all harmonised standards throughout the design, production, and servicing process. By doing so, they ensure that every stairlift meets the highest safety standards, is eligible for CE marking, and provides reliable mobility support for years to come.

Why Compliance is More Than Just a Label

CE marking is just one part of the bigger picture when it comes to choosing reliable, safe, and high-quality mobility equipment.

You also need to consider:

• Ease of use

• Durability

• Comfort

• Servicing and maintenance

• Warranty and aftercare

Compliance also involves ensuring that products do not contain certain hazardous substances, in line with regulations such as RoHS, to protect both users and the environment. Restrictions on hazardous substances are an important part of product safety and compliance for mobility equipment.

That’s why we take a holistic approach. When you buy from Multicare Mobility, you’re not just getting certified equipment; you’re getting the full support of a trusted partner who puts your independence first.

In Summary: What CE Marking Means for You

Let’s quickly recap the key takeaways:

• CE marking shows that a product meets EU safety and quality standards.

• It's still valid in the UK for mobility equipment and is recognised alongside UKCA marking.

• Products like wheelchairs, stairlifts, hoists, and bath aids must meet these standards.

• CE marking helps protect your safety, legal rights, and product reliability.

• At Multicare Mobility, we ensure all products are genuinely compliant before they reach you.

Got Questions About CE Marking or Equipment Safety?

Our friendly team is here to help. If you're ever unsure about a product’s compliance status or just want peace of mind before you buy, get in touch with us directly. We’ll happily walk you through the details and help you make the right decision for your needs.

Useful Resources 

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA):

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/regulating-medical-devices-in-the-uk#:~:text=Print%20this%20page-,Overview,your%20device%20with%20the%20MHRA

The European Commission's Public Health section on "Harmonised standards":

https://www.thema-med.com/en/2025/05/20/eu-new-harmonised-standards-for-medical-devices/#:~:text=The%20European%20Commission%20has%20recently,EU)%20Regulations%202017%2F746.