On September 1, new regulations for electric bicycles (e-bikes) came into effect as part of the revised "Safety Technical Specification for Electric Bicycle" (《电动自行车安全技术规范》). These updated standards were released by the National Standardization Administration (SAC) and the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) on December 31, 2024, and are classified as GB (国标 guóbiāo “National Standard”), which denotes a mandatory national standard in China. This update revises the previous electric bicycle standards that had been in place since 2019.
The updated standards address various categories, including safety criteria, testing requirements, and labeling, but in brief: if you currently own an e-bike, you are not required to discontinue its use or replace it at this time. The new standards primarily apply to manufacturers and sellers, with the objective of gradually steering the e-bike industry toward enhanced safety and compliance. Below, we outline some key points from the new regulations.
What Is an Electric Bicycle/E-Bike?
Initially, we clarify the definition of an “electric bicycle” or “e-bike.” The official standards describe “electric bicycle” as “a two-wheeled bicycle that utilizes onboard batteries as its power source for electric drive and/or electric assist functions.”
What Are the Regulations?
A detailed list of standards is available in the "Safety Technical Specification for Electric Bicycle" (《电动自行车安全技术规范》). The primary focus of these standards is on manufacturing and testing; however, the intricacies of the specifications and technical details are too extensive to cover here. At the end of this article, a brief overview of some marking and safety requirements of interest to riders is provided. Please scroll down to A Few Points From the New E-Bike Standards to read more.
Who Is Impacted and When?
The groups affected by the new regulations can generally be divided into three categories: manufacturers, sellers, and consumers (you). Each group is subject to different requirements and implementation timelines.
Manufacturers – Implementation Date: September 1, 2025
All new electric bicycles manufactured on or after September 1, 2025, must comply with the new national standards.
Sellers – Implementation Date: December 1, 2025
All electric bicycle products imported or sold from December 1, 2025, onwards must adhere to the new standard requirements.
Consumers
At present, there don't appear to be specific new requirements for consumers or e-bike owners. It currently seems permissible to continue using an e-bike purchased before September 1, or to buy a non-compliant e-bike prior to December 1. However, this may change, so it is advisable to stay informed about potential updates for e-bike owners.
How Can I Choose a New E-Bike Under the New Regulations?
Look for the CCC symbol
E-bikes for sale should be certified and display the CCC logo on their frame, indicating compliance with the mandatory national standards through the designated certification authority.
Verify the product certification
To further confirm the validity of the product certificate and its CCC certification, you can scan the QR code on the certificate or visit the National Certification and Accreditation Information Public Service Platform (cx.cnca.cn) for verification.
A Few Points From the New E-Bike Standards
The complete regulations are detailed and quite technical. Below are some simplified highlights. For a comprehensive understanding, please refer to the original document.
Nameplate
The electric bicycle's nameplate should feature information in Chinese such as the product name (electric bicycles, electric assisted bicycles, etc.), model, manufacturer's name or trademark, production date, battery type, and the recommended service life, displayed as "The recommended service life of this vehicle is X years” (“本车建议使用年限为×年”). This service life is determined by the manufacturer based on factors like the lifespan of key components and electrical systems.
Electric bicycles intended for commercial use must indicate "commercial" (“商用”) on the nameplate. The information on the nameplate should be standardized, legible, durable, and easy to identify.
Vehicle Code
Each electric bicycle must have a unique vehicle code permanently marked on the front pipe or a non-removable location on the frame. The vehicle code uses a 15-digit numerical format that includes the manufacturer code, vehicle type code, production year code, and serial number.
Motor Code
The code for the motor must indicate power and rated voltage and should be clearly marked on the motor casing.
License Plate Installation Position
E-bikes should have a designated area in the rear for license plate installation, featuring two mounting holes with a center-to-center distance of 80mm.
Product Certificate
The product certificate must provide clear information in Chinese, including the product name, model, manufacturer or trademark, production address, production date, vehicle code, motor code, driving mode, maximum design speed, vehicle mass, electric motor specifications, and more.
Bicycle Safety
What do the new regulations for e-bikes include, and who will be impacted?