On 9th of September of 2024, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology published the draft of mandatory national standard "electric bicycle safety Technical Specifications" (GB 17761-2018, hereinafter referred to as the "Technical specifications") for public comment. Here are some of the highlights of the draft:
Flame Retardant Performance: Non-metallic materials used in electric bicycles must have good flame retardant performance. The quantity and use of plastic parts will be restricted, and non-flammable materials should be selected to reduce fire risks.
Tamper-Proof Requirements: To prevent vehicles from being illegally modified, leading to overspeed or other safety hazards, the standard strengthens tamper-proof designs for components such as controllers and batteries. It also specifies mutual recognition and coordination functions between controllers, batteries, and chargers, making tampering more difficult.
Speed Limit and Braking: There is a strict limit on the maximum speed of electric bicycles (the maximum design speed should not exceed 25km/h), with improvements made to the testing methods for rated power of the motor. Additionally, the braking distance requirements have been tightened to enhance active safety.
Weight Limitation: For electric bicycles using lead-acid batteries, the maximum vehicle weight has been increased from 55 kg to 63 kg to better meet consumer needs for range.
Pedal Functionality: It is no longer mandatory for all types of electric bicycles to have pedal functionality. Instead, manufacturers can decide whether to include this feature based on actual needs, which not only saves costs but also offers consumers more options.
BeiDou Positioning and Communication Function: The addition of BeiDou satellite positioning and real-time communication capabilities allows users to always know the location, battery status, and other important information about their vehicles, enhancing dynamic safety monitoring.
Product Quality Assurance: The standard strengthens quality assurance and product consistency requirements for manufacturers, promoting the adoption of more advanced production processes and technical equipment to improve overall product quality and inspection pass rates.
Certification and Compliance: Before production and sales, electric bicycles must obtain the Compulsory Certification (CCC certification) to ensure compliance with the latest national standards.
Disposal Policy for Old Vehicles: After the implementation of the new standard, old electric bicycles that do not comply with the regulations will be phased out gradually. Local governments may introduce a series of measures to encourage consumers to replace old models or recycle them, such as trade-in programs or buyback schemes at a discount.
We are trying to provide a general overview, and specific details may vary as the final standard is determined. Consumers should stay informed of the latest official releases and adhere to local laws and regulations to ensure that the electric bicycles they purchase meet current national safety standards.