Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the increasing penetration of new energy vehicles and the impending large-scale retirement of power batteries, which poses significant safety risks due to the influx of retired batteries into the two-wheeler market [4]. Group 1: Regulatory Changes - The "Interim Measures for the Recycling and Comprehensive Utilization of Waste Power Batteries from New Energy Vehicles" will be implemented starting April 1, 2026, to regulate the use of retired power batteries [4]. - The new regulations prohibit any organization or individual from using retired power batteries directly or after processing in electric bicycles, moving away from the concept of "cascade utilization" [5]. Group 2: Industry Challenges - Retired power batteries have been flowing into illegal enterprises or "small workshops" for disassembly and reinstallation in electric bicycles, creating a gray area in the industry [6]. - Small workshops often acquire retired batteries from leading battery manufacturers, including B-grade products, to enhance product credibility and perform secondary modifications [7]. - In the two-wheeler market, while lithium batteries account for only 20% of the market, the proportion of cascade-utilized lithium batteries is as high as 40% [8]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - The lithium battery market in the price-sensitive two-wheeler sector is challenging to promote, as lithium batteries are typically 1.5 to 3 times more expensive than lead-acid batteries, leading some consumers to bypass legitimate channels for illegal modifications [9]. - The new national standard for electric bicycles requires "one vehicle, one battery, one charge, one code" to trace battery sources and clarify responsibility within the industry [9]. Group 4: Safety Concerns - The lack of standards for the quality, performance, and safety of retired power batteries re-entering the two-wheeler market poses significant safety risks [10]. - The ambiguity surrounding safety responsibility is heightened by the different usage scenarios of electric bicycles compared to new energy vehicles, with retired batteries often being used in unmonitored conditions [10]. - The new national standard strengthens anti-tampering designs, requiring users to replace batteries with those that match original factory parameters, such as voltage and battery type [10]. Group 5: Enforcement Actions - Several provinces have initiated comprehensive inspections of electric bicycles, batteries, and chargers, focusing on company qualifications, product quality certifications, illegal modifications, and the replacement of original components [11]. - The combination of industry self-regulation and strong national oversight is expected to effectively prevent the flow of retired batteries from new energy vehicles into the two-wheeler market [12].