Core Viewpoint - The new national standard for electric bicycles (GB 17761—2024) has been implemented, focusing on lithium battery regulations to enhance safety and performance [1][2]. Group 1: New Regulations - The maximum weight for lithium battery electric bicycles is set at 55 kg, while lead-acid battery models have increased from 55 kg to 63 kg to balance range and safety [1]. - Lithium-ion batteries and chargers for electric bicycles are now subject to 3C certification, ensuring compliance with safety standards before market release [1]. Group 2: Compliance Timeline - From September 1, 2025, electric bicycles not meeting the new standards and lacking CCC certification cannot be produced or sold [2]. - Electric bicycles that comply with the old standard (GB 17761—2018) and have the corresponding certification can still be sold until November 30, 2025, if produced or imported before August 31, 2025 [2]. - Starting December 1, 2025, the sale of electric bicycles that do not meet the new standards will be prohibited [2]. Group 3: Industry Impact - China has approximately 380 million electric bicycles, with around 20% equipped with lithium batteries, indicating a significant market for compliance and upgrades [2].

Core Viewpoint - The new mandatory national standard for electric bicycles, effective from September 1, aims to enhance safety performance and production specifications, with lithium-ion batteries and chargers included in mandatory product certification starting November [1][2]. Group 1: New Regulations - The new standard introduces a three-month transition period for old standard vehicles, urging retailers to manage inventory to avoid illegal sales post-transition [1]. - Key requirements include ensuring that every electric bicycle and its battery match the specifications on the product certificate to guarantee safety [1]. - The standard prohibits unauthorized modifications to electric bicycles, such as altering motors or battery capacities, to prevent safety hazards like fires and accidents [1]. Group 2: Safety Enhancements - The new standard upgrades safety features, including fire resistance for non-metal materials and limits the total weight of plastic used in electric bicycles to 5.5% of the total vehicle weight [2]. - It improves the design of battery packs, controllers, and speed limiters to prevent unauthorized modifications, enhancing riding safety and braking performance [2]. - The weight limit for electric bicycles using lead-acid batteries is raised from 55 kg to 63 kg, balancing safety and carrying capacity [2]. Group 3: Consumer Guidance - Consumers are advised to check for CCC certification and ensure that each electric bicycle has a corresponding product certificate, verifying model and serial number consistency [3]. - The market supervision authority encourages consumers to avoid purchasing modified or non-compliant vehicles and to follow safety guidelines during charging [3]. - Existing electric bicycles purchased before the new standard will not be forcibly eliminated, and consumers can consider trade-in policies for upgrades [2].

Core Points - The article discusses the newly issued "Guidelines for Shared Battery Swapping of Electric Bicycles" by the National Fire Rescue Administration, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and State Administration for Market Regulation, aimed at standardizing the construction, operation, and regulation of shared battery swapping services to promote healthy industry development [1][2][3] Battery Usage Standards - The guidelines specify that newly replaced batteries in swapping cabinets must comply with national safety standards and prohibit the use of repurposed batteries, with a maximum output voltage of 60V [1] - Batteries must ensure safety under various mechanical impacts and conditions, including puncture, compression, and immersion, while real-time data on voltage, current, and temperature must be collected during charging [1] Battery Swapping Cabinet Construction - The guidelines emphasize the need for careful planning and site selection for battery swapping cabinets, encouraging integration into urban infrastructure and ensuring they do not obstruct pedestrian pathways [2] - When installed indoors, the cabinets must meet fire safety standards and maintain a safe distance from combustible materials [2] Management and Operational Requirements - Shared battery swapping operators are required to use products that meet technical specifications for safety and develop user-friendly software for operations such as registration, navigation, and payment [3] - An intelligent management platform should be established for monitoring and optimizing operations, and operators are encouraged to purchase commercial insurance to protect consumer rights [3] Battery Recycling Mechanism - Operators must establish departments for battery recycling in regions where products are used, ensuring proper management and safe storage of batteries, while minimizing environmental impact [3] - Regular assessments of battery health should be conducted to timely eliminate old or hazardous batteries [3]

Core Viewpoint - The rapid increase in electric bicycle-related fire incidents in China highlights significant safety issues across the entire production, sales, usage, and management chain, prompting the government to initiate comprehensive safety rectification actions starting in April 2024 [1] Group 1: Fire Incidents and Safety Concerns - The number of fire incidents caused by electric bicycles rose from 18,000 in 2021 to 25,000 in 2023, indicating a critical safety concern [1] - Approximately 90% of these fire incidents are attributed to electrical issues, with 70-80% specifically linked to battery failures [3][4] Group 2: Battery Quality and Standards - The primary types of batteries used in electric bicycles are lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries, with lithium-ion batteries being favored for their higher energy density and longer range, despite safety concerns [4] - The quality of lithium-ion batteries varies significantly among manufacturers, leading to frequent fire incidents [7] - In response to safety issues, the Beijing Bicycle and Electric Vehicle Industry Association has developed group standards for lithium-ion batteries, which have been adopted to improve safety [8] Group 3: Regulatory Actions and Standards Implementation - The newly released national standard for lithium-ion batteries (GB 43854-2024) will be implemented on November 1, 2024, mandating unique coding for battery packs and clear labeling of safety usage limits [8] - The revised national standard for electric bicycles (GB 17761-2024) will take effect on September 1, 2025, introducing a safety usage lifespan requirement for manufacturers [12] Group 4: Usage and Modification Issues - Improper modifications, such as altering battery capacity and speed limits, are significant contributors to fire risks, particularly in the delivery industry where high-performance demands lead to unsafe practices [14][16] - The practice of "unlocking" speed limits has become a common but risky behavior among consumers, complicating regulatory enforcement [17] Group 5: Charging Infrastructure and Management - Beijing has established over 1.36 million charging interfaces for electric bicycles, achieving a 3:1 ratio of bicycles to charging points, but challenges remain in ensuring usage [27] - New charging facilities, including simplified charging boxes and cabinets, are being developed to address the needs of residents, although adoption rates are still low [29]