Electric Bicycle Safety Standards in China: A New Era of Regulation

The electric bicycle industry in China is undergoing significant regulatory changes with the release of the new national safety standard GB 17761-2024. This comprehensive update reflects the evolving landscape of personal mobility in Chinese cities and addresses key safety concerns that have emerged in recent years.

The new standard’s most notable changes center on technological integration and safety features. Perhaps the most significant addition is the mandatory BeiDou positioning system requirement for commercial delivery and rental vehicles. This represents China’s push to leverage its indigenous satellite navigation system for improved fleet management and safety monitoring. The system will enable real-time tracking and data collection on vehicle speed, location, and operating patterns.

Fire safety has emerged as a critical focus, with the standard introducing stricter requirements for non-metallic materials and flame retardancy. A notable specification limits plastic components to 5.5% of total vehicle weight, addressing concerns about fire hazards that have plagued the industry. This requirement aims to reduce the risk of severe fires that have occurred due to low-quality materials and poor construction.

The standard also introduces more stringent quality control measures for manufacturers. Companies must now demonstrate comprehensive production capabilities, from component sourcing to final testing. This includes detailed requirements for frame welding, electrical system integration, and quality assurance processes - reflecting a move toward higher industry standards.

Interestingly, the new regulation removes the mandatory requirement for pedal installation, which has been a contentious issue. This change acknowledges the reality that many users rarely use pedals on electric bicycles, particularly in urban delivery scenarios. However, this modification has sparked debate about the fundamental nature of electric bicycles and their distinction from electric motorcycles.

The implementation timeline provides an eight-month transition period, with full enforcement beginning September 1, 2025. Existing vehicles will not face mandatory retirement, though local governments may introduce incentive programs for upgrading to compliant models. This approach aims to balance safety improvements with practical considerations for current users.

For commercial operators, particularly in the burgeoning food delivery and courier services sectors, the new monitoring requirements present both challenges and opportunities. The BeiDou system will enable better fleet management but also raises questions about data privacy and operational costs. Businesses will need to factor in not just the initial installation costs but also ongoing system maintenance and data service fees.

These regulatory changes reflect broader trends in China’s urban mobility landscape, where electric bicycles have become essential for last-mile delivery and personal transportation. The new standard attempts to address safety concerns while adapting to technological advances and evolving user needs in the world’s largest electric bicycle market.