Round Table China Navigating China's strict new E-Bike standards
22 snips
Dec 11, 2025 China has just rolled out its strictest e-bike safety standard, affecting around 400 million rides. The new rules demand tougher frames and safer batteries, and old models are being phased out. Shops are retooling, while the new bikes feature advanced safety measures like flame-retardant materials and unique QR codes to prevent tampering. Additionally, registered older bikes remain legal for now. With a shift in manufacturing and potential price increases, riders must navigate this transition thoughtfully.
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New National E‑Bike Standard Took Effect
- China introduced a new mandatory national e-bike safety standard on December 1st that phases out older models.
- The rule forces manufacturers to retool production and stops sales of old-standard bikes immediately.
Fire Risk Focus: Smoke Over Flames
- The standard cuts plastic content and mandates flame‑retardant materials to reduce deadly smoke inhalation.
- Steve and Fei Fei point out 80% of e-bike fire deaths result from inhaling toxic smoke, not flames.
Store Visit: Specs And Price Of A New Model
- A store manager described a new model with aluminum fenders, iron frame, Beidou module, and a 22Ah lead‑acid graphene battery.
- He priced it at 2,799 yuan with a 60 km range and a 25 km/h speed limit.