The newly revised national safety standard for electric bicycles fully took effect on Dec 1 after a three-month transition period, with compliant models entering the market. In response to public inquiries about the new rules, the China Electronics Standardization Institute, the standard's primary drafter, provides the following clarifications.

Q1: Some worry the rule to cut motor power above 25 km/h could cause sudden braking. Is this a safety hazard?

A: This is not a safety hazard. The standard maintains the 25 km/h maximum speed limit and stipulates that the motor should stop providing power when this speed is exceeded. This does not mean a complete "power cut-off" or emergency braking.

Normally, an electric bicycle relying on its own power for propulsion on a flat and straight road will not exceed a speed of 25 km/h. Only in scenarios such as continuous downhill slopes can the speed surpass 25 km/h. In such cases, the motor simply stops providing further power to the vehicle. It does not mean a power cutoff or emergency braking. The vehicle will continue to coast forward, and the rider can control the speed by operating the brakes. Once the speed drops below 25 km/h, the motor will automatically resume its power output.

 

Q2: Some new models lack a rear seat. Does the new standard ban carrying children?

A: No, the standard does not ban carrying children. It was drafted with this common need in mind. The latest national standard retains the rule that saddle length must not exceed 350 mm, primarily to prevent carrying adults.

Regulations on carrying passengers, including children, are set by local governments. Many regions allow carrying one child. To accommodate this, consumers can install certified child safety seats on the bicycle's rear carrier.

 

Q3: Are electric bicycles now required to have metal saddles?

A: No. The new standard requires that seat cushion materials, such as foam, meet specific fire-retardant safety standards. The goal is to reduce fire hazards. The vast majority of certified new models use compliant, comfortable foam seats. The metal saddles seen in isolated online videos are not a standard requirement and are not representative of the market.

 

Q4: Is it true that the standard forbids rearview mirrors?

A: No. On the contrary, the standard encourages installing rearview mirrors to improve safety by reducing blind spots. It excludes mirrors from the vehicle's official width and height measurements, giving manufacturers flexibility to include them. Some models may not have them preinstalled for design reasons, but consumers are free to choose models with mirrors or install them afterward.

 

Source: China Electronics Standardization Institute