Regulators Seek to Make E-Bikes Smarter and Safer (AI Translation)

【周刊提前读】电动自行车规制再调整 如何更智能、更安全？

In response to the growing number of electric bicycle-related incidents, three mandatory national standards were put into effect on November 1: the "Electrical Safety Standard," "Charger Safety Standard," and a new "Lithium Battery Safety Standard" for electric bicycles. These standards form a comprehensive regulatory framework for electric bicycle components, complementing the existing "Vehicle Specification" guideline. A joint statement from several government bodies emphasized the strict enforcement of these standards, prohibiting the manufacture and sale of non-compliant bikes. [para. 1][para. 3]

Recognizing the burgeoning electric bicycle market in China, which has surpassed 350 million units, these standards are deemed essential. Despite their popularity for affordability and convenience, electric bicycles pose significant safety risks, demonstrated by a rising number of fires. In 2024 alone, there were 10,051 fires, resulting in 35 deaths. The continuous increase in these incidents, at an average annual rate of 20%, prompted the Chinese leadership to address the issue comprehensively. [para. 4][para. 5][para. 6]

The formulation of these standards marks the first step in tackling these risks. The existing "Vehicle Regulations" are also under review, with proposals for differentiated weight limits for lead-acid and lithium battery models. Under current regulations, a flat 55-kilogram weight limit puts lead-acid battery-powered bicycles at a disadvantage due to their heavier nature. This regulatory preference towards lithium-based technologies coincides with an increase in related fires, primarily attributed to safety issues with lithium batteries. In contrast to their less than 20% market share, lithium models account for over 80% of electric bicycle fires. [para. 7][para. 8][para. 9]

Consequently, regulatory adjustments propose maintaining the weight limit for lithium-battery models and increasing it for lead-acid models. This measure is expected to significantly affect industry product lines and supply chains, potentially prompting further considerations, such as categorizing vehicles used by delivery workers separately. [para. 11][para. 12]

Industry feedback points to a substantial low-income user base, predominantly favoring cheaper lead-acid models. These batteries are notably less expensive than their lithium counterparts, though their lower energy density often results in overweight vehicles. Previous "Vehicle Regulations" aimed at controlling rapid, disorganized growth had inadvertently disadvantaged lead-acid models. However, the landscape shifted starting in 2019 as the lithium battery era began to dominate. [para. 15][para. 16]

Despite this transition, retired lithium batteries entering the market have led to increased fire incidents. The market faces challenges from inferior lithium cells, often assembled by small-scale operations, which outcompete standard products through cost-cutting and only modest compliance. Recognizing such issues, regulatory bodies are reassessing lead-acid batteries positively for their stable performance and safety history. [para. 17][para. 18][para. 19][para. 20]

Measures emphasize the need for broader industry upgrades. Integrating intelligent systems within electric bikes, such as BeiDou positioning for monitoring and Battery Management Systems (BMS) for safety, is highlighted. However, these upgrades might strain smaller manufacturers unable to afford technological advancements, potentially leading to industry consolidation. [para. 22][para. 23][para. 25]

By mandating individual testing and certification for lithium battery components, regulators aim to curb substandard battery circulation. The rapid rollout of these standards underscores their urgency, providing compliant manufacturers a competitive edge while seeking to eliminate unsafe practices. By leveraging digital technology for component traceability, authorities are further enhancing regulatory control, although this poses challenges for operational vehicle models like those used by delivery services. [para. 27][para. 28][para. 30]

Overall, stricter standards aim at not only improving the safety of electric bicycles but also at promoting organized growth within the industry, balancing technological innovation with equitable access across user demographics. Concerning the delivery sector, improving compatibility between swapped batteries and bikes is essential, thereby fostering safe and efficient operations. [para. 32][para. 33]