China Sets September 2025 Deadline for Mandatory Overhaul of Electric‑Bike Safety Standards】

The timeline for the rollout is now clear. After the standard was first announced on November 1, 2024, it was formally published on December 31, 2024. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) issued the final version on January 13, 2025, and gave a nine‑month lead‑in for manufacturers to adapt. Production of any new electric bicycle after September 1, 2025 must meet the fresh criteria and carry the compulsory CCC (China Compulsory Certification) mark under the new rule. Vehicles built under the old standard may continue to be sold until August 31, 2025, after which a transition window allows retailers to clear existing inventory until early December – most sources cite a cut‑off of November 30 or December 1. Buyers who already own pre‑standard models will not be forced to scrap them; they may keep using their bikes or trade them in if they wish.

The technical changes are substantial. The maximum permissible weight for lithium‑battery‑powered models is now capped at 55 kg, while the ceiling for lead‑acid versions has been raised from 55 kg to 63 kg to boost range. Braking performance must improve dramatically, with manufacturers required to halve stopping distances and eliminate brake slippage in wet conditions. A new anti‑tamper mechanism will automatically cut power if the vehicle exceeds 25 km/h, a move aimed at curbing reckless speed modifications that have plagued the sector. Low‑speed torque limits are also being tightened to ensure that bikes can still tackle hills without over‑loading the motor.

Safety concerns extend beyond speed. The revised standard sharpens fire‑resistance requirements for non‑metallic components, limiting plastic material to no more than 5.5 % of the bike’s total weight and mandating flame‑retardant treatments for soft padding, textiles, leather and wiring. Together with mandatory on‑board BeiDou (China’s satellite navigation system) or GPS positioning, the changes are designed to lower both fire‑hazard incidents and vehicle‑theft rates, while also giving authorities a clearer chain‑of‑custody for any illegal alterations.

Industry leaders have already begun to adjust. Gao Hui, president of Aima Technology Group’s electric‑vehicle division, told reporters that Aima is re‑engineering its frames and upgrading its battery safety systems to meet the new fire‑proof and structural standards. At the same time, Xu Rong – general manager of Wuxi Mailang Culture Communication and founder of the Electric Vehicle Observer Platform – has been vocal in tracking how the standard will roll out, warning that local enforcement may vary and urging riders to stay informed about regional registration rules.

Public reaction on social media has been mixed but leans toward cautious optimism. Many users applaud the emphasis on safety, especially the automatic power cut at 25 km/h and the improved brake performance, which they say should reduce accidents. Delivery riders, however, worry that the speed cap could erode earnings that depend on rapid trips. There is also lingering anxiety about the fate of existing bikes; while the law does not compel owners to replace them, the prospect of stricter enforcement on aftermarket modifications – such as overly bright headlights – has sparked concern. Retailers are scrambling to balance sales of pre‑standard inventory with the impending demand for compliant models, and some predict a temporary price spike as manufacturers clear old stock.

The regulation’s broader impact is already evident. In August 2025, four ministries, including the State Administration for Market Regulation, launched a joint inspection campaign targeting online sales of electric bikes, signalling a firm crackdown on non‑compliant products. By November 1, 2025, a separate compulsory standard for lithium‑ion batteries will take effect, further tightening safety across the entire supply chain.

Overall, the September 1 enforcement date marks a decisive step toward a safer, more standardized electric‑bike ecosystem in a nation where such vehicles power daily commutes for hundreds of millions. As manufacturers, retailers, and riders adapt to the new rules, the industry hopes that the heightened safeguards will usher in a “no‑more‑blind‑run” era for China’s beloved “little electric donkeys.”