Moped mkt set for high-quality growth

China's electric bicycle market is expected to enter a phase of high-quality development as the newly revised mandatory national standard for mopeds officially moved into full implementation from the beginning of this month, industry experts said.

"The updated standard strengthens fire-resistance requirements, reduces risks related to illegal speed modifications, and enhances dynamic safety monitoring," said an expert surnamed He from the China Electronics Standardization Institute (CESI), which is part of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the drafting unit for the new rules.

Compared with the 2018 version, the new standard maintains the cap on maximum design speed at 25 kilometers per hour and adds a requirement that the motor must stop providing power once the speed exceeds that level.

"This will not cause sudden braking during normal riding," He explained. "Even while traveling downhill where speeds may exceed 25 km/h for a short time, the motor simply stops assisting — it does not apply the brakes," he said, adding that once the speed drops below the limit, the motor will resume power output.

"The clause was developed based on extensive testing to ensure smooth operation and rider safety," He added.

Another major highlight of the new standard is significantly enhanced fire safety. It limits plastic components to no more than 5.5 percent of total vehicle mass and requires flame-retardant materials for major components such as seat foam.

"This is designed to reduce fire hazards associated with seating materials," He said, noting that most new models certified under the 3C system already use compliant flame-retardant foam to ensure both safety and riding comfort.

The new standard took effect on Sept 1 with a transition period allowing sales of old-standard models until Nov 30.

To date, more than 400 models from over 30 major brands have obtained 3C certification, with relevant production capacity steadily rising, CESI data showed.

"The revised standard represents huge progress for the industry. It not only enhances safety and user experience but also contributes to higher-quality development and a healthier market order," said Hu Di, secretary-general of the Beijing Bicycle Industry Association. "As an industry association, we firmly support it and urge full compliance."

Hu noted that manufacturers are still adjusting model designs to meet the new requirements, and the entire supply chain is actively adapting. "More practical, comfortable and safer models that better meet consumer needs will continue to enter the market, with the majority of compliant models currently priced at around 2,000 yuan ($283) to 3,000 yuan," she said.

Manufacturers are already seeing rising consumer interest. "Many customers from nearby communities have come to inquire about and test-ride new-standard models," said Guo Dongguang, NIU Technologies' store manager in Wangjing area of Beijing. Guo added that since early December, foot traffic and inquiries about new compliant models have increased noticeably.

To meet potential replacement demand following the new standard's rollout, NIU Technologies has developed a portfolio of over 10 compliant models targeting at commuters, young riders and female users, said Wu Yanshou, regional operations head for Beijing at the company.

"These new models will be launched from this December through next year, forming a wave of new releases to capture the market upswing driven by the policy," Wu said, adding that its first new-standard model, the U1 One, is gradually arriving in stores nationwide.

Similarly, Segway-Ninebot has also unveiled three new Fz-series models — Fz1, Fz2 and Fz3 — to meet diverse user needs boosted by the new policy. Adhering to new national standards, the company said its F-series significantly improves flame-retardant performance by reducing severe self-ignition risks by more than 44.7 percent.

"The deeper implementation of the new standard is steering the sector toward high-quality development by opening up new space for innovation and helping the industry evolve from traditional transport tools to advanced intelligent mobility devices," said Zain Zhang, general manager of Segway-Ninebot Motors' business unit.

In addition to manufacturers, component suppliers are likewise accelerating compliance upgrades.

Feng Xiao, chairman and president of Phylion Battery Co Ltd, said the company has developed its fifth-generation SAC cells and the S30 lithium-ion battery to meet the new requirements for batteries and 3C certification.

"The batteries have passed puncture, overcharge and thermal abuse tests without fire or explosion, and adopt a high-temperature-resistant magnesium-alloy casing capable of withstanding 1,000 C without deforming," Feng said.

To meet anti-tampering requirements, the company has also incorporated an intelligent handshake protocol into its battery management system to ensure mutual authentication between vehicle, charger and battery, effectively preventing misuse and tampering, Feng said.