CHINA’S updated national standards for electric bicycles have officially come into force, with implications for consumers, manufacturers and the wider supply chain. Effective Monday, the rules raise the maximum curb weight for e-bikes with lead?acid batteries from 55 kg to 63 kg — intended to improve range — while keeping the top speed limit at 25 km/h. The standards require an automatic engine cutoff if the vehicle exceeds that speed, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and other departments said in a document issued late last year. Manufacturers must also adopt a series of safety and anti?tampering measures. Battery packs and control units are required to be tamper?resistant and to disable the vehicle if modified. Plastic components are limited to no more than 5.5% of a vehicle’s total weight, and non?metallic parts such as seats, battery compartments and decorative elements must meet higher fire?resistance standards. Products must display their suggested service life on nameplates and certificates. Some makers have already adjusted production. Luyuan Group told media it adopted a parallel production strategy in June to ensure a smooth transition; its models use a liquid?cooled motor 2.0, digital batteries and flame?retardant wiring harnesses to deter modification and reduce fire risk, Seashell Finance reported. Niu Technologies said it will add smart features such as millimeter?wave sensing, navigation projection and dash cameras, improve battery thermal management, and deploy dual?mode positioning with BeiDou and GPS to boost both safety and range. China has about 380 million registered e?bicycles, with Shandong, Henan, Jiangsu and Sichuan each home to more than 30 million units, according to MIIT data. The sector’s popularity has driven strong profits. In the first half of the year, market leader Yadea Holdings reported net profit of 1.7 billion yuan — up 60% year?on?year. Aima Technology and Segway?Ninebot each posted net profit of 1.2 billion yuan in the period, rising 28% and 108% respectively.(SD-Agencies) | 