In response to growing public concern over the safety of electric bicycle batteries following a series of recent fires nationwide, China is gearing up to implement mandatory national standards aimed at enhancing battery safety. Despite the existence of local technical standards in many cities, the absence of a unified national standard has prompted authorities to take action to address safety risks associated with lithium-ion batteries used in electric bicycles.
Several cities, including Beijing and Guangzhou, have already established local technical standards focusing on safety indicators such as over-voltage protection and temperature protection. However, the impending introduction of a national standard marks a significant step towards standardizing safety requirements across the country.
According to reports, the mandatory national standard, titled “Safety Technical Specification of Lithium-ion Battery for Electric Bicycle,” has completed the drafting and consultation stage and is currently under review by relevant authorities. Once implemented, products or services failing to meet these standards will be prohibited from production, sale, import, or provision.
He Penglin, deputy director of the Safety Technology Research Center of the China Electronics Technology Standardization Institute, emphasized the importance of the upcoming standard in filling the technical gap in national-level supervision of lithium-ion battery safety. With China leading the global market in electric bicycles, the introduction of stringent safety standards is expected to mitigate the risks associated with battery-related incidents.
The urgency for national standards stems from the alarming increase in reported cases of electric vehicle fires in recent years. Statistics from the National Fire and Rescue Administration reveal a significant rise in electric vehicle fire incidents, with 21,000 cases reported in 2023—a 17.4 percent increase from the previous year. The recent spate of fires, including one in Nanjing resulting in 15 deaths, has heightened public concern and underscored the need for stricter safety regulations.
In light of these incidents, the Ministry of Emergency Management emphasized the importance of investigating and rectifying fire safety risks, particularly the issue of electric bicycles being stored in buildings and homes. The ministry’s directive highlights the gravity of the situation and underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens.
As China prepares to roll out the mandatory national standards, stakeholders are hopeful that the new regulations will bolster consumer confidence and pave the way for safer electric bicycle usage nationwide.
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