Getting around in China is surprisingly easy &#; all major cities have extensive bus and subway networks that allow you to get to your destination in a very affordable way. Still, nothing beats the convenience and freedom of having your own vehicle. Buying a car in China can get pricey, and you will also need to obtain a local Driving License before you can hit the road.
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Take a look at some of our previous articles: How to Get a Driver&#;s License in China
That&#;s where e-bikes come into play. In addition to offering a more maneuverable and cheaper alternative to traditional cars, electric bikes are arguably one of the fastest ways to weave through the sometimes chaotic traffic in major urban areas.
However, there are a few important rules to be aware of before you make the decision to purchase your own e-bike. In this article, we give you the lowdown on how to legally buy and drive an e-bike in China.
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology released extensive new regulations regarding the use of e-bikes across the country, effective since April . Based on international standards enforced in the EU and Japan, the new regulations bring major updates to the technical requirements of e-bikes. Specifically, vehicles should now respond to the following criteria:
The full legal document, Safety Technical Specifications for Electric Bicycles, is available here in Chinese. Failure to meet any of the above requirements effectively means that your vehicle will not be considered as an e-bike by authorities. This is the case of most scooter style electric bikes, which according to the new regulations, would require the owner to have a proper Driver&#;s Permit to legally drive around town.
As a prospective buyer, you are now left with fewer options than before, mostly lightweight bikes with integrated pedals like the one on the left below.
You can buy an e-bike online through Taobao, although we would recommend to purchase it offline at a local retailer shop. This way you will get to compare different models and get a better sense of the size and features of each e-bike. The seller you bought the bike from may also help you with the registration process. Asking other expats for recommendations n where to purchase is always a good idea.
Cost-wise, a standard e-bike will set you back about 2,500 RMB &#; 3,500 RMB (260 USD &#; 500 USD) with higher-end brands usually retail their vehicles between 5,000 RMB and 8,000 RMB (730 USD &#; 1,200 USD).
To alleviate traffic congestion in China&#;s busiest cities, authorities have started to clamp down on unlicensed e-bike drivers. Regulations vary from city to city:
If you are not sure about the current regulations in your city, try to check with the nearest traffic Management Bureau (&#;&#;&#;).
In theory, any bike sold after April 15, should meet the latest requirements. However if you decide to buy a second-hand bike from an individual seller, it is important to verify that the bike is eligible for licensing. Local traffic management authorities now keep a catalog of all authorized electric vehicles eligible for a license plate.
You can check if your e-bike model is on the list here if you live in Beijing or here if you live in Shanghai.
The registration process is fairly straightforward as long as you have all the documentation ready. More specifically, you will need to bring the following documents with you:
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You will need to go to the Traffic Management Bureau in your area and fill an application form to register your e-bike. The process is free, and the license plate will usually be issued after 10 working days.
E-bikes are truly one of the best commute companions for expats in China. The fact that you do not need a specific Driving License to use one makes it an appealing option for foreigners who do not want to go through the process of getting their own car here or are just in China for a short term.
Still, it&#;s crucial not to rush to buy an e-bike, especially if you are buying a second-hand one. With new regulations in place, you might find yourself in a tricky position if your brand-new e-bike does not meet the latest standards.
Similarly, if you own a bike but haven&#;t registered it yet, make sure to do so as soon as possible to avoid hefty fines. Offenders can be fined up to 2,000 RMB if caught driving an unlicensed e-bike.Interested in other useful tips for your daily life in China? Get in touch with our team for a consultation and follow us on social media to receive the latest news.
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Two mandatory Chinese national safety standards for e-bikes are scheduled to take effect in the coming months. For the first time, these new standards provide importers, manufacturers, distributors, and related parties with clear requirements for electrical bicycles and rechargeable battery system safety in China.
China is the global leader in e-bikes, including both annual and total number of e-bikes manufactured and sold as well as the number of e-bikes on the streets. As the popularity of e-bikes has risen sharply in the country, so too has the number of related battery fires. According to the statistics released by China's National Fire and Rescue Administration, 8,370 fires related to e-bikes were reported in the first half of , a 31.3% increase over the previous year.
GB -, Safety Technical Requirements of Charger for Electric Bicycles, will take effect July 1, . The new standard specifies requirements and test methods for e-bike chargers in areas such as electromagnetic compatibility, mechanical safety and structure, electrical safety, abnormal working conditions, and environmental factors.
GB -, Safety Requirements for Electric Bicycles Electrical, will take effect January 1, . Together with GB -, Safety Technical Specification for Electric Bicycle, GB establishes the product safety standard framework for the entire e-bike system. GB specifies requirements and test methods for e-bikes in areas such as wiring, voltage, isolation resistance, temperature, humidity, and vibration. It also lays out requirements in charge protection for the rechargeable battery system installed, including:
In addition, a new mandatory standard titled Safety Technical Specification of Lithium-ion Battery for Electric Bicycle is under development. Currently there is only one recommended GB standard in this area, GB/T -, Lithium-ion Battery for Electric Bicycle. One of the anticipated changes in the new standard is the addition of a test for thermal propagation caused by single cell thermal runaway to assess risk associated with smoke, fire, and explosion. It's expected that the new standard will be completed before the end of .
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