Recently, three authorities including the State Administration for Market Regulation ("SAMR") have released the Opinions on Intensifying Supervision of the Execution of National Standards for Electric Bicycles (the "Opinions").
According to the Opinions, as the new compulsory national standard entitled Safety Technical Specification for Electric Bicycles is set to take effect from April 15, 2019, requirements are set out as below to regulate the production, sale and use of electric vehicles. The first is strictly regulating the production of electric bicycles; the second is strictly supervising the sale of electric bicycles; the third is strictly regulating the registration and use of electric bicycles; the fourth is properly dealing with electric bicycles in use that do not meet the new standard; the fifth is establishing the long-term regulation mechanism; the sixth is protecting the rights and interests of consumers; and the seventh is improving the publicity and guidance among the general public. The Opinions state that, after the effectiveness of this new standard, public security organs in all regions shall have electric bicycles registered and issue electric bicycle license plates in strict accordance with local rules. Enterprises offering express delivery or food delivery services shall strictly manage their delivery staff and shall not purchase any electric bicycles that are unable to meet the new standard or are illegally refitted.