The electric bicycle industry is currently navigating a transitional phase between the old and new national standards. In several electric bicycle dealerships in Liuzhou, electric bicycles meeting the new standard have already arrived and are anticipated to be widely available for sale next month. What do these new standard electric bicycles actually look like, and how do they differ from those meeting the old standard? To answer these questions, on the morning of November 12th, the reporter visited various locations to uncover the details.

"This is the newly arrived new national standard electric bicycle, set to be fully launched in December," said Li Ruchao, the store manager of an electric bicycle shop on Pingshan Avenue, as he pointed to a compact and lightweight electric bicycle while introducing it to the reporter.

Li Ruchao explained that the key differences between the new national standard electric bicycles and the previous version are that the speed is capped at 25 kilometers per hour, the battery is limited to 48V, and the motor power does not exceed 400W. Additionally, the new standard electric bicycles feature a shell made primarily of aluminum-magnesium alloy, replacing the original plastic shell, and are equipped with Beidou positioning devices.

"This electric bicycle is relatively lightweight, and thanks to the new manufacturing process, it provides a greater sense of security." Inside the store, Mr. Song was completing the paperwork to purchase a new national standard electric bicycle. He mentioned that as soon as he heard the new model was available, he hurried over to check it out. To his surprise, it turned out to be exactly what he was looking for, so he decided to spend around 3,000 yuan to buy this one. The price difference between this new electric bicycle and the older version is only 300 to 500 yuan, which is generally acceptable.

As new national standard electric bicycles are gradually hitting the market, some citizens are inevitably worried: "It is said online that the new national standard electric bicycles don't have a back seat, so how will I pick up and drop off my children at school?" This is a concern for many. After inspecting the actual bicycles, the reporter found that this is not the case.

After closely observing the new national standard electric bicycles available in the store, the reporter discovered that most were simplified models, resembling the older standard electric bicycles without pedals. They were more compact in size, but nearly all were equipped with a rear seat, which is short but enough to accommodate one child. As a result, citizens don’t need to worry about taking their children to or off school while using the new national standard electric bicycles.

So, what should be kept in mind when registering and licensing electric bicycles that comply with the new national standard? Ye Jing, a police officer from the Vehicle and Driver Management Office of Liuzhou Municipal Public Security Bureau, explained that according to the relevant management regulations of the new national standard, the office will handle the registration of electric bicycles that meet the old standard, were manufactured or imported before August 31, 2025, and sold on or before November 30, 2025, after verifying the necessary supporting documents. For electric bicycles that adhere to the mandatory national standard "Safety Technical Specifications for Electric Bicycles" (GB 17761-2024), registration will be processed in accordance with the regulations.

Ye Jing pointed out that the new national standard for electric bicycles sets a speed limit of no more than 25 kilometers per hour. Those who need to travel at higher speeds can opt for electric mopeds or electric motorcycles. However, it's important to note that these vehicles are classified as motor vehicles, requiring mandatory traffic accident liability insurance and a yellow license plate. Additionally, drivers of mopeds and electric motorcycles must possess a motorcycle driver's license.