Illegal modifications of electric bicycles continue to be a problem. Today (September 1), the new national standard for electric bicycles officially takes effect.

Recently, an exaggerated “alien-style” modified electric bike was spotted on the streets of Kunming, Yunnan. The entire vehicle was fitted with bionic limb-like components, making it almost unrecognizable from its original form. Not only does this violate appearance regulations, but the altered center of gravity also poses serious safety risks while riding. Law enforcement officers from the Kunming Traffic Police Division seized the illegally modified vehicle on the spot and ordered the shop to cease modifications and make corrections within a specified period.

In pursuit of longer battery life, higher speed, excitement, or attention, illegal modifications of electric bicycles remain widespread. The mandatory national standard “Technical Specification for Safety of Electric Bicycles” (GB 17761—2024), revised by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Emergency Management, the State Administration for Market Regulation, and the National Fire and Rescue Administration, officially takes effect today (September 1).

The new standard improves anti-tampering requirements for battery packs, controllers, and speed limiters, aiming to curb illegal modifications at the source and comprehensively upgrade electric bicycle safety standards.

Illegally Modified Electric Bikes

Harmful to Everyone

Modifying an electric bike is not only illegal but also greatly increases riding risks, sometimes leading to tragic accidents with loss of life.

Speeding: Hard to Control, Highly Dangerous

Modifications can change the overall weight of the vehicle, affecting handling and braking performance. After removing speed limiters, riders who exceed the speed limit may experience loss of control, such as skidding or flipping over.

△On July 9, two students in Taojiang, Hunan, rode a modified electric bicycle capable of reaching 100 km/h. They crashed into a wall just 40 seconds after setting off, and both tragically died.

Removing speed limit devices compromises the safety performance of electric bicycles and endangers riders. “The maximum speed for electric bicycles is set for safety reasons. When speeds exceed 25 km/h, the fatality rate in traffic accidents becomes very high.”

The new national standard maintains the 2018 version’s requirement that “the maximum design speed shall not exceed 25 km/h” and innovatively introduces an “over-speed power cut” mechanism—when the speed exceeds 25 km/h, the motor will automatically stop providing power.

Circuit Modifications: Short Circuits and Spontaneous Combustion

Modifications often involve altering the electrical circuits. If original wires are subjected to excessive current, the circuit becomes unstable, easily leading to short circuits during charging or riding, which can cause the vehicle to catch fire.

Battery Modifications: Risk of Explosion

Adding extra batteries may extend range, but it forces components like the motor and bearings to operate under excessive load, severely affecting the electric bicycle’s lifespan and safety. Moreover, modified batteries can accelerate corrosion at connection points. If wires are connected haphazardly, electrical sparks may occur, igniting hydrogen gas accumulated during charging and leading to explosions.

The New Standard Takes Action

Technologically Preventing Modifications

The new standard enhances anti-tampering technical indicators and testing methods, adds mutual recognition and coordination functions, and implements a “one vehicle, one battery, one charger, one code” system. It introduces anti-tampering requirements for battery packs, controllers, and speed limiters.

Battery Pack Anti-Tampering: Electric bicycles should not have预留 interfaces or wiring for expanding onboard batteries. They must also feature charging