Over the past decade, China's electric vehicle market has experienced explosive growth. However, issues such as illegal modifications, unauthorized speed enhancements, and the sale of non-compliant vehicles have led to fire hazards and increased traffic accident risks. In March 2025, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) introduced the 2025 National Product Quality Supervision and Inspection Plan, marking the first-ever implementation of a 'full-chain supervision' model covering production, sales, and usage. This initiative targets three major industry violations, making it essential for dealers and manufacturers to stay informed.

Key Inspection Focus 1: Illegal Modifications and Add-ons

Illegal modifications and add-ons are among the primary targets of this crackdown. Some merchants, aiming to satisfy consumers' excessive demands for extended range and higher speed, privately modify electric bicycles. They may increase battery capacity or replace standard motors with high-power alternatives. While these modifications may seem to meet short-term needs, they pose significant safety hazards. Additionally, non-standard accessories such as windshields and rain canopies, though offering temporary convenience, severely compromise vehicle handling and overall safety.

To rectify this issue, in 2025, the market regulation authorities, in collaboration with fire departments, public security agencies, and other relevant departments, will conduct “penetrative” inspections of manufacturers and distributors. These inspections will meticulously examine key parameters such as battery specifications and circuit design. Violators will face penalties such as fines and vehicle confiscation. At the same time, consumer reporting channels will be established nationwide to encourage public participation in supervision, fostering a favorable environment of collective oversight and ensuring that illegal modifications and installatiSons have nowhere to hide.

Strict Inspection Focus 2: Illegal Speed Enhancement

To tackle this issue, authorities will rigorously investigate illegal speed modif ications. The inspections will focus on unauthorized alterations to speed-limiting devices, motor power, and control systems. Any individuals or businesses found engaging in such modifications will face severe penalties, including fines and vehicle confiscation. Additionally, public reporting channels will remain open to encourage citizens to report violations, ensuring strict enforcement and eliminating illegal speed enhancements.

Illegal speed enhancement of electric bicycles is also an issue that cannot be ignored. The new national standard clearly stipulates that the maximum speed of electric bicycles must not exceed 25 km/h, an important regulation to ensure riding safety. However, some unscrupulous merchants, driven by profit, violate these regulations by removing speed limiters or modifying system programs to increase speed illegally.

In 2025, market regulation authorities will focus on inspecting vehicle speed-limiting functions. From production to sales, a bidirectional traceability mechanism will be established to ensure strict supervision. For example, Jiangxi requires electric bicycle manufacturers to install anti-tampering devices, while Wenzhou is piloting a “one vehicle, one code” management system to monitor vehicle status in real time. These measures aim to eliminate illegal speed enhancements comprehensively, tackling the issue at both the source and throughout the process.

Strict Inspection Focus 3: Scale of Over-standard and Old-standard Vehicles

The sale of over-standard and old-standard vehicles also falls within the scope of strict inspections. Despite the implementation of the new national standard, some merchants still attempt to evade regulations by using false advertising, tampering with certification documents, and selling non-certified over-standard vehicles.

To address this, the State Administration for Market Regulation has mandated a nationwide "zero-clearance" operation, conducting thorough inspections of vehicles lacking 3C certification or other required qualifications. While manufacturers are still allowed to produce and sell old-standard vehicles, and consumers can legally purchase and register them, stricter enforcement is expected after the new standard takes effect on September 1.

Summary

The introduction of the 2025 Quality Supervision Plan marks a significant turning point in the development of the electric bicycle industry, signifying a shift from reactive responses to proactive prevention in regulatory oversight. According to the supervision and sampling plan, the State Administration for Market Regulation will significantly increase inspection rates and intensify scrutiny of online sales, including live-streamed e-commerce.

This comprehensive, full-chain governance, from street-level enforcement to digital platforms, is strengthening the safety net for 350 million electric bicycle users while laying a solid foundation for the global competitiveness of “Made in China” with enhanced product quality.