On July 1, 2024, the "Safety Technical Specifications for Electric Bicycles" (GB17761-2024) was officially implemented. Known as the "strictest ever" new national standard for electric vehicles, it has completely clarified the classification standards for electric bicycles, electric mopeds and electric motorcycles, marking that China's two-wheeler industry has officially bid farewell to barbaric growth and entered a new stage of standardized and high-quality development.
The new national standard clarifies the core definition standards for three types of models: electric bicycles, as non-motor vehicles, must meet the requirements of voltage ≤48V, maximum speed ≤25km/h, equipped with pedal function, and can be driven without a driver's license; electric mopeds, as motor vehicles, have a maximum speed ≤50km/h, requiring an F driver's license, license plate registration and insurance purchase; electric motorcycles are also motor vehicles, with a maximum speed ＞50km/h, requiring an E/D driver's license, license plate registration and insurance purchase. This clear classification not only standardizes the market order, but also provides clear guidance for consumers to buy cars and travel.
In addition to classification definition, the new national standard also puts forward higher requirements for vehicle safety and hardware configuration, clearly requiring all compliant models to be equipped with Beidou positioning, blockchain one-vehicle-one-code, flame-retardant materials and other safety configurations. The number of 3C certification items has expanded from 38 to 112, greatly improving the safety performance of vehicles. At the same time, the national trade-in subsidy policy has been fully rolled out, with the maximum subsidy per province reaching 1200 yuan, further promoting the elimination of substandard vehicles and the popularization of compliant vehicles.
Market data shows that in the first half of 2024, the sales volume of electric two-wheelers reached 19.8 million units, and the annual sales volume is expected to reach 39 million units, a year-on-year increase of 9.3%; the sales volume of electric motorcycles reached 28.5 million units, a substantial year-on-year increase, and the electrification penetration rate continued to rise. Industry reshuffling has further intensified, with non-compliant small and medium-sized brands accelerating their exit from the market, and leading brands continuing to expand their market share with compliance advantages and technological strength.
The fuel-powered motorcycle market shows an obvious structural differentiation trend. Sales of commuter models below 125cc decreased by 12% year-on-year, while sales of recreational models above 250cc increased by 68% year-on-year, and the market pattern of "electrification for commuting and fuel for recreation" initially emerged. At the policy level, the motorcycle driver's license examination process has been further simplified, with many places implementing the "one-day examination" model. At the same time, it is clarified that the upper age limit for motorcycle driver's license examination will be raised to 70 years old starting from January 2025, further releasing the consumption potential of fuel-powered motorcycles.
In addition, Chinese two-wheeler brands have accelerated their overseas expansion. Loncin has built a factory in Brazil, Qianjiang in Indonesia, and Yadea's Thailand factory has officially put into production. Chinese motorcycles have transformed from "product export" to "capacity export", gradually enhancing their voice in the global market.