China halts sales of older-standard E-bikes as new safety rules take effect

China on Monday began a nationwide halt on sales of electric bicycles that do not meet its latest mandatory safety standards, ending the availability of so-called “old standard” models. Under the updated national standard, Electric Bicycle Safety Technical Specification, all e-bikes sold from Dec. 1 must comply with the new requirements. Authorities have revoked or cancelled all previous certifications tied to older-standard models, and retailers are barred from selling them. Violations will be subject to enforcement actions, regulators said. The change does not affect consumers who have already purchased and registered older-standard e-bikes, which may continue to be used. Manufacturers have pledged to provide at least five years of maintenance and spare parts supply for existing vehicles. [IThome, in Chinese]