According to the Beijing Traffic Management Bureau, one million e-bike owners have applied for temporary licenses for “electric bicycles that don’t meet standards” since they have announced new regulations last year. Now less than two months remain until the application deadline for temporary licenses. From May 1 this year, unlicensed e-bikes that don’t meet standards in Beijing will be impounded and the owners will be fined RMB 1,000.

What kind of e-bikes need temporary licenses?

E-bikes with a top speed of more than 20kph, a vehicle weight of more than 40kg, and/ or a motor with power of more than 240 watts do not meet the Electric Bicycles – General Technical Requirements issued by the National Standardization Administration of China in 1999.

How do I apply for a temporary license?

As we blogged before, Beijing Traffic Management Bureau has released an online application channel for temporary licenses for e-bikes, as well as detailed instructions.

Option 1: Completing an application form online
Option 2: Making an appointment online to apply in person

When is the deadline for applications?

All applications must be made by April 30 2019.

How long do temporary licenses last?

Licenses cover a three-year transition period (November 1, 2018 – October 31, 2021). After that, bikes that do not meet the standards will not be allowed on the road.

Why should I bother?

From May 1 this year, unlicensed e-bikes that don’t meet the standards in Beijing will be impounded and the owners will get fined RMB 1,000.

Beijing’s trusty bike-share systems are still going strong; here is everything you need to know about using them.

Photos: courtesy of Beijing Traffic Management Bureau, dfic.cn