1. China

(1) Ordinary bicycle

• GB 3565 (current version GB 3565-2005, equivalent to ISO 4210:1996)? Has it been updated to GB 3565-202X? The actual current effective standard is GB 3565-2005 "Bicycle Safety Requirements", but ISO 4210:2014 and subsequent versions are not equivalent. Please note the following:
  However, according to the latest situation, China is gradually transitioning from the ISO 4210:2014 series to GB/T 3565.1~. 9 (released gradually since 2017), but currently CCC does not cover ordinary bicycles.

  • Ordinary bicycles require voluntary CQC certification or meet national standards before leaving the factory, and are subject to market supervision and spot checks.

(2) Electric bicycles - require CCC certification

• GB 17761-2018 "Safety Technical Specification for Electric Bicycles" - mandatory standard, replacing the old version GB 17761-1999.
  Core indicators:

  • Maximum speed ≤ 25 km/h;

  • Vehicle weight (including battery) ≤ 55 kg;

  • Motor rated power ≤ 400 W;

  • Battery voltage ≤ 48V;

  • Pedal riding function (must be retained);

  • Fireproof, flame-retardant, tamper proof, speed warning sound, etc.

• Electric bicycles are included in the CCC catalog and must obtain CCC certification and bear the CCC mark.
  Certification standard combination: GB 17761-2018 (whole vehicle) related component standards (such as charger GB 4706.1, battery GB/T 36972, etc., but whole vehicle certification includes assessment of complete sets of components).

(3) Children's bicycles

• GB 14746-2006 "Safety Requirements for Children's Bicycles" (equivalent to ISO 8098:2002).

• Attention: Children's bicycles are not products listed in the CCC catalog, but they need to comply with national standards, and market supervision will conduct spot checks.

2. European Union

All bicycles sold in the European Union, including electric bicycles, must comply with the GPSD (General Product Safety Directive) or Machinery Directive and be labeled with the CE mark. However, bicycles themselves are not within the scope of the high-risk CE directive, but EN standards are used as the technical basis for presumed compliance.

• Ordinary bicycles: According to EN ISO 4210:2014 A1:2018, issue an EC Declaration of Conformity (DoC) and affix the CE mark.

• Children's bicycles: According to EN ISO 8098:2014 A1:2018.

• Electric bicycles (EPAC): According to EN 15194:2017 A1:2020, as well as the EMC Directive 2014/30/EU (Electromagnetic Compatibility) and the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. Third party test reports are usually required, but the CE mark can be self declared by the manufacturer (high-risk components such as chargers must comply with the LVD Directive 2014/35/EU).

  • Important: Exporting to countries such as Germany and France also requires compliance with specific national requirements (such as Germany's StVZO having additional requirements for lamps, reflectors, and brakes).

• Lithium battery transportation: If a bicycle contains lithium batteries, it must comply with the relevant restrictions in UN 38.3 (Transportation Safety) and REACH (Chemical Registration).

3. United States

At the federal level in the United States, bicycle safety is governed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), primarily based on 16 CFR 1512 "Bicycle Requirements".

• 16 CFR 1512 covers: brakes, chain protection, reflectors and lighting, protrusions, handlebars, tires/wheels, fork legs and frame strength, saddles, pedals, chain tension, protective devices.

  • Note: This regulation is stricter than ISO 4210 in certain details, such as braking distance and reflector configuration requirements.

• Electric bicycles: CPSC specifies that electric bicycles (which meet the definition of a maximum speed of 20mph/32km/h and a motor power not exceeding 750W) are considered consumer bicycles and must also comply with 16 CFR 1512. In addition, the battery and charger must comply with UL 2849 (Electrical System Safety) or UL 2271 (Battery Cells).

  • Since 2020, states such as New York have required electric bicycle batteries to pass UL 2271 or similar certification.

  • California and other places have a three-level classification system for electric bicycles, and it is necessary to ensure that labeling complies with local laws.

• Children's bicycles: also comply with 16 CFR 1512 (with specific tests for bicycles weighing less than 50 pounds, such as balance bikes). In addition, it should be noted that ASTM F963 (Toy Safety) may not be directly applicable, but if it has toy functions (such as cartoon cars), it needs to be evaluated.

4. Japan

Japan implements the JIS standard system, and BAA (Bicycle Association Certification) is the mainstream in the industry.

• Ordinary bicycles: JIS D 9301 (adult bicycles), JIS D 9302 (youth bicycles).

• Electric bicycles: JIS D 9115 (Safety Requirements for Electric Bicycles), and the battery must pass PSE certification (Japanese Electrical Appliance Safety Act).

• The Japanese market places great emphasis on reflectors and lighting fixtures, which must comply with road traffic laws.

3、 Key testing items (by testing type)

Regardless of the standard, the following tests are the most common:

4、 Overview of Testing and Certification Process

1. Ordinary bicycle (non electric)

• China: Compulsory CCC is not required, but it is recommended to do CQC voluntary certification or entrust a third-party laboratory to issue GB 3565 testing reports for bidding or e-commerce platforms.

• EU: issue a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) and test report (which can be tested internally or by a third party) in accordance with EN ISO 4210, and affix the CE mark.

• United States: Conduct third-party testing (CPSC accredited laboratory) in accordance with 16 CFR 1512 and issue a Children's Product Certificate (CPC, if the product is classified as a children's bicycle) or General Certificate of Conformity (GCC). Attention: Adult bicycles do not require third-party testing by CPSC, but must comply with regulations and retain documentation.

2. Electric bicycles (EPAC)

• China: CCC mandatory certification. Process: Send samples to CQC or designated laboratories (such as Tianjin and Shanghai Bicycle Testing Centers) → Type testing (GB 17761) → Factory inspection → Certification → Annual supervision and audit.

• EU: EN 15194 type testing (recommended to be reported by a notified body or qualified laboratory), compliance documents in accordance with the Machinery Directive and EMC Directive, signed DoC, and affixed CE.

• United States: There is currently no federal mandatory vehicle certification, but most states require compliance with 16 CFR 1512 UL 2849. Large retailers (such as Wal Mart and Best Buy) will require UL 2849 certification report. Battery cells should provide UL 2271 or UN 38.3 reports for transportation.

3. Children's bicycles

• China: GB 14746 testing, no CCC (unlike toy bicycles, if the body adopts a toy appearance and is suitable for children under 3 years old, 3C may be required), but it is regulated as a regular bicycle.

• EU: EN ISO 8098 testing requirements for children's products (such as phthalate restriction (REACH)).

• United States: 16 CFR 1512 CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) requires lead content and phthalates (if product components contain coatings or plastics). CPC certificate (Children's Product Certificate) is required.