Electric Bike News of the Week: Britain Proposes to Reduce Taxes ⁣on Electric⁣ Bikes and ⁣Review Bicycle Imports from China

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UK to Review ‍Imports from China after ​Proposing Lower E-Bike‌ Tax

The post-Brexit situation ⁣continues to develop ‌as the Trade Remedies Office begins a new round of transitional reviews of anti-dumping measures on Chinese bicycles and certain bicycle parts.

The UK currently‍ has a range of anti-dumping measures in place on‍ imports, which were carried over from the UK’s departure from the EU. ​The Trade Remedies Agency (TRA) is reviewing whether existing anti-dumping duties will still apply to the UK post-Brexit and will⁤ then make recommendations to ‌the Secretary‌ of State for Business‍ and‌ Trade.

The TRA⁢ has investigated e-bikes and concluded that removing tariffs on e-bikes imported from China could save the UK‍ £51 million a year. The TRA said that removing⁣ the tax would‌ save consumers an average of £260 (about RMB 2,420) per e-bike and bring an average of 31,000 e-bikes to the‍ UK each‍ year.

The TRA acknowledges that the move is not all good news: “Sales of e-bikes ​in the UK are⁤ estimated to reach £325 million in 2023, compared to £96 million in 2018, ⁢and are expected to grow further​ in the coming years. While it is likely that dumping and subsidies of e-bikes from China will reoccur if‍ these ⁤measures are no⁣ longer in place, and the UK production industry⁢ will suffer some damage, it has been‌ shown that this damage will ⁣not outweigh the benefits to the UK economy or consumers if these measures are​ withdrawn.”

Depending on ‌the ⁣outcome of a period of consultation,‌ the TRA may propose alternative options to‌ the Secretary ​of State (for example, applying​ such‍ measures only to ‌folding e-bikes where UK manufacturers are more concentrated in that market).

TRA’s latest survey focuses on the more traditional parts of the⁤ market, including Category 1 goods (bicycles ​– including non-motorized delivery tricycles)⁣ and Category 2 goods⁤ (certain bicycle parts), with volumes of 300 units or more per month (of each type).

This category mainly targets bicycles imported from China, as well as bicycles shipped from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Tunisia. The current relevant anti-dumping duties range from 19.%⁣ to 48.5%.

The deadline to register for the latest bicycle import inquiry is September 6. A statement is due in‌ May 2025 and ‌final recommendations in⁣ August 2025.

California Bill Redefines ⁢Class 1 and‌ Class ⁣3 Electric Bicycles

In the U.S., a California bill that would more clearly‌ define what an electric-assisted bicycle is about to become California law. Supporters⁤ of the bill say it will ‌address ​concerns⁣ about⁢ electric-assisted ‌two-wheelers with electric doors, in addition to establishing standards for testing electric mobility devices and batteries.

California’s state senate ‌passed SB 1271 last week and sent it to Gov. Gavin Newsom for⁣ his signature or veto. If the bill becomes state law, California’s ​definition of Class 1 and Class 3 e-bikes will include the⁤ phrase “the bicycle ‌cannot ‍be propelled alone.” This means that Class 1 (maximum assisted speed of 32 km/h)‌ and Class 3 (maximum assisted‍ speed of 45 km/h) e-bikes with throttle and pedal assist will no longer meet the definition‍ of “e-bike.”

Federal ⁢regulations generally define an e-bike as ‍one with operable pedals, a maximum motor power of 750⁤ watts, and a top speed of‌ 32 km/h on motor power alone. Some manufacturers offer models with both throttle and pedal assist features that could⁢ fill more than one of the three⁢ categories originally created by PeopleForBikes⁣ and adopted in 43 states. SB ​1271 would​ not change​ the Class ‌2 ​definition, and e-bikes with only the throttle-driven motor providing assistance‍ until the bicycle ‍reaches 32 km/h ⁢would still be labeled as such.

Gouach Infinite’s Battery Claims to be Fireproof, Compatible with 90% of Electric-Assist Bikes, and Self-Repairable

As more and more e-bike⁢ owners find themselves needing to replace old e-bike batteries that have reached ⁣the end of their lifespan, Gouach decided to challenge this outdated paradigm‍ with ⁤a solderless design that allows batteries to be easily replaced when they‍ reach the end of their lifespan.

The approach is particularly striking ‍given growing concerns about DIY tampering with e-bike technology, particularly batteries.

E-bikes and e-scooters have become London’s‍ “fastest growing fire risk”, according to the London Fire Brigade, and official government advice warns that it is generally safer ‌to buy a complete e-bike than an e-bike conversion kit​ – largely because carrying ⁢out ⁣this work introduces extra variables in ⁤terms of safety.

The government guidance also lists battery replacement as an area of ​​particular concern: “Genuine battery ⁣packs and chargers may cost more, but using unsafe or incompatible third-party products could put your‌ life at risk or ​destroy your home.”

Retailers ‌report that e-bike safety is now a top public concern.

The Confederation of the European Bicycle Industry (CONEBI) strongly supports the ⁢use of only OEM-certified batteries on e-bikes and recommends that owners look for authorized ​batteries of the same technology when they need ‍to replace their ⁢batteries. It also recommends that e-bike owners forgo battery repairs.

Gouach’s⁤ point is that batteries should be​ repairable. In fact, they believe that the Infinite Battery can be repaired in 10 minutes because any part can be ​replaced by simply unscrewing​ a screw.

“We ​have ‌made this battery ‍available to the public so that those who want to assemble or maintain it themselves can do ‌so,” Gouach ​founder and CEO ‌Alexandre Vallette told the ‍publication. “However, since​ we sell directly to customers, we have to ensure that there is no risk of fire, even if ​they make a mistake ‍or use a faulty battery.”

The key⁤ to the safety of these batteries⁢ is a new thick aluminum casing and a design that is said to‌ dissipate heat quickly, and Gouach’s testing video in this regard appears to be in the ⁣works.

“I get more than 50 emails a day from customers telling me they’re happy to be able to service their own e-bikes and batteries,​ and it gives them more freedom,” Valette said. “Some even say they’ve been able to service their own cars, ​but not their e-bikes.”