The "Guangzhou electric bicycles registration measures《广州市电动自行车登记办法》", the "Guangzhou special license plate electric bicycles management measures《广州市专用号牌电动自行车管理办法》", and the updated national standard GB 17761-2024 "Safety technical specifications for electric bicycles 《电动自行车安全技术规范》" aim to strengthen road safety, standardize industry practices, and elevate technological standards for electric bicycles ("e-bikes"), marking a significant step in urban traffic governance.

A key feature of the new regulations is the introduction of dedicated yellow-background license plates with black characters for e-bikes used in seven people's livelihood service sectors, including food delivery, express logistics, and medical care.

These plates are categorized into four segments: "Guangzhou W" for food delivery vehicles, "Guangzhou X" for public utility repair units (power, water, gas, telecom), "Guangzhou Y" for postal services and express logistics, and "Guangzhou Z" for healthcare, sanitation, and emergency response vehicles.

Service providers must obtain approval from relevant regulatory authorities—such as the market supervision bureau for delivery platforms or the postal administration for logistics companies—before submitting applications via the "gzjiaojing (广州交警)" WeChat platform. Vehicles must undergo safety inspections, and delivery enterprises are required to upload rider and vehicle data to a government-monitored system to ensure accountability.

Existing blue-background plates (previously issued to delivery vehicles) must be replaced with new yellow plates by March 1, 2026. Failure to comply will result in penalties for unlicensed operation.

Similarly, privately owned e-bikes repurposed for commercial use must undergo registration changes. All traffic violations or unresolved accidents linked to a vehicle must be addressed before transferring ownership, canceling registration, or replacing license plates. Registration fees are set at 30 RMB per set for new plates, with replacement costs at 22 RMB (including brackets), 5 RMB for certificates, and 18 RMB for postal delivery.

The updated national standard introduces stringent safety and performance upgrades. Non-metallic materials used in e-bikes must now meet higher fire-resistance criteria, with plastic components limited to 5.5 percent of total vehicle weight. Braking distances have been shortened for improved safety, and anti-tampering mechanisms for batteries and controllers have been strengthened—vehicles exceeding 25 km/h will automatically cut power.

Lead-acid battery models now have a maximum weight of 63 kg (up from 55 kg)to enhance range. All new e-bikes must include Beidou positioning systems(optional for private users) and display lifespan labels on certificates. Pedals are no longer mandatory, though rear-view mirrors are encouraged.

Post-September 1, 2025, only e-bikes compliant with the new standard can be manufactured. Existing inventory produced before August 31, 2025, may be sold until November 30, 2025, after which non-compliant models will be banned.

Consumers with older vehicles will not face forced replacement but are encouraged to participate in trade-in programs. When purchasing new e-bikes, buyers should verifyCCC certification marks and product certificates, cross-checking details via QR codes or the national certification platform.

These policies reflect a dual approach of regulatory oversight and technological innovation, balancing the needs of commercial operators with public safety. By standardizing industry practices and upgrading vehicle safety, Guangzhou aims to reduce traffic incidents, curb illegal modifications, and foster sustainable growth in the e-bike sector.