Electric bicycle sales are frequently chaotic. Experts advise consumers to keep their eyes peeled
With the gradual increase in supervision, industry shortcomings such as illegal sales of vehicles exceeding the standard by "brands" have gradually surfaced.
Why do I often encounter delivery people passing me quickly? Why are their cars so powerful? Part of the "support" behind this comes from high-voltage batteries. A guy who has been delivering food for many years said that many of the larger super-standard electric bicycle motors have different voltage switching functions of 48V, 60V, and 72V. You only need to change different plugs in the online box to complete the switching, and even release the voltage. The speed limit is also very simple. Some can be operated through the electric switch and accelerator, while others require going to a repair shop and connecting professional storage tools.
It is with the support of super-standard batteries that over-standard electric vehicles have overcome the "last mile" and won the favor of specific users. Most of these excessive-standard batteries come from power-swapping points. It is reported that a year ago, you could still get 60V lithium batteries at power grid swap points in Beijing. However, due to the crackdown from all parties, it was difficult to find such high-voltage batteries.
In other cities, high-voltage battery swaps are still widely available in the market. Because of the high energy density, a set of 60V55Ah lithium batteries can weigh up to 55 kilograms if lead-acid batteries are used, while lithium iron phosphate requires about 45 kilograms and ternary lithium only requires about 30 kilograms. Therefore, a lithium battery of the same size has more energy than a lead-acid battery and can run longer distances, meeting the needs of industries such as takeout.
"Replacing lithium batteries does not change the nature of some electric vehicles exceeding standards, but it is to cater to the market. If you don't do it now, someone will do it." said a dealer manager who did not want to be named.
In order to quickly seize the market, many manufacturers frequently introduce new models of electric vehicles. It is not difficult for a company to simultaneously produce three versions of the same model: electric motorcycles, electric mopeds, and non-motor vehicle electric bicycles. From the appearance point of view, it is difficult to distinguish the above-mentioned vehicles; from the point of view of internal performance, as long as the "back door" is preset to switch on indicators such as power performance, the "identity" attribute of the vehicle can be changed at any time. Therefore, the "back door" of modification and speed-up must be strictly blocked at the source of production, and "denaturation" must be strictly prevented. For example, by installing electronic chips, etc., the serial number matching agreement between the electric bicycle's motor, battery, charger and other components of the vehicle can be realized. Once any component is modified without permission, the vehicle will be unusable.
Some merchants said that except for a few areas such as Beijing and Shanghai, license plates in many places are relatively simple and do not even require physical comparison. In order to cope with the difficulty in obtaining licenses in some places, manufacturers have also begun to make adjustments. The same electric bicycle also has the certificate of electric motorcycles. In places where it is difficult to obtain licenses, it is sold as an electric motorcycle.
E-commerce platforms are another way to sell electric bicycles. In some live broadcast rooms of electric bicycles, it is not difficult to find that high-power electric bicycles are still on sale, but special models are launched for some areas with strict requirements. The anchor's expression of the motor's power changed to words such as "awesome" and "violent". Many brands such as Tailing are selling electric bicycles that exceed the standard in the live broadcast room. When he is not serious, the anchor will say that this is a "qualified" electric bicycle. When he is more serious, he will say that this is an electric motorcycle. What makes consumers wonder is how the same product can easily switch between different identities.
The safety issue of electric bicycles is not only a people's livelihood and social topic, but also a management and industry issue.
Experts pointed out that in the face of chaos in the electric bicycle market, the industry must do something. As a consumer, you should also keep your eyes open to protect your rights and interests. First of all, it is crucial to choose a regular brand and channel to buy an electric bicycle. When purchasing, be sure to carefully check the product specifications, performance and safety standards to ensure that the purchased vehicle meets national standards. Secondly, consumers should remain vigilant about refurbished batteries and other accessories and avoid purchasing products from unknown sources. Finally, paying attention to the company’s after-sales service and complaint resolution mechanism is also an important part of protecting your own rights and interests.
