China Encourages Citizens to Swap ‘Old Lithium E-Bikes’ for New Lead-Acid Models

In an unexpected move, China is encouraging its citizens to exchange their lithium-ion battery-powered electric bikes for newer versions equipped with sealed lead-acid batteries (SLAs).

Electric bicycles are immensely popular in urban China, with an estimated 350 million electric two-wheelers of various types navigating the nation’s roads and bike paths. These e-bikes often resemble scooters or mopeds more than traditional bicycles, serving as a vital mode of daily transportation for families and young adults alike. Although these bikes technically need pedals and a maximum speed of 25 km/h (15.5 mph) to qualify as e-bikes, many users remove the pedals, effectively operating them as scooters.

SLAs, most commonly in the form of Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries, have been a staple in China’s electric bicycle industry for decades. The technology behind lead-acid batteries dates back over a century, with early electric cars at the turn of the 20th century utilizing them.

In recent years, there has been a transition in China from the traditional, heavy AGM batteries to more lightweight and durable lithium-ion batteries. However, concerns over the safety risks posed by rare but potentially hazardous lithium-ion battery fires have slowed this transition. While new safety standards for lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes were introduced last year, there is a notable shift back to AGM batteries in the domestic market. Prominent industry players like Yadea and NIU continue to produce numerous AGM-based e-bikes for the local market, while focusing on lithium-ion models for export.

China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOC) has now unveiled policies to further incentivize the trade-in of lithium-ion battery e-bikes for AGM models through subsidies for purchasing eligible new models. The traded-in e-bikes will be dismantled and recycled, as part of an effort to eliminate older e-bikes with potential safety hazards.

While batteries based on sealed lead-acid technology offer enhanced safety, they suffer from lower energy density and shorter lifespans. To address these limitations, companies such as Yadea are exploring sodium-ion batteries as a potential successor to both lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes.

Sodium-ion batteries possess the safety advantages of lead-acid batteries, while offering improved energy density and durability approaching that of lithium-ion batteries. Although the cost of sodium-ion technology remains high, substantial investments are anticipated to drive down prices in the coming years.

Source https://electrek.co/2025/01/29/china-urges-citizens-to-trade-in-old-lithium-e-bikes-for-newer-lead-acid-electric-bikes/