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Very import requirements and tariff policies of electric bicycles in the EU and other key markets

1. European Union (EU)

Import Requirements

  • Classification & Standards:
    • Pedelecs (e-bikes with pedal assistance) must comply with EN 15194:2023 , which mandates a maximum motor power of 250W, automatic power cutoff at 25 km/h, and safety testing for electrical systems, batteries, and mechanical components.
    • Non-pedelec e-bikes (e.g., high-speed models) fall under motor vehicle regulations and require additional certifications like ECE R10 (EMC) and ECE R75 (battery safety).
  • Battery Compliance:
    • Lithium batteries must pass UN38.3 testing for transportation safety and meet RoHS environmental standards for hazardous substances.

 

  • Documentation:
    • CE marking is mandatory, supported by technical files proving compliance with EU directives.

Tariffs & Trade Measures

  • Base Tariff:
    • E-bikes classified under CN code 8711.60 face a 3.7% tariff  Changzhou Municipal Bureau of Commerce.
  • Anti-Dumping/Countervailing Duties:
    • Since 2025, China-origin e-bikes face 17.2% countervailing duties (CVD) and 18.8–79.3% anti-dumping duties (ADD), extended for five years . Exceptions apply to certain manufacturers (e.g., Giant’s 9.9% ADD + 3.9% CVD)  Changzhou Municipal Bureau of Commerce.
  • Free Trade Agreements:
    • E-bikes from countries like Turkey or Vietnam may qualify for reduced tariffs under EU trade deals.

2. United States

Import Requirements

  • Safety Standards:
    • E-bikes must meet CPSC 1512 (bicycle safety) and UL 2849 (battery systems) standards.
    • Federal law defines three e-bike classes (Class 1: ≤20 mph pedal-assist; Class 3: ≤28 mph pedal-assist), with varying state-level regulations.
  • Documentation:
    • FCC certification is required for wireless components (e.g., Bluetooth systems).

Tariffs & Trade Measures

  • Base Tariff:
    • E-bikes under HTS 8711.60 face a 2.4% tariff .
  • Steel Tariffs:
    • Since August 2025, a 50% tariff applies to steel components in e-bikes, with a reduced 25% rate for UK-manufactured steel .
  • Small Parcel Exemptions:
    • The de minimis threshold (≤$800) was eliminated in 2025, increasing costs for low-value shipments .

3. United Kingdom (UK)

Import Requirements

  • Classification & Standards:
    • UKCA certification replaced CE marking post-Brexit. Pedelecs must comply with BS EN 15194:2017 .
    • Non-pedelec e-bikes require Whole Vehicle Type Approval (WVTA).
  • Battery Compliance:
    • Same as EU (UN38.3, RoHS).

Tariffs & Trade Measures

  • Base Tariff:
    • E-bikes under UK Tariff Code 8711.60 face a 3.7% tariff.
  • Anti-Dumping Duties:
    • Folding e-bikes from China face 26.3–58.8% ADD (valid until 2029), while non-folding models are exempt .
  • Transitional Arrangement:
    • CE-marked e-bikes remain valid until December 2024 .

4. Canada

Import Requirements

  • Safety Standards:
    • E-bikes must meet SOR/98-172 (motor power ≤500W, speed ≤32 km/h) and CSA D192.2 (battery safety).
  • Documentation:
    • No mandatory certification, but compliance with federal/provincial laws is required.

Tariffs

  • Base Tariff:
    • E-bikes under HS 8711.60 face a 0% tariff under USMCA for North American manufacturers.

Key Takeaways

  • EU: Stringent safety standards (EN 15194) and punitive tariffs on Chinese e-bikes.
  • US: Rising costs due to steel tariffs and stricter import rules.
  • UK: UKCA certification and selective anti-dumping duties.
  • Canada: Tariff-free access for USMCA-compliant products.
  • Global Trends: Focus on battery safety (UN38.3) and sustainability (RoHS), with trade barriers reshaping supply chains.

 

Always verify the latest updates with customs authorities, as policies evolve rapidly (e.g., EU’s 2025 battery regulations or US tariff adjustments).

Why gradients are gaining popularity today due to a blend of visual innovation?

  1. Visual Dynamism: Gradients create depth and movement, making designs more engaging than flat colors. They mimic natural phenomena like sunsets or water reflections, which humans inherently find appealing. This dynamic quality helps brands stand out in crowded markets, as seen in Google’s 2025 logo redesign featuring seamless color transitions.
  2. Technological Accessibility: Digital tools (e.g., Adobe Suite, Figma) and printing technologies now allow designers to create complex gradients effortlessly. Mesh gradients, for example, enable intricate, multi-directional color blends that were once technically challenging. This accessibility fuels experimentation across industries, from UI design to product packaging.
  3. Brand Differentiation: With traditional color palettes overused (e.g., Facebook’s blue, Twitter’s sky blue), gradients offer a way to create unique identities. Brands like Instagram and Tinder use gradients to signal modernity and creativity, avoiding generic color associations. Huawei’s EMUI10 system, for instance, incorporates Morandi-inspired gradients to blend elegance with tech-forward aesthetics Huawei smartphones.

  1. Social Media Influence: Platforms like TikTok and Instagram thrive on vibrant visuals. Gradients enhance content shareability by adding eye-catching effects to posts, stories, and ads. Users are more likely to engage with gradient-rich designs, making them a staple in social media marketing strategies.
  2. Nostalgic Revival: The 1990s saw gradients widely used in pop culture (e.g., Windows 95 wallpapers, anime skies). Today’s designers revisit this retro trend with a modern twist, creating a sense of familiarity while updating the look with bolder, more saturated tones.
  3. Sustainability Alignment: Eco-conscious brands are pairing gradients with natural materials. For example, MicroPort’s bio-based PHA materials use microbial dyes to create earthy, biodegradable gradients, merging aesthetics with environmental responsibility.

 

In essence, gradients balance innovation and nostalgia, leveraging technology and cultural trends to become a versatile tool for expressing creativity, sustainability, and brand identity in the digital age.

The advantages & disadvantages of recent international brands of triathlon road bikes

  • Quintana Roo (QR)
    • Advantages: The QR V-PRi is highly praised for its excellent aerodynamic performance. It has a FuelBay water system and built-in storage space, which are very practical and convenient for athletes to replenish water and energy during the race. The frame is light, with a 52-yard frame and other components weighing only 2,169 grams, and the overall vehicle weight is also relatively light, which is conducive to improving the speed of the race. In addition, the vehicle has a rich adjustable range, which is convenient for riders to adjust according to their own fitting data.
    • Disadvantages: The price is relatively high, which may be a burden for some riders. And the workmanship of some accessories is slightly poor.
  • Canyon
    • Advantages: The Canyon Speedmax has a very stable road feel, and its design allows riders to maintain a very aggressive riding position, which performs well at high speeds and descents. The vehicle is also equipped with an integrated storage and supply box and water replenishment point, which is very convenient to use.
    • Disadvantages: The frame is relatively heavy, about 9 kg, which may be a disadvantage in climbing. And compared with some competitors, its storage space is smaller.
  • Trek
    • Advantages: Trek’s latest Speed Concept is excellent in many aspects. The brand claims that its IsoSpeed system increases compliance by 30%, providing excellent comfort on the road, allowing riders to be more relaxed during running. The vehicle also has good aerodynamic performance, which can reduce resistance.
    • Disadvantages: The body is relatively heavy, and the entry-level wheelset needs to be upgraded.
  • Specialized
    • Advantages: The Specialized S-Works Shiv has an overall aerodynamic design with a streamlined shape, which has a great advantage in reducing air resistance. The brake system is very linear, and the tire grip is strong, which can provide reliable braking performance. The shifting is smooth, and the 12-speed version is more silky.
    • Disadvantages: The front wheel design may affect the handling of the vehicle. And the price is relatively high, which is not very friendly to riders with limited budgets.