Investigative Reports Expose Alarming Increase in Electric Bicycle Fires in China: A Call for Stricter Regulations and Safety Measures
In a series of investigative reports, state-owned Xinhua News Agency has turned its focus on the safety hazards associated with electric bicycles in China. The reports, which have been widely shared on Weibo, a Chinese microblogging platform, highlight a sharp increase in electric bicycle fires, with the National Fire and Rescue Center receiving over 20,000 reports in 2023 and 3,242 reports in 2022.
25 March 2024
These fires, many of which have occurred in residential areas, have been linked to battery malfunctions. The Xinhua reports have sparked a wave of concern among Chinese netizens, with many calling for stricter regulations and safety measures. One user, @砚, posted, "This is alarming. It's time for the authorities to take action." Another user, @六~-飞, commented, "I've been worried about this for a while.
It's not just about the quality of the bikes, but also about where they're being charged and stored." The reports have also highlighted the issue of counterfeit and low-quality batteries, which are often sold at half the price of regular batteries. These batteries, which are often produced in unlicensed workshops, have been identified as a major cause of the fires. According to Xinhua, the failure rate of electric bicycle batteries in a recent national quality inspection was as high as 22.9%. The reports have also pointed to the issue of illegal modifications, which can also lead to fires. In a recent case, a electric bicycle that had been illegally modified caught fire in a residential area in Beijing.
The owner of the bicycle was fined and could face criminal charges. The Beijing Fire Department has warned consumers not to buy electric bicycles that have been illegally modified and to regularly check and maintain their bikes. The Xinhua reports have also called on property management companies to do more to ensure the safe storage and charging of electric bicycles. The Ministry of Public Security has issued a notice urging property management companies, local governments, and residential committees to strictly enforce regulations on the parking and charging of electric bicycles. In response to the reports, the China Bicycle Association has announced that it will strengthen its supervision of electric bicycle manufacturers and will work to improve the safety standards of electric bicycles. The association has also called on consumers to be more cautious when buying electric bicycles and to only purchase bikes from reputable manufacturers.
In conclusion, the Xinhua reports have shed light on a serious safety issue that has been largely overlooked. The reports have highlighted the need for stricter regulations, better safety standards, and increased consumer awareness. As one Weibo user put it, "This is a wake-up call. We need to take electric bicycle safety seriously before it's too late."