What is the difference between an electric bike and a motorcycle?

There are significant differences between electric bicycles and motorcycles in many aspects, including appearance, performance parameters, certificate style, license plate, driving license requirements, right of way, insurance purchase, licensing and usage procedures, etc. Here’s a closer look at these differences:

1. Different appearance
Electric bicycles: According to the "Electric Bicycle Safety Technical Specifications" (GB17761-2018), electric bicycles need to have a pedal riding function so that they can be ridden by human power when the power is insufficient or malfunctions.
Motorcycles (including electric motorcycles and fuel motorcycles): usually do not require pedals, and the body design is more like a motor vehicle, with stronger power performance and load capacity.

2. Different performance parameters
Maximum speed: The maximum speed of electric bicycles cannot exceed 25km/h; electric mopeds cannot exceed 50km/h, and electric motorcycles cannot exceed 50km/h. The speed range of fuel motorcycles is wider and varies depending on the model and displacement.
Overall vehicle quality: The entire vehicle mass of an electric bicycle is less than or equal to 55kg; while electric mopeds, electric motorcycles and fuel motorcycles have no specific requirements for the entire vehicle quality.
Motor power: The motor power of electric bicycles is not more than 400W; the power of electric mopeds is not more than 4KW, and the power of electric motorcycles is not more than 4KW. Fuel motorcycles are powered by internal combustion engines and have a larger power range.

3. Different styles of certificates
Electric bicycles: The new national standard electric bicycle frame number is 15 digits and has a 3C certification column.
Motorcycles (including electric and fuel): The frame number is the same as that of cars and ordinary motorcycles, which is 17 digits, and there is no 3C certification column.