With the arrival of spring, cycling has become the most popular method for modern people to embrace the season, offering a chance to set aside worries and stress while enjoying nature, sightseeing, and staying fit. In recent years, with the society's emphasis on green travel and healthy lifestyle and the change of consumption concept, the bicycle industry is shifting its focus from traditional means of transportation to sports, mountains and leisure. So, what are the differences between different types of bicycles and how should they be classified? Let's take a look.
I. Race Bicycle
Bicycles are divided into ordinary bicycles and special bicycles. Racing bicycles belong to special bicycles for racing, which can be divided into track racing bicycles and road racing bicycles. It has the characteristics of high strength, light dead weight, brisk and flexible riding. The allowable load is 80 kg; the wheel diameter is ≥ 610 mm, and the weight of a completed bicycle does not exceed 11 kg. It is recommended to be classified under the tariff line 8712.0020.
II. Mountain Bicycle
Mountain bicycle for riding on field strips, public roads and public thoroughfares with reinforced frame and other accessories. This is especially true for two-wheeled bicycles fitted with deep tread, wide tires and a wide range of speed changes. It is recommended to be classified under the tariff line 8712.0030.
III. Cross-country bicycle
Off-road bicycles are used for exercise, tourism and competition. They are generally suitable for driving on poor roads or wild land without roads. It has high strength, small wheel diameter, thick tire section and large claw on the tread, which is not afraid of collision or falling, with good off-road performance. Depending on the wheel diameter, it is recommended to be classified under tariff line 8712.0041 (wheel diameters of 16, 18 and 20 inches) or 8712.0049.
IV. Electric Bicycles and Electric Assisted Bicycles
Electric bicycles usually use storage batteries as auxiliary energy. On the basis of ordinary bicycles, they are equipped with motors, controllers, batteries, turning handles, brake handles and other control components and display instrument systems. Such e-bikes are mainly powered by batteries and are recommended to be classified under tariff line 8711.6000.
The batteries and motors installed on power-assisted bicycles usually do not have a separate driving function, so they cannot directly drive the bicycle to run. When the rider feels that it is difficult to ride, they only act on the toothed disc to reduce the force of pedaling, so as to save the rider's physical strength and complete longer distance or higher intensity riding. The batteries and motors installed on such power-assisted bicycles cannot directly propel the bicycle. Such bicycles with auxiliary power are recommended to be classified under Heading 8712.
With the social and economic development, the market demand for bicycles as a low-carbon, environmentally friendly and healthy transportation and fitness tool is expected to continue to grow. In the future, bicycles will also be digitalized, intelligent and environmentally friendly to further meet people's pursuit of a healthy and green lifestyle.
Disclaimer：The above content is translated from Chinese version of Xuexi.cn - China Customs. The Xuexi.cn - China Customs version shall prevail.