Importing Electric Vehicles, E-Bikes and Scooters from China: A Complete Guide

Importing Electric Vehicles, E-Bikes and Scooters from China: A Complete Guide

China sold more than 9.5 million electric vehicles in 2023, 62% of global sales. But China's electric mobility sector goes far beyond cars: the country produces more than 40 million e-bikes and electric scooters a year, exporting to every continent. For importers in Latin America and Spain, this production volume translates into the widest range and the most competitive prices in the world in a segment growing 15% to 25% a year.

1. Why China Dominates Global Electric Mobility

The advantage of an integrated value chain

China doesn't just assemble electric vehicles: it controls the entire value chain. It produces more than 75% of the world's refined lithium, more than 70% of battery cathodes and anodes, and more than 80% of battery cell components. As a result, producing a lithium battery in China costs 20% to 35% less than in any other country, and that advantage carries straight through to the vehicle's final price.

Companies such as CATL (the world's largest battery manufacturer), BYD (which makes its own batteries, motors and chips) and Yadea / Aima (the world's largest e-bike manufacturers) hold a competitive position that no outside competitor can match in the short or medium term.

The key cities in the sector

  • Shenzhen: battery technology, power electronics, drones (DJI). It is the sector's innovation hub.
  • Tianjin and Jiangsu: the world's largest e-bike production centers. More than 60% of the e-bikes exported from China come from these two provinces.
  • Hangzhou: urban mobility scooters, kick scooters, last-mile electric vehicles.
  • Wuxi and Changzhou (Jiangsu): hub motors, motor controllers and electric drivetrain components.

2. E-Bikes: Types, Specifications and Real FOB Prices

E-bike classification by regulation

The legal classification of e-bikes varies by region, but the most widely used internationally is the European one (which many Latin American countries adopt as a reference):

  • Class 1 (Pedelec): the motor assists only while pedaling and cuts out at 25 km/h. No throttle. Classified as a bicycle in most countries. No registration plate, insurance or license required.
  • Class 2: motor with a throttle, maximum speed 25 km/h. In Europe it must be registered as a moped. In Latin America it varies by country.
  • Class 3 (S-Pedelec): assistance up to 45 km/h. In Europe it is a moped: it requires a plate, insurance and a helmet. In the US it is restricted to certain roads.
  • High-power e-bikes (>500W): classified as motorcycles in most jurisdictions. They require the full vehicle type-approval process.

Key specifications and FOB prices

  • Class 1 urban e-bike, 36V/10Ah (360Wh) battery, 250W hub motor, 40–60 km range: USD 280–380 FOB. Weight: 18–22 kg. MOQ: 20–50 units.
  • Class 1 trekking e-bike, 36V/15Ah (540Wh) battery, 250W Bafang mid-drive motor, 80–120 km range: USD 480–680 FOB. Weight: 22–26 kg. MOQ: 10–30 units.
  • Fat tire e-bike (4" wheels), 48V/15Ah battery, 750W hub motor, all-terrain: USD 520–750 FOB. Popular in the US and Canadian markets. MOQ: 10–20 units.
  • E-cargo bike (delivery cargo bike), 48V/20Ah battery, 500W hub motor, 150 kg load capacity: USD 650–950 FOB. High demand from last-mile companies.

3. Electric Scooters: Motor, Battery and Range Explained

Types of motor in electric scooters

  • External rotor hub motor (BLDC): the most common. The motor is built into the rear wheel. Advantage: simple, no chain or belt. Disadvantage: high unsprung weight (affects handling over bumps).
  • Mid-drive motor: the motor sits in the center of the frame and drives the wheel through a chain or belt. Advantage: better weight distribution, more efficient on slopes. Disadvantage: more expensive and more complex maintenance.
  • Front wheel motor: less common, used in low-cost scooters. It produces front-wheel traction, which can be unstable in the wet.

Batteries: Li-Ion vs. LiFePO4 in scooters

The difference between Li-Ion (NMC) and LiFePO4 batteries is especially relevant for scooters, where the battery is the most expensive component and the one with the greatest impact on safety:

  • NMC (standard Li-Ion): higher energy density (more range with less weight), cheaper. Risk of thermal runaway in the event of a short circuit. Most low- and mid-cost scooters use this type.
  • LiFePO4: lower energy density (heavier for the same range), but far better chemical stability: no risk of combustion. Lifespan of 2,000–3,000 cycles vs. 500–800 for NMC. For heavy-use scooters (delivery, shared rental), LiFePO4 pays for itself in 2–3 years.

FOB prices by scooter category

  • Urban electric scooter, 500W, 48V/12Ah battery, top speed 45 km/h, 40–60 km range: USD 380–520 FOB. For general urban use.
  • Delivery scooter, 1,200W, LiFePO4 72V/20Ah battery, 80–100 km range, high load capacity: USD 750–1,100 FOB. In high demand from food delivery companies.
  • Premium scooter, 3,000W BLDC, 72V/32Ah battery, top speed 80 km/h, TFT display, connectivity: USD 1,200–1,800 FOB. A competitor to European-brand scooters.

4. Electric Kick Scooters and Last-Mile Vehicles

Folding kick scooters for adults

The market for folding electric kick scooters for adults is one of the fastest-growing categories in urban mobility. Critical regulation: in the EU, kick scooters that exceed 25 km/h or 500W are classified as motor vehicles and require insurance. FOB prices for the most popular specifications:

  • 250W motor, top speed 25 km/h, 36V/7.5Ah battery, 20–25 km range, weight ≤12 kg: USD 120–180 FOB. Complies with European regulations as a personal mobility vehicle (PMV).
  • 500W motor, top speed 35 km/h, 48V/13Ah battery, 35–45 km range, 10" pneumatic tires: USD 220–320 FOB. For heavier use; not allowed on public roads in many European countries.
  • Dual 2×600W motor, top speed 55 km/h, 52V/20Ah battery, front and rear suspension: USD 450–650 FOB. Off-road/enthusiast segment.

LSEVs (Low Speed Electric Vehicles)

Low-speed four-wheel electric vehicles (max. 40–80 km/h) are used on university campuses, in resorts, gated residential areas, industrial parks and airports. China is the world's largest producer. FOB prices: USD 3,500–8,000 for 2–4 passenger models; USD 8,000–18,000 for cargo versions or premium golf-cart types.

5. Certifications and Legal Framework by Country

  • European Union / Spain: Directive 2002/24/EC for electric mopeds (>25 km/h or >250W in throttle mode). Class 1 Pedelec e-bikes don't require vehicle type approval: they only need to comply with EN 15194. CE marking is mandatory. For scooters with a throttle or that exceed 25 km/h: registration, mandatory insurance and an AM driving license.
  • US: the federal e-bike law (HR 1938) classifies Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes as bicycles at the federal level, but states can legislate differently. California, for example, allows all 3 classes in bike lanes under specific conditions. The CPSC regulates product safety; the FCC governs the electronic components.
  • Mexico: no specific federal e-bike law as of 2025. Most states treat them as bicycles if they don't exceed 25 km/h. Faster scooters require vehicle registration in most states. The IMPI does not require specific approval for personal-use e-bikes under 250W/25 km/h.
  • Colombia: Law 769 (National Traffic Code), amended in 2022: electric bicycles up to 250W and 25 km/h don't require a license or plate. Scooters above that limit are mopeds and require SOAT insurance, a plate and an A2 license.
  • Chile: Law 21.088 (2018) regulates e-bikes up to 250W/25 km/h as bicycles. The Undersecretariat of Transport updates electric mobility rules periodically.

6. How to Evaluate Electric Vehicle Suppliers

Evaluating an e-bike or scooter supplier requires specific criteria that go beyond consumer electronics. The critical points:

  1. Export history to your market: a supplier that already exports to your country knows the certification requirements, voltage restrictions and customs documents. Ask for references from importers in your region.
  2. Valid (not expired) certificates: ask for the CE, FCC or EN 15194 certificate number and check that it is valid in the certification body's database. Fake or expired certificates are a real risk.
  3. Spare parts available for 3 years: an e-bike has components that wear out: battery cells, controller, display. If the supplier doesn't guarantee spare parts availability, your customer will have a useless vehicle after 18–24 months.
  4. Real range test: the specified range is always measured under ideal conditions (flat surface, constant speed, 25°C, minimum load). Ask the supplier for the real range under typical use (mixed terrain, 75 kg load, 20°C). It is usually 20–30% lower than the marketing range.
  5. Battery cycle test: for significant orders, a 200-cycle charge/discharge test before mass production verifies that the battery will retain 80% capacity at the specified 500 cycles.

7. Business Opportunities by Segment in Latin America and Spain

Urban e-bikes in cities with cycling infrastructure

Bogotá, Mexico City, Lima and Santiago have significantly expanded their bike lane networks over the last 5 years. Bogotá has more than 600 km of bike routes; Mexico City exceeds 300 km. This infrastructure makes everyday e-bike use viable for trips of up to 20 km. The buyer profile: a middle-class worker aged 25–45 who wants to avoid traffic and reduce transport costs.

Electric delivery: the most immediate business opportunity

Food delivery companies (Rappi, iFood, PedidosYa, Uber Eats) have growing demand for electric scooters for their riders. The operating cost of an electric scooter vs. a gasoline one for intensive daily deliveries:

  • Gasoline scooter: ~USD 3–5/day in fuel + USD 0.80–1.20/day in average maintenance.
  • Electric scooter (charged from a household outlet): ~USD 0.30–0.60/day in electricity + USD 0.20–0.40/day in maintenance.
  • Annual saving per rider: USD 1,000–1,800. With a fleet of 50 riders, the saving exceeds USD 75,000 a year.

Spain: MOVES III Plan incentives

The Spanish government's MOVES III Plan offers grants of up to EUR 900 for buying an electric bicycle and up to EUR 7,000 for electric mopeds and motorcycles when a combustion vehicle is handed in for scrapping at the same time. E-bike and scooter importers who want to enter the Spanish market should check that their product meets the plan's requirements (including being listed in the catalog of vehicles eligible for the grant).

Galium Cargo has experience importing electric vehicles from China, including coordinating CE certifications and technical documentation for type approval. Contact us to evaluate your project.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.