Posted on May 31, 2016 by Rob McBroom
In China, there are three types of two-wheel machines available: motorbikes, scooters, or e-bikes, and you are going to want to first consider what type of bike you want to buy. Between our staff in our Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Beijing offices there are riders of each type of bike. Here are their recommendations.
In a paper published by the UN's Sustainable Development branch, it was found that "China, as the world's largest electric two-wheeler manufacturer and exporter, accounts for 92 percentage of the global market in 2012." This makes E-bikes (bikes powered by batteries) the most popular two-wheeled vehicle in China, with an estimated 200 million plus e-bikes on the road (as of 2014).
These machines are generally affordable, easy to ride, can be charged easily via a power plug, and can be purchased from stores (including stores like Carrefour or Walmart) in pretty much every city and town. Our staff use these bikes to get around their neighborhood e.g., getting groceries, going to the mall, or even commuting to and from work.
When looking for an e-bike, you will come across two main types that you will need to consider:
Bicycle Style Electric Bikes - Essentially a bicycle with an electric battery added to it. These bikes have pedals that are fully functional and have been deemed by the government as bicycles. As such, they have a limited speed - usually 20 km/hour and will usually be fairly cheap.
Scooter Style Electric Bikes - These often represent more of a scooter in looks than a bicycle (they don't have working pedals), and are powered fully by batteries. In cities like Shanghai and Beijing, these bikes are the most popular among expats and locals alike as they can go faster than the bicycle style ones and many can go a considerable distance on a single charge. Some models even feature removable batteries that can be charged at home or at the office.
One important thing to note here is that not every city allows e-bikes. For example, Guangzhou and Shenzhen both have banned scooter style e-bikes from certain roads though pedal e-bikes are still legal. That said, most e-bikes are treated by the police as bicycles so enforcement of bans is usually spotty at best.
The popular workhorse of South East Asia is commonly seen in many cities around China as well. While similar to e-bikes, scooters (or mopeds) run on petrol and tend to have bigger engines which means they go faster than many e-bikes. They also tend to be slightly more expensive as well.
One of the other main differences between scooters and e-bikes is that you are required to have a driver's license in order to drive a scooter in China.
Like E-bikes, some cities have actually banned scooters on certain roads, so it is important to ask around when considering a scooter as you may live near a road where they are banned.
Larger motorcycles are increasingly popular in China, especially among expats and locals who need to travel longer distances for work. While a variety of bikes are available, you may struggle to find motorcycles with engines larger than 150 ccs, as the vast majority of motorcycles sold in China are 125 CC.
If you are considering purchasing a motorbike in China it is important to note that you are required to have a valid driver's license and insurance. Beyond that, many cities have banned motorbikes from freeways and the downtown cores of many cities.
According to Bloomberg, "A study conducted by researchers at Peking University and other institutions from October 2010 to April 2011 found that e-bikes were involved in 57 percent of serious non-fatal road accidents in a rural hospital in Suzhou. Traumatic brain injuries were sustained by 36 percent of injured riders."
While this may seem high, anyone who has spent time on the road in China would see they could make sense. Drivers in China simply ignore road rules, and it is common to see e-bike or scooter riders often cutting in front of turning cars, failing to stop at red lights, or simply driving too fast for the conditions.
Combine this with the fact that the vast majority of scooter drivers don't wear helmets and protective gear like jackets or even appropriate pants, and it is clear to see that you are at risk if you ride a scooter in China.
This varies by city. In many of the larger cities like Shenzhen and Shanghai, it is mandatory for owners of scooters and motorbikes to register their bike with the police and to obtain a legitimate license plate along with the appropriate driver's license and insurance.
In larger cities like Shenzhen and Shanghai, it is now mandatory for people who own a scooter style e-bike to register it with the police. For example, according to Time Out Shanghai, you need to go to a specific office to register your e-bike. This is free of charge, and in some cases, the store you bought the bike from may help you with the process. If you are considering an e-bike it would be a good idea to check with the local authorities whether you need to register it or not.
There are a number of things you can do to minimize the risks of riding a scooter in China. First and foremost, it is highly recommended that you purchase a helmet. Most of our staff have purchased motorcycle helmets from respected stores in Shanghai or Beijing and wear them whenever they are on the bike. It is important here not to purchase a bicycle helmet as these will not provide enough protection. If you are curious as to where to procure a helmet, try talking with your colleagues. It is also equally important that if you are going to purchase a more powerful motorcycle you also get the right equipment e.g., leather riding jacket, boots, long pants etc. If you are wondering whether these provide protection or not, just ask anyone who has been in a motorcycle accident and they will all likely agree that they are.
Another way to mitigate the risk is to be aware of the hazards of driving on the road. First off, pay constant attention to the other drivers and pedestrians around you, they can do anything at any time so paying attention could help you avoid any collisions. Secondly, pay attention to the quality of the road. For example, the paint used to demarcate lines on the road is extremely slippery when the road is wet. Turning, speeding up, or slowing down while your tires are on these lines could result in a crash. If there is fresh snow on the roads, then it would be advisable to avoid riding your scooter as they lack the traction of four-wheel cars. Again, asking your colleagues for other tips can be beneficial.
Finally, it is important to secure the right type of insurance. As we noted above, if you have a motorcycle or gas scooter you are likely going to have to secure motorcycle insurance. Beyond that, it would also be a good idea to ensure you have a robust health insurance plan. Should you be in an accident, your health insurance can provide coverage for any medical issues that arise from riding a motorcycle. One thing to be aware of here, however, is that many health insurance plans exclude care related to motorcycle accidents that occurred while you were speeding or racing.
To help find the best health insurance plan on the market, visit Pacific Prime's online quotation system for a free quote. We can help recommend a plan that will provide coverage for all of your daily activities.
Electric bikes are a lucrative business considering the growing public interest in cheaper, environment-friendly commute options. Consequently, more and more suppliers want to stock e-bikes at their stores. However, before you decide to dive in head-first, let us give you a fair warning, finding an appropriate e-bike manufacturer can be tricky. Why is it so? China is a dominant player in the e-bike wholesale market. A lack of experience, language barrier, and different manufacturing standards can make it hard to navigate the market for newbies.
But don’t you worry, here is a carefully compiled list of six things you should consider to navigate the China e-bike wholesale market.
Quality
There is always someone who could do it cheaper, but would it be worth it? Better price is one of the reasons many buyers are turning to China’s e-bike wholesale market. Every business wants to minimize its cost and maximize its profit. After all, they have to pay the shipping, clearance, and other charges as well. But it is always beneficial to use your common sense, even if you are technically not so advanced. If an e-bike manufacturer is quoting too low, he might be compromising on quality.
Some companies ship you a prototype before you agree to buy in bulk. It is a great option, avail it to assess the quality of the product. Establishing better communication, asking for verified documentary proofs of quality, and background checks on past dealings of a manufacturer can help you choose good-quality e-bikes.
It is also a good idea to assess the quality control at the pre-production, production, and post-production stages of e-bike manufacturing. Assessment at the pre-production stage can involve looking at the number of employees and testing machinery designated to perform quality control. Agree for unscheduled visits during the production stage to evaluate how they maintain quality. It is better to get a Chinese to do the task to avoid any loss of information in translation. Finally, an inspection after production and follow-up communication can help build trust and help maintain the quality of the product.
Overseas Warehouse
While exploring the China e-bike wholesale market, you will come across some e-bike manufacturers who maintain warehouses overseas. One such e-bike manufacturer is Haidong, maintaining seven warehouses across the USA, Canada, and Europe. It is an excellent opportunity for western buyers interested in China’s e-bike wholesale market. These warehouses automatically have to maintain stock that matches local standards. If you have a wholesale business in Scotland, importing from Germany is much easier than importing from China. You deal with a shorter distance, lesser tariffs, and easy clearance on the port. Plus, such e-bike manufacturers have a better awareness of safety and regulatory requirements in various countries.
Custom Duties
Custom duties factor in your total cost, eventually affecting how you price the product. If not actively considered beforehand, it can skyrocket your original cost to the point where you may incur losses. EU slapped anti-subsidy and anti-dumping import duties on Chinese e-bikes. The USA engaged in a trade war with China, hurting businesses and suppliers working with China’s e-bike wholesale market. But e-bike manufacturers have been working to deal with these tariffs. Some companies cooperated with the EU Commission in the dumping investigations to receive lower duties. Others managed by selling pedals separately as spare parts; since a bike without pedals is an electric scooter and exempted from heavy import duties. Some market leaders, like Haidong, maintain overseas warehouses, escaping the crippling taxation policies and other limitations.
Labeling & Documentation
Various countries require proper labeling of the product imported for selling. Naturally, it is one of the things you need to consider while dealing with China e-bike wholesale market. Some of the labels to stamp on e-bikes include country of origin, WEEE, CE, and CCC. Apart from these, destination-specific labels may also be required. So, you should communicate all such requirements to the e-bike manufacturer and make sure the products comply.
The next logical step would be to maintain documentary proof of compliance. Documentation is mandatory to import your e-bikes to your desired destination and includes;
This one is pretty straightforward; you need to consult different manufacturers to get the best quote. But it is not that simple after all. E-bikes are available with varying assistances and specifications. More specs, quality components, and added comfort come with a higher price. It is therefore critical that you understand your market. What do bike users want? What are the market trends where you do business? It would enable you to chalk out the kind of bikes you are looking for, the specs you like to have in those bikes, and the trade-offs you would consider for a better price.
There is a considerable market for custom-made e-bikes. If you want to opt for this, do your research, consider the additional cost of additional tools and molds that a manufacturer might charge. Once you have done your homework, you would better evaluate the price quoted by various manufacturers in the China e-bike wholesale market. Contacting manufacturers who already supply e-bikes in western countries can be beneficial since they already understand the procedure and may be better equipped to assist you.
Specifications
Bike specifications can make or break the deal for you. It is noteworthy that these bikes are electrically powered and may need to fulfill some safety and regulatory standards before authorities allow their use on roads. Furthermore, China’s e-bike wholesale market attracts distributors from around the world. So, they produce e-bikes following a variety of regulatory requirements. It is pertinent to appraise the e-bike manufacturer of all the relevant laws in writing. Then agree on the mechanisms, tests, and certificates to prove compliance.
Let’s discuss some broad specs you need to discuss and vet with the e-bike manufacturer before closing the deal.
Motor
It is probably the most vital specification for an electric bike. It is this feature that makes an e-bike a preferred urban mode of commute. Apart from the type and quality of the motor, you may also want to know about its power. Regulations related to e-bikes apply to their motor power, and the standards are different in each country. Shared below is a list of countries with the motor power that they allow for e-bikes.
Sr. No. Country Motor (Watts) 1. Australia 200 – 270 2. Canada ~ 500 3. EU <250 4. USA <750Gears
Bike companies do not make gears themselves but buy from other manufacturers dealing with such parts. The kind of gear used in a bike determines how comfortable a bike ride would be. It is, therefore, crucial to always ask to use parts manufactured by a reliable company.
Battery
E-bike usually employs lithium-ion batteries. The quality of these batteries varies in terms of capacity, longevity, and weight. Most of the time, you will find that manufacturers source batteries from established brands. You would do yourself a favor by asking for documentation that specifies the model, battery type, and brand, as well as proof of regulatory compliance. It is a requirement to get clearance for your shipment.
Charger
Always select chargers that meet the electrical safety standards applicable in the country you are importing in. Maintain compliance-related records like test results and compliance certificates for the exact charger model you are buying.
We shared some of the most valuable considerations for those interested in China e-bike wholesale market. These include information about specs, quality, price comparison, and regulatory requirements. Like any other business, getting e-bikes for wholesale will involve lots of research, comparisons in technical superiority, and optimal price points. Generally, Chinese e-bikes provide an economical option. But it is critical to consider import duties and logistics cost to make sure your venture is profitable. It is wise to evaluate manufacturers based on quality control and quality assurance measures. It saves you time, money, and a lot of hassle.