How electric motorbikes took over China, one city at a time

China's shift began in 1986 when Beijing restricted gas motorbikes within its 3rd Ring Road. By 2000, the ban extended to the 4th Ring Road. Guangzhou banned them citywide in 2007. Shanghai made ownership prohibitively expensive: in 2021, a gas motorbike license plate could cost US$50,000, more than many small cars, according to Shanghai Specials.

By 2025, nearly 200 cities had banned gas motorbikes either partially or fully. Some cities issued total bans in city centers, others restricted them by time or day. Many stopped issuing license plates for gas bikes entirely.

China also forces older gas motorbikes off the road. After 13 years or 120,000 km, bikes must be scrapped. Owners who retire their bikes early can receive small cash incentives.

Cheap, easy, everywhere

Electric motorbikes are classified as non-motorized vehicles, requiring no license, minimal paperwork and lower costs for plates and insurance. Most models do not even need a driver's license to operate.

To speed up adoption, China rolled out years of subsidies. In 2025, the government began offering cash incentives to help riders switch from older lithium-ion battery models to safer lead-acid ones, Electrek reported.

By mid-2025, China's streets saw an explosion of electric motorbikes. More than 8.47 million new units were sold in just six months. In total, over 420 million two-wheeled electric vehicles are now in circulation, roughly one for every three people.

Dedicated lanes, parking, charging stations

The rise of electric motorbikes came with major infrastructure upgrades. Cities like Nanning built separate lanes, traffic signals and parking areas exclusively for e-bikes, according to the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy. Intersections now feature waiting lanes, dedicated turn zones and LED guidance systems to reduce congestion.

Parking shortages were tackled by converting car spaces into electric bike slots, with a single car space holding up to eight motorbikes. Residential charging stations and battery-swapping hubs help riders recharge quickly, especially in dense urban areas. Local businesses and building managers help build and operate these facilities.

Tighter regulations

In late 2024, China introduced stricter national standards. All new electric motorbikes must now have a top speed of 25 kph, weigh no more than 55 kg (excluding the battery), and be equipped with BeiDou navigation, China's answer to GPS, adding about $28 to the cost of each bike, China Daily reported.

Common accessories like rain covers and leg warmers are now banned. Manufacturers must install anti-tampering systems on key components like batteries and controllers, aimed at preventing DIY modifications but raising costs for riders.

While these rules improve safety, they also increase financial pressure on China's millions of delivery workers and low-income riders.