China's electric two-wheeler exports hit another record in 2025 - roughly 26.7 million units worth around $6.8 billion, up about 21% year on year. For importers and distributors, the question is no longer whether to stock electric bikes, but how to source them properly. This guide walks through the whole process: where the bikes are actually made, who to buy from, what to check, and what it really costs.
Why the Jinhua Cluster Matters
When people say "electric bikes come from China", they usually mean a few industrial clusters: Tianjin, Wuxi, and - the one that matters most for export - Jinhua in Zhejiang province. Jinhua's Yongkang and Wuyi districts, plus the Jinhua Economic Development Zone, host the complete supply chain: frames, motors, controllers, batteries, plastics and assembly all within a few dozen kilometres.
Zhejiang is the second-largest e-two-wheeler exporting province in China (about 24% of national export value, behind only Guangdong), and Jinhua is its main hub. It is also only about an hour from the Yiwu wholesale market, which is why we source our electric two-wheeler range direct from this cluster rather than through traders in other cities.
The Five E-Bike Categories That Matter
Not all e-bikes are the same product, and the sourcing logic differs by category. Before you contact any factory, decide which lines fit your market:
- City & commuter e-bikes (EPAC) - the European volume seller, 250W / 25km/h compliant. See the E-Bikes & E-City Bikes range.
- E-assist & pedal-assist - comfort-focused commuters with fat tyres and step-thru frames. See E-Assist & Commuter.
- Folding e-bikes - the fastest-growing urban niche. See Folding E-Bikes.
- Mobility scooters - the ageing-population segment. See Mobility Scooters.
- Cargo & utility e-bikes - last-mile delivery and commercial use. See Cargo & Utility E-Bikes.
Factory, Trader, or Sourcing Partner?
You have three channels, each with trade-offs:
| Channel | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Direct factory | Lowest price, full OEM control | High MOQ, you do all the legwork, hard to verify legitimacy remotely |
| Trading company | Flexible, small orders | Markup, less control over quality and compliance |
| Sourcing partner | Factory screening, QC, certifications, logistics handled | Service component in the price |
For small and mid-size importers, the sourcing-partner route usually pays for itself on the first order - especially because certification and battery logistics are exactly where beginners lose money.
What to Verify Before You Commit
- Business license and export record - a real factory that exports has a paper trail.
- Target-market certificates - EN15194 for Europe, UL 2849 for North America. A factory that already ships there knows the rules.
- Battery documentation - UN38.3 test reports, MSDS and dangerous-goods packaging. Without these, your goods do not move.
- QC process - what checks happen before packing? Ask for photos and videos of the line.
- Production capacity - can they actually deliver your volume in the promised window?
We do exactly this screening on your behalf for every factory in our Jinhua sourcing network.
Certification Is the Real Gatekeeper
More e-bike shipments are detained for certification failures than for any other reason. The difference between "has a certificate" and "has the right certificate for my market" has cost importers tens of thousands of dollars. Before you order anything, read E-Bike Certifications Explained: EN15194 vs UL 2849 - it is the single most important page in this guide.
MOQ, Pricing and Realistic Budgets
MOQ depends on how much customisation you want:
- OEM branding (logo, colour, packaging): 50-100 units, no mould costs.
- Medium customisation (battery capacity, dashboard, brakes): around 300 units, no mould.
- Full ODM (new frame and tooling): 3,000-5,000 units, mould investment of roughly RMB 60k-660k.
On pricing: entry commuter e-bikes sit around $300-500 FOB, mid-range models $459-699, and premium builds can reach $2,000-3,000. A useful rule of thumb - Chinese e-bikes typically cost one-third to one-half of equivalent EU or US-built models, before duties.
Sample, QC and Shipping Timeline
A realistic first-order timeline: sample in 7-15 days (sample fee usually deductible from the bulk order), production in 45-60 days, then 25-40 days of sea freight. Lithium batteries are Class 9 dangerous goods and move by sea freight only - see our guide on shipping e-bike lithium batteries so you plan stock levels correctly.
Before shipment, insist on pre-shipment QC: photos, video and a packing list. This is standard practice with the factories we work with.
Source Electric Bikes Direct from the Jinhua Cluster
Tell us your market and target models. We match a certified Jinhua factory, handle samples, QC and battery-compliant shipping.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum order for electric bikes?
For standard models with simple OEM branding (logo, colour, packaging), MOQ starts from 50-100 units. We also accept mixed-container trial orders so you can test two or three models in one shipment.
How much does it cost to import an e-bike from China?
Typical FOB prices range from $300 to $700 for commuter and city e-bikes, before freight, duties and certifications. European imports also face anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties until 2030, so always ask for landed-cost quotes.
How long does shipping take from order to delivery?
Production typically takes 45-60 days for a standard model, then 25-40 days of sea freight to Europe or North America. Sample lead time is 7-15 days.
Do I need certifications to import e-bikes?
Yes - every market has mandatory requirements (EN15194 in the EU, UL 2849 in the US, RCM in Australia, and so on). We coordinate certification verification with the factory for your specific destination.