While Beijing maintains the largest subway system in the world, an extensive system of bus routes and tens of thousands of taxis, it still proves challenging to get from one place to another. The e-bike is probably the fastest, easiest way to get around—but there are many sizes and shapes, in addition to other options that tend to be unknown to the average buyer.

E-bike vs. Scooter

Pedal-assisted e-bikes (RMB1,250-2,600) have all of the same features as a regular bicycle, plus an electric motor and battery. The battery is removable, which makes it easy to charge at home and also an easy target for thieves. Pedal-assisted e-bikes are lightweight, quite quick and have a range of 35-50 kilometers.

Electric motorcycles/scooters (RMB2,000-10,000) tend to follow the same styling as petrol/gas scooters that were made famous by brands such as Vespa and Lambretta and more recently Honda and Yamaha. The electric scooter is larger, heavier and typically more powerful than the pedal-assisted e-bikes. While it lacks pedal power, it has more space allowing for a larger electric motor and significantly larger battery/batteries combining for higher speeds and longer distances. Speed can range from 25-80 km/h and distance can range from 35-110 kilometers between charges.

Motors

Pedal-assisted e-bikes usually have smaller motors beginning around 180w and maxing out between 250-350w. Electric scooters are a bit different as the motor can be configured to your specific needs. Motor size typically begins at 350w and can go up to 2000w depending on how large the scooter is, how much weight you plan to carry and the distance you need to travel between charges.

The cheaper, Vespa-style electric scooters usually come equipped with a 350w engine and 48V 12Ah batteries which will allow you to ride between 35-45 kilometers with a top speed around 35 km/h. The more expensive, sportier scooters will more likely have a 500w-1000w engine with either 48V 20Ah (50 km per charge with a top speed around 50 km/h) or 60V 20Ah (50-65 km per charge with a top speed around 60 km/h) batteries.

Batteries

E-bike batteries come in two types: sealed lead-acid (SLA) and lithium-ion (Li-ion). SLA batteries are cheaper and have a shorter lifespan. SLA batteries are included when you purchase an electric scooter and Li-ion batteries are typically included when you purchase a pedal-assisted e-bike. SLA batteries have a life of one to two years, take around eight hours to charge completely, are are removable but heavy. SLA batteries will have a range of up to 65 kilometers. Replacement batteries are available and range from RMB600-1,000.

Li-ion batteries have a life of up to five years. They tend to be lighter than SLA battery packs and come in different sizes including 48V, 60V and 72V with amp hours of 20, 30 and 40Ah. While the speed between these Li-ion batteries changes with amp hour, the distances remain about the same. A Li-ion 20Ah battery can do around 60 km, a 30Ah battery can do around 85 km and a 40Ah battery can do around 110 km between charges. Smaller Li-ion batteries begin around RMB1,500 and the larger ones can be as expensive as RMB5,500.