As the undisputed world leader in electric bikes, China is estimated to have around 300 million on the road today. Though the public has used the eco-friendly transportation option for years, a recently introduced initiative has caused new e-bike ownership to explode, with over 8 million purchases recorded in just the last six months.
In late 2024, China's Ministry of Commerce introduced a trade-in program to increase the amount of more efficient e-bikes in the country. The program allows riders to trade in their old electric bicycles and purchase eligible new models that qualify for subsidies.
Besides offering money-saving measures to consumers, the program looks to phase out older e-bike models that may pose safety and environmental risks. These outdated e-bikes may be equipped with inferior batteries and obsolete tech.
According to a news release from the Chinese government, the trade-in program has ignited a boom in "both production and sales." Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yongqian announced that the program increased sales of e-bikes across the country by 113.5% month on month.
As a result, 8.5 million new e-bikes have been purchased through the first half of 2025. This flurry resulted in 24.8 billion yuan in sales, or just under $3.5 billion. In addition, production of new e-bikes has also dramatically increased thanks to the trade-in program. Through June, the manufacturing of electric bicycles is up nearly 28%.
E-bikes offer numerous environmental and human health benefits, primarily by reducing pollution as compared to traditional vehicles. They are a sustainable transportation alternative, contributing to cleaner air, reduced noise pollution, and a smaller carbon footprint, especially with newer and more efficient models.
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Using an e-bike can also lead to improved cardiovascular health and mental well-being thanks to increased physical activity. E-bikes provide a low-impact form of exercise, making them accessible to people of various fitness levels and those with joint pain and mobility issues.
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