Anyone visiting China, especially its capital Beijing, would realize that electric scooters or electric motorbikes by far outnumber fuel-powered scooters.
As part of its efforts to have CO2 emissions peak before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, China has attached importance to encouraging Chinese people to use electric vehicles especially e-scooters. Infrastructure including charging stations have been developed and installed at offices, public places, universities, communities. There facilities are either available for free or for commercial purposes. Meanwhile some businesses also provide commercial charging services.
Riders can find available charging stations in their neighbourhoods using a mobile app and pay for the charging service online. Charging scooters at home is not recommended because doing so is risky. You need to make sure all safety standards are followed according to relevant regulations if you want to have a charger installed at your house.
Chinese people consider using electronic scooters as a convenient means for commuting, especially for a short distance. E-scooters are most popular among delivery riders. Compared to conventional motorcycles, e-scooters are more convenient, cheaper and environmental friendly.
According to TaoBao and Qingdong, two major online shopping websites in China, e-scooters are available for 750-7,000 Yuan (RMB 1=2,222 kip). Most people tend to pay 800-2,500 for their new e-scooters. Brands like Aima, Tailing, Yatin and Lvyuan are currently dominating the e-scooter market in China.
The survey by “techsciresearch”, a global market research and consulting company, suggests that Chinese government’s initiatives designed to promote the reduction of fuel use and public demand for energy efficient vehicles will ensure growth of China’s e-scooters market over coming years.
In 2020, China had almost 300 million e-scooters and the annual sales of this type of vehicles in the country reached RMB104.6 billion (more than 30 million units). China is the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer and exporter sharing more than 90% of global manufacturing and sales, according to China Bicycle Association.
Although, the number of electric vehicles, especially e-scooters in Laos, especially in Vientiane, is increasing due to a rocket rise in fuel prices and the advantages of using e-scooters over their conventional counterparts in terms of affordability and energy efficiency.
Nevertheless, many remain hesitate to opt to e-scooters perceiving that EVs cannot travel a long distance, and that basic infrastructure – charging facilities need to be developed.
Accordingly, fuel-powered motorcycles continue to be largely used by two wheel commuters.
EV technology development in the world is making milestones in recent years with Chinese, US, EU and Japanese companies competing in developing new battery solutions that can address concerns about energy density, travel range, charging times, and safety, among others. Given the current trend of EV innovations, I am sure in the near future, these cutting edge technologies will be available in Laos.

Source: Lao News Agency