Exploring Electric Scooter Options in Guangzhou

Guangzhou, one of China's most vibrant megacities in the heart of the Pearl River Delta, has emerged as a key hub for electric mobility in recent years. As the city embraces sustainable transportation solutions, electric scooters have become an increasingly popular choice for both residents and visitors seeking economical, eco-friendly, and efficient ways to navigate the bustling metropolis.

Whether you're a local looking to purchase your first electric scooter, a visitor planning to rent one for short-term use, or someone interested in exploring the pre-owned market, this comprehensive guide will walk you through all the available options in Guangzhou's dynamic electric scooter landscape.

Understanding Guangzhou's Electric Scooter Market

The electric scooter market in Guangzhou has evolved significantly in recent years. As part of China's broader electric vehicle ecosystem, which was valued at approximately USD 8.98 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 13.02 billion by 2030 (with a CAGR of 6.44%), Guangzhou has positioned itself as both a manufacturing center and a leading consumer market for electric two-wheelers.

The city's electric scooter landscape is shaped by both opportunities and regulations. In 2024-2025, Guangzhou implemented new regulatory frameworks including the "Guangzhou electric bicycles registration measures" and "Guangzhou special license plate electric bicycles management measures," aligned with the updated national standard GB 17761-2024. These regulations aim to strengthen road safety and standardize industry practices while supporting the growth of sustainable transportation.

Important Regulations to Know (2024-2025)

Before purchasing or renting an electric scooter in Guangzhou, it's essential to understand the current regulatory environment:

• Compliance Requirements: Post-September 1, 2025, only e-bikes compliant with the new national standard can be manufactured. Existing inventory produced before August 31, 2025, may be sold until November 30, 2025, after which non-compliant models will be banned from sale.


• Special License Plates: Guangzhou has introduced dedicated yellow-background license plates with black characters for e-bikes used in seven designated service sectors, including food delivery, express logistics, and medical care.


• District Restrictions: Since 2016, certain downtown districts in Guangzhou have maintained restrictions on e-bike use. The local government continues to collect public feedback on proposed regulations, including potential timing restrictions for riders and district-specific bans.


• Trade-In Programs: Consumers with older, non-compliant vehicles are not facing forced replacement but are encouraged to participate in government-supported trade-in programs.

Option 1: Purchasing from Retail Stores

Guangzhou offers an extensive network of retail stores selling electric scooters, ranging from budget-friendly models to premium high-performance options. This traditional shopping method allows you to see, test, and compare scooters in person before making a purchase.

Major Retail Brands in Guangzhou

Several well-established Chinese brands dominate the Guangzhou retail landscape:

• Sunra: A publicly listed company specializing in the design, R&D, manufacturing, and sales of electric bikes. Sunra operates numerous retail locations throughout Guangzhou and offers a wide range of models suitable for different needs and budgets.


• Aima: One of the most recognized electric scooter brands in China, Aima has a strong presence in Guangzhou with multiple showrooms and service centers.


• Yadea: Another leading brand offering diverse electric scooter options, from entry-level commuter models to more advanced designs with extended range and enhanced features.


• LUYUAN Group: Founded in 1997, LUYUAN is a pioneer in the electric vehicle industry with over 13,000 retail stores nationwide and more than 20 million users worldwide. Their Guangzhou locations provide extensive selection and after-sales support.

Where to Find Retail Stores

The best places to explore electric scooter retail options in Guangzhou include:

• Dashatou Electronics Market Area: This traditional electronics hub houses numerous electric scooter stores, offering competitive pricing and a wide variety of brands and models.


• Sanyuanli Market District: Another popular destination for electric scooter shopping, Sanyuanli features both established brand showrooms and smaller independent retailers.


• Brand-Specific Showrooms: Major brands like Sunra, Aima, Yadea, and LUYUAN operate dedicated showrooms throughout Guangzhou's commercial districts, providing professional consultation and comprehensive warranty services.

Shopping Tips: When visiting retail stores, always compare prices across multiple locations, test ride different models to assess comfort and handling, verify warranty coverage and after-sales service availability, and ensure the model you're purchasing complies with the latest GB 17761-2024 standard.

Option 2: Online Shopping Platforms

For those who prefer the convenience of online shopping, China's robust e-commerce ecosystem offers extensive electric scooter selections with detailed specifications, customer reviews, and competitive pricing.

Major E-Commerce Platforms

• Taobao: China's largest online shopping platform features thousands of electric scooter listings from manufacturers, authorized dealers, and independent sellers. Taobao offers detailed product descriptions, high-resolution photos, customer reviews, and buyer protection policies.


• JD.com (Jingdong): Known for authentic products and fast delivery, JD.com partners with major electric scooter brands to offer official flagship stores with manufacturer warranties and reliable customer service.


• Alibaba: While primarily B2B-focused, Alibaba also offers consumer purchasing options, particularly useful for bulk purchases or accessing factory-direct pricing on select models.

Online Shopping Best Practices

To ensure a successful online purchase:

• Choose sellers with high ratings (typically 95% or above) and extensive transaction history


• Read customer reviews carefully, focusing on comments about battery life, build quality, and after-sales service


• Verify that the product description explicitly states compliance with GB 17761-2024 standards


• Confirm warranty coverage, including the duration and what components are covered (especially the battery)


• Check return and exchange policies before finalizing your purchase


• Consider purchasing from official brand flagship stores on these platforms for guaranteed authenticity

Most platforms offer delivery throughout Guangzhou within 2-5 business days, with some premium services providing same-day or next-day delivery options.

Option 3: Rental Services and Bike-Sharing Apps

If you're visiting Guangzhou for a short period, want to test electric scooters before purchasing, or simply need occasional access without the commitment of ownership, rental services provide an excellent alternative.

App-Based Rental Services

Several companies operate electric scooter and e-bike rental services through convenient mobile applications:

• Meituan Bike: Part of the larger Meituan ecosystem, this service offers electric scooters alongside traditional bicycles. Access the service through the Meituan app, which many locals already have installed for food delivery and other services.


• HelloBike: A popular bike-sharing platform that operates throughout Guangzhou, offering both regular bicycles and electric-assisted bikes in various neighborhoods.


• Didi Qingju: Integrated into the Didi ride-hailing app, Didi Qingju provides electric scooter rentals that can be accessed through the same app used for taxi services.


• Xiaoming: Specializes in electric scooter rentals with dedicated coverage in business districts and popular residential areas.


• U-Bicycle: Another established player in the shared mobility space, offering electric scooter options through their mobile platform.

How to Use Rental Services

Renting an electric scooter in Guangzhou is straightforward:

1. Download the App: Install your chosen service's mobile application from the App Store or Android marketplace.


2. Register Your Account: Sign up using your phone number (Chinese or international numbers are typically accepted) and provide identity verification as required.


3. Link Payment Method: Connect WeChat Pay or Alipay to your account. These payment platforms are essential for all shared mobility services in China and may require some setup for international visitors.


4. Locate a Scooter: Use the app's map feature to find available electric scooters near your current location.


5. Unlock via QR Code: Scan the QR code displayed on the scooter using the app to unlock it and begin your ride.


6. Enjoy Your Ride: Follow local traffic regulations and use designated bike lanes where available.


7. End Your Rental: Park the scooter in a permitted location (the app will indicate acceptable parking zones) and lock it through the app to end your session and calculate charges.

Rental Pricing

Rental costs in Guangzhou are generally affordable:

• Regular Bicycles: ¥1-¥2 per 30 minutes


• Electric-Assisted Bikes/Scooters: ¥2-¥4 per 30 minutes

Important Note: Due to stricter regulations in certain Guangzhou districts, e-scooters through sharing services may be less common than regular bicycles, with availability varying by neighborhood and time of day.

Considerations for International Visitors

• Most rental apps and instructions are primarily in Chinese, which may present a language barrier for non-Chinese speakers


• WeChat Pay or Alipay setup typically requires a Chinese bank account, though some services now accept international credit cards with additional verification


• Deposit requirements may apply for new users, typically ranging from ¥99-¥299 depending on the service

Option 4: Pre-Owned Electric Scooters

For budget-conscious buyers or those looking for specific discontinued models, Guangzhou's pre-owned electric scooter market offers numerous opportunities to find quality vehicles at reduced prices.

Where to Find Pre-Owned Scooters

• Local Classifieds Websites: Chinese platforms like 58.com and Ganji.com feature extensive listings for used electric scooters in Guangzhou, with detailed descriptions, photos, and seller contact information.


• Expat Forums and Communities: International residents in Guangzhou often sell their electric scooters when leaving the city. Check expat-focused online communities, WeChat groups, and forums for listings that may include English communication options.


• WeChat Marketplace Groups: Many Guangzhou neighborhoods have local WeChat groups dedicated to buying and selling used items, including electric scooters.


• Xianyu (Idle Fish): Alibaba's second-hand marketplace app is extremely popular in China for buying and selling used goods, including electric vehicles.

Pre-Owned Purchase Inspection Checklist

Before purchasing a used electric scooter, carefully inspect the following:

• Battery Health: This is the most critical component. Ask about the battery's age, request a demonstration of its current charge capacity, and inquire about remaining warranty coverage. A degraded battery may require expensive replacement soon after purchase.


• Physical Condition: Check the frame for cracks or damage, inspect wheels and tires for wear, test the brakes thoroughly, and examine electrical connections for corrosion or loose wiring.


• Motor Performance: Take a test ride to assess acceleration, top speed, and any unusual noises or vibrations.


• Documentation: Verify that the seller has proper ownership documentation and registration papers (if applicable). Ensure the scooter can be legally transferred to your name.


• Regulatory Compliance: Confirm whether the model meets current GB 17761-2024 standards or if it will be subject to future restrictions.

Safety Tip: Always meet sellers in public locations, preferably during daylight hours, and consider bringing a knowledgeable friend who can help assess the scooter's condition.

Guangzhou's Growing Charging Infrastructure

One consideration when purchasing or renting an electric scooter is access to charging facilities. Guangzhou and the broader Guangdong Province have made substantial investments in electric vehicle charging infrastructure:

• Provincial Targets: Guangdong Province plans to construct over 4,500 centralized charging stations and more than 250,000 public charging piles by 2025, according to the Implementation Plan for Promoting High-quality Energy Development in Guangdong Province.


• Guangzhou-Specific Expansion: GAC Aion announced plans to build 220 charging stations in Guangzhou in 2022 and increase the number to 1,000 by 2025.


• Installation Speed: In Guangzhou, a charging pile can be installed in a private parking space within just seven days, demonstrating the city's efficient deployment capabilities.


• Current Network: As of late 2024, Guangdong Province had built China's largest electric vehicle charging network, including 345,126 public charging piles and 19,116 charging stations.

This extensive and rapidly expanding infrastructure means that charging your electric scooter—whether at home, work, or public facilities—is becoming increasingly convenient throughout Guangzhou.

Making the Right Choice for Your Needs

With multiple purchasing and rental options available, selecting the best approach depends on your specific circumstances:

• Choose Retail Stores if: You want to see and test scooters in person, you value face-to-face customer service and local warranty support, you're making a long-term investment, or you prefer traditional shopping experiences.


• Choose Online Shopping if: You want the widest selection and competitive pricing, you're comfortable with online transactions, you've already researched specific models you want to purchase, or you prefer the convenience of home delivery.


• Choose Rental Services if: You're visiting Guangzhou temporarily, you want to test electric scooters before committing to a purchase, you only need occasional access to a scooter, or you prefer not to deal with maintenance and storage.


• Choose Pre-Owned if: You're budget-conscious and want to save money, you're looking for a specific model no longer in production, you're comfortable assessing used vehicles, or you're only planning to use the scooter for a limited time before leaving Guangzhou.

Conclusion

Guangzhou's electric scooter landscape offers diverse options for every need, budget, and timeline. Whether you choose to purchase a brand-new scooter from established retailers like Sunra, Aima, Yadea, or LUYUAN, explore the extensive selections on Taobao and JD.com, rent through convenient apps like Meituan Bike, HelloBike, or Didi Qingju, or find value in the pre-owned market, you'll discover that Guangzhou provides an accessible and well-supported environment for electric mobility.

As the city continues to invest in charging infrastructure and refine its regulatory framework to balance safety with accessibility, electric scooters are becoming an increasingly practical and sustainable transportation solution for navigating this dynamic metropolis. Take time to carefully review your options, consider your specific needs and budget, ensure compliance with current regulations, and select the best approach to join Guangzhou's growing community of electric scooter users.