Electric scooter imports from China to the USA have seen an immense rise in popularity, with market estimates projecting the global electric scooter market to reach $130 billion by 2037, according to Research Nester. It’s not surprising either; you’re importing transport that produces zero emissions and lets you travel around busy cities like New York. China dominates the export market for electric scooters, so it’s only natural that importing an electric scooter will involve shipment from China to the USA.
However, importing a scooter is filled with challenges that can cost you thousands of dollars. Luckily, you have Twings Supply — your China freight forwarding partner with 20 years of experience. We’ve written this guide to help you understand how to import a Chinese electric scooter, manage customs and import regulations, and find Chinese electric scooter manufacturers.
Key Takeaways
- Electric scooters imported from China to the USA fall into three regulatory categories: non-motor vehicle, motor vehicle, and an off-road classification exception.
- You’ll need a pro forma invoice, commercial invoice, packing lists, bills of lading, and customs bond documentation when importing electric scooters.
- Sea freight is the most cost-effective transportation option, while air freight is the quickest.
What are the Rules and Regulations for Electric Scooters Entering the U.S.?
Electric scooters must pass specific rules and regulations passed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to enter the USA. Your electric scooter may be considered an electric vehicle if it meets the following requirements, which would also make it subject to regulatory requirements by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
| Non-Motor Vehicle Electric Scooter | Motor Vehicle Electric Scooter | Off-Road Classification Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum speed cannot exceed 20 mph Motor power must be under 750 watts It doesn’t have a seat and is operated in a standing position Cannot have brake lights, turning signals, or mirrors for non-motor vehicle classification | Can exceed 20 mph, have motor power over 750 watts, and lights, mirrors, and signals, BUT Complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) Requires permanent manufacturer certification label Needs modification by Registered Importer if not FMVSS compliant | Can exceed 20 mph, BUT Lacks seats or is operated in stand-up mode It does not have turn signals, brake lights, mirrors, or horn Includes a declaration specifying off-road use only |
In addition, specific state-level requirements exist for importing into North Carolina, Hawaii, or Louisiana. These can consist of a valid driver’s license, mandatory registration, and certain additional speed restrictions. Regardless of the classification of your electric scooter, you will need to fill out a DOT/NHTSA HS-7 Declaration Form, where you need to declare the type of electric scooter for the import process.
What Documents Do I Need to Import Electric Scooters from China to the USA?
You need to have the following documents to import electric scooters or electric bikes from China to the USA:
- Pro forma invoice
- Commercial invoice
- Packing lists
- Bills of Lading
- Customs Bond
This documentation is in addition to the HS-7 form required by the NHTSA. These documents are checked by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), who will inspect your electric scooter during customs clearance when it enters the United States.
What is the Best Shipping Method to Import Electric Scooters from China?
The best shipping method for electric scooters from China to the USA is sea or air freight. It is also possible to use express shipping to ship from China, but you will be severely limited in the quantity you can ship.
| Shipping Method | Average Transit Time | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight | 15 to 60 days (LCL) 11 to 55 days (FCL) | $40 to $200 per cubic meter $2,000 to $8,800 (20-foot container) $2,500 to $12,000 (40-foot high cube container) |
| Air Freight | 1 to 10 days | $6 to 12 per kg |
Sea Freight
Sea freight is the slowest option when transporting scooters from China to the USA, but it offers considerable cost savings when shipping large quantities. Since sea freight shipments can take a couple of weeks to several months to arrive, barring any delays or changes in route, planning your logistics is critical when importing. When working with a freight forwarding partner like Twings Supply, you can save more on shipping costs.
Air Freight
If you are willing to pay the higher price tag, air freight is an excellent option for successfully importing electric scooters into the USA. It’s a suitable option for urgent or small shipments. It greatly benefits from the expertise of a freight forwarding partner like Twings Supply to help you coordinate with manufacturers in China and find the best price.
Express Shipping
Express shipping involves working with companies like DHL, UPS, or FedEx to ship your electric scooter. It’s one of the fastest methods but limited by the quantity you can ship. While you can import your electric scooter using express shipping, it may be worth sourcing spare parts for it instead.
Importing Electric Scooters from China to the USA | Step-by-Step Guide
Importing electric scooters involves several steps, from selecting the right supplier in China to paying import duties and everything in between. Here’s a breakdown of the step-by-step process for importing electric scooters from China to the USA.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Supplier Selection | Verify suppliers’ business licenses, certifications, and track record on platforms like Alibaba |
| 2. Documentation Preparation | Gather essential documents, including Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, and DOT/NHTSA HS-7 Declaration Form |
| 3. Customs Process | Submit Importer Security Filing 24 hours before vessel loading and arrange customs bond for shipments over $2,500 |
| 4. Cost Management | Account for Section 301 tariffs (up to 25%), customs fees, freight costs, and insurance |
| 5. Quality Control | Implement pre-shipment inspection, product testing, and regular supplier audits |
Supplier Selection
Choosing between potential suppliers is critical for importing electric scooters from China to the USA. You have three main options for suppliers:
- Online Platforms: Many Chinese manufacturers will offer their products through platforms like Alibaba, Temu, and TikTok Shop for consumers to purchase. This is the easiest option for new importers.
- Direct Suppliers: These refer to companies that sell their electric scooters through online e-commerce platforms. You can find the relevant information about product safety, additional costs, and transit time from this Chinese supplier.
- Sourcing Agents: Sourcing agents help source the electric scooter you want. This is the most cost-intensive way of importing e-bikes from China but offers the most tailored results.
Documentation Preparation
We’ve outlined the required documents to smoothly pass through the import regulations for electric scooters, including compliance with FMVSS and NHTSA. Your supplier will be responsible for attaching the necessary certifications that will be investigated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Customs Process
The customs process involves submitting documentation, like the Importer Security Filing (ISF), before loading your shipment onto the vessel. This step is only relevant if you agree on an EX Works or Free Carrier shipment with your supplier. Otherwise, this stage will be handled by the electric scooter’s supplier.
Cost Management
When accounting for costs related to your electric scooter import, cost management should include the import tariffs and duties associated with electric scooters (non-motor and motor vehicles). Harmonized Tariff Schedule is an excellent resource for discovering the tariffs you’ll have to pay.
What Custom Duties and Import Expenses Do I Have to Pay?
You have to pay 25% on Chinese imports according to Section 301 tariffs since the USA has implemented anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties on Chinese products. According to The Verge, this may also include an additional 25% tariff on e-scooter batteries from 2026. A customs bond is also required for shipments over $2,500.
Quality Control
Quality control involves inspections, verifications, and audits throughout the importation process for your electric scooter. While this process can be tedious, scooters must follow protocol to be imported into the USA. Quality control, cost-savings, and thorough communication throughout the process is why a freight forwarding partner like Twings Supply must avoid delays and get your product to your doorstep.
Contact us to get your rates and start shipping your electric scooters to the USA today.
Importing Electric Scooters from China to the USA FAQs
Should you source spare electric scooter parts locally or from the manufacturer?
You should source your spare electric scooter parts directly from the manufacturers. This ensures your original parts are perfectly compatible but does involve longer lead times and higher shipping costs. Local sourcing offers quicker availability and lower shipping costs but risks non-original or lower-quality parts.
What are the potential risks when importing electric scooters?
The key risks when importing electric scooters include counterfeit products, non-compliant batteries that could be detained at customs, and poor manufacturing quality (welding issues, frame defects, performance problems). You may also be at risk of potential intellectual property violations that could result in legal challenges.
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