The price of your next e-bike could reportedly skyrocket thanks to stacked tariffs on Chinese imports. Some reports suggest that when you combine every layer of duties, the final cost of certain budget e-bikes could climb to several times their factory price.
Riders across the United States and Canada are feeling the pressure. What started as a 10 percent bump has reportedly spiraled into something much bigger.
How High Have the Tariffs on E-Bikes Actually Gone?
The tariffs on e-bikes have reportedly climbed through multiple rounds of escalation since early 2025. By April 2025, after retaliatory measures between the US and China, total tariff rates on Chinese e-bikes reportedly reached as high as 190 percent. Here is how the layers reportedly stacked up at the peak:
- 11 percent base import duty
- 25 percent Section 301 tariff
- 20 percent fentanyl related tariff
- 10 percent baseline reciprocal tariff
- Up to 125 percent retaliatory tariff during April 2025
Those numbers have reportedly come down since. But the total duty on Chinese e-bikes may still sit around 45 to 55 percent. So where does the idea of prices going up 7 times actually come from?
Could an E-Bike Really Cost 7 Times More?
The 7x figure could reportedly apply to ultra budget Chinese e-bikes that start at very low factory prices. A basic electric bike that costs around $200 to $300 to manufacture in China could potentially reach several times that price after 45 to 55 percent in tariffs, shipping costs that have reportedly surged by 300 to 400 percent, and standard retail markup.
Reports indicate that commuter e-bikes previously selling for around $1,500 are now appearing in the $2,000 range. The 7x scenario may not apply to every model, but for the lowest cost imports the math could reportedly get extreme. And the impact is already showing up across the entire industry.
Which E-Bike Brands Have Already Raised Prices?
Several major e-bike brands have reportedly started raising prices in response. The increases vary, but the trend appears clear:
- State Bicycle Co. reportedly added an 8 percent tariff recovery fee
- Specialized reportedly announced a 10 percent surcharge on certain orders
- Velotric reportedly warned that select model prices could increase
- Trek and Electra reportedly informed retailers of upcoming price hikes
Around 90 percent of e-bikes sold in the US are reportedly assembled in China or built with Chinese components. Almost no brand appears immune. But some companies are finding ways to fight back.
Are E-Bike Companies Moving Production Out of China?
Some e-bike companies are reportedly moving production out of China to reduce tariff impact. Aventon reportedly shifted manufacturing to Thailand in early 2025. Other brands appear to be diversifying to Taiwan, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
However, even these alternative locations reportedly face their own duties. Products from Taiwan and Vietnam could still carry tariffs in the 43 to 50 percent range. The shift may lower costs compared to Chinese imports, but it does not appear to eliminate the burden entirely. And there is one more change coming in 2026 that could push prices even higher.
What New E-Bike Tariff Changes Are Expected in 2026?
A major new tariff change expected in 2026 reportedly targets e-bike lithium batteries specifically. Reports indicate that battery tariffs under Section 301 could jump from 7.5 percent to 25 percent for Chinese made lithium ion batteries.
Since the battery is one of the most expensive parts of any electric bike, this increase could reportedly push final pricing even higher. Combined with the existing 45 to 55 percent tariff on complete e-bikes, the total cost impact may continue to grow.
The US Supreme Court is also reportedly hearing arguments on the legality of certain tariff actions, with a decision expected in early 2026. For now, reports suggest e-bike prices are likely to stay elevated. Buyers looking for the best deal may want to act sooner rather than later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are tariffs on Chinese e-bikes right now?
Reports suggest the total tariff on Chinese e-bikes currently sits around 45 to 55 percent, depending on the model and materials used. At the April 2025 peak, combined tariffs reportedly reached as high as 190 percent.
Will e-bike prices go down in 2026?
It appears unlikely in the near term. A new 25 percent tariff on e-bike lithium batteries is reportedly expected in 2026, which could push prices higher rather than lower.
Are any e-bike brands avoiding the tariffs?
Some brands like Aventon have reportedly moved production to countries like Thailand. However, reports suggest that alternative manufacturing locations may still face tariffs in the 43 to 50 percent range.
Why could some e-bikes cost 7 times more?
The 7x figure reportedly applies to ultra budget e-bikes with very low factory prices. When tariffs of 45 to 55 percent are combined with surging shipping costs and retail markup, the final price could climb dramatically from the original manufacturing cost.
Which e-bike brands have raised prices due to tariffs?
Reports suggest State Bicycle Co., Specialized, Velotric, Trek, and Electra have all announced price increases or surcharges related to tariffs on Chinese imports.