Chinese e-bike production tipped 35m in 2013, including 2.6m lithium-ion battery powered bikes, an increase of 80% compared to 1.67m in 2012.
The cost of a lithium-ion e-bike battery is 1000RMB ($160), which is double the price of a lead-acid battery. This has been an obstacle for sales in the past, however the crackdown on lead producers has given momentum to lithium-ion.
For 2014 lithium-ion demand is expected to increase to 90% and gradually replace lead in e-bikes in the coming years.
