motor scooters

China produces 60 percent of the global supply of lightweight motorized scooters. For the first seven months of 2004, the total value of exports amounted to US$231 million, an increase of 84 percent over the same period in 2003. Output and exports have been on the rise since production began in mainland China less than a decade ago. However, production strategies are currently undergoing a major shift as suppliers battle with stricter standards in their main export market, the United States. The standards in question include gas-emission checks, safety tests, and speed-limit controls. Many China suppliers are unable to meet these safety and environment standards due to the high investments required. Small suppliers with limited capital and insufficient R&D capabilities are, therefore, likely to drop the line or switch to other products. The majority of scooter production in China comprises low-end and midrange models, ranging from US$20 to US$50 for electric scooters and below US$100 to US$200 for gas-powered models.