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Bottom line: Yangshuo e-scooters (throttle-only electric scooters) are classified as electric bicycles, so no license is needed. Expect to pay ¥30–60/day (US$4–8), check the battery before every ride, and use Amap (Gaode) for navigation. If you want a pedal-assist e-bike or standard bicycle, see our Yangshuo e-bike & bike rental guide.
Quick answer
- No license needed: Rental e-scooters in Yangshuo are treated as electric bicycles (电动自行车 / diàndòng zìxíngchē).
- Price: ¥30–60/day (approx. US$4–8). Multi-day rentals often drop to ¥40–50/day.
- Deposit: ¥200–300 cash or a passport photo. Avoid shops that insist on holding your physical passport.
- Range: 50–70 km on newer scooters; 30–35 km on older, worn models.
- Best for: Ten-Mile Gallery (十里画廊 / Shílǐ Huàláng), Yulong River (遇龙河 / Yùlóng Hé), and quiet village backroads.
- Navigation: Amap (Gaode / 高德地图) is essential. Google Maps is unreliable in China even with a VPN.
How to rent an e-scooter in Yangshuo
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Price | ¥30–60/day (US$4–8). Negotiate for multi-day: ¥40–50/day for 3+ days |
| Where | Guesthouses, street shops on West Street (西街 / Xījiē), hotel front desks |
| What to check | Battery, brakes, tires, lights. Ask: 电池满吗? (diàn chí mǎn ma?) |
| Deposit | ¥200–300 cash or passport photo. Avoid shops that hold your passport |
| Return time | Usually 7–8 PM. Confirm when renting |
| License needed | No. Regulated as electric bicycle |
| Helmet | Usually provided. Wear it — rural roads have potholes |
| Navigation | Amap / Gaode (高德地图). Download offline maps before heading out |
| Range | 50–70 km on flat terrain. Mountain roads drain battery faster |
*USD estimates based on August 2026 exchange rates. Actual prices vary by shop, season, and battery condition.
What travelers consistently report
- The battery check is non-negotiable. Multiple travelers reported running out of power halfway through the Epic Loop because they didn't verify the battery level before departure. Ask '电池满吗?' and watch the shop owner plug the scooter in to check.
- Newer scooters make a difference. Scooters with worn seats and faded paint typically have older batteries that only manage 30–35 km. Look for scooters with intact plastic bodywork and firm seats.
- The 7–8 PM return deadline is real. Shops lock up and go home. One traveler returned at 8:30 PM to find the shop closed and had to return the next morning.
Safety tips
- Rain: Roads are slippery when wet, especially bridges and steep slopes. Slow down early.
- Night riding: Turn on lights and wear bright clothing. Village roads often have no street lighting.
- Animals: Cattle and water buffalo sometimes walk on the road. Give them a wide berth.
- Hills drain battery: Mountain sections can use 30–50% more power than flat roads. Plan accordingly.
- 30% rule: When the battery drops below 30%, head back or find a charging point.
- Helmet: Wear it even on short rides. Potholes and gravel are common.
3 tested routes
We tested three loops that cover the best of Yangshuo's countryside. Each has a difficulty tag, realistic battery use, and a link to the detailed route page.
🚴 West Street Loop
10 km · 2–3 h · Flat · Beginner-friendly
West Street — Ten-Mile Gallery — Yulong River bridge — Return. Ideal for first-time riders and families.
🚴 Yulong River Loop
25 km · 4–5 h · Some hills · Intermediate
West Street — Jima Pier — Jiuxian Village — Gongnong Bridge — Moon Hill. The classic countryside ride.
🚴 Xingping Loop
45 km · 6–7 h · Mountain roads · Advanced
West Street — Xingping – 20-Yuan Viewpoint — Li River — Return. Must start with a full battery.