On June 15, the Trump administration released a list of products imported from China that they are considering for a 25 percent tariff increase. E-bikes are included on this list, as most e-bikes sold in the U.S. are manufactured in China.

The proposed tariffs affect electric bicycles imported from China under tariff codes 8711.90.01 and 8711.60.00, as well as their motors imported under tariff code 8501.31.40.

We in the bikeshare industry know that electric bicycle innovation is a fast-growing trend and a cornerstone of the bikeshare future. Already in 2018, we have over 4,000 e-bikeshare bikes in US fleets, another 400 across North America, and counting. A price increase would make electric bikeshare equipment significantly more expensive, hindering the industry’s growing e-bike trend, and the accessibility of bikeshare for all.

Last week, NABSA urged its members to submit a comment in opposition to USTR through the PeopleForBikes organized comment form, or directly through the USTR comment site.

In addition, NABSA submitted comments on behalf of the bikeshare industry. You can read the letter here.

The deadline for submitting written comments is Monday, July 23rd!

Last week, the administration released a new proposal that would increase the tariff on nearly every other bicycle, component and accessory imported from China by 10 percent. If approved, these significant tax increases will affect every corner of bikeshare equipment and operations, and every level of the greater bicycle industry at large. Stay tuned for additional information on these tariffs and instructions on how you can take action.

UPDATE

Tariffs have been approved and will go into effect August 23rd, 2018.