Boom in light electric vehicles in Mérida

Opinion |

October 17, 2025

MEXICO CITY.— In Mexico, the sales of electric and hybrid cars they have been significantly increased. It is estimated that the year 2025 will close with around 130,500 units soldand for the period January-October 2025, more than 88,000 vehicles of this type were sold, according to an article by Israel Molina, published by Mexico Industry.

There is a wide variety of brands and models that have arrived in the country, among the most notable are the Chinese BYD and the American Tesla.

From the BYD brand, the cheapest vehicle is the Dolphin mini EV, which has a price of 415,800 pesos, while the BYD Tang EV starts at around 1,399,000 pesos, depending on the model and version.

In the case of Tesla model 3 it has a price of 800 thousand pesos and the Cybertruck starts at 2,400,000 pesos.

Light electric vehicles

However, in addition to those cars and trucks, electric or hybrid, that have arrived in Mexico, there is another segment that has also registered significant growth: light electric vehicles.

This segment includes skates or skateboards also known as “scooters”, bicycles, motorcycles and electric tricycles, which are in great demand among Yucatecan consumers.

The opportunity to acquire one of these vehicles is increasing, since they can be purchased online, in stores that have already opened in the city and even in supermarkets.

Electric bicycles

Electric bicycles can be purchased in supermarkets from 7,000 pesos or online from 6,000 and, depending on the model and characteristics, they can reach 20,000 pesos.

An electric bicycle reaches speeds that vary between 25 and 45 km/h, depending on its type and local regulations. Pedelec brand bicycles, which offer pedal assistance, are usually limited to 25 km/h to comply with regulations for being considered bicycles. On the other hand, Speed Pedelecs can reach up to 45 km/h and are subject to other regulations.

Electric motorcycles

Among the companies that sell this type of vehicle, there is a great discrepancy about what to call an electric bicycle or an electric motorcycle. In some cases, they specify that the bicycles must have pedals, other suppliers point out that they may not have pedals and be classified as a bicycle due to their dimensions and the speed they reach.

Based on the issue of speed, electric motorcycles could be considered those that can reach speeds from about 45 km/h for basic city models to more than 120 km/h for sports or high-performance models.

There are also high-end electric models that can exceed 150 km/h and record-breaking models that reach speeds of over 270 km/h.

In this segment there is a wide variety of models and prices; in general, at the basic level, they can be purchased between 30,000 and 40,000 pesos.

For example, the model Bikeon SRX Plusclassified as an electric motorcycle for adults, which is an urban electric motorcycle, with a power of 2000 W, which reaches a speed of up to 60 km/h and can travel about 100 km with a single charge of its battery; which has hydraulic brakes, LED lights and can support a load of up to 250 kg, can be purchased for 37,000 pesos.

Electric tricycles

One of the segments that has had the greatest growth in the city and the state is that of electric tricycles, because they are used by young people and adults alike. These are devices that are easy to maneuver, with a good space to transport two people, and in some cases more, as well as cargo compartments, for example, to carry the pantry.

Of course, there are many brands, practically all of them coming from China. The models of tricycles are very varied, for one person, for two or more, with a roof, with a trunk, with a cargo basket, and other concepts and variants.

One of the most popular models is the Honeywhale V4it is an electric tricycle for adults, with 850W-MAX motorwhich reaches a maximum speed of 30Km/H, has a 20Ah battery and a range of up to 50Km per charge, and can be purchased online through Amazon for 20,000 pesos.

In Mérida, the Waldo’s store offers the Kiwo modelit is an electric tricycle with a roof, modelo BTY002in blue, has a 600 W motor, reaches a maximum speed of 30 km/h and has a price of 27,000 pesos.

Also in Mérida, the Evobike store offers a wide variety of options, for example, the model Family Q Plusan electric tricycle that has a power of 800 W, that reaches a speed of up to 40 km/h, supports up to 250 kg of weight, has a 20 Ah battery and the charging time is between 6 and 8 hours, and can be purchased at a price of 25,500 pesos.

Doubts to resolve

Light electric vehicles have attracted a lot of attention and their demand is increasing, however, there are many aspects around them that generate concern and doubts.

Regulation on its use

In Yucatán there is still no regulation on the use of these devices, therefore, it is necessary that the authorities pay attention to this aspect to give certainty to users.

In the Mexico Cityhave begun to regulate the use of these vehicles, at least electric skates known as “scooters” and electric bicycles.

One of the most important parameters of regulation is speed. According to the regulation, electric scooters are classified as non-motorized vehicles, that is, “vehicles that use human traction, assisted pedaling and/or electric propulsion for movement with a maximum speed of 25 km/h”.

Also, the regulation indicates that the use of protective equipment such as a helmet is necessary.

What is a Vemepe?

A Vemepe is a Personal Electric Motorized Vehiclea new category of transportation created in the Mexico City (CDMX) to regulate vehicles such as scooters, bicycles and electric motorcycles. It applies to those that have an independent accelerator, electric motor and exceed the 25 km/h and a 250 watt motor at 111 kW. The regulation seeks to establish clear rules for its circulation, which will include requirements such as license, license plates and registration card, similar to traditional motorcycles.