1. Define the market and operating job
Start with the destination country and the vehicle's actual work. A short urban commute, food delivery, rental fleet and heavy-load route can require different speed settings, battery capacity, brakes and cargo equipment. Record the rider profile, expected payload, route length, slopes, storage conditions and charging access.
Do not assume that a model shown online is automatically road legal in your market. Vehicle classes and document requirements vary. Ask a qualified local specialist which rules apply, then request evidence for the exact proposed model and configuration.
2. Request one complete specification
Give each supplier the same requirements. Ask for a dated specification sheet tied to the quoted model, not a collection of catalogue ranges. A range such as “40–80 km” cannot be compared until the battery, speed, payload and test conditions are fixed.
- Motor rated power, controller settings and intended top speed.
- Battery chemistry, nominal voltage, capacity, removable or fixed design and charger specification.
- Brakes, tires, suspension, lights, display, dimensions, curb weight and stated payload.
- Included cargo rack, box, passenger equipment, mirrors, tools and other accessories.
- Applicable model-specific reports, labels, manuals and destination-market documents.
Separate the base vehicle from options. If two suppliers quote different batteries or brake systems, the lowest unit price is not necessarily the lowest comparable offer.
3. Normalize the commercial quotation
Compare the complete delivered scope, not only the ex-factory vehicle price. Ask every supplier to identify included items, optional items, exclusions and the validity of the offer. MOQ and lead time should be confirmed for your selected model and configuration in writing.
| Line item | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | Exact model, configuration, quantity and unit price |
| Sample | Availability, price, shipping, approval criteria and any tooling fee |
| Packaging | Carton or crate, assembly state, labels and dimensions |
| Trade term | Named Incoterm, named place, freight and customs responsibilities |
| Documents | Which reports and shipping papers are included for this order |
| After-sales | Warranty scope, claim procedure, spare-parts price and availability |
A quote may appear cheaper because it excludes the charger, export packaging, spare parts or destination transport. Ask for a revised, itemized offer before making a decision.
4. Approve a sample against measurable criteria
If sampling is appropriate, test the proposed configuration in conditions that resemble the planned use. Record speed, braking, hill performance, ride comfort, charging workflow, cargo mounting, assembly quality and service access. Keep photographs and a written issue list.
After any correction, confirm whether the bulk order will match the approved sample. Freeze the final bill of materials, color references, branding placement, packaging and acceptance criteria in the order documents. A verbal “same as sample” is too ambiguous when components can change.
5. Set inspection and shipping checkpoints
Agree on who inspects, when inspection occurs, how many units are checked and what happens if an issue is found. Checks can cover appearance, identifiers, battery and charger matching, lights, brakes, controls, fasteners, packaging and document accuracy. The inspection plan should reflect the actual product and order risk.
Before shipment, compare the final packing list with the purchase order. Confirm quantities, model identifiers, battery information, carton marks and required transport documents. If independent inspection is important, arrange access and timing before production is finished.
6. Plan the first months after arrival
Ask how replacement parts are identified and ordered. Agree on warranty coverage, exclusions, claim evidence and who pays freight for replacements. For fleet or dealer programs, document the initial spare-parts list and any training or service information needed by local technicians.
The best wholesale decision is the offer that can be explained and operated after delivery—not merely the smallest number in the price column.