I've checked the threads and most info seems to be a few years old. I just got to Kunming and have plenty of things to learn.. I'd like to get a motorbike scooter electric bike whatever they may be called but can't seem to really find current laws or rules. If someone could just let me in on if there's size requirements or areas they can and can't go or what foreigners need to understand to operate a bike. That would be great. I'm sure I'll be posting many more things in the days to come.

motorbikes - 50cc limit inside the second ring road but you must have the correct 云A plate (almost impossible to get) and a Chinese bike license of course.
Ebike (Escooter) - no laws or regulations are enforced. go (almost) anywhere... do (almost) anything but don't hit anyone or get in an accident unless you want to risk huge bills and/or deportation. there was a drive to get the bikes registered about a year ago but that seems to be old news. you'll even see school kids on them... sometimes a few on one bike.

OK thanks.. . So as long as it's an electric bike whether it be a bicycle style bike or electric scooter type there shouldn't be any problem? Also does being a foreigner draw any unnecessary attention or policy or road officials don't mind?

For electric bikes, there technically are limits on top speed and size, but they are rarely enforced.

You are supposed to get your bike properly registered, but it's much simpler than getting a car. The police do run checkpoints here and there to catch people without properly registered bikes, but they seem to ignore the foreigners. Maybe they're just happy we're not overrunning the place with gas bikes.

Keep in mind that if your bike is unregistered or otherwise illegal, you may be held at fault for any accidents you're involved in. If you're the conservative type, buy a bike that you're sure you can get registered.

Electric = basically no laws enforced.

Motor = can be very strictly enforced in city centre, especially in rush hour.

And being a foreigner on a scooter, I have found, actually gives you more freedom, not less.

Nobody mentioned:
Electric = quickly stolen.