Vapes, or electronic cigarettes, first entered the market in 2003, when Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik developed the modern e-cigarette. Hon, motivated by his father's death from smoking-related illness, sought a less harmful alternative to traditional smoking. His invention vaporized a liquid containing nicotine using a piezoelectric ultrasound element. The device was patented in 2003 and launched in the Chinese market in 2004 by the company Ruyan.
By 2006–2007, e-cigarettes began to gain international attention, particularly in Europe and the United States. These early devices evolved rapidly, leading to the modern vaping industry, which includes disposable vapes, advanced refillable systems, and various flavors and nicotine strengths.