Who Invented Vapes?

When people search “who invented vapes”, they’re usually looking for a clear origin story—who created the first vape, when it happened, and how the idea evolved into today’s global vaping industry. This guide breaks down the key milestones behind the invention of vapes, why they were created, and how the technology has developed into the devices we know today.

The Original Inventor: Hon Lik

The modern vape traces back to Hon Lik, a Chinese pharmacist and inventor. In 2003, he created the first commercially viable electronic cigarette after losing his father to smoking-related illness. As a heavy smoker himself, he wanted a safer alternative that could deliver nicotine without the tar and combustion of traditional cigarettes.

Hon Lik’s design featured:

• A battery-powered device
• A nicotine solution
• A heating element that vaporized the liquid
• Early forms of PG/VG-based e-liquid

This concept became the blueprint for nearly all modern vape devices.

Before Hon Lik, several “smokeless cigarette” concepts had been patented, but none reached commercial success or practical use. His design was the first that mass production could support and consumers were willing to adopt.

In 2004, his e-cigarette debuted in the Chinese market. By 2006–2007, it expanded into Europe and the U.S., sparking the global vaping industry.

Earlier Attempts Before Hon Lik

Although Hon Lik is credited as the true inventor of the vape, the idea of smokeless nicotine delivery dates back decades.

1. 1960s – Herbert A. Gilbert

In 1963, American inventor Herbert Gilbert patented a “smokeless non-tobacco cigarette.”

His design included:

• Heated, flavored air
• No combustion
• No nicotine

While innovative, the market was not ready, and the technology of the time couldn't produce a consumer-ready device.

2. 1980s–1990s – Nicotine Inhalers and Pharmaceutical Concepts

Several pharmaceutical companies explored nicotine inhalation devices, but these were more like medical nicotine replacements than consumer vapes. None gained widespread adoption.

How Hon Lik’s Vape Evolved Into Today’s Devices

Hon Lik’s original idea laid the foundation for a wave of rapid innovation. The evolution looks like this:

1. First-Generation (“Cigalikes”)

• Designed to resemble traditional cigarettes
• Disposable or cartridge-based
• Low vapor production
• Early brands: Ruyan, Blu, NJOY

2. Second-Generation (Vape Pens)

• Improved battery life
• Clearomizers and replaceable coils
• Growing popularity among beginners

3. Third-Generation (Mods and Sub-Ohm Devices)

• Adjustable wattage
• High vapor output
• Larger tanks
• Popular among hobbyists and cloud-chasing communities

4. Fourth-Generation (Pod Systems)

• Compact and user-friendly
• Pre-filled or refillable pods
• Modern examples: JUUL, SKE Crystal, Voopoo Vinci, Oxva Xlim

5. Disposable Vapes

• Zero maintenance
• Wide flavor variety
• Dominant in many markets due to convenience

Why Understanding the Inventor Matters Today

The vaping industry continues to evolve in technology, regulation, and public perception. Knowing who invented vapes provides context for the industry’s original purpose: to provide an alternative to smoking, not to attract non-smokers.

Hon Lik himself has repeatedly stated that vapes were created for adult smokers seeking a harm-reduction option. This perspective shapes modern regulatory discussions and product development across the U.S., U.K., and global markets.

Conclusion

The answer to “who invented vapes” is clear: Hon Lik’s breakthrough transformed a decades-old concept into a global movement. His invention marked the beginning of a new era in nicotine delivery, eventually leading to the advanced vape systems and disposable devices dominating today’s market.

FAQs

1. Who is officially credited with inventing vapes?

Hon Lik, a Chinese pharmacist, invented the first modern e-cigarette in 2003.

2. Did Herbert Gilbert invent the vape first?

Gilbert patented a smokeless cigarette in 1963, but it never became a commercial product. Hon Lik’s device is considered the first true vape.

3. Why did Hon Lik invent the vape?

He wanted a safer alternative to smoking after his father died from smoking-related illness.

4. When did vaping become popular?

Vaping began gaining global popularity around 2006–2007 when electronic cigarettes entered the European and American markets.

5. Which company produced the first commercial vape?

Ruyan (later rebranded as Dragonite International) was the first company to manufacture and sell Hon Lik’s e-cigarette designs.