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Everything You Need to Know About Cigalike Vapes

This article was written by Tjobbe Andrews | Published: December 12, 2023 | Last updated: February 6, 2026 

The Cigalike was the very first iteration of an e-cigarette, first coming to market in 2003. Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik developed the Cigalike vape after losing his father to lung cancer. Designed to administer nicotine without the harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke, the Cigalike found huge success in China before filtering into the UK in 2005 and the USA in 2007.

As one of the very first iterations of an e-cigarette, Cigalike vapes have changed a great deal over the years – largely for the better! In its various forms, the Cigalike is well-suited to helping adult smokers swap to stop.

Why Cigalike Vapes?

Making the switch from smoking to vaping is one of the best things you can do for your health, significantly reducing your exposure to the toxins that can cause cancer and diseases of the heart and lungs.

Yet many adult smokers find that vaping is a whole world of its own, with daunting tools and terms to get to grips with. Understandably so: the vape market has a wide variety of choices for consumers to support vapers at all stages of their journey.

What sets Cigalikes apart from other e-cigarettes and vape devices is their ease and convenience. Designed to look just like cigarettes, Cigalikes simplify the switch from smoking to vaping.

What is a Cigalike?

A Cigalike vape is an electronic cigarette that mimics the look and feel of a traditional tobacco cigarette. Comprised of a battery and a cartridge filled with e-liquid, Cigalikes are sleek and discreet.

How Do Cigalikes Work?

Cigalikes operate through a simple mechanism that delivers nicotine and flavour. When the user inhales through the mouthpiece, the airflow activates the battery which powers the heating element and in turn vaporises the e-liquid to produce nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin and food-grade flavourings.

What is PG and VG in vape?

E-liquids contain four main ingredients:

  • Propylene glycol (PG) – an odourless and flavourless liquid that carries flavourings and nicotine.
  • Vegetable glycerin (VG) – a vegetable-based liquid that creates dense clouds of vapour.
  • Nicotine
  • Food-grade flavourings

Is PG and VG safe to vape?

Both propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine are considered safe for consumption by the UK food authorities. PG and VG are common ingredients in many foods, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products.

Who Are Cigalikes For?

Cigalike vapes are ideal for:

  • Smokers transitioning to vaping.
  • Those seeking a cigarette-like experience.
  • Individuals looking for a simple, no-fuss vaping option.

How Long Does a Cigalike Last?

The durability of a Cigalike depends on each individual’s vaping style. A rechargeable Cigalike can last for months (or longer) with proper care. Cartridges, however, deplete with use and will need to be replaced often. Light vapers often find that Cigalike cartomisers last upwards of two days, while more frequent vapers go through refills more frequently. A single charge on a Cigalike battery will last around 300 puffs.

Are Cigalikes Bad for You?

Cigalikes are generally considered less harmful than traditional cigarettes due to the absence of tobacco combustion. That is not to say, however, that they are risk-free. Most e-liquids contain nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance.

Read about the safety of Cigalike vapes here.

Are Cigalike Vapes Compliant with UK Regulations?

Cigalike vapes are no more dangerous than regular vaping devices. Like pods and mods, Cigalikes help smokers transition to a less harmful alternative to smoking.

Reputable Cigalike brands comply with relevant regulations regarding ingredients, labelling and quality standards. OK Vape has tried-and-tested manufacturing and distribution processes to ensure vape rules and regulations are strictly adhered to.

Are Disposable Cigalikes Included in the UK Disposable Ban?

Yes, disposable Cigalike devices are now banned for sale and supply in the UK as of 1 June 2025. This means our former range of Disposable Cigalikes is no longer available. However, the rechargeable Cigalike is the perfect alternative.

Find out more about Swap to Stop here.

Are OK Vape Cigalikes Compatible with 10 Motives?

There’s nothing worse than finally making the switch from smoking to vaping, only to find that you are stuck with a particular vape brand due to device incompatibility or cannot replenish your stock due to insufficient stock levels.

With many vapers finding that supermarkets and vape retailers are out of stock of 10 Motives batteries and cartomisers, we’re dedicated to making the vaping process as simple as possible. For this reason, our range of rechargeable Cigalike vapes is compatible with a range of products from brands such as Ten Motives, Vapourlites, Nicolites, Gamucci, Vapestick, V2 Cigs, E-Lites, and more. This not only allows you to experiment with new Cigalike flavours and formulations but also to switch between vape brands and knock cigarettes on the head once and for all.

As a like-for-like alternative to cartomisers from Ten Motives, Nicolites, V2 Cigs, Vapourlites, and more, you can rest assured that our Cigalike consumables will keep you stocked up for as long as you need.

Read our helpful guide on compatibility with 10 Motives Cigalikes here.

OK Cigalike Refills – Compatible with 10 Motives

Our Cigalike Refill range includes both menthol and tobacco flavours in a variety of nicotine strengths. The pre-filled cartomisers are compatible with a range of rechargeable Cigalike vapes including:

My Cigalike is Discontinued  - What Can I Do?

If your Cigalike vape and cartomisers are discontinued, don’t worry. The OK Cigalike is of approximately the same size and weight as other Cigalike vapes, giving it a very similar look and feel to Cigalike vapes from Nicocig, Ten Motives, Edge Vape and more.

Our Cigalike vape cartridges are also compatible for use with various Cigalike vapes and can be used interchangeably with Green Smoke refills, Edge cartomisers and Skycig refills, among many others.

Follow our helpful guide for tips on what to do if your Cigalike is discontinued.

Why Choose an OK Vape Cigalike?

OK Vape is dedicated to providing a friendly and approachable service through a combination of excellent customer service and leading vape products.

OK Vape’s rechargeable Cigalike vape is designed to mimic the appearance and the sensation of smoking a traditional cigarette, helping to ease the transition from smoking to vaping.

With affordable prices and extensive compatibility, the OK Cigalike makes it easy for adult smokers to stop smoking and start vaping.

Tjobbe is the E-Commerce Manager at OK Vape. Having successfully quit smoking using the OK Cigalike, Tjobbe brings a unique perspective to his articles. Now smoke-free for more than a decade, Tjobbe is dedicated to spreading the word about the advantages of swapping to stop. Outside of work, Tjobbe is an avid photographer and cherishes quality time spent with his family.

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