BUSINESS

China’s Electric Two-Wheeler Recovery Faces Regulatory Uncertainty

Published: Oct. 15, 2026 4:12 a.m. GMT+8

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An electric two-wheeler production line in Chongqing on June 17, 2026. Photo: VCG

China’s domestic sales of electric two-wheelers fell 4.8% year-on-year to 48.4 million units in the first nine months of 2026, despite a third-quarter rebound as more models meeting new safety standards reached the market.

Sales rose 9% in the third quarter to more than 20 million units, the first quarterly increase this year, according to data released Wednesday by market research firm Beijing All View Cloud Data Technology Co. Ltd. (AVC).

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China's electric two-wheeler sales fell 4.8% YoY to 48.4M units in first nine months of 2026, despite a 9% Q3 rebound to over 20M units.
Decline driven by last year's trade-in program (12.5M replacements) and stricter safety standards; top three brands hold 57.8% share, Ninebot leads emerging brands at 9.5%.
October suspension of 3C certification for many e-bike models caused near-stalemate; iResearch forecasts full-year sales down ~8% to 54M units.

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Who’s Who

Yadea Group Holdings Ltd.: Yadea Group Holdings Ltd. is a leading electric two-wheeler manufacturer in China. Alongside Aima Technology and Tailg, Yadea maintained its market leadership, collectively accounting for 57.8% of sales in the first nine months of 2026. The company has navigated market challenges including declining domestic sales and new safety standards.

Aima Technology Group Co. Ltd.: Aima Technology Group Co. Ltd. is a leading Chinese electric two-wheeler manufacturer. It remains among the top three brands, alongside Yadea and Tailg, which together hold a 57.8% market share in the first nine months of 2026, maintaining their industry lead.

Tailg: Based on the article, Tailg (台铃) is one of China's leading electric two-wheeler brands. Alongside Yadea and Aima, Tailg retained its market lead, with the top three companies together accounting for 57.8% of sales in the first nine months of 2026. No further specific details about Tailg were provided.

Ninebot Inc.: Ninebot Inc. led emerging smart-featured and electric motorcycle brands with a 9.5% market share in China's electric two-wheeler sales in the first nine months of 2026, up 2 percentage points year-on-year. The company expects electric motorcycles to account for a larger share of its 2026 sales.

Niu Technologies: Niu Technologies holds a 2.2% share of China's electric two-wheeler sales in the first nine months of 2026, trailing Ninebot's 9.5% among emerging smart-feature and electric motorcycle brands. It benefits from the growing electric motorcycle segment, which is less affected by tightened e-bike safety standards.

Zeeho: Zeeho (极核) is an emerging brand in China's electric two-wheeler market, holding a 1.3% share in the first nine months of 2026 (behind Ninebot and Niu). It focuses on smart features and electric motorcycles, a growth driver as they bypass new e-bike safety standards, helping offset weaker e-bike demand.

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What Happened When

2024：: More than 12.5 million old electric bicycles were replaced under the initiative in 2025, more than nine times the number in 2024.

2025：: More than 12.5 million old electric bicycles were replaced under the trade-in program in 2025.

December 2025：: A ban on sales of noncompliant e-bike models took full effect.

First half of 2026：: Sales of electric two-wheelers fell 12.6% to 28.3 million units, largely due to the trade-in program's effects.

First nine months of 2026：: China's domestic sales of electric two-wheelers fell 4.8% year-on-year to 48.4 million units.

June 2026：: iResearch forecast that domestic electric two-wheeler sales would fall about 8% to roughly 54 million units for the full year 2026.

Third quarter of 2026：: Sales rose 9% to more than 20 million units, the first quarterly increase in 2026.

Early October 2026：: Authorities suspended compulsory product certification (3C) for many e-bike models following failed factory inspections.

Fourth quarter of 2026：: The recovery faces renewed uncertainty after the 3C suspensions, bringing market sales to a near standstill.

AI generated, for reference only

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