Built for China, headed for the world: Chinese e-bike makers ramp up overseas push
China’s electric two-wheeler industry has scaled up rapidly, fuelled by its vast domestic market and improving product quality. But as growth at home slows, manufacturers are increasingly looking abroad.
The Chinese electric two-wheeler industry has experienced rapid growth, driven by domestic demand and enhanced product quality. As demand within China begins to wane, manufacturers are increasingly targeting international markets. Shanghai residents are accustomed to seeing quiet, quick, and sometimes intrusive electric bicycles, also known as e-bikes, which are often restricted or banned in many countries.
In Chinese cities, these vehicles are utilized for last-mile deliveries, delivering items such as food, medication, and household supplies, efficiently and swiftly. They are not only beneficial for delivery riders but also for city commuters seeking a quicker alternative to bicycles or cars during rush hour traffic. Chinese e-commerce executives, like Sven Weckmann, find e-bikes to be a convenient mode of transportation due to their ease of use, availability, and low cost – with a simple registration process and affordable licensing fee.
The Chinese government has also implemented stricter safety standards for e-bikes, focusing on battery performance, fire resistance, and modification protection. Although the domestic market for e-bikes is mature, with nearly 68 million units sold in 2025, accounting for nearly 57% of global sales, manufacturers are exploring new opportunities abroad.
Export sales have increased by 31.5% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, despite varying regulations in different countries. In order to meet these requirements, manufacturers adapt their products for individual markets, taking into account factors such as speed, motor certification, and environmental conditions. China's manufacturing advantage in e-bikes extends beyond production scale, including its supply chain, service system, and quality control.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
