According to a research report from Orient Securities, as the new national standard imposes stricter compliance requirements for electric bicycles, electric motorcycles are becoming the core focus for brands seeking growth breakthroughs. Differentiated new products are expected to see sustained volume growth in the second half of the year. Against the backdrop of short-term pressure on domestic two-wheeler sales, companies are intensifying their overseas expansion efforts, with future incremental growth in international markets expected to raise their sales ceilings.
Following the implementation of the new national standard, industry sales faced short-term pressure, while the market share of new intelligent brands increased. The first full quarter after the comprehensive switch to the new standard, Q1 2026, saw an overall decline in the electric two-wheeler market. Data from AVC's PSI production and sales figures show domestic electric two-wheeler sales in Q1 2026 fell by 17.1% year-on-year, with the single-month decline in March narrowing to 8.9%. The industry pressure stems from two main factors: first, the high base effect from the sustained pull of the "trade-in" policy during the same period in 2025; second, the increased compliance threshold after the new standard's implementation, leading the market into an adjustment and adaptation period.
By brand, among traditional brands, only Aima saw a market share increase of 1.8 percentage points. New force brands expanded against the trend, with Ninebot's share rising to 9.0% (up 2 ppts year-on-year), and Niu and JIHE increasing by 0.5 ppts and 1.1 ppts, respectively. New force brands are accelerating their technological layout, driving product upgrades.
Companies are shifting their focus to electric motorcycles, with multiple new models launching intensively. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's 407th batch announcement on May 9th showed brands including Yadea, Ninebot, Aima, Tailg, Niu, and JIHE concentrated on applying for new electric motorcycle models. Electric two-wheel motorcycles have become the biggest highlight in the two-wheeler sector, with a significant increase in the number of new products. The announced models show a clear trend towards product differentiation, covering directions such as mecha style, delivery-specific models, and lightweight designs. As the new national standard tightens compliance requirements for electric bicycles, electric motorcycles are becoming the key focus for brands seeking growth breakthroughs. Differentiated new products are expected to see sustained volume growth in the second half of the year.
Electric motorcycle exports represent a longer-term strategic focus. Customs data shows that for the full year 2025, electric two-wheeler (including electric motorcycle) exports reached 26.74 million units, valued at $6.833 billion, representing year-on-year growth of 21.08% and 17.62%, respectively. Q1 2026 continued this high-growth trend, with export value reaching $4.2 billion, a significant 68.2% year-on-year increase. Among these, the unit price of high-speed electric motorcycles rose to $4,000-$8,000, with both volume and price increasing, breaking the cycle of low-price competition.
On-site data from the Canton Fair further confirmed the export momentum. Zhangxue Motorcycle's debut secured over $200 million in orders, while Yadea received over 800 overseas clients during the event. In terms of regional development, Latin America, with about 40% of export share, is the largest market. Africa leads global growth with over 70% growth, Southeast Asia maintains stable demand from its existing base, Europe is a high-end, high-premium blue ocean market with an average price exceeding €5,000, and Japan and South Korea have become emerging breakthrough markets due to policy incentives.
Long-term, the Southeast Asian market holds substantial incremental potential. According to MotorcyclesData, total two-wheeler sales in nine Southeast Asian countries reached approximately 15 million units in 2025, a 4.3% year-on-year increase. Research published in the journal *Sustainable Earth Reviews* indicates the penetration rate of electric two-wheelers in Southeast Asia was only 4% in 2025, still in the early stages of adoption. McKinsey forecasts regional electric two-wheeler sales could reach 3 million units by 2030. The ample incremental potential of the Southeast Asian market provides broad growth space for domestic companies expanding overseas.
Risk warnings include risks of new product launches falling short of expectations, intensifying industry competition, and slower-than-expected overseas market expansion.