Research Report on China's Two Wheel Electric Vehicle Industry in 2026 Source: iResearch Consulting

Multi-agency push for New GB implementation, guiding demand toward high-quality products.

The 2025 policy core is the "New GB standard", with joint supervision across production, certification, sales, registration, usage, charging, and recycling.

New GB raises safety and smart standards, accelerates elimination of outdated capacity, and reallocates market share to top players.

In September 2025, Xinlei (old brand) declared bankruptcy – the first representative enterprise to fall after the New GB. Only 43 manufacturers (out of ~600) passed the first three batches of compliance lists, showing a substantial rise in entry barriers.

Production cost + retail price rise: upgrades in frame, battery-motor-controller, and BeiDou/communication modules add ~150-200 RMB per unit, pushing online average prices up.

Short-term sales dip, e-motorcycle growth: 2025 sales reached 58M units, 2026 forecast 54M. E-motorcycle production and sales reversed decline, with 3.506M units sold in 2025 (+1.14% YoY).

Source: iResearch

Battery diversification: Lead-acid dominant, lithium-ion penetration rising, sodium battery emerging.

Lead-acid low cost but squeezed by weight limits; lithium-ion high energy density with falling cost; sodium battery offers excellent low-temp performance, cost parity with LFP expected by 2027.

Operating System (OS) as new battleground: Ninebot NimbleOS (cloud-edge-device), NIU AIOS (LLM integration), Yadea OS (safety-first). Competition shifts from hardware specs to software ecosystems.

Bluetooth benchmark: Bluetooth evolving from add-on to basic connectivity. Ninebot excels in connection stability and unlocking consistency, attributed to NimbleOS.

Design evolution: New GB limits plastic to ≤5.5%, driving adoption of aluminum-magnesium alloys for a cleaner, more metallic look. Pedals no longer mandatory, smoother lines; personalized colors (Cosmic Grey, E-sport Yellow) appeal to younger users.

Quality-oriented users (31-35, Tier-1 cities, married with kids): purchase price 4000-5999 RMB, prioritize battery range, durability, and smart features. Preferred smart brand: Ninebot.

Range-focused users (26-30, Tier-1/2, delivery riders): prioritize battery and speed, price distribution bipolar (3000-3999 & 5000-5999). Preferred smart brand: Ninebot.

Purchase drivers: efficiency, no traffic/parking hassle, low operating cost. Price/performance ratio is less decisive.

Information channels: offline brand stores dominate; short-video platforms rising in importance. Users focus on tech specs, after-sales, and reviews.

Top concerns: battery & range, durability, braking safety, intelligence. 60km ideal range; lithium battery preference overtakes lead-acid.

Smart adoption: 80.6% prefer smart E2W; 11.2% consider only smart models. Top expected features: custom driving parameters, smart screen, OTA.

Satisfaction: Ninebot 4.59 (out of 5), Yadea 4.56, overall high.

Smart feature experience: auto-lock, keyless unlock, and motion alarm most used, satisfaction >4.3. App satisfaction 87%, praised for stability and ease of use.

E-motorcycle market heating up: New GB diverts demand (hilly areas, delivery). 2025 production 3.612M units, +6.03% YoY.

Traditional ICE motorcycle makers (CFMOTO, Zongshen) and auto firms (ZEEHO) are entering, but city restrictions and license/insurance hurdles remain.

Export "volume up, value down": 2025 exports 26.74M units (+21% YoY), average price 1736.9 RMB (-7% YoY). Divergence: Europe/US demand premium smart models; Asia/Africa/Latin America seek cost-effective commuters.

Upgrade path: smart premium (Ninebot Segway E-bike), local manufacturing (Yadea Vietnam plant), branding (Ninebot Paris Olympics experience).

Consumer demand evolution: from commuting to delivery & leisure; focus shifts from basic specs to seamless smart experience.

Industry stratification: Yadea/Aima dominate mass market; Ninebot/NIU capture premium; mid-tier squeezed. Competition moves from "efficiency" to "capability" (tech + brand + ecosystem).

Premium market engine: acceptance of 6000+ RMB rose from 6.6% to 13.4%. Ninebot revenue +50.2% (E2W business +64%), Yadea Crown series accelerates into 4000-5000 RMB segment.

Tech innovation: intelligence enters systemization (AI interaction + scenario awareness); OS becomes the central nervous system. Sodium battery cost advantage; 400V high-voltage platform tackles range anxiety.

Overall analysis: China's E2W industry has moved past the proliferation phase and entered a stage of stock optimization and value upgrade. The New GB not only raises entry barriers but also forces companies to shift from price competition to holistic competition in technology, brand, and ecosystem. Intelligence is the core differentiator: Ninebot has topped the smart ranking for five consecutive years, with its self-developed NimbleOS (cloud-edge-device synergy) building a strong moat, while traditional giants like Yadea and Aima leverage channel and cost advantages to accelerate smart adoption. User demand shows clear segmentation: quality-oriented users pay premiums for smart interaction and design, while range-focused users prioritize battery performance and durability. The premium market (4000+ RMB) continues to expand, with 6000+ RMB acceptance doubling, becoming the main profit engine. Export "volume up, value down" exposes the weakness in brand and technology, forcing a shift from product export to local deep-dive and brand building. Future competition will revolve around OS, sodium battery / 400V platform, and full-lifecycle user services. The Matthew effect intensifies, and mid-tier brands will face further pressure.

Core problem & solutions:
Problem: Severe homogeneity, price war; uneven smart experience; low export value-add.
Execution: 1) Build differentiated software ecosystems via OS (e.g., Ninebot NimbleOS, NIU AIOS); 2) Accelerate sodium battery & 400V platform mass production to solve range and safety pain points; 3) Shift export strategy from "trade" to "local production + branded direct sales" to avoid tariffs and increase premium.
Acceptance criteria: Smart feature active rate ≥70%, premium model sales share ≥35%, overseas revenue growth ≥30%, NPS ≥45.