Key facts
- China's electric two-wheeler sales increased 9% in Q3 2026.
- Total sales for the first nine months of 2026 were 48.4 million units.
- The Q3 rebound was attributed to new safety-standard models.
China's domestic sales of electric two-wheelers declined 4.8% year-on-year to 48.4 million units in the first nine months of 2026. However, sales saw a rebound in the third quarter, increasing by 9% to over 20 million units. This marks the first quarterly increase this year, driven by the availability of more models that comply with new safety standards. The electric two-wheeler market in China has a long history, with sales taking off significantly in the 2000s and becoming a substantial part of the country's transportation system. Historically, government policies, such as classifying certain electric two-wheelers as bicycles, have spurred growth by reducing licensing and registration requirements. However, the sector has also faced criticism regarding safety concerns and regulatory compliance, with rules often loosely followed.