China’s electric two-wheeler industry is expanding rapidly on the global stage, with official figures highlighting the sector’s growing role as a driver of foreign trade.

In 2025, China exported more than 26.7 million electric motorcycles and bicycles, generating nearly $6.83 billion in export value.

The momentum has continued into 2026, with first-quarter exports rising to about 7.2 million units, up 68.2 percent year-on-year.

Private enterprises have been at the forefront of the expansion, recording 30 percent growth in electric two-wheeler exports in the January-March period, China Economic Net reported on Tuesday.

Behind the numbers is a broader global shift. Electric two-wheelers have emerged as a practical option for short-distance urban commuting as countries step up carbon-reduction efforts and accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to electricity.

Cost-effective and convenient, Chinese-made e-bikes and e-mopeds have gained traction in overseas markets.

What drives China’s competitive edge? Industry experts attribute the global competitiveness of Chinese electric two-wheelers to a combination of concentrated industrial clusters and supply chain efficiency, which help keep costs low and support continuous innovation.

“Industrial clustering and supply chain efficiency create a highly concentrated network that ensures information transparency and logistics efficiency, significantly lowering production costs and improving response times,” said Ahmed Iftikhar, a Pakistani entrepreneur and president of Tianjin Chuanhui Technology Development Co., Ltd., who has spent nearly a decade in the industry.

Iftikhar said Tianjin, where his company is based, not only benefits from its port access but also sits close to major manufacturing bases.

“Everything from screws and nuts to motors and batteries can be sourced locally,” he said, adding that his partners in Wuxi, Ningbo and other eastern coastal cities also benefit from large-scale industrial ecosystems.

In Fujian Province, for instance, customs data from Fuzhou showed that exports of electric motorcycles and bicycles reached 240 million yuan, about $35 million, in the first five months of this year, up 75.7 percent year-on-year — further evidence of strong export momentum across multiple regions.

“The vast domestic demand and export orders support capacity expansion,” Iftikhar said. He added that Chinese government support for high-tech manufacturing and equipment upgrades has helped drive the modernization of production lines.

His company, he said, has continued to integrate advanced machinery and processes to keep pace with industry trends.

Pakistan: a rising market: Long engaged in OEM production of electric two-wheelers and aluminium frames for European and US markets, Iftikhar is now preparing to enter Pakistan and Africa.

“I have always believed that the unsustainable fossil fuel system will inevitably transition to electrification,” he said.

He plans to combine Pakistan’s GSP+ status with Europe with Chinese design and manufacturing capabilities, positioning Pakistan as a production hub serving broader markets.

Pakistan’s electric vehicle market is expanding quickly. Electric two-wheelers now account for more than 10 percent of monthly vehicle sales in the country, following a year in which EV sales nearly tripled to around 90,000 units, DW News reported.

China is the primary source of critical components for Pakistan’s electric two-wheeler industry. Major Chinese brands, including Yadea, AIMA and Jinpeng, have established a strong presence in the country’s two- and three-wheeler segments.

With a population of 250 million, Pakistan offers significant untapped market potential. Iftikhar plans to bring to Pakistan the after-sales service system, brand commitment mechanism and strict quality control standards his company has developed in China.

“As global energy prices remain volatile and the push for carbon neutrality intensifies, China’s electric two-wheeler industry is well-positioned to continue its momentum,” he said. “I’m very confident that Chinese electric two-wheelers will remain a dominant force in the global market for years to come.”

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China