China Electric Scooters Market: Strategic Outlook, Demand Economics, Market Structure, and Forecast Analysis (2025–2033)

The China Electric Scooters Market is valued at USD 12.7 billion in 2025 and is forecast to grow at a 6.0% CAGR through 2033, reaching USD 20.3 billion by 2033. 

China is home to the world’s largest and most deeply embedded electric scooter ecosystem, driven by high urban density, regulatory support for electric mobility, and a deeply entrenched replacement-driven demand cycle. Annual electric two-wheeler unit sales in China exceed 70 million units, with electric scooters accounting for the majority of daily-use vehicles. Unlike global markets where growth is driven by first-time adoption, China’s expansion is anchored in fleet renewal, penetration in lower-tier cities, and incremental premiumization through lithium-ion batteries and innovative features. The result is a stable, volume-led market with predictable demand patterns and strong manufacturing economics.

Market Definition and Scope

This report defines the China Electric Scooters Market as battery-powered, throttle-operated two-wheeled vehicles for short- to medium-distance travel. The scope includes sit-down and stand-on electric scooters, as well as low-speed electric mopeds classified as scooters or non-motorcycles. Electric bicycles with pedal-assist and high-powered electric motorcycles requiring licensing and registration are excluded. Market sizing is based on vehicle sales value at the manufacturer or wholesale level, ensuring consistency across pricing structures and eliminating variability in retail margins. The scope focuses exclusively on domestic demand within China and excludes exports, aftermarket components, charging infrastructure, and shared mobility services.

Demand Architecture of the Chinese Market

Demand for electric scooters in China is broad-based and structurally resilient. Urban commuters account for a significant share of use, particularly in cities where internal-combustion two-wheelers are restricted. Electric scooters are also a critical asset for China’s delivery economy, with millions of riders in food delivery, courier services, and local logistics relying on scooters to earn a daily income. In addition, small retailers and service providers use electric scooters for short-distance goods transport, reinforcing demand beyond personal mobility.

The market is overwhelmingly replacement-driven, with average vehicle lifespans of three to five years due to heavy daily use. This replacement cycle sustains annual sales volumes regardless of macroeconomic conditions. Penetration exceeds 60% in several provinces, and adoption in Tier 3 and Tier 4 cities continues to rise, driven by affordability and limited public transportation alternatives.

Market Size, Growth Trajectory, and Forecast

China’s electric scooter market reaches USD 12.7 billion in 2025, supported by high unit volumes and stable pricing. Between 2025 and 2033, the market is expected to expand at a 6.0% CAGR, driven by three structural factors. First, replacement demand remains consistent, accounting for more than 65% of annual unit sales. Second, lithium-ion battery penetration continues to rise, increasing average transaction values. Third, delivery and commercial use grow steadily, in line with urban consumption patterns.

By 2033, market revenue reaches USD 20.3 billion, with unit volumes broadly stable and value growth driven primarily by technology upgrades rather than price inflation. Growth remains balanced across regions, with East and South China maintaining dominance, while Central and Western China contribute incremental volume growth.

How the Market Is Structured

Product Structure
 

Sit-down electric scooters dominate the market, accounting for more than 70% of total units sold, because of their comfort, payload capacity, and suitability for daily commuting. Stand-on electric scooters account for a smaller share, concentrated primarily among younger users and in shared mobility use cases. Electric mopeds occupy a niche segment, often overlapping with scooters in urban regulatory frameworks.

Technology Structure
 

Battery technology is a key differentiator. Lead-acid batteries still make up the majority of the installed base due to low upfront costs. In contrast, lithium-ion batteries now account for over 40% of new sales, driven by longer range, lower maintenance, and improved safety. Motor power remains concentrated below 1,000W, aligning with regulatory speed limits and licensing thresholds.

Price–Volume Structure
 

The market is fundamentally mass-market oriented, with economy and mid-range scooters accounting for over 80% of unit sales. Premium and intelligent scooters remain a smaller segment but are growing faster, supported by urban consumers seeking connectivity, theft protection, and battery efficiency. Average selling prices remain under pressure, reinforcing China’s position as a high-volume, cost-efficient market.

Route-to-Market Structure
 

Offline channels dominate distribution, with OEM brand stores and authorized dealers accounting for the majority of transactions. E-commerce platforms play an increasingly important role in product discovery and price comparison, particularly among younger consumers, though final purchases remain largely offline.

Consumer and Usage Behavior Insights

Electric scooter users in China span a wide demographic range, from students and office workers to older adults and delivery riders. Younger consumers are more likely to adopt innovative features, while commercial users prioritize durability and battery life. Lithium-ion adoption is highest in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, while lead-acid scooters remain prevalent in price-sensitive regions. Institutional and fleet purchases account for a growing share of demand, particularly in logistics and last-mile delivery, supporting stable annual volumes.

Regulatory and Policy Environment Impact

Regulation plays a central role in shaping China’s electric scooter market. National standards for vehicle weight, speed, and battery safety have created a predictable operating environment. City-level enforcement of electric mobility regulations continues to favor compliant electric scooters over internal-combustion alternatives. While compliance requirements marginally increase production costs, they also raise entry barriers, reinforcing market stability and supporting established manufacturers.

Price Dynamics and Cost Economics

Battery costs account for the largest share of scooter pricing, ranging from 35% to 45% of total vehicle cost. Declining lithium-ion battery prices have improved cost economics for premium models, while intense competition continues to constrain ASP growth across mass-market segments. Manufacturers increasingly focus on scale efficiencies, supply chain integration, and incremental feature differentiation to protect margins.

Strategic Opportunities and Risk Factors

Key opportunities include deeper penetration in lower-tier cities, greater adoption of lithium-ion batteries, and sustained growth in delivery and logistics applications. Export-oriented manufacturing offers additional scale benefits. Risks include regulatory tightening in urban centers, margin pressure from raw-material volatility, and product commoditization in the economy segment.

Competitive Landscape

The China Electric Scooters Market is moderately consolidated, with leading domestic manufacturers capturing a substantial share of total sales through extensive distribution networks, scale-driven cost advantages, and strong brand recognition. 
Market leaders such as Yadea Group and Aima Technology Group dominate the mass-market segment, while companies such as Sunra Electric Vehicle, Luyuan Electric Vehicle, and Xinri E-Vehicle maintain strong regional and export-oriented positions. Premium and innovative scooter offerings are led by players such as Niu Technologies, Segway-Ninebot, and XDAO. At the same time, manufacturers such as Tailg Electric Vehicle and Vmoto China strengthen their competitive depth through product breadth and international reach.

Long-Term Market Outlook and Strategic Implications

China’s electric scooter market is defined by scale, stability, and structural necessity. High penetration does not signal saturation, as replacement demand, technology upgrades, and regional expansion continue to drive growth. Over the long term, the market offers predictable demand, strong manufacturing economics, and defensible competitive positions for established players, making it a strategically important segment within China’s broader electric mobility landscape.