Niu Technologies achieved record sales of 1,197,978 electric two-wheelers worldwide in 2025, a 30% increase from 2024. China accounted for 92% of these sales at 1,112,021 units, while Europe saw strong recovery in electric scooters and motorcycles. This performance highlights Niu’s dominance in its home market amid global challenges, offering EV enthusiasts insight into shifting two-wheeler dynamics.
Background: Niu’s Rise as China’s EV Two-Wheeler Leader
Niu Technologies, founded in 2014, pioneered lithium-ion batteries in China’s electric two-wheeler segment, moving away from cheaper lead-acid options common at the time. The company went public on NASDAQ in 2018 under the ticker NIU and reported nearly $300 million in revenue by 2019. Historically, 98% of its sales came from China as of late 2020, a trend that persisted into 2025 with over 92% of volume from its domestic market.
Niu specialises in connected electric scooters, motorcycles, and e-scooters, targeting urban commuters with app-integrated features like GPS tracking and theft protection. In 2025, the company expanded its Chinese distribution to 4,304 franchised stores by mid-year, focusing on tier-3 cities for 50% of new openings. Globally, Niu faces stiff competition in e-scooters from Xiaomi and Segway-Ninebot, contributing to international sales declines, but it maintains leadership in delivery motorcycles in China, ranking among the top 10 brands.
Key Specifications: Niu’s 2025 Bestsellers in Europe
The following table summarises sales data for Niu’s top European models in 2025 (Germany, Italy, France). Specific technical specs for these models remain consistent with prior reports: the NQiX 500 offers urban performance equivalent to a 125cc scooter, priced under €4,500 in some markets.
| Market | 2024 Sales | 2025 Sales | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 275 | 2,528 | 819% |
| Italy | 831 | 2,168 | 161% |
| France | 254 | 671 | 164% |
| Source: Niu via Cleanrider | |||
Top models: NQiX 500, NQiX 150, NQi Sport. Note: Detailed battery capacity, range, or power figures for 2025 variants not confirmed in recent reports.
Analysis: Record-Breaking 2025 Performance Breakdown
China’s Dominant Growth Engine
China propelled Niu to 1,197,978 total sales in 2025, up 30% from 2024, with 1,112,021 units sold domestically versus 759,094 the prior year. Quarterly highlights included Q1 over 200,000 units (+66% YoY); Q2 350,090 units total, 318,719 in China (+53.6% YoY); Q3 a record 465,000 units, 451,455 in China (+70% YoY) driven by FXT Ultra, NXT Ultra launches and pre-new regulations stockpiling. Q4 dipped to 178,702 units (-21% YoY) due to seasonal slowdown and tough Q3 comparisons. The Niu FX model gained popularity among young Chinese buyers, boosting the affordable segment demand, where the average price fell to 3,316 yuan.
International Challenges and European Rebound
International sales fell sharply to 85,957 units from 165,246 in 2024, primarily from e-scooter weakness against entrenched rivals. Over nine months, overseas volume dropped to 66,037 from over 120,000. However, electric scooters and motorcycles, excluding China, outperformed full 2024 figures by late 2025. Europe’s direct distribution strategy from 2024 yielded results: Germany’s 819% jump to 2,528 units, Italy’s 161% to 2,168, and France’s 164% to 671. Q3 alone saw Germany near 2,000 units (+400% YTD), Italy over 1,500, and France over 500. Promotions like €2,000 off MQi GT 100 (to €2,999) supported momentum.
Strategic Factors and Market Drivers
New Chinese regulations on safety and performance, anticipated in late 202,5 spurred Q3 buying. Niu’s focus on direct sales in key markets like Germany, Italy, France, and new entry Spain addressed prior distribution issues. Despite global e-scooter struggles, Niu eyes expansion with potential EICMA 2025 reveals. Financially, Q2 China revenue hit 1,057 million yuan, though average pricing dipped withthe entry-level mix. Unanswered: Exact 2025 full-year revenue, profitability amid volume surges, and impact of 2026 Chinese standards.
Comparison: Niu vs. Key Competitors
Versus Xiaomi and Segway-Ninebot: Niu lags in international e-scooters but leads in connected scooters; Xiaomi dominates budget kick scooters, Segway in premium delivery. Yadea and Tailg top China’s delivery motorcycle rankings ahead of Niu, with a stronger fleet focus. In Europe, Super Soco or VMOTO compete in L1e/L3e segments, but lack Niu’s sales rebound (e.g., Niu’s German volume dwarfs smaller rivals). Niu’s 60.5% China market share in 2023 underscores domestic edge over fragmented global players.
| Brand | 2025 China Strength | Europe Scooter Focus | Key Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Niu | 1.11M units (92% total) | Strong rebound (e.g., 2.5K Germany) | Connected tech |
| Xiaomi | High e-scooter volume | Budget leader | Affordability |
| Segway-Ninebot | Top 3 delivery | Premium e-scooters | Brand recognition |
| Yadea | #1 delivery moto | Limited | Volume in fleets |
Verdict
Niu’s 2025 confirms its unchallenged China dominance, delivering 1.2 million units despite international headwinds, making it the go-to for high-volume EV two-wheeler production. Urban commuters in Europe benefit from the NQiX series resurgence, ideal for those prioritising connected scooters over raw power. Watch for 2026: sustained Chinese regulations could fuel more growth, but global e-scooter recovery remains uncertain—details not yet confirmed.
