May 18, 2026 – Surging fuel prices worldwide are acting as a powerful tailwind for Chinese electric scooter makers looking to conquer foreign markets, with industry titan Yadea leading the charge.
The world’s largest manufacturer of electric two-wheelers and mopeds is on track to ship roughly 70% more units abroad this year compared to 2025, according to company projections. Wang Jiazhong, Yadea’s senior vice president, told reporters that demand has exploded across Southeast Asia and South America, forcing the company to rush shipments as clients beg for earlier delivery dates.
“Consumers are feeling the pinch at the pump, and that’s opening doors for us in markets we haven’t even entered yet,” Wang said.
In March alone, Yadea raised its overseas sales target from 310,000 to 450,000 units. The company also aims to add up to 10,000 new retail outlets abroad by the end of 2026 — on top of the 3,700 it already operates.
Yadea’s global manufacturing footprint spans six plants in China, with additional facilities in Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Turkey, Brazil, and Mexico. Looking ahead, Wang confirmed that rising interest from European buyers has prompted plans for a brand-new factory in Hungary.
According to the International Council on Clean Transportation, battery-powered vehicles captured roughly 15% of the global two-wheeler market last year — a figure that suggests enormous room for growth. Citi analysts, citing comments from Yadea’s leadership, noted that overseas operations are expected to eventually outpace domestic profitability in the long run. For now, however, international sales still represent just around 2% of Yadea’s total revenue.
Beyond mobility, Wang highlighted an unexpected opportunity in regions plagued by unreliable electricity grids. Yadea’s scooters, equipped with 4-kWh batteries, can double as portable power sources — running TVs, refrigerators, and phone chargers during blackouts. “In places like Africa where power shortages are common, this isn’t just a vehicle — it’s an entire ecosystem,” he explained.
As of the end of 2025, Yadea had already established more than 1,000 branded stores overseas, with distribution networks spanning five continents. The company has also begun pushing into high-potential but underserved markets such as Mauritius, Madagascar, and Yemen.
