At the ongoing 136th Canton Fair in Guangzhou, the once humble “Sanbenzi” — a type of three-wheeled motorcycle once common in rural China — has shed its rustic image and emerged as a hot commodity sought after by international buyers.
As the event progresses, an increasing number of overseas attendees have shown interest in the Sanbenzi, prompting several Chinese exhibitors to increase their displays or position these vehicles prominently within their booths.
The Sanbenzi, a term used in China to describe three-wheeled motorcycles, is versatile for both passenger transport and cargo hauling. It features straightforward operation and affordability, making it adaptable to various terrains, though it has faced criticism regarding safety and environmental standards.
However, after recent upgrades, these electric, smart three-wheelers are gaining traction on the streets of Western nations, and their popularity is surging, particularly among foreigners. There are even playful anecdotes that for some expatriates, the first phrase they learn in Chinese is the factory voice alert of the Sanbenzi: “Please watch out, reversing!”
At this year’s fair, multiple manufacturers of electric three-wheelers have introduced new models to the global market. Notably, larger firms such as Jinpeng Group and Huaihai Holding Group unveiled electric tricycle canopies and semi-enclosed cargo vehicles.
When it comes to buyer interests, areas such as battery life, power modes, pricing, and application scenarios top the list. Jinpeng Group showcased a new model that resembles a compact car and includes solar photovoltaic storage panels on the roof.
“This new product is ideal for regions like Africa and the Middle East that enjoy abundant sunlight. It boasts a battery range of over 100 kilometers and can handle inclines, muddy terrains, and unpaved roads,” said Hou Dafu, the overseas brand manager for Jinpeng Group. He mentioned that so far, the group has generated nearly 40 million RMB in sales at the fair, with numerous buyers planning visits to their factory.
Zhejiang Lvjue Vehicle Co., Ltd. is showcasing various models aimed at the EU and South American markets, including basic, luxury, and leisure versions of their three-wheelers. According to their business manager Chen Jian, “These vehicles are durable and practical, particularly in agricultural applications, making them popular in Cambodia, Russia, Brazil, and Mexico. We also emphasize the matching of the three primary components (battery, motor, controller) to ensure product quality and performance.”
Huaihai Holding Group has also attracted attention, particularly from Portuguese buyer Fernando, who was impressed by the sleek design of their semi-enclosed electric tricycle. “This type of vehicle is extremely popular in our country, especially in the tourism sector. The sales team provided thorough explanations of the vehicle’s performance, and I think I might consider purchasing one for trial,” he said, as he hopped into the driver’s seat.
Throughout the exhibition, prospective buyers often tested the vehicle’s durability by tapping on its exterior to assess the strength of the materials used.
Xing Hongyan, vice president of Huaihai Holding Group, remarked that thanks to their independent supply chains and technological advancements, their newly launched models start at over $2,000. Initially, many overseas buyers were skeptical that they could purchase high-quality materials at that price, leading them to physically test the vehicles for durability.
She further noted that the company has developed a model tailored for the European market, which incorporates hardware and smart features, including control functions and a backend data management system. This design accommodates narrow urban roads, addresses parking challenges, and supports modular disassembly for on-site assembly. The design has also received EU international design patents.
Competition in the electric three-wheeler market is intensifying as manufacturers devise unique strategies to attract business. “We don’t engage in price wars,” Xing stated, explaining that the company’s competitive edge in Europe and the U.S. lies in providing local users with battery systems and fast-charging solutions, thereby evolving from merely exporting products to building a complete ecological system.
Despite the growing competition, Chen Jian expressed his optimism regarding the future of foreign trade, highlighting their commitment to delivering high-quality products and swiftly responding to market demands.
Xing hopes that more Chinese companies will expand internationally to strengthen the entire industry chain, stating, “We remain optimistic about the industry’s growth prospects.”
According to market research firm Baijian Strategy, the global electric three-wheeler market is steadily expanding. In 2023, the market’s sales revenue reached 61.86 billion RMB, and it is expected to nearly double to 149.89 billion RMB by 2030.
