WND start-up accelerates into Indonesia's e-bike market

Electric bicycles manufactured by WND-based Movion. [Photo/WeChat account: xinwu_wx]

A young company from Wuxi National Hi-Tech District (WND) is making waves overseas with an unconventional growth story: it has yet to sell a single electric bicycle in China. Still, it has already become one of the fastest-rising players in Indonesia.

Movion began mass production of its electric bicycles in April. In its first month of operation, the company shipped more than 11,000 units. The figure climbed to over 16,000 in May, propelling the start-up into the top five of Indonesia's electric bicycle market.

The momentum has translated into a strong export performance. Between February and May, the company's foreign trade exports exceeded 30 million yuan ($4.42 million). Annual exports are expected to reach 150 million yuan.

According to founder Wang Jun, Indonesia presents untapped potential. The Southeast Asian nation is home to about 280 million people and an estimated 150 million motorcycles, yet electric bicycles account for fewer than 5 million vehicles. Government incentives encouraging consumers to switch from fuel-powered motorcycles to electric alternatives are helping to fuel demand.

Buoyed by its early success, Movion is planning to expand into other Southeast Asian markets, as well as Latin America and Africa. The company aims to surpass one million global sales within the next three years and intends to expand its product portfolio to include electric tricycles and compact four-wheeled electric vehicles.

Movion is based in the China-Europe Industrial Innovation Zone in Meicun sub-district of WND and has invested around 30 million yuan. Around 60 percent of the company's electric bicycle components are sourced locally in Wuxi, underscoring how the city's mature supply chain is helping homegrown innovators turn overseas opportunities into global growth.