On 18/3, Chinese LiDAR manufacturer Hesai announced its partnership with Niu Technologies to supply LiDAR sensors for electric motorcycles. This collaboration marks a significant expansion of LiDAR technology beyond passenger cars, with the Niu NXT2 being the first model to feature this advanced system. The announcement coincided with Niu's 2026 new product launch event, where the company unveiled NIU AIOS, an artificial intelligence operating system for motorcycles, and introduced new AI-equipped models.

The Niu NXT2 electric motorcycle launched in China on 18/3. *Photo: Niu*

The integration of LiDAR, specifically Hesai's FTX LiDAR, into the Niu NXT2 aims to enhance safety and intelligence for riders. The FTX LiDAR provides a maximum field of view of 180 x 140 degrees, allowing the system to detect pedestrians, vehicles, and complex road conditions in all weather. The sensor's resolution is more than double that of the previous generation, while its weight is reduced by 66%. This enables the sensor to detect low obstacles, improving safety on crowded city roads. Within Niu's omnidirectional perception system, FTX operates alongside D-Robotics' Sunrise series smart processing chips.

Industry leaders emphasized the growing need for such technology. Niu CEO Li Yan stated that increasingly complex urban traffic means a single perception solution no longer meets the higher safety and intelligence requirements for two-wheeled vehicle operators. Hesai CEO Li Yifan added that this collaboration sets a new intelligence standard for the industry and aims for a safer, smarter two-wheeled transportation system.

A key reason this technology is now being applied to scooters and motorcycles is cost reduction. Hesai stated it has significantly reduced LiDAR costs to about 200 USD through chip integration and mass production. This represents a reduction of about 99,5% compared to a decade ago, when equivalent LiDAR devices cost over 300.000 CNY (43.600 USD).

The NXT2's interface features a futuristic style, with some surfaces treated transparently. *Photo: Niu*

This move indicates a broader shift in LiDAR adoption. Hesai reported that the LiDAR adoption rate in China's passenger car market reached 19% by the end of 2025, showing the technology has entered a phase of wider application. The company described the partnership with Niu as the first large-scale integration of LiDAR into the electric motorcycle sector. According to CarNewsChina, LiDAR is gradually shifting from high-end electric vehicles and autonomous taxi fleets to more affordable consumer products. For instance, in January, BYD registered a LiDAR option for its Seagull city car, priced around 10.000 USD, while Leapmotor registered its compact electric vehicle A05 with LiDAR earlier this month.

Hesai is one of China's largest LiDAR suppliers, with its long-range sensors used in autonomous taxi programs including Baidu, Pony.ai, WeRide, and Zoox. Their latest agreement with Niu demonstrates that decreasing sensor costs are beginning to unlock a much broader market, including the motorcycle market.

Niu Technologies is a Chinese conglomerate specializing in electric two-wheeled vehicle manufacturing, including electric scooters, electric bicycles, and electric motorcycles. The company also attempted to produce its own electric cars in early 2020 but was unsuccessful.

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