“Please Watch Your Step When Reversing” Echoes Worldwide: Chinese “Sanbengzi” Exports Surge by 73.5% and Reach Global Markets

On September 4, a video of an American content creator gifting his father-in-law a Chinese electric three-wheeler for Christmas went viral online. The catchy, automatic reverse-warning prompt—“Please watch your step when reversing”—turned heads on overseas streets and sparked widespread attention. This viral moment serves as a microcosm of how small Chinese-made commuting vehicles are taking the world by storm.

According to data released on September 4 by Kuai Technology, in the first seven months of 2026 alone, the export volume of two- and three-wheeled electric vehicles from Shandong Province hit 430,000 units, marking a massive year-on-year surge of 73.5%. This viral phenomenon is far from an isolated incident. From the congested alleys of Southeast Asia and the historic old towns of Europe to South American countryside lanes and North American farms, Chinese electric tricycles are rapidly building a massive international fanbase.

Throughout 2025, the domestic production and sales of tricycles reached 2.7987 million and 2.8033 million units respectively, both achieving year-on-year growths exceeding 9.7%. Designed for both passenger transport and cargo hauling, these vehicles boast a range of over 100 kilometers on a single charge. Known for being rugged, durable, and budget-friendly, they perfectly address practical daily needs and the demand for high-cost-performance short-distance transport across different regions—maintaining a strong competitive edge over alternative local transport options in overseas markets.