- LiDAR is rapidly entering electric two-wheelers as costs fall dramatically.
- Hesai and Niu partnership signals a shift toward advanced safety features in scooters.
Advanced sensing technologies are rapidly expanding beyond premium vehicles, and the latest development highlights how LiDAR is entering the electric two-wheeler segment in China. Once reserved for high-end electric cars, LiDAR systems are now becoming viable for mass-market mobility solutions due to steep cost reductions. This shift is enabling manufacturers to enhance safety and perception capabilities in urban riding environments, where traffic complexity continues to rise and demands for intelligent systems are increasing.
Hesai and Niu Collaboration for LiDAR Integration
Hesai Group has announced a strategic partnership with Niu Technologies to supply its fully solid-state LiDAR solution for electric two-wheelers. The collaboration focuses on integrating Hesai’s FTX blind-spot LiDAR into Niu’s upcoming products, beginning with the newly introduced NXT2 model. This move marks a significant step toward embedding advanced perception technologies in lightweight mobility platforms, traditionally limited by cost and packaging constraints.
FTX LiDAR Features and Capabilities
The FTX LiDAR system offers an ultra-wide field of view of 180° horizontally and 140° vertically, enabling comprehensive environmental awareness. It can accurately detect pedestrians, vehicles, and dynamic obstacles in complex urban settings under varying weather conditions. By delivering high-definition perception, the system effectively functions as a “super eye,” enhancing rider awareness and reducing blind spots in dense traffic scenarios.
Cost Reduction Driving Mass Adoption
One of the key enablers of this transition is the dramatic reduction in LiDAR costs. Through chip-level integration and large-scale production, Hesai has reduced system costs from previously prohibitive levels to approximately $200, representing a drop of nearly 99.5%. This cost efficiency is making it feasible for manufacturers to incorporate LiDAR into lower-priced vehicles, accelerating its adoption across new mobility categories.
Rising LiDAR Penetration Across Mobility Segments
The broader automotive industry is already witnessing increasing LiDAR penetration, with adoption reaching around 19% in the passenger car market by the end of 2025. This milestone indicates that LiDAR is moving beyond early adoption into mainstream deployment. As affordability improves, the technology is expanding into adjacent segments such as electric scooters, where safety and intelligent perception are becoming key differentiators.
Industry Perspective on Intelligent Two-Wheelers
According to Niu’s leadership, the growing complexity of urban traffic requires more advanced sensing solutions than traditional systems can provide. The integration of LiDAR is expected to significantly enhance safety and riding intelligence. Hesai’s CEO emphasized that this partnership sets a new benchmark for intelligent two-wheeler systems and represents a step toward safer and smarter urban mobility ecosystems.
Expanding Use Cases Across Affordable EVs
The adoption of LiDAR is not limited to two-wheelers. Automakers are increasingly exploring its use in entry-level electric vehicles as well. For instance, BYD has filed for LiDAR integration in its affordable Seagull model, while Leapmotor has introduced similar features in its compact EV offerings. These developments highlight a broader industry trend where advanced sensing technologies are no longer restricted to premium segments but are becoming integral to mainstream electric mobility solutions.
The rapid evolution of LiDAR technology, combined with declining costs and increasing demand for safety, is reshaping the mobility landscape and enabling intelligent features across a wider range of vehicles.
Click above to visit the official source.