Electric bikes clearly characterize the way forward for our two-wheeled ardour. While there are many utility-focused e-motos and scooters available on the market, I’m positive I’m not the one one who will get further excited when producers launch electric motorcycles designed for fans. We’ve seen numerous these from producers everywhere in the world, and now Chinese model Niu is ready to launch its RQi electrical motorbike in Europe.
The Niu RQi is under no circumstances a brand new idea. In truth, it has been round for almost 4 years now. First unveiled at CES 2020 in Las Vegas, the RQi appeared promising, with its spectacular 40-horsepower output and 100-mile-per-hour high velocity. Unfortunately, a slew of delays triggered Niu to be unable to launch the bike, and finally, the RQi was revised to be extra beginner-friendly. In 2022, the RQi was showcased with a decrease energy output, much like that of a 125cc motorbike – a transfer clearly meant to cater to Europe’s newbie riders with A1 licenses.
With that being mentioned, it appears that evidently Niu is now lastly able to launch the RQi, at the very least in Europe. Like the revision made in 2022, the RQi, sadly, retains its beginner-friendly efficiency figures with a 7,500-watt electrical motor outputting the equal of about 11 horsepower. The motor boasts tons of torque, with a claimed 450 Nm (330 pound-feet) positive to boost just a few eyebrows. Niu says that the RQi has a high velocity of 110 kilometers per hour (about 68 miles an hour), and may rocket from a cease to 50 kilometers per hour (31 miles per hour) in a swift 2.9 seconds.
As for the battery, it is powered by not one, however two 72-volt, 36-ampere-hour models with a mixed vary of about 200 kilometers (125 miles) per cost. Complementing the spectacular powertrain is a slew of premium parts resembling Pirelli tires, a Brembo radial caliper up entrance, and dual-channel ABS. Niu says that the RQi has plenty of torque, and the inclusion of a traction management system retains all this torque at bay. There’s additionally full-LED lighting, keyless begin, and nifty entrance and rear-mounted cameras for added security. Lastly, like many electrical motorbikes with a concentrate on tech, the RQi presents GPS monitoring.
As for pricing and availability, Niu says that the RQi will begin making its solution to European showrooms within the first quarter of 2024. It’ll be bought in 4 colours consisting of Gray, Green, Red, and Blue, for a sticker value of seven,999 euros, or the equal of about $8,778 USD on the time of writing.