[ad_1]
Summary
- Comes with rider aids such as dual-channel ABS, traction control, and modes that alter power delivery and battery management.
- The RQi has a likable neo-retro design, with a round LED headlight and a swingarm-mounted plate holder for a clean look.
Ask any leading bikemaker, and it’ll tell you the world is nowhere near ready for big electric motorcycles. So naturally, the entire focus is on making entry-level EVs better than ever. China seems to be leading the charge here with numerous small yet capable electric two-wheelers, and now, there’s another addition to the list. We’re talking about the NIU RQi (weird name, we know), a small electric motorcycle with so many features, it makes the Kawasaki Z e-1 feel vanilla.
America’s Newest Electric Scooter Has More Power Than A Harley-Davidson Street Bob!
The Chinese scooter comes loaded with front/rear radars and cameras to keep you safe
The NIU RQi Electric Motorcycle Comes With Rider Aids, Dashcam, And Collision Detection
Chinese bikes are known for being loaded with features, and ‘loaded’ is exactly how you can define the RQi as well. As you swing a leg over, you’re greeted by a sizable TFT instrument cluster, ripe with Bluetooth for app-based connectivity features. This is topped by front and rear action cameras as standard, both with automatic recording and collision detection. We’re not exactly sure whether it works like a radar system, though.
Next, rider aids. Dual-channel ABS, traction control system, and ride modes all come standard here. The latter comprises E-Save, Dynamic, and Sport modes, each of which alters the power delivery and battery management. A neat keyless ignition system is also part of the package.
Rounding off these things is a likable and simple aesthetic. You won’t find any so-called futuristic touches here, and NIU has instead chosen a neo-retro design. So you get a round LED headlight, a muscular middle section, and a minimalistic tail. The latter has a swingarm-mounted plate holder for a clean look.
A 7.5kW Electric Motor Powers The NIU RQI Electric Motorcycle
What’s under the hood? A commute-friendly battery-motor combination. The 7.5kW mid-mounted motor joins hands with two 2.3kWh battery packs to promise a top speed of 70mph and a maximum range of 60 miles. NIU also claims a motor torque output of 330 pound-feet, which helps bring up 30mph in under three seconds. Once out of juice, the total downtime is seven hours (for juicing up both batteries).
All this is housed inside a steel chassis. It relies on USD forks and a monoshock for suspension duties, each paired with 17-inch wheels. These alloys not only house Brembo calipers (with a 300 mm front disc and 240 mm rear disc) but also come shod with Pirelli Rosso rubber. The entire package weighs 410 pounds–considerably heavier than other commuter electric bikes like the sub-300-pound Kawasaki Z e-1. Other dimensions include:
- Saddle height: 32.4 inches
- Ground clearance: 6.5 inches
- Wheelbase: 57.2 inches
- Battery pack weight: 50 pounds (each)
Drag Race: Stark Varg Electric Dirt Bike Challenges A KTM 450 Supermoto
This right here is proof that electric motorcycles are catching up quick
If you like what you see, then you’d be happy to know NIU is planning to launch the RQI in North America. Prices remain TBA, but the e-motorcycle is already listed on the company’s American site. For reference, NIU sells its EV for €7,999 (or $8,750) in Europe.
Source – NIU
[ad_2]
Source link
