At EICMA 2023, several manufacturers presented their two-wheeled electric motorcycles, hoping to encourage more riders to make the switch. While electric scooters and daily commute vehicles are abundant, we are seeing more and more machines catering to enthusiasts entering the market. Niu, for example, introduced its first electric dual-sport, the XQi3, which will be available in Europe starting in spring 2024.
Niu will offer the XQi3 in two variants – an off-road model called Wild and a street-legal version called Street. The latter will be classified as a moped, so depending on the location in Europe, it will require at least a car driving license or an A1 license to operate.
In terms of performance, the XQi3 has a mid-drive motor, like all electric off-road motorcycles. A chain final drive sends power to the rear wheel, with Niu claiming it has eight kilowatts, or about 10.7 horsepower. The Street model is limited to a top speed of 45 km/h, while the Wild version has an Ultra-Boost function that allows it to reach a top speed of 75 km/h.
The motor is installed in the lower part of the aluminum frame, promising a low center of gravity for easy maneuverability. As for the battery, the motorcycle has a removable 72-volt, 32-amp-hour LG unit with about 80 to 90 kilometers of range on a single charge.
In addition to performance, the Niu XQi3 is supported by lightweight components that blur the line between e-moto and e-MTB. To start, the motorcycle has long-travel suspension with preload and extension adjustment. It has 19-inch spoked wheels with front and rear disc brakes measuring 220 mm and 203 mm, respectively.
As is the case with most Niu offerings, the XQi3 includes a lot of useful technology. It comes standard with fully LED lighting, a TFT screen with smartphone connectivity and NFC unlocking, and even a convenient USB-C charger. It even has GPS navigation to easily find your way around the city or reach the nearest exit when exploring trails. Additionally, the Street version includes turn signals, rearview mirrors, and a license plate holder.
As mentioned earlier, the Niu XQi3 will arrive in Europe in the spring of 2024. Its retail price, as announced during its launch at EICMA 2023, is set at €5,999. It will be sold in a variety of colors and graphics, allowing drivers to find a design that suits their style.
