Another electric motorcycle appears to be on the horizon as NIU has announced plans to release a new model called the RQi by the end of 2021 starting in China. NIU is known for their electric scooters and mopeds, but the RQi will be their first full-sized motorcycle. Following the release in China, the company plans to roll out the EV bike in Europe by the spring of 2022 and if DOT approval goes well, they even plan to release this model in the United States.
How NIU Plans To Release A New Electric Motorcycle
Initially revealed at CES last year, the RQi that will be released to the public will be slightly different than the trade show prototype. Instead of the 40-hp motor that promised a top speed of 100 mph, the consumer model hitting showroom floors this year will utilize a smaller 6.7-hp motor that promise a 62 mph top speed. NIU has said the 40 hp model will eventually follow.
When released, the RQi will be powered by a pair of removable 72V battery packs with a combined capacity of 5.2 kWh. With this motor and battery package, the estimated range is roughly 74 miles. That certainly won't suit anyone looking to do a cross country trip, but that's clearly not the aim of the RQi. Given that the top speed won't even reach typical highways limits in the United States, the RQi seems more suited for urban riders looking to zoom around town. And with removable battery packs, riders living in apartments or condos will be able to carry them up to their unit for charging.
The RQi May Be A Less Expensive Electric Motorcycle
Pricing of the RQi has not yet been outlined by NIU but based on their other offerings, American and European buyers can expect them to be reasonably priced. The lower spec model that will be hitting the market first should also keep the cost down, with an obvious bump occurring once the zippier model arrives at a later date.
With Harley-Davidson (via the Livewire) and Zero establishing a foothold in the electric motorcycle market, competition from other manufacturers like NIU and Damon will present a wider range of options to the riding community. There has yet to be a Tesla in the world of motorcycling that has experienced widespread appeal, but models like the RQi may change that and shift the market more quickly to what is likely the inevitable future of two-wheeled transportation.
Source: h/t Electrek