8 kW NIU electric motorcycle takes aim at Sur Ron with Cyberpunk styling

NIU, the company best-known for its electric scooters, mopeds, and, more recently, e-bikes, is stepping into the world of the electric motorcycle with the launch of the XQi3. The new electric motorcycle from the popular Chinese company offers 8 kW peak power, an off-road ready frame and suspension, and three Cyberpunk-inspired style options.

The XQi3 comes in three different colour options, which all just change the colour and pattern on the metal plate covering the sides of the battery pack. Nevertheless, the various shades of off-white, purple, and yellow all give the XQi3 a touch of the ever-popular retro-futures look, mixed with a bit of Cyberpunk.

The circular LED headlight mounted to the KKE upside-down forks also looks the part, as do the long bench seat and minimalist front and rear mudguards.

The NIU XQi3 comes in two separate, but very similar, versions. The XQi3 Street and the XQi3 Wild appear to feature the exact same hardware, with a motor rated for 3,500 W of continuous power that can peak at 8,000 W with the Ultra Boost feature.

The biggest difference between the Street and Wild trims is the speed and intended use case. Where the off-road-oriented Wild trim is capable of speeds up to 75 km/h (46.6 mph), the road-going Street trim is limited to 45 km/h (28 mph).

NIU XQi3 key specifications:

• Mid-drive motor.
• Power output: 3.5 kW nominal / 8 kW peak.
• Weight: 76 kg.
• Battery capacity: 32 Ah.
• Ground clearance: 237 mm.
• Seat height: 875 mm.

NIU claims that the 72 V, 32 Ah battery in the XQi3 can deliver up to 90 km of range, but this rating is applied to both the Street and Wild versions, so it's likely that the Wild trim will have substantially less range. It's good, then, that the battery can reportedly charge in as little as five hours and 20 minutes.

The rest of the XQi3's specifications seem decidedly dirt-ready, with 237 mm of ground clearance providing plenty of room for error when it comes to picking lines through rocks. Beginners beware, though, since a 875-mm seat height is enough to throw off even taller riders, even if the narrow seat profile and light weight will compensate for that somewhat.

The forged aluminium frame also speaks of the e-bike's off-road aspirations, supposedly offering a stiffer chassis with better durability. It also features a host of smartphone-connected tech, allowing riders to use the TFT screen to show notifications, answer calls, track routes, and unlock the motorcycle with NFC.

In terms of alternatives, the Sur Ron Light Bee X costs a little less than the XQi3, at just US$4,400, but doesn't offer the same power output. Cake also has the Kalk, which offers considerably more performance — almost double, at 5.8 kW nominal and 11 kW peak — and a much higher starting price of US$8,970.

The NIU XQi3 will be available at NIU dealerships in the US and Europe in March 2024, starting at US$5,499 for both the Street and Wild versions. European customers will need to shell out €5,999 for the electric dirt bike.

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