Motorcycles

Niu XQi3 electric dirt bike is headed for a trail – or street – near you

The XQi3 Dirt Bike will be available in color choices of purple, white, yellow and black
Niu Technologies
The XQi3 Dirt Bike will be available in color choices of purple, white, yellow and black
Niu Technologies

Among other things, Niu Technologies has already brought us an electric urban motorbike, scooter and ebike. Now the Chinese mobility company has announced its first-ever electric dirt bike, the XQi3.

According to Niu CEO Dr. Yan Li, the XQi3 is "meticulously crafted to excel in off-road conditions across various terrains, while also being well-equipped to navigate the challenges of urban environments."

To that end, it's being offered in both Street (road-legal) and Wild (off-road-only) models. The big difference between the two is the top speed, which is limited to 45 km/h (28 mph) for the Street and 75 km/h (47 mph) for the Wild. It's worth noting that the Street also comes with required components such as turn indicators, side mirrors and a rear license plate holder.

Both versions are propelled by an 8,000-watt motor that is in turn powered by a quick-swappable 72V/32-Ah LG lithium-ion battery. One 5-hour charge is claimed to be good for a range of 80 to 90 km (50 to 56 miles), depending on usage and terrain.

Some of the XQi3's other techy features include an Ultra Boost function that delivers the full 8,000 watts of peak power on demand; NFC- and Bluetooth-enabled locking/unlocking; a halo-type LED headlight; plus a round TFT screen which displays a lap timer, route tracking, incoming phone calls and other information.

Among the more traditional motorbike features are 19-inch off-road tires with 220-mm (front) and 203-mm (rear) disc brakes; an aluminum frame; plus KKE front and rear suspension. The whole bike reportedly tips the scales at 76 kg (168 lb).

According to Niu, the XQi3 should be in US stores (no mention of other markets) as of next March, with prices starting at US$5,499 for both versions.

It can be seen in urban and off-road action, in the video below.

Source: Niu Technologies

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5 comments
gonk
Will the faster version also come with a VIN? I'd love one of these, but can't justify the price if it's illegal on the streets, or impossible to insure.
fluke meter
Spec wise this is something close to what I have wanted for a while - Id rather it came from a reputable company like Honda though - but I'm very confused about the street one having a lower top speed. I think that whole restricted top speed stuff relates to bicycles right? using bike paths and acting like bikes - which also requires pedals to qualify - if its 'street legal' with turn signals etc.. and plates - then I would want higher top speed given how fast people drive even in 35 zones..
Fred Flintstone
The following quote was taken from the original article, but it doesn't make sense that the street speed limit would be lower than the off-road speed limit ... so is this a typo, or is this really the way they intend to sell these motorcycles in the United States?

"The big difference between the two is the top speed, which is limited to 45 km/h (28 mph) for the Street and 75 km/h (47 mph) for the Wild."
akarp
@Flinstone: makes sense if limiting the speed/power is needed to be classified as "an electric bicycle".
MCG
Look awesome! Brings back childhood memories, racing around on my XL350R. I wonder how well these keep their cool, especially on a hot summer day doing steep hills. Hopefully more stats released before they enter the wild.