Niu BQi: A Good Electric Bike for Less Than €1500?

Niu is developing an electric-assist bicycle called BQi, which promises a good value for money with a price below €1,500.

On the eve of the opening of CES 2022, the international technology trade show, Niu announces that it will showcase its new “micromobility” solutions there.

Niu is a Chinese manufacturer that became known for affordable electric scooters with highly competitive price-performance ratios. It now aims to tackle micromobility.

Indeed, the company announced at the Milan Motorcycle Show that it was working on an electric-assist bicycle. The Niu BQi features an open “step through” frame, shaped like a V or U, which has the unique feature of housing two removable batteries instead of one. This offers a range of 100 km and easier recharging, as each battery is lighter.

The European version, limited to 25 km/h in accordance with legislation, will feature a 250 W motor in the rear wheel, connected to the crankset by a belt. The bike is also equipped with disc brakes at the front and rear.

Just like the brand’s scooters, the Niu BQi promises a good balance of price and performance. Niu had indeed announced in Milan that it was aiming for a price below €1,500, probably €1,499. With subsidies, such as €500 in Paris or Lyon, the final cost could be below €1,000. It is expected to officially announce the launch date and price this week at CES. We will update this article once they do.

Update from 07/01/2021 at 10:00

Niu took the opportunity at CES 2022 to officially announce the price of its first electric bicycle, at least for the United States. The Niu BQi will be sold for $1,499 there. So, a price of €1,499 in France and Europe is quite likely. The manufacturer has not updated the launch date, which was announced at the Milan Motorcycle Show in the first half of 2023.

(Initial publication on 03/01/2021 at 11:45 a.m.)