Update – Niu Technologies has reported that the live-streaming of the MQi2’s launch drew 3.5 million viewers and 33,878 orders were collected in 4 hours. The company says that it was the first in the mobility sector that evening for the metrics of visitors, buyers and the amount spend.
Live streaming sales is making headlines in the Chinese market since the Coronavirus outbreak and it is one of the hottest trends at the moment which companies including auto manufacturers are riding on. The CEO and the co-founder of Niu rolled up their sleeves and hosted this event by taking viewers through the design and technology of the scooter, offering customers discounted price and extended warranty as well as accessories.
Customers who have ordered the electric bike can either have it shipped home or collect it from one of the 1,050 Niu outlets.
May 7, 2020 –
Niu Technologies has launched their new MQi2 electric scooter, priced at 4,599 yuan (Rs 49,198) for the Lite variant and 5,199 yuan (Rs 55,617) for the Citi variant in the Chinese market.
Dr Li, CEO of NIU Technologies, said that the MQi2 has been in development for over a year and the new e-scooter gets the new technology platform from the MGT series along with the Version 35 Cloud ECU with remote keyless ignition capability, new energy powertrain management system and automobile level lighting system. He said that after the M1 was launched in 2016, it became the company’s hot-selling models but Niu had to stop the production after China’s new regulation on electric bicycles in 2019.
Niu Technologies, one of the world’s largest producers of electric scooters, which had a record year in 2019 with revenues of RMB 2.076 billion (USD 290.9 million in today’s exchange rate) is looking to expand its lineup in China. Niu currently has a presence in 38 countries with 26 flagship & premium stores overseas with 1,000 plus dealers.
The MQi2 follows the design language of MQi series and both the variants (classified as e-bicycles) are powered by a 400W electric motor and have a top speed of 25 km/h. Battery capacity and range are the attributes that differentiate the variants. While the MQi2 Lite is powered by a 16 Ah battery pack offering a range of up to 50-60 km per charge, a 20 Ah battery pack powers the MQi2 Citi and has a range of 65-75 km in a single charge. The charging time is 6.5 hours for the Lite and 6 hours for the Citi.
Standard features of the MQi2 scooter include central shock absorber, braking energy recovery, keyless ignition, three different riding modes, cruise control, light guide, automatic headlight, front disc brake and rear drum brake. Niu has also equipped the new scooter with the NIU Energy technology and V35 Cloud-ECU. Along with the new NIU app 4.0, the MQi2 electric scooters can be upgraded and new functions added through OTA, without replacing the hardware. Using the app, riders can get information about the scooter and also use the smartphone as the vehicle dashboard and as a remote control. The MQi2 series also has three riding modes to choose from – E-Save, Dynamic and Sport. Other features include USB charging port, DRLs and 360-degree lighting safety system.
Dr Yan Li further said that around 60 per cent of the urban commute is within eight kilometres and most of them are with one person and hence the new product will be an excellent choice for urban travel. He also said that the new MQi2 product will give consumer more choices.
Niu MQi2 electric scooter specification
Specification | MQi2 Lite | MQi2 Citi |
Price (Yuan) | 4,599 | 5,199 |
Length (mm) | 1748 | 1748 |
Width (mm) | 672 | 672 |
Height (mm) | 1097 | 1097 |
Wheelbase (mm) | 1240 | 1240 |
Seat Height (mm) | 735 | 735 |
Battery Type | Lithium battery | Lithium battery |
Battery Voltage | 48 V | 48 V |
Battery Capacity | 16 Ah | 20 Ah |
Battery Weight | 6.52 kg | 7.69 kg |
Range (km) | 50 – 60 | 65 – 75 |
Charging time (hrs) | 6.5 | 6 |
Maximum speed (km/h) | 25 | 25 |
Motor | NIU custom motor | NIU custom motor |
Rated Power | 400 W | 400 W |
Brakes | Front disc brake and Rear drum brake | Front disc brake and Rear drum brake |
Shock absorption system | Central shock absorption | Central shock absorption |
Cloud-ECU | Yes | Yes |
Niu App | Yes | Yes |
Intelligent security | Yes | Yes |
Mobile phone remote control | Yes | Yes |
Keyless start | Yes | Yes |
USB charging port | Yes | Yes |
DRLs and automatic headlight | Yes | Yes |
Niu has not launched in India, but it is only a matter of time before it crosses over to the world’s second-largest two-wheeler market as the company is firming up a business strategy for regional expansion.
Images of the vehicle sourced from niu.com