In the world of motorcycles too, electric propulsion models have imposed themselves on the market. And in the very popular category of 125 cm3, I looked at the Niu Rqi Sport.
Design from NIU RQI Sport
For electric motorcycles, it is important to find a compromise between power, autonomy and price. This is where Niu wants to find the best balance for urban bikers. With a good hundred kilometers of autonomy, a top speed of 108 km/h and a price of just under 7,500 euros, we start the test.
On the side of the road, the Niu Rqi Sport gives a resolutely adult impression. At first glance, we could quite imagine a much more powerful machine under its sporting and angular design. The robust inverted fork and the massive rear rear arms already suggest that the chassis has the respondent. And the appreciative looks of passers-by speak for themselves: the Brembo brakes, a modern screen as a speed meter and a stylish annular light in the front headlight arouse astonished faces.
Niu Rqi Sport: Performances
The positive printing continues during the first test of the Niu Rqi Sport on the road. Even the motorcyclists who arrive in the opposite direction show her their respect by greeting her in a classic way, which clearly indicates that it is a serious motorcycle, at least visually.
From the first outing of the courtyard, the machine surprises with its perceptible punch. Although it is classified in the 125 cc category, it offers a completely noticeable push at startup. The situation becomes really exciting when activating the starting command: the Niu Rqi Sport then accelerates with force up to around 50 km/h.
The activation is simple: you first press a discreet button located on the right handlebars, then you shoot simultaneously on the left brake lever and open the handle of the gases at the bottom. As soon as you release the brake, the engine releases all its power. It gives you a big smile, but the battery is strongly requested. This is why each of these power starts is followed by a short phase of “cool-down”, indicated by a countdown on the screen.
After having left behind enough cars and powerful Harley to the red light in town, the path leads at one point on the countryside- and this is where the limited power appears. Propulsion decreases significantly from 60-70 km/h and becomes more and more difficult beyond. It is therefore necessary to think carefully before making spontaneous overruns and keep in mind the speed limit of the machine. On the highway, I reached a maximum speed of 108 km/h. It is therefore clear that the RQI Sport is, as the manufacturer wants, more a restless city car than a long -term road.
Between precision and acceleration of the pulse
But performance is not everything, and this is where the Niu Rqi Sport reveals its true assets in an urban environment: maneuverability, agile driving and precise maneuverability. The electric motorcycle is distinguished by its sparkling character and its surprising driving ease. The ends of the handlebars naturally fall on hand when you sit and, despite a weight of more than 150 kilograms, maneuverability seems pleasantly light.
Even people who go from a car to the other- which is now possible without much effort thanks to the B196- extension- find themselves without problem. The same goes for braking: Brembo discs ensure a powerful deceleration which, thanks to ABS, is not only safe, but also particularly suitable for beginners.
Despite a convincing chassis and powerful brakes, there are also some criticisms of formulating against the Niu Rqi Sport. The mirrors are a little too short for wider drivers, which limits back visibility. In addition, there is a software function that you should always keep in mind: if the battery level falls below 17%, the system automatically reduces the maximum speed within 50 km/h. This energy saving mode must be taken into account, especially outside the cities or on the highway. Thus, if you do not want to suddenly become a rolling obstacle for 40 -ton trucks or pressed farmers, you should pay regular attention to the battery.
Battery and recharge of the NIU RQI Sport
The two batteries of the Niu Rqi Sport, housed under the false tank, are real pieces of meat. Each of the batteries weighs 23 kilos and can be removed, but it is easier to say than to do. For small people, this can be a real challenge. Not only should the batteries be raised above the edge of the “tank”, but they are also quite long- so they must be lifted at least at shoulder. With such a weight, it is far from pleasant and it is certainly not a sinecure.
Fortunately, the batteries of the Niu Rqi Sport can be recharged directly from the motorcycle. To do this, you need a load cable and a thick adapter, which also weighs a certain weight. In this configuration, the load process of 0 to 100% lasts 7 hours. However, if you remove the batteries and recharge them home with a load adapter and a distributor, the charging time is reduced to around 4 hours.
These two times are not particularly rapid, which does not make niu very glorious. However, the autonomy of 100 km is completely realistic, at least in dynamic driving mode. If we go into sport mode and play a little too much with the Launch Control and the sprint competitions with red lights, the autonomy is reduced to 70 or 80 km.
Conclusion: Should we buy the Niu Rqi Sport?
The Niu Rqi Sport is a bold electric motorcycle which undoubtedly has some advantages to assert. Its exceptional equipment, its lively driving sensations and its excellent chassis make it a real pleasure, especially for urban use. Characteristics such as Launch-Control and the possibilities of versatile loading also deserve to be mentioned and contribute to positive general printing.
Buyers must however be aware that RQI Sport has been designed for urban traffic – the highway or long Sunday trips are not part of its natural land. But if you take it into account, you will get a remarkably sophisticated electric motorcycle, with many refinements and technical gadgets.
