https://electrek.co/2022/01/02/chinese- ... u-markets/
The NIU BQi adopts a step-through design, hopping on the bandwagon of a recent trend that makes e-bikes more accessible to a wider range of riders. But it does so without falling back on a Dutch bike design or something that looks like a classic “women’s bike”.
The U-shaped frame will not only make the bike easier to mount, but should also make it easier to handle the bike when the rear rack is loaded down with heavy cargo or kids. Stepping through the frame will be much easier than swinging a leg over tall cargo.
Another advantage of that unique frame is a unique way to store batteries. Yes, “batteries” as in plural. While the vast majority of all e-bikes use a single removable battery, NIU’s unique frame design makes it easy to fit two batteries. And it does so without looking bulky or disproportioned.
The company hasn’t announced the capacity, but says the dual batteries should offer up to 62 miles (100 km) of range. I’m guessing that means nothing less than 500 Wh each, which would mean a pair of 48V 10.4Ah batteries. NIU says they’ll use 21700-format cells, and thus perhaps the capacity will be even higher.
On the performance side, the EU version will unfortunately be limited to boring 25 km/h (15.5 mph) speeds and a 250W rear motor. But in the US, NIU will swap in a 500W motor and offer speeds of up to 28 mph (45 km/h). The bike will be programmable for either Class 2 or Class 3 regulations, which are the two most popular (and objectively most fun) e-bike classes in the US.
A belt drive and hydraulic disc brakes will make the bike easy to maintain, which again takes another page out of NIU’s electric motorbike playbook.
But perhaps the most revolutionary aspect of all will be the pricing. NIU said late last year that it is aiming for a sub €1,500 (US $1,705) price, and the company’s massive size means that could be a real possibility. Compared to other entries in the marketplace that offer somewhat reduced performance at higher prices, NIU could stand to gain some serious market share.