NIU, a Chinese electric scooter company that thrives on providing smart urban mobility solutions, has become very popular in Nepal. The brand was introduced in Nepal towards the end of 2017.

NIU has an array of smart mobility models that are environmentally friendly, stylish, and technologically sophisticated. NIU Nepal currently offers the M series, featuring the MQi+ and MQi; and the N series, featuring the NQi and NQi GT. Among them, the MQi has won seven major international design awards in the past 20 years, including the Red Dot and IF in Germany, IDEA in the US, and G Mark in Japan.

Below, we provide a breakdown of the NIU models available in Nepal.

MQi

The MQi features a sleek, modern design that is perfect for people who commute daily in an urban setting. The MQi also comes decked with high-tech features: a dash design featuring great switch modes and an intuitive hazard-light, a comfortable seat, LED light around the keyhole, a remote locator, and many more.

The MQi is powered by a battery from the 18650 series of lithium-ion series, which is managed by the NIU BMS (Battery Management System). The battery–which according to NIU provides 51 km of range–is detachable. Meaning, it can be charged at an outdoor charging outlet. The electric scooter is always connected to NIU Cloud, and access can be unlocked via a smartphone to monitor data, conduct diagnostic checks, and daily use statistics.

MQi+

The stylish MQi+ comes with a 1,200-watt motor and a 48-volt lithium-ion battery. The electric scooter can achieve a top speed of 75 kmph, and it can cover a range from 60 to 75 km per full charge. The battery can be charged at any regular outlet and takes approximately seven hours to get to full capacity.

The MQi+ features an array of features such as cruise control, parking assistant, EBS braking system, 360° Light Halo, LED headlamps, smartphone connect, a sensor-based safety alert system, and a remote control that uses sounds and lights to help riders locate the vehicle in the dark.

NQi

The NQi, like other models of NIU, follows a simple design strategy with a simple aesthetic delivering an excellent riding experience. The front of the NQi features a unibody lamp that integrates a daytime running light and standard light in a unique 360-degree CCFL structure. The LED lighting extends to the tail lamp, brake light, turning indicator, and license plate lamp. The LCD smart display delivers basic diagnostic of speed, remaining battery among others.

It uses a 29Ah battery pack and BOSCH-developed 1500 W motor that can run up to 50-70 km on a single charge. Likewise, the battery takes approx 6 hours to charge it up to full. The NQi’s braking is handled by Dual Hydraulic Disc Brakes.

NQi GT

The NQi GT comes with three unique driving modes: Sport for maximum speed and performance, Dynamic for everyday use, and E-save for longer range and greater efficiency. The scooter comes with a 4200 W dual-battery option, along with a dual charger to allow for the simultaneous charging of both batteries.

In the NQi GT’s sport mode, riders can hit a top speed of 70 kmph. The electric scooter comes with a 60v35aH battery pack that is good enough to provide up to 140 km of range; and in the E-Save energy-saving mode, the NQi GT’s range reaches up to 160km. Owing to its fast-charging option, the NQi GT can get juiced up to provide a 100 km range in just 5.5 hours.

The NIU Cloud allows riders to use an app to access multiple vehicle statuses such as location, riding history, vehicle status, vehicle diagnostics, anti-theft alerts, after-sales service info, and power statistics in real-time.

NIU scooter prices in Nepal

Model Price in Nepal
MQi (Single seater) NPR 1,90,000
MQi Plus NPR 2,39,000
NQi (Glossy) NPR 2,69,000
NQi (Matte) NPR 2,76,000
NQi GT NPR 4,45,000

(Also published on the Hamrobazar Blog)