NIU NQiX 500 Review

Here it is, the NIU NQiX 500. An electric scooter I usually only notice around me as it whizzes by with steaming hot pizza. But today, it stands before me on the 1000PS Best Lap Test Track, and I wonder: Can a vehicle primarily designed for city commutes truly have sporty ambitions? The answer to this question should become clear in the next few minutes as I twist the throttle for the first time and unleash the full 240 Newton meters of torque onto the rear wheel.

In recent years, NIU has established itself as one of the premium providers in the e-scooter segment. Initially launched as a pragmatic solution for delivery fleets in big cities, it now aims to appeal to the trendy rider. The NQiX 500, the anniversary model of the successful NQi series, promises quick progress with its continuous power output of 9000 watts and up to 9900 watts in boost mode. With 240 Newton meters of torque available, it sounds quite respectable on paperthough, of course, it doesn't compare to the torque specs of geared motorcycles.

The throttle response of the NIU NQiX 500 is simply brilliant. It's clear that NIU has done its homework. The first few degrees of throttle twist are incredibly well executedno play, no delay, no disruptive interruptions in power delivery. You think "gas," and the motor responds immediate. This is a stark contrast to many other electric vehicles I've tested over the years. Instantly, there's that crucial connection between thought, feel, and motor. You instinctively know how far to open the throttle and how much power is being sent to the rear wheel.

Right from the start, the NIU impresses. At low speeds, it shows what it's made of. The electric torque develops as a quiet, invisible force that propels you forward gently yet decisively. Howeverand this is typical for this category of electric vehiclesthe excitement noticeably diminishes in the mid-speed range. While petrol riders are accustomed to the engine revving up again at higher RPMs, the electric drive feels relatively unspectacular higher up.

On the tight Supermoto track at Bad Fischau, the NIU NQiX 500 certainly shows its qualities. Despite my leather suit, which isn't really designed for this riding position, I quickly find a comfortable stance. The knee angle isn't perfect, but as an adult European, I have enough space and can use the full steering lock. It feels like a full-fledged scooternot a compromise.

The speeds I reach on the test track are quite respectable. The display shows 85 to 90 km/h, and I've managed to position myself dynamically enough. However, two significant issues hold me back from achieving better lap times. The first problem is the limited lean angle. When you enter a curve, something touches down, feeling rigid and robust, immediately sending a hard jolt to the chassis. It gives the impression: "This is the limit, not an inch more!"

The second and, to me, more significant issue is the programming of the drive control. As soon as I touch either brake, the torque flow to the rear wheel is immediately cut off. This means that a sporty riding style, where you brake gradually into a corner while simultaneously rolling on the throttle, is simply impossible. For an experienced rider accustomed to this balance between throttle and brake, it creates a frustrating binary state. You have to completely finish braking before you can start accelerating.

This is particularly annoying, given that the NIU electric motorcycle I recently tested handles this function perfectly. Why the scooter can't do the same remains a mystery to me. Perhaps NIU is targeting an audience transitioning from e-scooters to electric scooters, for whom this quirk isn't an issue. However, for petrolheads, whom NIU also seems to be targeting, these are precisely the points that are bothersome.

The evaluation of the braking system turns out to be more positive. The hydraulic disc brakes, with 240 mm at the front and 220 mm at the rear, decelerate significantly better than I expected. The stability while braking is also quite commendable. However, the automatic hazard light mode is annoying as it activates during more abrupt braking maneuvers, thinking it has detected a hazardous situation. While these signals might be technically sensible for safety, they're massively distractinga phenomenon that unfortunately is becoming more common in modern motorcycles.

In terms of build quality, chassis finesse, and braking stability, I would rate the NIU NQiX 500 on par with 250 to 300 cubic centimeter petrol scooters. This is quite respectable and significantly above the 125cc class, where basic options are often the norm. At a price of 4,499 euros, the NIU is positioned in a fairly competitive segment.

The NIU NQiX 500 features two removable 72V 28Ah batteries with a total weight of 24.8 kilograms, offering a range of 90 to 100 kilometers. With an overall weight of 128 kilograms and a seat height of 810 millimeters, it is manageable for most riders. The acceleration (manufacturer's claim) from zero to 50 km/h in 2.8 seconds is quite impressive, and the top speed of 100 km/h (manufacturer's claim) is sufficient for city and suburban areas. The 5-inch LCD color display and extensive smartphone integration via the NIU app complement the modern design.

The 1000PS Best Lap series is our contribution to objective motorcycle evaluation. On the compact Supermoto track at Bad Fischau, we test all motorcycles and scooters under comparable conditions. The tight corners simulate the handling on varied Alpine roads better than any large racetrack. Here, good handling, perfect front-end confidence, precise controls, and well-modulated brakes matter more than sheer top performance. After ten warm-up laps, each vehicle gets a shot at the perfect laprecorded with the Insta360 Ace Pro 2.

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