NIU RQi 2025 Review – Electric A1 Naked Bike

With the RQi, NIU introduces an electric motorcycle that deliberately sets itself apart from typical 125cc bikes. Despite its limited performance figures, the RQi impresses in many areas—though it also has room for critique.

The RQi is equipped with a 5 kW mid-mounted motor delivering a peak output of 7.5 kW (around 10 hp), with power transferred to the rear wheel via a chain. While it doesn’t fully exploit the A1 class, its acceleration performance ranks among the top in the 125cc category—especially in lower speed ranges, where the electric drive feels particularly zippy. Thanks to the boost function, it accelerates from 0 to 50 km/h in 2.9 seconds, according to the manufacturer. This function, along with launch control, is only available in Sport mode.

The second mode—Dynamic—is noticeably smoother and proves to be the ideal choice for urban areas. Some sources online and the official NIU website mention a third riding mode called E-Save, which is somewhat misleading since this mode cannot be selected manually but is automatically engaged when the battery level falls below 15%.

The top speed is about 100 to 110 km/h, achievable only with both batteries installed and at an optimal charge level. With only one battery, Sport mode is unavailable, and the vehicle limits the attainable speed to approximately 70 to 75 km/h.

The riding speed feels subjectively lower, mainly due to the absence of engine noise and the linear power delivery compared to combustion engine vehicles. Compared to a Kawasaki W230, an A2 bike that happened to be used as a camera vehicle during the test, there was no significant difference in actual speed on twisty sections and intermediate straights.

In dynamic riding conditions, the relatively high weight (including both batteries) of 186.5 kg is less noticeable than when maneuvering. On the test track, performance feels adequate as long as the bike isn't constantly pushed to its limits. The Dynamic mode offers noticeably less acceleration than the Sport mode, which becomes especially evident from around 75 km/h.

The manufacturer-stated range of 95-105 km couldn't be achieved during testing (with a lot of full-throttle riding, typical for A1 motorcycle testing). A realistic range is around 70 km with a mixed riding profile. With sporty riding, the range drops to about 50 km.

Notably, the last 15% of battery capacity results in an electronically limited speed of a maximum of 45 km/h (E-Save mode). Charging time with the included charger is approximately 6.5 to 7 hours (0-100%). Fast charging options (e.g., CCS) are not available—charging is done exclusively via household sockets.

A unique selling point is the two removable 23 kg batteries, which can be charged both in the vehicle and externally. This makes the vehicle particularly appealing to users without a fixed charging point. The "trunk" can be unlocked either by a button press or via the app. Riding is possible with one battery, but the range is halved and Sport mode is no longer selectable.

Standing in front of the RQi, you'd hardly guess it's an A1-compliant motorcycle; it looks more like an A2 bike or a 500cc equivalent. With a seat height of 825 mm, it's comfortably accessible without making a full-grown man feel out of place on the RQi. Especially for someone standing 1.87 meters tall, this can often be an issue on 125cc bikes. The area connected to the seat, where the fuel tank would be on combustion motorcycles, takes some getting used to. With the two massive batteries placed side by side, a tight knee grip is not possible, and the thighs are practically pushed apart—almost like on a hefty chopper. When mounting or dismounting, you might occasionally snag your pants on the battery compartment if you're not careful. The mirrors are also too short, offering limited rear visibility.

The seat is spaciously designed, providing ample room for a passenger. Noteworthy are the substantial grab handles that make it possible for a passenger to handle the rider's acceleration maneuvers. It's frustrating, however, that the suspension of the RQi is not adjustable—theoretically, the rear shock could allow for preload adjustment with a hook wrench if you remove the seat, but in practice, accessibility and the necessary range of adjustment are not feasible. This results in the vehicle geometry being off-balance when fully loaded.

The fork has a rather wooden response, transmitting bumps quite clearly. Visible cost-cutting is evident here, putting it on par with significantly cheaper A1 motorcycles. The high weight of the vehicle combined with the basic suspension limits the RQi's sporty potential. The rear shock also suffers from significant underdamping, and combined with the firm seat padding and limited range, it's a reason to think twice about taking the RQi on extended tours.

The brakes, on the other hand, are appropriately sized for the performance and function unobtrusively. The control levers are adjustable. Like many electric motorcycles, it lacks a clutch and foot levers—braking is done solely by hand. One practical criticism involves the cruise control: It doesn't deactivate when the front brake is applied, only when the rear brake is used. This can be confusing during operation, leading to unexpected acceleration and potentially dangerous situations, and should be addressed through a software update.

The RQi boasts several electronic features that are hard to find even on much pricier motorcycles: traction control, ABS, cruise control, a crawl mode (which also operates in reverse and is handy for maneuvering), along with boost and launch control functions. Traction control and ABS can only be disabled via the app, and there is no display indication for these—particularly concerning for ABS, which raises legal questions.

Through the app, the vehicle can be started keylessly, its location checked, and the last rides, including top speed and route, reviewed. Over-the-air updates are also possible. A movement alarm and cloud-based dashcam (front and rear) are integrated. Up to 5 vehicle users can receive a digital key via the app to operate the vehicle. The app is free for the first three years, after which a fee of €50 per year applies.

The display shows speed, battery level, and range, and with an active app connection, even the weather. A power display of up to 11 kW can be confusing, as it exceeds the stated maximum output. According to the manufacturer, regenerative braking is available, but it is neither adjustable, noticeable in operation, nor clearly documented. The NIU RQi is available in Austria and Germany starting from €7490.