NIU Technologies Unveils Major Over-the-Air Update and Price Drop for XQi3 Wild Electric Off-Road Dirt Bike at EICMA 2024

Rhea-AI Summary

NIU Technologies announced a significant over-the-air (OTA) software update for its XQi3 electric dirt bike at EICMA 2024, along with a price reduction from $4,999 to $3,999. The update enhances performance by increasing total power output to 10.6 kW, improving top speed from 47 mph to 50 mph, and boosting continuous power output by 28% and 'Boost Mode' power by 36%. The update will be immediately available for the XQi3 Wild off-road version and soon for the XQi3 Street version in the US and EU. Users can toggle between updated and standard versions to comply with legal requirements when switching between off-road and street riding.

Positive

• Significant performance improvement through free OTA update, increasing power output to 10.6 kW
• Price reduction of $1,000, making the product more competitive
• 28% increase in continuous power output and 36% boost in 'Boost Mode' power
• Top speed increase from 47 mph to 50 mph

Negative

• None.

Insights

Product Strategy Analyst

The $1,000 price reduction coupled with significant performance improvements through OTA updates represents a strategic move to capture market share in the electric dirt bike segment. The new $3,999 price point positions the XQi3 competitively against both electric and traditional dirt bikes. The 28% increase in continuous power output and 36% boost mode enhancement delivers substantial value to existing customers while potentially attracting new buyers.

The dual-mode functionality allowing users to switch between street-legal and enhanced performance settings is particularly clever, addressing both regulatory compliance and performance demands. This software-first approach to vehicle enhancement demonstrates a modern business model that could reduce warranty claims from aftermarket modifications while building brand loyalty through free performance upgrades.

Market Research Analyst

This announcement strategically targets both performance and affordability barriers in the electric dirt bike market. The significant price reduction positions NIU to compete more effectively in the price-sensitive dirt bike segment, while the performance improvements address common criticisms of electric dirt bikes regarding power and speed limitations. The timing of this announcement at EICMA, Europe's largest motorcycle show, maximizes exposure to both consumers and industry stakeholders.

The ability to toggle between performance modes shows market awareness of varying regional regulations while maintaining customer satisfaction. This flexibility could help drive adoption in markets with strict street-legal requirements while still satisfying enthusiasts seeking maximum performance.

MILAN, Nov. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Niu Technologies (“NIU”, or “the Company”) (NASDAQ: NIU), the world’s leading provider of smart urban mobility solutions, is set to revolutionize the dirt bike segment with the announcement of a powerful over-the-air (OTA) software update for the XQi3 electric dirt bike at this year's EICMA event in Milan. This update will significantly enhance the bike’s performance, making it a more formidable force on challenging terrains. The OTA update will be available immediately for the XQi3 Wild off-road dirt bike, and available in the coming weeks for the XQi3 Street version in the US and EU.

The OTA update boosts the XQi3's total power output to an impressive 10.6 kW, improving top speed, acceleration, and overall ride dynamics. Riders will experience quicker 0-30 mph and 0-50 mph times, with top speed increasing from 47 mph to 50 mph. Thanks to an increase in continuous power output by 28% and “Boost Mode” power output by 36%, riders will reach the previous top speed of 47 mph more than two seconds faster than before.

In addition to higher power output, the XQi3 benefits from improved low- to mid-range torque, delivering a more responsive and exhilarating riding experience. This enhancement ensures the bike excels not only on straightaways but also on rugged, unpredictable terrains. While the update for the off-road version will happen automatically through the NIU app, customers with the street-legal version can choose to update at their own discretion depending on their state’s legality requirements. Customers also have the ability to toggle back and forth between the updated version and standard to enjoy the benefits of the update while they’re off-road and also meet legal requirements when riding on street.

“NIU is setting a new standard in two-wheeled electric mobility as one of the first manufacturers to significantly enhance our existing vehicles through advanced software updates," said Benjamin McGill, Director of North America at NIU Technologies. "We’ve listened to our riders and made an update which marks a significant leap in power and performance. Instead of requiring our users to invest thousands of dollars in aftermarket components, we’re providing these enhancements at no cost.”

To make the XQi3 even more accessible, NIU has also announced a price drop. Both the XQi3 Wild and Street will now retail at $3,999, reduced from an original price of $4,999, making it a highly competitive option in the dirt bike market.

Key Highlights of the XQi3 OTA Update:
Max Power Increase: From 8 kW to 10.6 kW
Continuous Power Output: Increased by 28%
Boost Mode Power Output: Increased by 36%
Top Speed Increase: From 47 mph to 50 mph
Acceleration Improvement: Reaching 47 mph over 2 seconds faster

NIU continues to push the boundaries of electric mobility with the XQi3, now offering riders an unmatched blend of power, speed and affordability.

About NIU Technologies:
As a global leader in electric two-wheeled vehicles, NIU's mission is to redefine urban mobility and make life better. Available in 52 countries and listed on Nasdaq, NIU has sold over 4,600,000 electric vehicles since launching its first electric scooter in 2015. Designing and manufacturing high-performance electric motorcycles, mopeds, bicycles, and scooters, as of October 2024, NIU's loyal users and fans have traveled over 25 billion kilometers worldwide.

For more information about the company, please visit https://global.niu.com.

Media Contact
Malory Van Guilder
Skyya PR for NIU
niu@skyya.com

FAQ

What is the new price of NIU XQi3 Wild and Street models after the price drop?

Both NIU XQi3 Wild and Street models now retail at $3,999, reduced from the original price of $4,999.

What performance improvements does the NIU XQi3 OTA update provide?

The OTA update increases max power from 8 kW to 10.6 kW, improves top speed from 47 mph to 50 mph, boosts continuous power output by 28%, and increases Boost Mode power output by 36%.

When will the NIU XQi3 OTA update be available?

The update is immediately available for the XQi3 Wild off-road version and will be available in the coming weeks for the XQi3 Street version in the US and EU.