NIU M-SERIES: the pocket electric scooter [ROAD TEST]

NIU M-SERIES – Let's put one foot into the future and try a scooter that could really anticipate where urban mobility is going in the coming years. Simple and compact, it offers an economical but practical solution for getting around the city. It offers a real autonomy of around 50 km and has a battery that can be removed to be recharged, or perhaps replaced with a charge, eliminating the time to restart and extending the autonomy.

Aesthetics and finishes:

rating:  

Compact and “playful”, but well made

The Niu M-SERIES is first of all cute, then well designed and very well looked after, down to the details. Nice because it is a small scooter, almost pocket-sized, with a fresh but at the same time classic line, without futuristic features, close to that of the typical small 50 cc scooter. Discovering the technical characteristics you realize that it is the result of a very careful design, you recognize it from the finishes, starting from the more classic ones, such as the wide and comfortable saddle, the rear handles for handling it when stationary, the side stand in light alloy, the refined LED headlights. Then there are details that you are surprised to find in such a small and economical vehicle. For example, there is a remote control which, in addition to arming the alarm, helps to track it by making it emit a sound, and at the same time lights up the block to unlock the steering.

There are direction indicators with audible and LED warning lights, with automatic switching off after the curve has taken place; cruise control; Under the saddle there is the removable battery protected in a convenient case (it weighs just over 8 kg). Finally there is the dashboard, complete and refined, highlighting the speed and battery charge (in graphic and percentage form), the clock, the odometer and the mode indicator (full power or eco).

The control unit that manages the NIU, equipped with a SIM card, has the GPS function and communicates to the NIU app all the information that may be useful for managing the scooter: the battery and charging status, the current position of the scooter but also the history of the movements carried out. The app provides numerous data, including the influence of driving on battery use and performs the diagnostic function. Ultimately it is a carefully designed scooter, and also well made, in fact, in addition to the system functions listed above, we note the quality of the assemblies, the plastics and the three-layer paintwork protected by transparent. The chassis is based on a steel tube trellis frame, with a traditional hydraulic fork, an aluminum and titanium oscillating swingarm that acts on a monoshock absorber; braking is entrusted to a front disc and a rear drum. By applying the brakes the engine switches from propulsion to dynamo mode, recharging the batteries. Produced by Bosch, it is installed in the rear hub and delivers a peak power of 2,2 HP.

Engine and performance:

rating:  

To code but all pepper

For the Highway Code the M is equivalent to a moped, therefore the maximum speed is limited to 45 km/h. The electric motor has good power and the output is correctly controlled by the control unit, which adjusts the starting point from a standstill and at low speed to offer a soft push, which does not cause difficulty (an electric motor immediately delivers maximum torque, even at a few rpm). In addition to this, the M is light, weighing 59 kilos, compact, just over one and a half meters long and with a low seat (712 mm from the ground), and is therefore the ideal vehicle to introduce those who has never had experiences or to those who, in particular, fear the reactions.

The M is not only very easy to drive, but also fun, a hundred meters is enough to gain confidence. Extremely agile, it fits everywhere, you park anywhere (in big cities it's not always easy to stow a medium-sized scooter), it's agile and also discreet. Today the electric motor is certainly nothing new, yet it manages to amaze us every time we try it, moving in silence still has an effect, and what's more this motor is very silent, you can't even hear the classic whistle typical of most electric engines. The engine control system offers two maps, full-power and a super-economical one, which is however only useful if you are in difficulty with autonomy as it significantly penalizes performance.

Ride and handling:

rating:  

Remember that you are riding a scooter

The M is so small and quiet that you feel like you can go anywhere, including cycle paths and sidewalks; in reality, as explained, it must comply with the same rules as motorcycles, so no alternative routes, even if you are sure that if you passed through areas closed to traffic you wouldn't disturb anyone; indeed, in that case you would be viewed with sympathy and curiosity. The M also arouses sympathy and curiosity among motorcyclists, who, seeing us driving our "toy", have often greeted us with a smile. A toy that doesn't perform badly when it's green. In fact, the starting point is excellent, and in the center the speed of 45 km/h is not a limit, on the contrary, it is the maximum recommended for driving safely, both for traffic and for calmly tackling rough roads. In fact, the M is so compact that it is a good idea to use caution, both to make sure that motorists can see us (since you can easily hide behind a car or even another vehicle, including scooters), and to tackle road surfaces with peace of mind. particularly disjointed. The "mini" dimensions of the chassis and wheels (10") do not endanger stability, however on potholes or on damaged pavement it is best to ride carefully, always keeping both hands on the handlebars. Similar attention must be paid when braking, ABS is not provided on a vehicle of this category and you must always remember that you are balancing on thin tires installed on small diameter wheels.

Price and consumption:

rating:  

Correct piece, (almost) zero consumption

The M-SERIES, the smallest of the NIU range, is on sale at 2.300 €, fair price considering the quality of the project. It will soon also arrive in a two-seater version (identical but with a wider saddle, passenger footrests and revised chassis for the greater load). Then in the range there is the N, a larger model - closer to those of a normal 125 cc scooter - already designed for two seats, equipped with a more powerful engine and a larger capacity battery (2.900 euros) .

As regards consumption, it is known that in the case of electric vehicles the battery performance is strongly influenced by driving and the route, but in regular use in the city there is no risk of being stranded, a full charge in fact ensures autonomy of approximately 50 kilometres. In terms of costs, the M wins the comparison with the classic scooter with an internal combustion engine: in the electric version, maintenance is limited to consumables, tires and brake pads only, the cost of a recharge is negligible, you don't pay road tax. Insurance remains, but it is less expensive (you can save up to 50%) since the category of electric vehicles is considered less risky than the traditional one.

PROS AND CONS
We like it:
Aesthetics and finishes
“Pocket” format
We do not like it:
Driving on severely uneven surfaces

Brand Model: the Motorionline Report Card

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Matteo Pozzi collaborated

Tester clothing:
Gloves: Tucano Urbano New Calamaro
Jacket: Tucano Urbano Blazer College Lan
Helmet: Tucano Urbano El'Jet