The NIU BQI looks like a perfect ebike for someone that wants to rely less on their car, but still be able to get around quickly and easily.
It’s very much an ebike designed for the real world demands of commuters and those wanting to reduce their reliance on their car.
Electrek’s Micah Toll expects the US and EU available ebike to shakeup and reshape ebike markets as we know it thanks to its pragmatic design and competitive price.
Micromobility is an interesting proposition. It’s won’t replace the car entirely, but what the future does seem to be about is making more appropriate choices for each journey we make.
The car is excellent from a personal transport perspective, but much of our driving is over short distances and on our own. For that we don’t always need a car or its luggage carrying capabilities. But for many, alternate options of public transport or walking, aren’t practical either. However, electrified micromobility tools, like ebikes and escooters, can help us bridge the gap between the car and public transport, and help us on those shorter daily journeys. But of course, that will come with new technological challenges including: how do we navigate a journey which involves multiple modes of transport? How do we move from walking, to bike, to bus, to walking again, without any interruption to our guidance? Or how can we plan multi-modal journeys and obtain accurate ETAs?
Electric philosophies
There are some clear themes here: the future is electric (we already knew this). But what’s perhaps less appreciated is the fact that legacy automakers aren’t acting as legacy as that name suggests. Of course, the new world of EV startups gave the name legacy to our stalwart vehicle makers suggesting that they would indeed become a thing of the past if they didn’t keep up with the EV times.
Well, with Chrysler’s Airflow Concept, Mercedes-Benz’ EQXX, Chevrolet’s Silverado and more, it seems that those supposed ‘legacy’ automakers aren’t going to become legacy at all.
We keep hearing about who’s going to win the “EV race”, it looks like there will be many winners. What’s more, it’s not just cars taking part in that race, it’s ebikes, escooters and other forms of transport too. In the end, the winners might be us, the riders, drivers and passengers. We’re getting more choice, better experiences and more useful tech than ever before, helping us to lead cleaner more efficient lives.
