Beijing-based smart e-scooter maker Niu launched its second generation of scooters, the Niu M1, in Beijing on Thursday.
At the beginning of the product launch conference, Li Yan, the COO and cofounder of Niu, announced that notable designer Liu Chuankai has been appointed as Niu’s VP of design. Liu has worked for Motorola, Disney and BMW, and he was in charge of the M1’s design.
As the second generation product, the Niu M followed the design concept of the Niu N1 and upgraded many aspects. It features an all-in-one body structure and omnidirectional headlight and tail light systems for safety. It has also upgraded to a brand new smart control system, the NIU SMART ECU 2.0.
If you mention the Niu N1’s instrument panel, many Niu scooter owners would complain that they are not able to clearly see what the panel says under bright light. Niu M1 has a LED backlight on its panel that can automatically adjust the panel’s brightness according to different circumstances. The panel is also equipped with a built-in battery that can last for more than one week on one charge and a GPS satellite synchronous clock.
The M1 incorporates GPS and AGPS real time positioning technology. With the Niu smartphone app in hand, the M1’s owner can check information about their vehicle and lock it up anywhere. It contains the same Bosch dynamo as the N1 and is also equipped with a vibration monitoring system.
The lithium battery of the M1 will catch the public’s attention for its lighter weight and faster charging. The battery weighs 6.5 kg, which is equivalent to two thirds the weight of the N1’s battery. Niu has also released a quick charger that can charge the M1 to 80% in two hours. An LED battery status indicator was also added to the M1 to keep users up to date with battery status.
There are four models of the M1, with the only variation being how long the battery lasts on one charge, ranging from 50-120 km. Prices range from RMB 3,299-6,299, and there are five colors to choose from.
The M1 will be available for pre-order on JD’s crowd-funding platform at 10am on April 27. Supporters will get free Niu Care service and be able to pay for their purchase in installments.
(The top photo from Niu)
