NIU XQi 500 and XQi 400 break cover, with the 500 going fully street-legal
NIU has expanded its XQi electric dirt bike lineup with two new models, the XQi 400 and XQi 500, with the flagship 500 packing 39 hp of peak power and a full street-legal classification. The Chinese EV brand unveiled both at EICMA 2025 in Milan last November, with European availability set for the second half of 2026.
NIU XQi 500 specs and features
The XQi 500 sits at the top of the lineup. According to NIU, it produces 28.8 kW (around 39 hp) of peak power, hits 110 km/h flat out, and delivers 100 Nm of instant torque. The bike falls under the L3e class, which makes it a 125cc gas equivalent for road use, all while keeping curb weight at just 92 kg.
Hardware is properly motorcycle-grade. The XQi 500 packs dual-channel ABS, traction control, fully adjustable front and rear suspension, 19-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked wheels, and 290 mm of ground clearance for actual trail use. The 96V 40Ah lithium battery gets you between 60 to 75 km on a full charge, with charging time pegged at around four hours.
This is the model that puts NIU head-to-head with the Sur-Ron Storm Bee and Zero FX in the lightweight electric enduro segment, a space dominated until now by purpose-built off-road brands.
NIU XQi 400: smaller battery, same DNA
The XQi 400 is the middle child. Top speed sits at 100 km/h, range stretches to around 100 km, and peak power lands at 14.4 kW. NIU will sell it in both road-legal and off-road-only versions, giving riders flexibility depending on where they ride.
Both bikes share NIU’s connected kit: a 5-inch TFT display, smartphone integration, NFC unlocking, and full LED lighting. New buyers also get three years of free NIU Smart App access, after which subscription plans start at EUR 2.50 a month (around PHP 165).
NIU XQi 400 and XQi 500 Philippine availability
Here’s the catch. NIU is rolling out the XQi 400 and 500 in Europe first, with no announced timeline for the Philippines yet. NIU PH currently focuses on its scooter lineup, with dealers in Metro Manila stocking the NQi, MQi, and KQi series, so whether the dirt bikes make it locally is still an open question.
For pricing reference, NIU’s current PH range stretches from around PHP 34,000 for the KQi kick scooters up to PHP 350,000 for the RQi Sport. The XQi 500’s full motorcycle hardware likely lands somewhere in the upper end of that bracket if it arrives.
You can check NIU’s global product pages for the XQi 500 and XQi 400 for the full feature breakdown. We’ll update this article once NIU PH confirms local pricing or arrival.
What do you think? Would you trade your gas-powered weekend dirt bike for an electric one if NIU brings the XQi 500 here? Or is the 60 to 75 km range still a dealbreaker for serious trail riding? Drop your take in the comments.
NIU XQi 500 specs:
28.8 kW (~39 hp) peak power
100 Nm torque
Up to 110 km/h top speed
60 to 75 km range
96V 40Ah lithium-ion battery
~4 hour full charge
92 kg curb weight
19-inch front, 18-inch rear spoked wheels
260 mm front disc, 240 mm rear disc brakes
Dual-channel ABS, traction control
Fully adjustable front and rear suspension
290 mm ground clearance
859 mm (33.8-inch) seat height
5-inch TFT display
LED lighting, NFC unlock, app connectivity
L3e road-legal classification
NIU XQi 400 specs:
14.4 kW peak power
Up to 100 km/h top speed
Up to 100 km range
72V platform
19-inch front, 18-inch rear wheels
5-inch TFT display
LED lighting, NFC unlock, app connectivity
Road-legal and off-road-only versions
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