Mavericks NXT vs. Yamaha Qiaoge i PLUS: Do you want a riding feeling or a relaxi

tech | 2024-03-28

After a month with the NIU NXT, it has indeed shaken the position of "the best personal mobility device" that scooters hold in my mind. Even in 2024, the proposition of "Can electric bicycles replace internal combustion engine scooters?" continues to spark ongoing discussions among netizens.

In my opinion, due to the different policies towards electric bicycles and small-displacement motorcycles in various regions, it is not possible to draw a very clear conclusion. However, after a period of experience, I have found that each has its own merits. "Electric scooters" and "fuel scooters" will coexist for a considerable time.

So, how does the high-spec 125cc scooter Yamaha Jog-i PLUS face off against the intelligent electric scooter NIU NXT Master Edition, and what kind of demand differences does it create?

Firstly, in terms of riding quality, the NIU NXT, with its electric motor and battery structure, has a clear quality advantage and good quietness in urban low-speed areas. Electric bicycles are indeed comfortable. After all, the single-cylinder air-cooled Yamaha Jog-i PLUS can only be said to add some atmosphere in terms of sound, and it doesn't have any exhaust sound waves to speak of; a single cylinder is essentially just "boiling water."

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When it comes to the medium-high speed range of 40-60 km/h, the scooter has a clear advantage in terms of the stability of the entire frame, and the lower handlebar height is also conducive to navigating through the old city. Even though the NIU NXT has a double-cradle frame and is matched with a rear 5-level adjustable shock absorber and a 31mm front hydraulic shock absorber, the riding quality is definitely more advanced than the Jog-i. However, the high handlebars combined with the high center of gravity of the battery make the overall dynamics and low-speed navigation in the old city different from a real motorcycle.The QiaoGe i PLUS, as a scooter with a mass of 90kg, excels in mid-to-high speed stability. When encountering potholes, even with a conventional front telescopic fork and rear mono-shock suspension, it can effectively absorb the bounce and control the body swing. The X-Niu NXT's adjustable shock absorption handles minor bumps with finesse, and its support in sport mode is quite decent, with the main issue still being the high center of gravity.

In terms of braking feel, the unmodified QiaoGe i indeed cannot compare with the X-Niu NXT in terms of braking sensation. In addition to the less impressive front disc and rear drum configuration, the X-Niu's front 220mm and rear 190mm disc specifications are quite excessive for a 55kg vehicle. Coupled with an adjustable regenerative braking system, the X-Niu NXT's braking experience can be said to be second to none.

Many netizens have also mentioned the issue of QiaoGe's idle vibration. Is it a "shaky" experience in the 2000-3000rpm RPM range? I believe this is mainly due to issues in riding techniques. For any belt-driven model, full throttle at startup causes significant wear on the belt. Additionally, if you often ride with two people and use a high throttle to climb hills, there can be aftereffects.

The efficiency of belt drive is inherently slower than chain drive, and its lifespan is also shorter. In fact, from a certain perspective, QiaoGe still controls vibrations better than many domestic brand twin-cylinder motorcycles.Is Qiao Ge really just an "electric scooter with a 125cc engine" as described online? I'll stick to my previous statement that scooters still have the advantage in mid to high-speed stability. The dynamic lightness of Qiao Ge is even more pronounced than that of the NIU NXT, even though the NIU NXT comes standard with TCS traction control system across the range, and this master edition also features front and rear ABS, which is about as top-notch as it gets in terms of configuration. However, the riding experience is still two completely different styles compared to the Qiao Ge i PLUS.

Looking at the configuration, even the original equipment of Qiao Ge, including the 2024 model i PLUS, only has multi-reflective LED high and low beam lights and a non-reflective LCD display. It seems there are no other features. Moreover, the workmanship of the two vehicles is also incomparable.

The NIU NXT can control many functions on a mobile phone and, like a smart car, can unlock the vehicle without a key. In addition, it also has features such as BSD blind spot monitoring, RCW rear collision warning, automatic parking, 5 driving modes, navigation screen projection, automatic headlights, and more.

In terms of configuration, the NIU NXT has all the advantages, but when it comes to endurance, it "shows its true colors." First of all, there is no range anxiety with scooters, while the NIU NXT has a range of 170km on a full charge, and a dynamic range of 150km when charged to 90%. The problem is that this 48V 56Ah lithium-ion battery pack takes 4.7 hours to fully charge in fast charging mode. Unless everyone on a motorcycle trip rides a NIU, the scooter that only takes less than 5 minutes to refuel will not join you.Additionally, it should be noted that in first-tier cities like Beijing and Shanghai, the NIU NXT is considered an oversized electric bicycle and requires a yellow license plate like a motor vehicle, and a driver's license is also necessary. In contrast, in quasi-first-tier cities like Chengdu, the NIU NXT only needs an electric bicycle license plate and is not classified as a motor vehicle, although it can only be driven on non-motorized bicycle lanes.

The different road rights of the two vehicles lead to completely different riding experiences. Electric bicycles on non-motorized lanes are constantly faced with the challenge of opposing non-motorized traffic and must be wary of delivery personnel who overtake like race car drivers. Therefore, the rear collision warning and blind spot monitoring of the NIU NXT are extremely useful.

On the other hand, when using the Qiaoge i PLUS on motorized lanes, the environment is relatively much simpler. Apart from being cautious of private cars and DiDi taxis that change lanes without signaling or make random U-turns, the user experience is that of standard motor vehicle rights. The routes to the same destination are also entirely different.

In summary, although both vehicles have a range of nearly 200km on a full charge or full tank, the difference in terms of energy replenishment is vast. Sometimes, electric bicycles can be quite troublesome. In not-so-high-end residential areas like mine, there are basically no charging spots left if I return late, and many residential areas have charging facilities for electric bicycles in basements with no signal, which is also a concern for the maintenance of charging infrastructure.And as for scooters, it's nothing more than some gas stations in the city not serving you fuel; just switch to another gas station and you're good.

Jia Shi Summary:

It is evident that the NIU NXT is an electric scooter (classified as an electric bicycle in some regions) that is groundbreaking in terms of experience and technological features, but there is still an essential difference between its consumer base and that of real motorcycle enthusiasts. After all, the treatment of electric bicycles in terms of road rights is completely different from that of scooters. This is where having or not having a motorcycle license comes into play.

In fact, aside from saying goodbye to motorcycle travel, using the NIU NXT to commute within the city without any psychological burden, while also enjoying the convenience brought by technology, is a lifestyle that is more "relaxed."