The NIU BQi-C3 Pro is a feature-packed electric bike that comes with swappable batteries, offering impressive power and range for riders. With one battery housed in the step-through frame‘s downtube, and the other partially integrated into the seat tube section and secured with a key, this ebike is designed to offer a seamless riding experience without any interruptions.
The NIU BQi-C3 Pro is a high-performance electric bicycle that comes with a range of advanced features, including swappable batteries, a powerful motor, and a sleek, modern design. However, all these features come at a price, and the BQi-C3 Pro is priced at $1,699.00.
While this may seem like a steep price for an electric bicycle, it’s important to consider the value that the bike provides. The swappable batteries allow the rider to extend the range of the bike, which is a crucial feature for anyone looking to use the bike for commuting or running errands. The powerful motor and pedal assist modes also make it easy to tackle hills and headwinds, while the sleek, modern design ensures that the bike looks great on the road.
The NIU BQi-C3 Pro is powered by a 500W sustained or 750W peak Bafang rear hub motor, which delivers impressive performance on the road. The motor is supported by three levels of pedal assist, which can help the rider achieve speeds of up to 28 mph. Additionally, there’s a throttle assist mode that allows the rider to achieve a top speed of 20 mph without having to pedal.
So, the BQi-C3 Pro is a high-performance electric bike that offers impressive power and range. With swappable batteries, a powerful motor, and a range of other features, this ebike is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient way to commute or get around town. Before starting a full review of the bike, let’s watch my video review below.
| Frame | Aluminum alloy |
| Rims | Aluminum alloy, 36 hole |
| Tires | NIU 27.5" x 2.4" puncture-resistant tires |
| Gearing | Single-Speed (3 electric gears) |
| Brake Rotors | 180 mm front and rear |
| Hub Motor | 500W brushless |
| Pedal Assist | 3 level pedal assist with Dual Hall cadence sensor |
| Throttle | Thumb throttle |
| Controller | NIU frame-integrated controller |
| Battery | 920wh |
| Range | 60-90 miles per charge |
| Net Weight | 70.5lbs |
| Payload | 287lbs |
NIU BQi-C3 Pro: Design and Build Quality
The NIU BQi-C3 Pro is an electric bike designed with commuter and city riding in mind. The bike features an upright geometry that is well-suited for urban riding, providing a comfortable and efficient riding position. The frame is made from lightweight and durable aluminum, ensuring that the bike is both strong and easy to handle.
One of the key design features of the BQi-C3 Pro is the integrated rear rack. This rack is built into the frame of the bike, providing a sturdy platform for carrying cargo or other items. With a load capacity of 66 pounds, the rear rack is capable of carrying a wide range of items, from groceries and work supplies to camping gear and other outdoor equipment.
According to NIU, the BQi-C3 Pro is designed to fit riders between 5-foot-2 and 6-foot-5. This is thanks to the bike’s adjustable seat post and handlebars, which can be adjusted to accommodate a wide range of rider heights and preferences.
The low-slung design of the BQi-C3 Pro also makes it easy for riders to mount and dismount the bike, regardless of their height. The step-through frame design eliminates the need to swing a leg over the frame, which can be challenging for some riders, particularly those with mobility issues or who are carrying cargo.
The Gates Carbon Drive is made from high-strength carbon fiber, which makes it incredibly durable and long-lasting. Unlike a chain, which requires regular lubrication and maintenance to prevent wear and tear, the Carbon Drive is virtually maintenance-free, providing a hassle-free riding experience.
In addition to its durability and low maintenance requirements, the Carbon Drive is also incredibly quiet and efficient. The belt drive system eliminates the need for a chain and derailleur, which can create a lot of noise and friction. This means that riders can enjoy a smoother, quieter ride that is more efficient and responsive.
Compared to traditional bike chains, Gates Carbon Drives are incredibly durable and long-lasting. In fact, carbon drives have been tested to last for more than 10,000 miles, which is more than 35 times longer than the 280-mile lifespan of a standard chain.
This impressive lifespan is due to the high-strength carbon fiber construction of the belt, which is designed to withstand heavy loads and extreme conditions. Unlike chains, which can stretch and wear down over time, carbon drives maintain their tension and shape, ensuring consistent performance and a longer lifespan.
The BQi-C3 Pro features 27.5 x 2.4-inch puncture-resistant tires, which provide excellent traction and stability on a variety of surfaces. These tires are wide enough to provide a smooth and stable ride, but not so wide that they add unnecessary weight to the bike. One of the key features of the bike is its puncture-resistant tires, which are reinforced with a 1.5mm layer of KEVLAR ARAMID FIBER.
This layer of Kevlar provides excellent puncture resistance, making it much less likely for riders to experience a flat tire during their daily commute or urban rides. The tires themselves are also designed to be highly durable, with a puncture-resistant construction that is designed to withstand the rough terrain and challenging conditions that riders may encounter on their daily commute.
One of these accessories is a set of full-coverage front and rear alloy fenders. These fenders provide excellent protection from mud, dirt, and water, ensuring that riders stay clean and dry even in wet conditions. The fenders are made from durable alloy materials that are designed to withstand the wear and tear of daily use, making them a reliable and long-lasting accessory.
Another key feature of the BQi-C3 Pro is its daytime running headlight. This powerful LED light provides excellent visibility in low-light conditions, making it easier for riders to see and be seen by other drivers on the road. Additionally, the bike also features an integrated tail light with brake lighting, which alerts other drivers to the rider’s braking actions, increasing safety and reducing the risk of accidents.
To ensure a comfortable riding experience, the BQi-C3 Pro is equipped with ergonomic grips and a comfortable saddle. These features help to reduce fatigue and strain, allowing riders to enjoy longer rides without discomfort or pain.
So, the NIU BQi-C3 Pro is a highly functional and practical electric bike that is designed to meet the needs of daily commuters and urban riders. With its full-coverage fenders, powerful lights, and comfortable grips and saddle, this bike provides a safe, reliable, and comfortable riding experience that is sure to satisfy even the most demanding riders.
To ensure that riders stay dry and comfortable during their rides, the bike is rated IP45 water-resistant, which means that it is able to withstand moderate levels of water exposure without being damaged.
Another key feature of the BQi-C3 Pro is its battery, which is rated IP67. This means that it is highly resistant to water and dust, making it an ideal choice for riders who frequently encounter wet or dirty conditions. The motor is also rated IP65, which means that it is similarly resistant to water and dust, ensuring that riders can rely on the bike to perform well in a wide range of environments.
NIU BQi-C3 Pro: Motor and Battery
One of the key features of the BQi-C3 Pro is its powerful motor, which is capable of delivering up to 750W of maximum power and 500W of rated power. This high level of power makes it possible for riders to tackle steep hills and challenging terrain with ease, while also providing excellent acceleration and speed on flat surfaces.
In addition to its impressive power output, the NIU also boasts a starting torque of 45Nm. This starting torque is a measure of the amount of rotational force that the motor is able to generate when starting from a stationary position. With a starting torque of 45Nm, the BQi-C3 Pro is able to accelerate quickly and smoothly, making it easy for riders to get up to speed and maintain momentum.
The combination of the BQi-C3 Pro’s 750W maximum power, 500W rated power, and 45Nm starting torque makes it a highly capable and versatile electric bicycle that is capable of meeting the needs of a wide range of riders. Whether you are looking for a reliable commuting bike or a powerful off-road machine, the BQi-C3 Pro is an excellent choice that is sure to exceed your expectations.
The NIU BQi-C3 Pro features a state-of-the-art TFT display that is designed to provide riders with all the information they need to make the most of their riding experience. This bright and easy-to-read display provides a wealth of useful data, including speed, distance traveled, trip time, battery level, and much more.
Measuring 3.5 inches in size, the TFT display is large enough to be easily seen and read, even in bright sunlight or low-light conditions. Its high-resolution graphics and intuitive layout make it easy to understand and use, allowing riders to quickly and easily access the information they need to make informed decisions about their ride.
The BQi-C3 Pro received a powerful 3 level pedal assist system, which is designed to provide riders with greater control and flexibility over their riding experience. With this system, riders can easily adjust the level of assistance provided by the motor, depending on their needs and preferences.
The 3 level pedal assist system on the BQi-C3 Pro is powered by a dual hall cadence sensor, which measures the speed and rotation of the pedals to provide accurate and reliable feedback to the motor. This sensor is highly sensitive and responsive, allowing riders to easily and smoothly transition between different levels of assistance, depending on the terrain and their own energy levels.
In addition to the 3 level pedal assist system, the NIU BQi-C3 Pro also comes equipped with a convenient thumb throttle. This throttle allows riders to easily and quickly engage the motor with the press of a button, providing an extra boost of power when needed.
The thumb throttle on the BQi-C3 Pro is also highly responsive, allowing riders to easily adjust the level of assistance provided by the motor to suit their needs and preferences. Whether you need a little extra help on a steep climb or want to conserve your battery life on a flat stretch of road, the thumb throttle on the BQi-C3 Pro gives you the flexibility and control you need to enjoy your ride to the fullest.
The front and rear disc brakes on the BQi-C3 Pro are carefully designed to work together, providing riders with smooth and controlled stopping power that is both reliable and responsive. The disc brakes are also highly durable and require minimal maintenance, ensuring that they remain effective and reliable over the long term.
The use of disc brakes on the BQi-C3 Pro is a key safety feature that sets this electric bicycle apart from other models on the market. With their superior braking performance and reliable stopping power, the disc brakes on the e-bike provide riders with peace of mind, knowing that they can stop quickly and safely in any situation.
The NIU BQi-C3 Pro comes equipped with an innovative and highly advanced dual battery system, which is completely integrated into the frame of the bike. The dual batteries are hidden within the frame with a combined capacity of 920Wh, only highlighted by the paint job, creating a clean and minimalist design that goes well with any outfit.
The dual battery system is also highly convenient, as it allows riders to easily swap out one battery for another when needed, without having to stop and recharge the entire system. This feature is particularly useful for riders who need to cover long distances or who are planning to take their bike on extended trips.
With both batteries fully charged, the e-bike can travel up to 90 miles on a single charge. This impressive range is incomparable at this price point and makes the BQi-C3 Pro an ideal choice for riders who need to cover long distances or who want to explore new areas without worrying about running out of power.
The swappable dual battery system on the BQi-C3 Pro is also highly convenient, as it allows riders to easily swap out one battery for another when needed, without having to stop and recharge the entire system. This feature is particularly useful for riders who need to cover long distances or who are planning to take their bike on extended trips.
NIU BQi-C3 Pro: Conclusions
In the end, the NIU BQi-C3 Pro is a feature-packed electric bike that is designed to provide a comfortable, efficient, and eco-friendly ride for commuters and city riders alike. With its swappable dual batteries, powerful Bafang motor, and integrated rear rack, this e-bike offers an unparalleled combination of range, power, and versatility.
The BQi-C3 Pro also comes equipped with a range of premium features, including a Gates Carbon Drive, puncture-resistant tires, full-coverage fenders, and a bright TFT display. The thumb throttle and three levels of pedal assist with Dual Hall cadence sensor give riders a variety of options for engaging the motor and adjusting their level of assistance on the fly.
The BQi-C3 Pro is also highly water-resistant, with IP45 rating for the bike itself, and IP67 and IP65 ratings for the batteries and motor, respectively. This makes it an ideal choice for riders who want to stay dry and comfortable in wet weather conditions.
At a price point of $1,699, the NIU BQi-C3 Pro represents a great value for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile electric bicycle that is designed for city riding and commuting. With its range, power, and premium features, the e-bike is a top choice for anyone looking for a high-quality e-bike that can take on any challenge.
Pros:
- Swappable dual batteries provide up to 90 miles of range, a significant advantage over many other e-bikes in this price range
- Powerful Bafang motor provides up to 750W of power and a maximum torque of 45Nm, allowing for quick acceleration and efficient hill-climbing
- Gates Carbon Drive and puncture-resistant tires provide a low-maintenance and reliable riding experience
- Full-coverage fenders, bright TFT display, and integrated rear rack make the BQi-C3 Pro a practical and convenient choice for commuting and city riding
- Water-resistant design with IP45 rating for the bike, and IP67 and IP65 ratings for the batteries and motor, respectively, ensure that the bike can handle wet weather conditions
Cons:
- The BQi-C3 Pro is a relatively heavy bike at 67.5 pounds, which may make it challenging to carry or store in certain situations
- The upright geometry of the bike may not be ideal for riders who prefer a more aggressive riding position
- Some riders may find the price of $1,699.00 to be higher than they are willing to pay for an e-bike, especially if they do not need the extended range or advanced features offered by the BQi-C3 Pro.
