Electric dirt bikes are super hot these days. A big part of the draw is they let people who haven’t ridden motorcycles ride one without operating a clutch or shifting gears. With an e-moto, all you have to do is turn the bike on, twist the throttle, and you’re off. 

Since dirt bikes don’t require registration or licensing when used for their intended purpose, e-moto manufacturers are finding success with these bikes, especially, among off road enthusiasts who don’t plan to register their bikes.  

Unlike Surron and Talaria, however, some companies known primarily for making electric scooters have had their eye on street legality from the start. E-motos like the just-released NIU XQi3 electric dirt bike are built for both the street and trail. 

NIU has released their XQi3 in two versions: Street and Wild. The main difference between the two is speed. NIU firmware limits the street version of the XQi3 to a top speed of 30 mph, while the Wild edition can hit max speeds of up to 47 mph. 

Niu Technologies’ XQi3 electric dirt bike has a lightweight aluminum frame and powerful electric motor, capable of delivering up to 6.0 kW of peak power or 8.0 kW with Ultra Boost.

The bike has adjustable front and rear KKE suspension for a smooth ride on any terrain. Both the Street and Wild models have an 8,000-watt motor powered by a 72V/32-Ah removable LG lithium-ion battery.

A single 5-hour charge can cover 50-56 miles (80-90 km) depending on how you ride and the terrain, and you can double the range with a swappable battery, making this a great getaway bike when you need to escape for the day. 

Rider Guide reviewers Mitchell Anderson (with no motorcycle experience whatsoever) and John “Hammy Moto” (resident e-moto expert) have ridden the NIU XQi3 electric dirt bike and loved its ease of use and customizability. 

Swap handlebars, tune the suspension to your liking: the XQi3 offers a lot of customization, and a lot of power, for the price. The bike might offer a little too much power for beginners, who will want to get the hang of its acceleration before hitting the road (witness Mitchell’s unsteady first ride just below). 

Additional features of the XQi3 include an Ultra Boost feature for instant peak power delivery, NFC and Bluetooth locking/unlocking, LED headlight, and a TFT screen for various displays.

The circular display lets you answer cellphone calls, and you can track your performance with a lap timer and track your route with a map feature. 

The Street edition comes with all required hardware, including side mirrors, turn signals, and a license plate holder on the rear fender.

We’ve long been fans of NIU’s electric scooters for their exceptional build and ride quality, and the XQi3 delivers the same experience of “Oh, this just works!” when you ride it.