I really loved my time with Niu's XQi3. In fact, my kids were pretty saddened when it was time for the street-legal electric dirt bike to go back to the company. I'm pretty sure one actually cried while saying, "No more wheelies!"
But despite the favorable review I gave it, as well as the testimonial my children relayed, I found one aspect of Niu's world domination plan to be suspect: the EVs were sold through existing dealerships, not directly to consumers.
Now, I get the reasoning behind doing it that way, as dealerships get foot traffic and the lower-than-average selling price of the XQi3s likely would attract potential customer eyeballs and cash. But dealerships, even powersport dealerships who've been slightly better in terms of adapting to the EV way of the future, aren't always the best place to sell EVs. Likewise, I and countless others have never had what I'd call a "good" dealership experience. Doesn't matter if it's me buying a car, truck, or powersport thing, there's always an air of "I'm gonna somehow screw you" coming from the salesperson in front of me.
And most folks agree with that sentiment, as a 2016 study found that 87% of consumers particularly dislike the dealership experience. Which is why when Niu stated it's going to start selling its offerings direct to consumers, I was pretty stoked about its future.
According to the company, customers can now purchase an XQi3 through the NIU Moto Sales Platform (NMSP) across the US, allowing them to "shop, finance and finalize their XQi3 purchase entirely online." From there, the NMSP does all the tax, title, and registering (for those wishing to make their bikes street-legal), as well as offering up financing options, too. Niu states that "Once purchased, the dirt bikes are shipped directly to customers or to a nearby dealer for final assembly and delivery."
So there's still a dealership network available to you for maintenance and repair, you just don't have to use them to purchase your motorcycle.
"The launch of the NIU Moto Sales Platform is a milestone not only for our company but for the EV industry as a whole," said Ben McGill, Niu's head of North America Operations, adding, "E-commerce has transformed countless industries, and we believe it’s time for motor vehicles to embrace this innovation. Our platform ensures that no matter where you live, you can be part of the EV revolution—even if local retailers and dealers haven’t yet adapted to this shift."
For those who do like to haggle, Niu isn't giving up on its dealerships, though. The brand states that its growing dealership network, which now totals over 100, including its two flagship stores in San Diego and Miami, will "[empower] dealers to expand their customer base while providing seamless access to NIU’s cutting-edge products."
As for the bike in question, Niu recently slashed both of the prices for the XQi3 Wild and Street by $1,000, each commanding an incredibly reasonable $3,999. Niu also did an OTA update that apparently upgrades the bikes' performance pretty drastically, though I've yet to test it out—you've got my number, Niu. But overall, it's good news from Niu and good news for folks who loathe going to the dealership.
