Xiaomi has spent the last year expanding its product lines beyond smartphones and tablets to various Internet of Things (IoT) devices and gadgets including wearables, drones, air purifiers, kettles, and rice cookers. The China-based tech giant has now introduced a folding electric bicycle with a price tag of about $450. Its Mi QiCycle Electric Folding Bike can boost a cyclist's pedaling for up to 45 kilometers on a single charge and includes a mobile app for logging distance, speed, and calories burned. More suited to the urban areas, this new bike by Xiaomi is very versatile and portable. For those that seek to take theirs to the more challenging terrain, there are fat tire options like the Ecotric 20 on ScooterAdviser. That bike deserves a separate review.
Xiaomi's electric bike also includes Shimano 3-speed gears and a frame with built-in front/rear lights. It folds up into a small package that weighs 14.5 kilograms, according to The Verge.
The e-bike is powered by a 250W, 36V motor. It also includes 20 Panasonic lithium-ion batteries like ones included in Tesla electric cars, according toTech Crunch.
Xiaomi also shares the electric bike is equipped with a system called IDbike Torque Measurement Method. It uses sensors to optimizea biker's pedaling so they do not get too tired reaching their target speed.
This is not the first motorized bicycle Xiaomi has launched. Earlier this year it rolled out a similar web-connected electric bike named QiCycle R1.
The motorized bike with a $3,000 price was developed by Xiaomi-funded startup iRiding. Xiaomi has reported that the new bike is built by one of its partner companies, and some media outletsbelieve Electric Folding Bike is also manufactured by iRiding.
The new electric bicycle will be crowdfunded in Xiaomi's Mi Home app like its Mi Drone. As a result the product will not be released until it is fully funded like Kickstarter campaigns.
Xiaomi is marketing the new folding bicycle as an extraordinary mode of transportation to get around China's crowded cities. The nation actually has more electric bikes than cars.
People with city commutes could also use Xiaomi's electric scooters during their daily trips. theycould handle the last miles to the office or back home.
The Chinese company's new electric bike is part of its new MiEcosystem. The function of the ecosystem is to sell hardware and other products from partners.
Xiaomi's new QiCycle will have a lot of competition. However, its lower price could help it to boost sales figures against other e-bike makers.
Here aresome top electric bikes: