Electric motorcycle and scooter manufacturers are shaping the future of urban mobility by introducing innovative offerings. While many options in the market cater to quiet and zero-emissions transport for cities, there’s a shift towards electric motorcycles designed for recreation and enjoyment as battery technology advances.
Electric Motorcycle
An example of this trend is the QJ Motor OAO Pro, a recently launched electric sportbike by Chinese manufacturer QJ Motor. This motorcycle, previously known as the QJ Motor RX and unveiled at EICMA 2022, has undergone refinements and improvements. The initial concept model had a range of 120 kilometres (75 miles), but the new OAO Pro boasts an impressive range of 170 kilometres (106 miles) per charge.
Urban Mobility
The OAO Pro is equipped with a mid-mounted electric motor, delivering a nominal output of five kilowatts (seven horsepower) and peaking at 10 kilowatts (14 horsepower) for swift acceleration. This motor provides continuous power across the rev range, resulting in rapid and responsive acceleration. The bike is powered by a 72-volt, 90-ampere-hour battery pack, with regenerative braking gradually replenishing the battery.
Top Speed
With these performance figures, the QJ Motor OAO Pro achieves a top speed of 60 miles per hour, making it a notable choice for urban commuting and recreation. Although it falls short of a full-fledged sportbike in terms of speed, QJ Motor positions the OAO Pro as a “sportbike-style commuter.” The inclusion of a manual transmission, albeit with four gears, aims to recreate the engaging riding experience of traditional sportbikes.
Regenerative Braking
Weighing in at 164 kilograms, the OAO Pro boasts a lightweight design, further enhancing its agility. The sportbike also offers rider-friendly features, including a low seat height of 780 millimetres, ABS-equipped brakes for confident stops, LED lights for clear visibility, and an LCD instrument cluster with a convenient USB socket to keep riders informed and connected.
Pricing
What’s truly remarkable is the competitive pricing of the QJ Motor OAO Pro. Priced at just 29,999 Yuan (approximately $4,150 USD), this electric sportbike provides an enticing option for enthusiasts. For those seeking fast-charging capabilities (requiring only four hours for a full charge), the premium version is available for 31,999 Yuan (about $4,430 USD).
Here are some of the pros and cons of the QJ Motor OAO Pro:
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Good range
- Lightweight
- Manual transmission
- ABS brakes
- LED lights
Cons:
- Not yet available outside of China
- Only four gears in the transmission
Conclusion and Global Market Expansion
While it remains uncertain if QJ Motor has plans to introduce the OAO Pro to markets beyond China, its combination of performance, affordability, and recreational appeal showcases the evolving landscape of electric motorcycles and their potential impact on urban mobility.
