The Xiaomi Ninebot C30 Is An Electric Scooter And A Bicycle At The Same Time

Priced at an equivalent of around Rs 38,000, here’s what the Ninebot C30 is about

The Xiaomi Ninebot C30 comes with a 400W motor and offers a range of around 35km. If you run out of battery power, you can conveniently pedal to your destination. It gets premium features like all-LED lighting, digital instrument cluster and a front disc brake.

Apart from smartphones and other electronic appliances, Xiaomi has been popular in certain Asian markets for its affordable and funky range of electric two-wheelers. Its latest creation, the Xiaomi Ninebot C30, has been launched in its home market. What’s so special about this EV is that while it may look like a very trendy scooter, it has pedals so that when the battery runs out, you have the assurance of pedal power. Priced at CNY 3599 (around Rs 38,000), the electric scooter costs as much as a mid-range premium smartphone. 

The Xiaomi Ninebot C30 is powered by a 400W hub motor that generates 40Nm of torque. The claimed top speed is 25kmph, meaning you can ride one without a license. The lithium-ion battery is removable, so you can take it out to your room and charge leisurely. What’s more, the seat is contoured in such a way to ensure free leg movement when you begin pedalling too. For added practicality, it also gets an apron mounted hook and a small luggage rack at the rear. 

Though it is priced competitively, the scooter doesn’t miss out on premium features. It gets a fully digital instrument cluster, LED lighting system, front disc brake and a rear drum unit. It even gets a proper telescopic front fork and a mid-mounted two-step preload adjustable monoshock.

The Xiaomi Ninebot C30 is the latest addition to the already existing C40, C60 and C80 electric scooters that were launched in December 2019. These scooters are more expensive and offer better range compared to the C30. The C40 was launched at CNY 3,999 (around Rs 42,000) and it offers a range of around 35-45km per charge. On the other hand, the C60 and C80 were launched at a price of CNY 4,699 and CNY 5,599 respectively (around Rs 50,000 to Rs 59,000). The C60 gets an approximate range of 55-65km whereas the C80 can cover up to 85km on a full charge.

In the Indian market, Mumbai-based EV brand BGauss recently launched the A2 electric scooter. It looks trendy and is loaded to the gills with features. However, at a starting price of 52,499 (ex-showroom), it is a tad expensive considering it’s a low-speed electric scooter with a limited top speed of 25kmph. It does not have pedals like the C30, but it more than makes up for it by offering a massive claimed range of 110km.