The comparison with "2001 a space odyssey" is certainly an ambitious suggestion. But let's stop at the black monolith, a symbol of epic transitions in the evolution of mankind and - in a smaller way - let's think about the technologies that have changed our lives and the society more generally. Often the revolution does not start when a new technology is invented, but when it spreads. A bit like saying that a revolution does not happen when the light bulb is invented, but when all the houses are illuminated.

The NIU NQi GTS Sport is one of the electric scooters that is ready to make the mobility revolution. Because it is ready to erase any doubts as to whether or not to switch to electric. Specs are good, starting with the battery range, which is one of the weaknesses on electric vehicles. The NQi is capable of running for about 90km, which means that if used for urban commuting, it could be charged only once a week.

A recharge from 0 to 100% can take approximately 3.5 hours for one battery or 5 hours for both batteries. There’s also the chance to connect the scooter directly to the power or you could take the battery to your home or office and charge it like a smartphone.

Even the performance is as good as a standard scooter, in fact the NIU NQi GTS Sport can go as fast as 70kph, which is well beyond the speed limits in urban areas. The 3.1 kW engine is housed inside the rear wheel and is manufactured by Bosch. There are 14-inch wheels with a 220mm disc at the front and 180mm at the rear. The saddle, which obviously can accomodate two people, is 81 centimeters high from the ground, and the total weight of the scooter is 112 kg.

Like all NIU scooters, the NIU NQi GTS Sport is always connected and able at any time to indicate the status and position of the vehicle through a dedicated app, even in the event of theft.

The price: € 3,599.