The US is ready for this super cheap urban mobility solution, says Chinese electric scooter maker

Niu Technologies, a maker of high-end electric scooters, will expand into the US market this year as the Beijing-based start-up bets its two-wheelers will catch on outside Asia as a way to help ease urban congestion.

Chief executive Li Yan said the company was seeking to broaden earnings contributed from different regions of the world, adding that income from international sales “is still a very small part of our portfolio”.

“We are selling in 27 countries compared with 17 countries this time last year. In 2019, we expect to enter new international market such as US,” said Li.

Niu, which listed on Nasdaq in October, is one of China’s major luxury electric scooter makers.

The vehicles use a lithium battery to power a Bosch electric motor under a system that provides real time telemetry on maintenance and performance data that can be access through an app.

Owners can also trace the location of the vehicle using the app, a handy option in the event of theft or when struggling to recall where the vehicle was last parked.

Niu, which literally means calf in Chinese and also implies the qualities of bravery and confidence, is banking on the growing popularity of the scooter as a reliable means of transport that can ease road congestion in cities where the automobile is dominant.