New Talaria Dirtbike Immediately Catches Fire, Sparking Battery Fears

Plus, Segway shows off offroading e-scooter.

September 12, 2024

Welcome to Ride Review, your weekly roundup of new tech and vehicle launches in the world of micromobility.

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What You Need to Know Today

This week Ride Review takes an in-depth look at the NIU KQi 100P electric scooter. Priced at $349, is the KQi 100P perfect for those who want an affordable and foldable ride? Watch here to find out.

A brand-new Talaria MX5 Sting Pro erupted into flames in the United States, just one week after the e-moto launched. The company says it normally sources its batteries from the well-respected manufacturer Greenways, but because of a "clerical error," a batch of MX5s built with batteries from another supplier called Scud were mistakenly shipped to the U.S, which caused the fire. The brand’s American distributor, Luna Cycles, is offering replacement batteries for any MX5 that is equipped with a Scud battery.

On a related note: the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission urges consumers NOT to use ‘universal’ chargers, or chargers that haven’t been tested and approved to work safely on your specific micromobility ride. Incompatible chargers can cause the battery to ignite and result in a serious fire.

Xtracycle’s new Hopper is billed as a premium but affordable e-cargo bike for families. Priced at $2,499, the Hopper might be the right blend of components and safety features that entice families to replace the car.

Image Credit: Xtracycle

A movie cameo and Instagram posts reveal signs of life for the defunct $130,000 Arc Vehicles electric motorcycle.

Yadea displayed multiple new vehicles with the desire to collaborate with new European distributors. On display were 4 new e-scooters that meet European certification standards, including the ElitePrime, EliteMax, Artist, and KS6 Pro. They also announced a new version of its popular Trooper01 e-bike that is equipped with an EU-legal 250W motor.

With 11-inch tubeless tires, front and rear suspension, 6” of deck-to-ground clearance, and a new stability enhancement system, Segway's Ninebot ZT3 Pro could be a game-changer in off-road e-scooters.

Image Credit: Segway

Gazelle added three new models to its 2025 e-bike lineup. The affordable Medeo T9 and Madeo T9 City will get larger frame-integrated batteries and designed with smaller frame sizes with 27.5” wheels to accommodate smaller riders. On the premium end, the new Ultimate C8 gets the Bosch Smart System for enhanced anti-theft security, navigation, and ride customization.

Two-wheel EV veteran Yologo launched 2 e-mopeds, the Yolo01 and the B2B-focused Yolo02, as well as the retro-styled City Monster e-moto which is scheduled to arrive in 2025. If you’re an interested dealer, Yogolo is looking for distribution partners in the EU and US.

Prodrive, known for its custom racing creations, is collaborating with Astheimer Design to build the Elm Mobility L7e class Evolv electric van. This minimobility delivery van has 1,100 lbs of cargo capacity and will rally through plenty of last-mile deliveries with 100 miles of range. Unfortunately, we’ll need to wait until 2028 for production.

Image Credit: Elm M

Tout Terrain is developing an e-MTB outfitted with the Pinion MGU (integrated mid-drive motor and 12-speed Pinion Gearbox). The aluminum hardtail Divide 5.1 e-MTB is available for pre-order for €7,799 and scheduled to ship in Q2 2025.

ENGWE is stepping into the utility e-bike market as it teases its first-ever cargo e-bike. Details are limited, but it appears to be a long-tail design with fat tires, a frame-integrated battery, and possibly a built-in cargo container on the rear rack. Stay tuned.

Are you considering the Lectric XP 3.0 for your next e-bike? In the latest episode of The Perfect Ride Series, we put the Lectric XP 3.0 and the XP 3.0 Step-Thru e-bikes head to head to make it easy for you to compare and decide. Watch here

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