After two years of intense effort starting in 2021, the high-speed urban bike known as NAXEON “I AM” was finally unveiled at EICMA 2023. This marks NAXEON’s debut on the global market and their expansion into Europe. It’s slightly embarrassing to admit, but I hadn’t heard of this bike until I stumbled upon articles about it on Moto.it and Cleanrider – thank you for bringing it to everybody’s attention! And to make matters worse, my good friend and automotive designer Ben Surain had already sent me photos of the NAXEON “I AM” presentation at EICMA in Milan. For some unknown reason, they were buried in my inbox. Better late than never, you’ll find the lost pictures in this article.
Let’s begin with the specifications:
- 120 km/h maximum speed
- 2.8 seconds from 0 to 50 km/h
- 180 km range on the 60 km/h constant speed test
- 90 minutes from 20% to 80% charging power at maximum charge power current using the optional quick charger
- 0-100% charging in 5 hours
- Charging Port is compatible with Type 1, Type2 and GB/T automotive charging standards.
- 4.3/6.5 kwh Battery Capacity
- 6.5/7.5 kW Rated power
- 10.5 kW Peak power
- 273 Nm Peak torque
- 320 mm Wheelbase
- 800 mm Seat Height
- 110 kg Cub Weight
- 110/70-170 mm Tyre front
- 140/60-170 mm Tyre rear
And according to the website ox NAXEON, the “I AM” contains a lot of technical features: NXN Domain Controller, Vehicle System, NIS (NAXEON Interaction System), OTA functionalities, NIE New High-power Motor, Self- developed Suspension System, ABS, TCS, Parking “Snail” mode, keyless ignition, Anti-theft system and NAXEON app. More information at their website > or check out this video:
Again, this is another manufacturer who wants to enter the Light Electric Vehicle market with an equivalent of a 125 cc. Urban mobility is a fact, no doubt about it. But NAXEON goes already a bit further: the motorbike’s battery is a semi-solid state unit that provides increased energy density and faster charging (+30%) compared to a traditional battery with similar specifications. It also has a longer lifespan, and is lighter in weight. The battery comes in two options: 4.3 kWh and 6.5 kWh, allowing for a range of 120 to 180 km, making it perfect for daily commutes.
According to Moto.it, “Naxeon began its journey in 2021 in ChongQing. It was the brainchild of Mr Gang Mu, former President of Lifan, who recruited a team of twenty professionals to create a line of cutting-edge vehicles focused on commuting and entertainment. To expand into the European market, Mr. Mu partnered with Milan-based company E-Quilibrium, which already had a strong presence among Chinese automotive manufacturers. Currently, E-Quilibrium is working on establishing Naxeon’s presence in Europe, having secured distribution agreements in France and Belgium and nearing one in Germany.”
As always, I wonder about the cost of all this advanced technology. Despite its promises of high quality, the initial price for the Naxeon I AM is surprisingly affordable, especially considering the impressive equipment it offers. The estimated starting price is around 7,400 EUR. The first electric motorbikes are expected to be delivered in the spring of 2024. Although I am fan of all these lights on the side of the bike (safety on our dark roads!), I’m not certain if the European homologation process will approve of all these flashing lights …