The Xiaomi QiCycle electric bike is a compact folding e-bike designed for city trips where you want pedal help, a smaller bike to store, and ride information on a screen or phone. The commonly discussed model is the QiCYCLE EF1: it combines a 250W assist motor, a folding aluminum frame, three Shimano gears, and a claimed range of about 45 km per charge.
What is the Xiaomi QiCycle EF1?
The QiCYCLE EF1 is an electric folding bicycle sold under Xiaomi’s QiCycle brand. It is built around a central frame beam that holds its battery, so it can fold for apartment storage, public-transport connections, or a car trunk.
The design answers the main reason people buy an electric bike: you still pedal, while the motor adds assistance as you ride. For a short commute, that can make a hill, headwind, or a change of clothes at work feel less daunting. For broader buying context, see our electric bikes review.
QiCycle EF1 specs at a glance
| Item | QiCYCLE EF1 listing details |
|---|---|
| Bike type | Folding bicycle |
| Frame | Aluminum alloy |
| Wheel size | 16 inches |
| Motor | 250W, 36V |
| Maximum listed speed | 20 km/h |
| Battery | 5,800mAh / 208.8Wh, 18650-cell type |
| Claimed riding distance | About 45 km |
| Listed charge time | About 3 hours |
| Gears | Three-mode Shimano derailleur |
| Display and connection | 1.8-inch TFT display; Bluetooth 4.0 BLE |
| Brakes | Front caliper brake; rear IM31 roller brake |
These details come from the Xiaomi Mijia QiCYCLE EF1 listings at E-Scooter UAE Hub and HA Middle East. The 45 km figure is a maker claim, so use it as a planning figure rather than a promise for every route.
How does a QiCycle electric bike work?
The EF1 uses pedal assistance. A torque-measurement system reads how hard you are pedaling and calls for motor assistance to match, rather than replacing pedaling altogether. The 250W motor is integrated into the front hub, and the bike’s computer shows ride information such as speed, distance, power, and time.
This is why an e-bike can still have gears. The motor helps with your effort; the three-speed Shimano drivetrain still lets you choose a comfortable pedaling gear for starts, slopes, and faster flat riding. The QiCycle is not described as a throttle-only bike in the product details here, so do not assume it includes a hand throttle.
Why choose a folding electric bike instead of a regular bike?
A folding e-bike fits a particular kind of trip: ride to a station, fold it; keep it inside rather than leaving it outside; or carry it between a home, office, and car. The QiCycle’s 16-inch wheels and folding frame are aimed at that city-use job rather than mountain-bike trails.
Its connected features are part of the appeal, too. The Verge’s QiCycle coverage described a companion app for distance, speed, GPS location, calorie, and other ride data. GSMArena’s report also described Bluetooth syncing and a handlebar display.
How do you charge the QiCycle, and which charger fits?
The EF1 listings specify a 208.8Wh battery, a 42V charging limit, and an approximate three-hour charge time. The charger needs to match the EF1 battery and charging specification exactly. A replacement item marketed for the QiCycle EF1 is listed separately on AliExpress; match the connector, voltage, model name, and seller documentation before ordering a replacement.
For running costs, electricity use depends on your local rate. A 208.8Wh battery holds 0.2088 kWh when fully charged, before charging losses. If you want to understand the difference between device consumption and a household bill, our guide on electricity-saving gadgets explains the useful checks.
QiCycle price: what did it cost, and what should you pay now?
At its 2016 introduction, reports placed the QiCycle at 2,999 Chinese yuan, around $455 or £300 at the time. That is a launch-price reference, not a current U.S. price.
| Listing | Price shown | Availability shown |
|---|---|---|
| E-Scooter UAE Hub, QiCYCLE EF1 | AED 2,990 sale price | Sold out; shipping calculated at checkout |
| HA Middle East, QiCYCLE EF1 | AED 2,850 sale price | Sold out; shipping calculated at checkout |
Prices above were shown on October 21, 2026. Check the checkout for today’s price, delivery destination, tax, and whether the exact EF1 configuration is actually available before you place an order.
Is the QiCycle a good match for your commute?
It suits you best when you need a small folding bike for paved city riding and value pedal assistance, a compact frame, three gears, and Bluetooth ride tracking. It is less naturally suited to the “electric mountain bike” job, since the available EF1 details describe a 16-inch folding commuter rather than an off-road model.
The reported 14.5 kg aluminum-frame weight matters if you expect to carry it upstairs or onto a train. Earlier coverage also mentioned a much lighter 7.8 kg carbon-fiber QiCycle version; do not treat that as the EF1’s weight when comparing a listing.
Before you order a QiCycle EF1
- Confirm the exact model is EF1, not a similarly named QiCycle or accessory.
- Ask for the included charger model and confirm it matches the listed 42V charging limit.
- Confirm the battery condition, folding latch condition, brakes, and tire condition if buying used.
- Check the delivered price, shipping, return terms, and warranty for your location before paying.
- Make sure your route and local e-bike rules suit a 20 km/h, pedal-assist folding bike.
By InfinitePowerSolutions.com Technology Desk
