NIU Life (or life at 28mph)

 It's about time I mentioned about the dealer who I bought my NIU UQi GT Pro from. I bought it from Eco-Move in Bristol - their website is here https://eco-move.co.uk/   I cannot recommend them highly enough - they have been brilliant . Why did I choose a dealer so far away? The main two reasons were - they had the bike I wanted, and they offered part-exchange on my old bike (the SYM Joyride). The part exchange offered was at the upper end of what I was expecting - all they needed was the details of the machine and a few phone-photos. We agreed a price over the phone within minutes. Delivery was included in the price I paid (I'm not sure if that's standard, or I'm the Special One) - and delivery was within 10 days. The only delay in delivering the machine was getting the registration done through the DVLA. I paid a deposit (£200 as I remember) by bank transfer on the day I placed the order. Then I set up a bank transfer for the balance - after PEx - for a couple of ...

I've taken the NIU on a couple more rides and today was intended to be a ride up to my doctor's surgery and back. But it rained! The rain had nicely gathered in droplets on the seat and was easily brushed off - helmet on, key pressed, green button pressed, brake lever in - no green GO light.... try again, nothing. and again..... Eventually the penny dropped - the kick stand was down. Away I went. I parked it at the surgery in a 'non-parking' space where I'd seen a staff bike before, and went in for my appointment. That's when it started raining - not just any old rain, this was a biblical downpour.  As I came out into the waiting room, there was a 'proper biker' there (you know the type full leathers and a mean look!) and we commiserated each other on the weather. He was interested in the NIU and I told him my reasons for getting it - and far from being dismissive or ridiculing the bike he was interested and could see this type of machine as a good urban...