NIU KQi3 Pro Review

Performance Report Summary

Top Speed

Equipped with a 48V 350W motor that can produce a peak power output of 700W and a top speed of 20 mph, it’s a nippy little operator for inner city routes.

Where it shines, though, is in its ability to remain supremely stable no matter your speed. This is a result of its low center of gravity, well-balanced frame, and expertly-crafted geometry.

Top Speed vs Price

With a retail price of $799, it can be compared with 9 other models within a $300 price bracket. Here, it achieves a mid-table ranking with the EMOVE Touring ruling the roost.

Boasting a 48V 500W motor, the Touring is equipped with 43% more nominal power, resulting in a top speed of 25 mph.

However, I’d encourage you to consider the Horizon 13. It shares the same motor as the EMOVE, and despite being just 2 mph slower, it would be my preferred option out of the two. Thanks to the evenly distributed weight of its frame, everything from the handlebars to the chassis feels aligned. Paired with its suspension system, vibrations are softened making it feel incredibly stable while riding fast.

Nevertheless, the KQi3 Pro still has enough power to satisfy beginners and commuters looking for a reliable, yet zippy scooter for busy urban environments.

Acceleration

The KQi3 Pro accelerates from 0-15 mph in 5.0 seconds flat.

You do, however, have to kick to start, since there’s no zero-start function. This can make getting out of the blocks feel a little slower, though once in motion the throttle is smooth as silk.

Yet, if you did want to turn the acceleration dial up a notch, you could always invest some extra dollars in the KQi3 Max, which is 14% faster thanks to its bigger 48V 450W motor.

Most impressive of all, though, is that the Pro manages to go toe-to-toe with Horizon, despite it sporting a motor that’s 30% less powerful (350W vs 500W).

Mileage

Armed with a battery that packs 486Wh, it has a maximum range of 31 miles. Though, as to be expected, under real-world riding conditions, you can expect to keep the wheels rolling for 22 miles.

The battery can be recharged in just 6 hours, and thanks to NIU’s patented battery management system, it benefits from 14 different types of protection to ensure efficiency throughout every ride, whilst also keeping it healthy for years to come.

Mileage vs Price

Compared to its similarly-priced competitors, it achieves a fourth-place ranking.

The Turboant V8 is the winner here, and that’s because it has not one, but two 36V 7.5Ah batteries – one of which is detachable. Compared to the KQi3 Pro, these hold 11% more energy (540Wh vs 486Wh).

However, the devil is in the detail. When we look at the real-world range, the KQi3 Pro gives the V8 a run for its money by achieving 22 miles vs the V8’s 25 miles. Ultimately, a long-range alone isn’t enough to achieve stardom status; and when we consider that the KQi3 Pro’s build quality tops the V8, it presents itself as a worthy contender.

Two other scooters worth mulling over are the EMOVE Touring and Horizon 13. Both rank on either side of the KQi3 Pro with just 1 mile separating them. Importantly, they are the only models to have full suspension systems which is a major advantage for long rides. Pitted against each other, the Horizon comes out on top because it soaks up soaks more effectively.

Hill Climbing

With just a single motor, it hasn’t been made to dominate steep inclines.

It will, however, navigate gentle slopes of up to 9 degrees with relative ease, while its rated maximum is 11 degrees.

Shock Absorption

Like the rest of NIU’s scooters, it doesn’t come equipped with a suspension system. Yet, thanks to its pneumatic tires, it makes relatively smooth work of streets and sidewalks.

Just stick to smooth surfaces and you’ll enjoy the ride.

Braking

One of the few issues I had when testing the KQi2 Pro was its lackluster braking performance. Thankfully, NIU has addressed this with the KQi3 Pro by jettisoning the single drum for two discs.

More impressive, is the fact that it’s the only scooter in the sub-$800 class to have dual mechanical brakes and a variable regen system.

The harder you squeeze on the brake levers, the more regen braking you get. This is a big upgrade on the standard integration of this feature which typically uses sensors with an on/off switch to turn the regen brake fully on or off.

You can also use it without using the mechanical brakes. It kicks in as soon as you release the throttle. You do, however, need to judge your stopping distance. And, as previously mentioned, you can adjust its strength via the app.

With all of the brakes working in unison, it came to a complete stop from 15 mph in just 2.2 meters.

Ride Quality

The wider-than-average handlebars, ergonomic cockpit, and rock-solid stem unite with the low center of gravity, well-balanced frame, and expertly-crafted geometry to deliver best-in-class handling.

However, an important part of ride quality is comfort, and while the KQi3 Pro delivers in some areas, it falls a little short in others. Take, for example, the tires. Pneumatic and with a profile that promises stability, responsive steering, and grip, they perform extremely well no matter if you’re racing along at top speeds, cornering, or braking.

However, there’s no denying that they would benefit from being paired with a suspension system. Against scooters like the Horizon, there’s a noticeable difference in its ability to soak up shocks.

Nevertheless, when you take into account everything that KQi3 Pro has to offer in both the ride and build quality departments, it remains one of the most comfortable scooters in its price class. This is especially true if you plan to ride on well-maintained roads.