Today, we’re testing and reviewing the Niu KQi3 Max electric scooter, the top model from
Niu’s lineup of electric scooters. It has great specs like a top speed of 24mph, range
of 40 miles, and a solid build quality that is designed to be ultra durable. In our other
videos, we tested and compared both the Niu KQi2 and KQi3 Pro, and in this video we’ll
be putting the KQi3 Max to the test to see how this beast ranks.
It retails for $950 from Niu’s website, but it’s available on Amazon with free prime
shipping. And there’s some deals available, so we’ll put links in the description of
this video to the best prices, and coupon codes to save you money.
Taking a look at the unboxing and setup, the scooter ships in a large box along with the
manual, charger, and some tools.
There’s minimal setup required, all you need to do is plug in the handlebar, drop
it in the stem and use the included screws to secure it. Before you get riding, you do
need to download and install the app to register the scooter. You also need to watch a beginner
tutorial with safety tips. And if that wasn’t enough, the scooter stays in a low speed mode
with a top speed of 6mph for about a half mile of riding until you can change the riding
modes. While annoying, they must do this for liability reasons and keeping riders safe.
For the design, it’s similar to the KQi3 Pro, but with a more aggressive styling. It
comes in a Space Gray color along with red accents on the brake calipers and cables.
We really like this color combo, which makes it stand out compared to the other models.
The bottom deck is large, giving your feet plenty of space to stand. And with a max rider
weight of 265lb, the KQi3 Max can handle the heaviest riders out there.
Looking at the specs, the KQi3 Max is the fastest, most powerful and longest range electric
scooter from Niu’s lineup. It features a 450 watt rear motor, which has a peak output
of 900 watts. That means it has no problem climbing hills up to 25% grade, and the powerful
motor can hit speeds of up to 24mph.
Going fast means you’ll want good brakes, and the KQi3 Pro has triple brakes- dual disc
in the front and rear, along with a regenerative braking that automatically kicks in and uses
the motor to slow down– while recharging the battery. The braking is strong, bringing
it to a quick stop– and you can even lock the rear brake for some slides.
Speaking of the battery, the KQi3 Max has a 608 watt hour battery, which gives it a
huge range of up to 40 miles. Now, that range is advertised which means your true range
will depend on how much you weigh and how fast you go. But in our tests we found that
even a 170lb rider riding mostly in the highest speeds, was still able to get at least 30
miles of range. That’s plenty of range for even the longest commutes.
For wheels, the KQi3 Max has 9 and ½ inch wheels, and self-healing tires that will automatically
seal when punctured, which helps prevent flat tires.
The one thing the KQi3 doesn’t have is dedicated suspension, but as long as you’re keeping
it to the streets and bike paths and not going offroad - it handles just fine. But you’ll
want to avoid large potholes and obstacles on the road.
For the handlebars, they are wider than most other scooters, which is perfect for taller
riders and helps you turn easily. There’s also a small LCD screen in the middle which
is simple and easy to see, even in the direct sunlight. It shows you simple details like
your current speed, battery life and if the lights are on or off. Using the button underneath
the screen, you can change the riding modes or turn the lights on or off.
Speaking of lights, we really like the halo headlight on the KQi3 Max. The halo stays
on during the day, and the main light turns on when you turn on the lights. It’s also
adjustable, so you can aim it higher or lower depending on preference. It also has reflectors
and a large rear tail light with brake indicator - so you’ll be plenty visible at night.
The scooter also has bluetooth and app connectivity, and the Niu app has a clean UI with solid
features. You can check the battery life, lock and unlock the scooter, and track your
rides and see ride records.
You can also adjust some of the settings like turn on cruise control mode and change energy
recovery settings for the regenerative braking. We also like that the app gives detailed information
about the battery health, including how many cycles it’s had, temperature, and overall
battery score– so you can keep an eye on it over time.
For folding and carrying, the mechanism is well made and easy to operate. The rear latch
locks in easily with a button to release. For the weight of these scooters, it comes
in at 46 lbs, you’re not going to want to carry them very far as they are heavy. While
it’s a little heavier than other scooters, that’s because it’s a quality build and
material, and you get significantly more range from the big battery.
One important aspect to consider with electric scooters is build quality and durability.
We’ve tested many electric scooters over the years from different brands, and we can
tell that Niu has the best build quality and components we’ve seen from any other scooter.
Niu includes a 2 year warranty on the KQi3 Max, which is one of the longest and best
warranties we’ve seen for an electric scooter of this price. Most other brands offer a 1
year or less warranty. So, they stand behind their promise that these electric scooters
are built to last.
Overall, the Niu KQi3 is one the most powerful, sturdiest scooter at this price point, with
a higher top speed and carrying capacity than the competition while still being light and
easy to fold and carry. Alright, that’s it for now. Next, be sure
to check out our other electric scooter reviews and comparisons.