Niu KQi 100P Scooter Evaluation: A Lot of Electrical Scooter, Not a Lot of Cash

On the eve of a household street journey to Minnesota and Chicago, I discovered that the Niu KQi 100P electrical scooter had arrived at my doorstep, so we packed up e-scooter and took it with us. It is an entry-level, last-mile scooter — it is simply $350 — nevertheless it’s filled with options, together with Bluetooth connectivity, a rarity even in fashions that value a number of hundred extra. In the event you’re after high-speed journey, you will must look elsewhere (and spend rather more), nevertheless it’s a strong decide for getting from A to B with out breaking a sweat. 

Design and options

The KQi’s design is clear and modern. The wires are routed by the body and are seen solely on the needed exit factors. Twin tubes run from the stem to type a part of the deck, and a rubberized cowl offers added traction. The scooter options each entrance and hind lights, and I respect the bigger rear mild, which reinforces visibility at better distances in contrast with the smaller ones usually discovered on scooters of this measurement. Reflectors on the downtube improve the scooter’s visibility from the aspect in low mild. 

One other notable design function is the folding lock for the handlebars. The discharge is situated on the fender — as a substitute of a garments hook–fashion latch on the downtube, with a protruding knob for it to understand, which might too simply break. The handlebar peak and width assist preserve a rider’s middle of gravity from pitching too far ahead. I am not a fan of scooters with low handlebars which have riders virtually standing over them — you are only one pothole away from a face-plant. At 6 ft tall, I can simply shift my weight behind the KQi 100P’s handlebars throughout an emergency cease.

Once more, this scooter has rather a lot packed into it, particularly for its entry-level worth. For example, the show is evident and simply seen in daylight. It exhibits the present pace, battery degree (in bars), and Bluetooth connection standing.

There’s an iOS/Android app for profiting from the Bluetooth connection. The app can be utilized to lock the scooter, stopping it from rolling, and triggering a beeping noise if the scooter is tampered with. You can too toggle the kick-start on or off; swap between kilometers and miles; regulate takeoff and regenerative brake ranges; and think about the battery degree in share, in addition to the estimated vary remaining. You’ll be able to even set a cost restrict to stop the scooter from overcharging. The charger itself is not good, although: Its design requires a good quantity of power to plug it in to the unit.

On the street

I enlisted the assistance of my household — son, daughter and nephew — for testing. Though I am near the scooter’s 264-pound weight restrict, that did not cease me from taking it for a number of laps as properly.

The scooter has first rate pickup, contemplating my measurement and its compact construct. The handlebars confirmed no flex, and the deck felt steady underneath my ft. Take note this can be a last-mile scooter for brief commutes, and relying in your measurement, terrain and pace, the anticipated 15-mile vary can differ. In the event you’re mild like my 10-year-old daughter, you’ll be able to trip it for miles and hardly drop a bar. Concerning the trip, the scooter carried out easily, because of its 9.5-inch pneumatic tubetires and front-spring suspension fork. 

Selecting up and driving the scooter is simple. It has a single button to show it on, swap trip modes and activate the lights. I enabled the Kickstart function for my nephew and daughter, which requires the scooter to be in movement earlier than the half-twist throttle engages. This prevents the throttle from being twisted unintentionally, which might trigger the scooter to take off unexpectedly. 

Do you have to purchase the Niu KQi 100P? 

General, the Niu KQi 100P is a well-constructed, light-weight last-mile scooter. It is easy to make use of, and it is approachable, in contrast to some bigger fashions. It is also nice for many ages, particularly in case you’re smaller and lighter than me, and it will not break the financial institution. It is scheduled to be obtainable this fall at main retailers resembling Finest Purchase, Kohl’s and Walmart. And, as all the time, please keep in mind to all the time put on a helmet.