On the eve of a family road trip to Minnesota and Chicago, I found that the Niu KQi 100P electric scooter had arrived at my doorstep, so we packed up e-scooter and took it with us. It’s an entry-level, last-mile scooter — it’s just $350 — but it’s packed with features, including Bluetooth connectivity, a rarity even in models that cost a few hundred more. If you’re after high-speed travel, you’ll need to look elsewhere (and spend much more), but it’s a solid pick for getting from A to B without breaking a sweat.
Design and features
The KQi’s design is clean and sleek. The wires are routed through the frame and are visible only at the necessary exit points. Dual tubes run from the stem to form part of the deck, and a rubberized cover provides added traction. The scooter features both front and rear lights, and I appreciate the larger rear light, which enhances visibility at greater distances compared with the smaller ones typically found on scooters of this size. Reflectors on the downtube enhance the scooter’s visibility from the side in low light.
Three reflectors and a headlight help you see and be seen.
Niu KQi 100P specifications
| Price | $349 |
|---|---|
| Motor/type | Rear wheel, 300 watt minimum, 600 watt peak |
| Top speed | 17 mph (23.6 kph) |
| Battery | 46.8 volt, 243Wh, 5.2Ah |
| Ride modes | Eco/Sport/Custom |
| Estimated travel distance | 15 miles |
| Hill climb | 15% |
| Weight | 38 pounds |
| Payload supported | 264 pounds |
| Tire size | 9.5×2.3 inches |
| Brake type | Single lever front drum/rear electronic |
| IP rating | IPX5 |
Another notable design feature is the folding lock for the handlebars. The release is located at the fender — instead of a clothes hook–style latch on the downtube, with a protruding knob for it to grasp, which can too easily break. The handlebar height and width help keep a rider’s center of gravity from pitching too far forward. I’m not a fan of scooters with low handlebars that have riders practically standing over them — you’re just one pothole away from a face-plant. At 6 feet tall, I can easily shift my weight behind the KQi 100P’s handlebars during an emergency stop.
Again, this scooter has a lot packed into it, especially for its entry-level price. For instance, the display is clear and easily visible in daylight. It shows the current speed, battery level (in bars), and Bluetooth connection status.
There’s an iOS/Android app for taking advantage of the Bluetooth connection. The app can be used to lock the scooter, preventing it from rolling, and triggering a beeping noise if the scooter is tampered with. You can also toggle the kick-start on or off; switch between kilometers and miles; adjust takeoff and regenerative brake levels; and view the battery level in percentage, as well as the estimated range remaining. You can even set a charge limit to prevent the scooter from overcharging. The charger itself isn’t perfect, though: Its design requires a fair amount of force to plug it in to the unit.
On the road
I enlisted the help of my family — son, daughter and nephew — for testing. Although I’m close to the scooter’s 264-pound weight limit, that didn’t stop me from taking it for a few laps as well.
The scooter has decent pickup, considering my size and its compact build. The handlebars showed no flex, and the deck felt stable under my feet. Keep in mind this is a last-mile scooter for short commutes, and depending on your size, terrain and speed, the expected 15-mile range can vary. If you’re light like my 10-year-old daughter, you can ride it for miles and hardly drop a bar. Regarding the ride, the scooter performed smoothly, thanks to its 9.5-inch pneumatic tubetires and front-spring suspension fork.
Picking up and riding the scooter is straightforward. It has a single button to turn it on, switch ride modes and activate the lights. I enabled the Kickstart feature for my nephew and daughter, which requires the scooter to be in motion before the half-twist throttle engages. This prevents the throttle from being twisted accidentally, which could cause the scooter to take off unexpectedly.
Should you buy the Niu KQi 100P?
Overall, the Niu KQi 100P is a well-constructed, lightweight last-mile scooter. It’s simple to use, and it’s approachable, unlike some larger models. It’s also great for most ages, especially if you’re smaller and lighter than me, and it won’t break the bank. It’s scheduled to be available this fall at major retailers such as Best Buy, Kohl’s and Walmart. And, as always, please remember to always wear a helmet.