Niu Kqi3 Max Review

The Niu Kqi3 Max is built for performance - so you can expect top ratings when it comes to a powerful motor, mega-capacity battery, and shock-absorbing tires. Extra amenities include a highly acclaimed halo headlight for improved visibility, a cruise control function for tackling longer journeys, and an IP54 dust and water resistance rating for peace of mind on those dreary days.

Performance Comparison

Range

Range is one of our most important considerations - no one wants to be stuck pushing around their scooter when they could be riding it. As such, we measure range by riding a fully charged scooter at 14 miles per hour until the battery dies. Here, the Kqi3 Max excels. Its substantial 608.4-watt-hour lithium-ion battery easily holds a charge for 2.4 hours or nearly 30 miles in our tests. The cruise control feature was a nice perk, allowing us to give our thumbs a break and enjoy the ride. While our measured range is less than the manufacturer's 40-mile claim, riders lighter than our 195-pound tester or those riding at a slower speed may be able to travel longer distances.

The Max's performance was particularly impressive because it held a consistent speed for nearly the entire range test. This is due to the scooter's 48-volt battery, which improves efficiency and keeps the scooter from slowing down at the end of the battery life. Other models (typically with 36-volt batteries) tend to putter out as the battery drains, eeking by at a slow 6-mile-per-hour pace. But not the Max; it happily strutted along at 14 miles per hour, even after the battery indicator light started to blink and let us know we were running low on juice. It wasn't until the last 0.2 miles that we experienced a rapid drop in speed. Therefore, its effective range (how far the scooter travels at 14 miles per hour) was not far off from its maximum range (how far the scooter travels at any speed).

The extended battery life is convenient for less frequent recharges. You'll appreciate this when considering the battery's longer-than-average charge time. At 7.8 hours, you likely won't be able to charge this puppy on the go, but then again, you won't be charging often. The battery is UL-certified, meaning it meets strict safety standards, so you'll have to worry less about those sporadic battery fires. Still, the user manual recommends avoiding overnight charging or charging for extended periods unattended.

Power

We measure power in two ways: top speed and hill climbing ability. In both of these metrics, the Kqi3 Max excels.

Its top scores are no surprise, given the scooter's nominal 450-watt and peak 900-watt motor. Put simply, this scooter consistently maintains a 450-watt power consumption, but when pushed to the limits (say going uphill), it can safely supply short bursts of 900 watts to achieve even greater performance.

First, let's discuss how the Niu took on hills at full throttle. On our smallest 3.5% slope, the scooter's powerful motor thrust it up at a speedy 18 miles per hour. Impressive! When challenged further with a 10.5% grade, the Niu slowed but persevered at 10 miles per hour. This result sets it apart from the economy models in our lineup that fail to ascend this mid-grade hill. Upping the ante with a 15% grade, the Niu failed to rise to the challenge. However, only a few models in our years of testing can ascend this biggest monstrosity.

On one occasion, after 30 minutes of vigorous riding on fairly steep hills, the Niu overheated and shut down on us. This is likely because we pressured the 900-watt peak power system for too long. The shutdown, while admittedly inconvenient, is a nice safety feature.

On flat ground, we measured the top speed by timing how long it took the Niu to traverse a 100-foot course with the throttle fully depressed. The Kqi3 Max reached a whopping 20 miles per hour, leaving other competitors in the dust. While this is less than the 24-mile-per-hour max speed advertised by Niu, our speedometer did read a tad closer at 22 miles per hour. Whether you trust our measured top speed or the speed displayed on the scooter's speedometer, this premium scooter is a speed demon.

It's important to note that we first had to “unlock” the speed governor in the Niu app before completing our top speed tests. Niu engineered this system to comply with federal traffic regulations that limit electric scooter speeds to 20 miles per hour on public streets and sidewalks. Adjusting the maximum allowable speed is fairly straightforward, but connecting to the app can sometimes be slow and frustrating. You'll also want to check your local traffic laws before riding willy-nilly at top speed, as some areas limit electric scooters to 15 miles per hour. Without unlocking the maximum speed, you can expect the Kqi3 Max to reach a still admirable 18 miles per hour at full throttle.

When reviewing our results, keep in mind that a 195-pound rider performed all our power tests. So, if you're lighter, you will likely see an improvement in the top speed and hill climbing ability. For heavier riders, the Niu has a generous 265-pound maximum load capacity that trumps the more typical 220-pound limit provided by most other scooters.

Ride Comfort

Whether zipping around uneven terrain or enjoying a long scenic ride, the Niu is incredibly comfortable.

We assess ride comfort by riding each scooter over our pothole-riddled road course, which has loads of bumps and cracks from deteriorating asphalt (thank you, Tahoe winters). The Max was “smooth sailing” over bumpy roads and gravel, and even “small cracks go pretty much unnoticed.” Medium- and large-sized cracks can be a bit jarring, but not so much that you lose any control. We “felt pretty confident going over just about any size crack at full speed,” but giant potholes were a different story. This is because the Niu lacks a suspension system. However, overall, we were thoroughly impressed with how this scooter rode and appreciated that we didn't feel any discomfort in our arms or back after repeatedly gunning over bumps and cracks.

The Kqi3 Max's received high ratings thanks to cushy air-filled tires. Generally, you can expect pneumatic tires to outperform solid rubber tires when it comes to comfort, but there are a few things the Kqi3 does differently to help separate it from the crowd. The larger-than-average 9.5-inch size works wonders in absorbing impacts from irregularities in the road. Plus they're tubeless and self-healing, meaning you'll have to worry less about flats, though you'll still need to keep an eye on the pressure.

The tires are also a girthy 2.5 inches wide, a dimension that Niu claims is 30% wider than most other scooter tires. The wider size helps improve traction and grip, allowing riders to carve confidently. Niu also thoughtfully designed the deck and handlebar width to improve comfort. The deck is 6.7 inches wide, while the handlebars are 21.3 inches wide. Niu claims these specs are 13-25% larger than other scooters and should help improve rider ergonomics and control.

Braking

When it comes to hitting the brakes, most other scooters can't compete with the Kqi3 Max. When traveling 12 miles per hour on flat ground, this scooter comes to a halt at a striking 8.7 feet.

The incredibly short braking distance is due to Niu's unique brake design. Whereas other scooters typically boast dual brakes, the Niu has three - two discs and a motor brake.

Two independent hand levers control this scooter's incredible stopping power and are particularly useful for managing downhill descents. Riders can engage the brakes as much or as little as they like to find the perfect speed for their comfort level. Another perk on the descents - the electric brake automatically slows the scooter down if it detects speeds above 20 miles per hour. So you don't have to worry about unwittingly gaining too much acceleration as you focus on the views around you.

A final note: the Niu has a regenerative braking system, meaning any time you slow the scooter down, you also boost battery life. The Niu app lets users customize the regenerative braking settings from Off, Weak, Medium, or Strong. On the weakest setting, the scooter will decelerate slowly when the throttle is released, producing less energy. With the strongest setting, the scooter will quickly decelerate when the throttle is released, allowing greater energy regeneration.

Portability

All the premium features of the Kqi3 Max come with added weight, 47.0 pounds to be exact. This hefty measurement tops our charts, and not in a good way. While the Max has many portable-friendly features that we will discuss here shortly, it's hard to ignore its overall weight, which we noted as “more than most people want to maneuver around.”

Ok, you've been warned. Now, onto the good stuff. First, let's discuss how the stem collapses for folding and unfolding. A symmetrically designed release latch at the front of the column is easily accessible for right- or left-handed users. Simply pull the release button up, then press down on the folding latch to disengage the redundant safety latch. Boom, now you can fold the handlebars over. To reverse the process and set the scooter up for riding mode, raise the handlebars, and the safety latch automatically engages. Then close the folding latch (which is a little stiff but not terrible), and you're ready to ride. Our most veteran tester loved the system, proclaiming this is “my kind of lever right here!”

Now, let's move on to how the handlebars secure the deck for transporting. We'll keep it simple - pop, lock, and drop it. Seriously, though, it's that easy. Drop the handlebars, and the large hook pops into the generously sized, auto-engaging fender lock. Then, you're ready to roll, or rather stroll, with the scooter in hand. To unlock, simply press the release button. This design is a step above the competition, which typically features small hooks and buckles that are cumbersome to line up. Again, our expert tester Austin had nothing but high praises, stating, “The carry latch is one the best I have seen to date.”

If we measured portability on latches alone, the Niu would be a top contender. Yet, as we previously mentioned, it's heavy. To compound this issue, Niu's carrying handle is a medium/large-sized circle, which can be hard to grip if you have small hands. While most people can likely pop this scooter into the trunk of their car without issue, they probably won't want to carry it any considerable distance. Therefore, the Niu received lower marks in our portability metric. A word of advice for those who do carry it: hold it on the non-kickstand side, as we found the kickstand would bop us in the back of the knee if it is held too closely to our body.

Should You Buy the Niu Kqi3 Max?

Whether you are a fast-paced joy rider or a leisurely commuter, the Niu Kqi3 Max is an excellent, premium scooter option. It performs well on hills, has an outstanding range, and offers a comfortable riding experience for those who enjoy long scenic rides off the beaten path. Or, if you are a city-dweller, features like an always-on halo headlight, a brake light, and a bell will help you kindly inform others to “get out of the way!” But, the premium features come with a high price tag and hefty weight. Therefore, if budget or portability are important, this may not be the scooter for you.

What Other Scooters Should You Consider?