NIU
NIU – KQi2 Pro
If you’re in the market for an electric scooter that offers a reliable and fun ride at an unbeatable price, look no further than the NIU KQi2 Pro. With its impressive features and excellent build quality, this scooter is a top choice for both new and experienced riders. One standout feature of the KQi2 Pro is its exceptional water protection. Rain is of no concern, making it a reliable choice for any weather condition. Additionally, the 10” pneumatic tires help to absorb bumps and potholes, ensuring a smooth ride even on less-than-ideal surfaces. These tires are also resistant to pinch flats, which can be a common issue with other scooters. The KQi2 Pro offers a very linear throttle progression, allowing for easy and precise control. This means there’s no startling jump from “off” to “on,” and you can modulate the throttle to achieve a similar effect to a mid-range torque. This feature adds to the overall stability and safety of the scooter, reducing the risk of accidents. With a sleek design and solid construction, the KQi2 Pro feels sturdy and wobble-free. The brakes are reliable and prevent the maximum speed of around 16.3 mph from feeling risky or dangerous. Additionally, the scooter comes with a 2-year warranty, which covers all the most expensive parts, including the motor and battery. This warranty is longer and more comprehensive than what you typically find with similarly priced models. The KQi2 Pro offers a variety of customization options right out of the box. You can replace the pre-installed grip tape, and the adjustable headlight with a halo light ensures you remain visible at night for added safety. The dashboard, equipped with an onboard app, is sleek and easy to use, with an easy-to-read monitor that remains visible even in direct sunlight. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The scooter weighs over 40 lbs. and has non-folding handlebars, making it less portable than some other models. While it can still fit into a trunk or enclosed space for storage, carrying it up stairs or over long distances may be challenging. Additionally, the KQi2 Pro doesn’t offer a cushioning system, which is a trade-off to consider at this price point. In terms of performance, the acceleration is smooth but not particularly noteworthy. It is on par with other models in this class and price range. While NIU claims that the KQi2 Pro can cover 45 km on a single charge, this may not be the case with difficult terrain or larger drivers. Overall, the NIU KQi2 Pro is an impressive electric scooter that offers an easy, fun, and high-quality ride. With its affordable price, comprehensive warranty, and sleek design, it's hard to find a better scooter in the $500-$600 range. NIU is a company to keep an eye on, and the KQi2 Pro is a top contender for the best electric scooter under $600.
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13 Reasons to Purchase the NIU KQi2 Pro
- NIU has a warranty for 2 years, covering all the most expensive parts including the scooter’s motor and battery. You often get a maximum 1-year warranty (often 6 months only on the battery) with similarly priced models.
- There’s exceptional water protection – rain is of no concern.
- Like most e-scooters, the NIU KQi2 Pro doesn’t have suspension. However, the 10” pneumatic tires help to absorb any bumps or potholes. The tires are also impervious to pinch-flats, which are the leading cause of flat tires.
- The KQi2 Pro offers a very linear throttle progression – there is no startling jump from “off” to “on.” You can modulate the throttle to get a similar effect of a mid-range torque.
- The entirety of the scooter is quite solid, with no fear of it snapping or catching on even pavement. Reliable brakes add comfort and prevent the maximum speed of ~16.3 mph from feeling risky or dangerous.
- The price point is pretty unbelievable for the build quality, ease of use, warranty, and sleek design. You probably won’t find a better e-scooter or electric bike at this price point of $500-$600.
- The kickstand is easy to kick down and fold away, and gives the scooter a good lean shape.
- There’s plenty of customization right out of the box, including being able to replace the pre-installed grip tape (also a great feature!)
- The KQi2 Pro offers an adjustable headlight with a halo light that can remain on at night, which allows the rider to always be visible for added safety.
- The dashboard with an on-board app is incredibly sleek and easy to use, better than any compatible ones at this price with an easy-to-read monitor (even in sunlight.)
- The KQi2 maintains the ride quality and experience of a much more expensive e-scooter or e-bike. Implementing all their resources and experience, NIU has made a scooter that feels sturdy, stable, and completely wobble-free. This leads to a much lower risk of crashing once your hands are off the handlebars.
- A 75mm drum brake up front along with a strong regenerative brake in the rear outperforms every other e-scooter in this price class when it comes to braking.
- The e-scooter offers a variety of modes: Sport, Pedestrian, Custom, or E-Save to help you toggle the speed.
4 Reasons to Not Purchase the NIU KQi2 Pro
- At over 40 lbs. with non-folding handlebars, the portability on this e-scooter is not the best, especially if you have to carry it up stairs or long distance for a recharge. That being said, it can still easily fit into a trunk or enclosed space for storage.
- Acceleration is smooth, but nothing to write home about: totally on par with other models in this class and price point.
- The KQi2 doesn’t offer a cushioning system, but this also may just be impossible to find at this price point.
- While NIU states that the KQi2 Pro is capable of covering 45 km of road on a single charge, this isn’t the case with more difficult terrain or larger drivers.
Bottom Line
The NIU’s KQi2 Pro is more than a short-distance e-scooter capable of commuting around the neighborhood. This is not the same experience as riding your kid’s hard-wheel Razor scooter in the slightest. With the accompanying NIU smartphone app, you can fine-tune the details of maximum speed, stability, and regen to your preferences. Shuttling yourself around the neighborhood from point A to point B, running daily errands, and following your kids around on their bikes has never been easier than with the NIU e-scooter. While the KQi2 Pro won’t entirely replace the functionality of your car or vehicle, the e-scooter can reduce the reliance on a car for smaller daily tasks or city commuting, offering an effective e-mobility solution.