- Excellent build quality and design
- Smooth ride with large, puncture-resistant tires
- Strong braking system with safety features
- Effective hill climbing up to moderate inclines
- Great value for money for an entry-level scooter
- Lacks suspension, relying on tires for comfort
- Heavy at 41 lbs, making it less portable
Recently, one of my friends got a Niu Kqi2 Pro electric scooter, and he was talking about its positives that “You won’t believe the value you get for the price!” He praised its impeccable build quality, highlighting the sturdy metal frame and reliable kickstand. Intrigued, I decided to review it myself and borrowed it from him for a short while.
Through initial expressions, the scooter was looking strong. My friend mentioned that the assembly process was straightforward; with just a few screws, you’re ready to ride. Beyond its durability and power, the scooter’s design is also visually appealing. During unboxing, he found tools and screws to assemble the handlebars, along with a spare deck grip for customization. The specifications listed on the website are noteworthy, particularly considering the price range.
Niu KQi2 Pro Electric Scooter
Features:
- Motor: 300-watt hub motor
- Tires: 10-inch pneumatic tubeless tires
- Brakes: Dual braking system (front drum, rear regenerative)
- Battery: 48V, 7Ah battery with up to 25-mile range
- Special Feature: App integration with sport mode and scooter lock
Smoother Ride Without Dedicated Suspension
While the scooter lacks dedicated suspension, the ride comfort was surprisingly smooth, thanks to its large 10-inch pneumatic tubeless tires. These tires are designed to be puncture-resistant and are less prone to flats compared to tubed tires. My friend was initially torn between the Hiboy S2 and the Niu KQi2 Pro but ultimately chose the KQi2 due to its tires, which effectively absorb bumps on uneven surfaces. I also rode on some rough pavement and encountered small potholes, and found that the scooter provided a smoother ride than expected.
Although direct competitors of the KQi2 Pro may offer suspension systems at an additional cost, I would still prefer the KQi2 Pro. The tires performed admirably without suspension, and adding suspension would not only increase weight but also incur extra expenses. Therefore, considering the performance and value, the KQi2 Pro stands out as a preferred choice in its price range.
Top Speed
The advertised speed of the Niu KQi2 Pro is 17.4 mph, achievable on flat terrains. During my journey, I managed to reach a speed of 16.5 mph, which is still quite satisfactory. The scooter offers two modes: eco and sport mode. Eco mode limits the scooter to 9 mph, while sport mode allows you to reach the top speed. It’s worth noting that you can’t unlock the sport mode without completing the tutorial on the app and riding at a maximum speed of 8 mph for at least 200 meters which may inconvenience some users but proves beneficial for beginners.
One notable absence is the lack of cruise control, meaning you can’t maintain a constant speed. While some may prefer this level of control, it’s not a significant drawback. However, one aspect I personally dislike about this scooter is its kick-start feature. Unlike zero kick-start scooters, you need to push the scooter a few meters to activate the throttle. However, the acceleration is smooth and not aggressive, providing good control even at higher speeds.
Battery and Range
The scooter is equipped with a 48V, 7 amp battery, providing a power output of 365 watt-hours. While the advertised range is 25 miles per charge, achieving this may not be realistic. During my testing, I managed to cover a range of only 13-14 miles in sport mode, cruising at 16 miles per hour, and encountering slopes of 10-15 degrees in my route. It’s worth noting that the advertised range could potentially be achieved in eco mode, at a restricted speed of 9 mph. Charging the scooter from empty with its 7 amp battery takes approximately 7 hours. While this may seem like a long wait, it’s manageable by charging overnight to ensure the scooter is fully charged for morning commutes.
The Handlebars
As mentioned earlier, the design of the KQi2 Pro scooter is visually appealing and offers all the features expected in an entry-level scooter. The handlebars are wide, providing ample room for comfortable handling, and the throttle is smooth and easy to grip for extended periods. Positioned centrally, the neat display shows battery bars and current speed mode, ensuring clear visibility of essential information while riding.
One thing I personally liked is its impressive headlight. The halo-shaped light provides excellent visibility in low-light conditions, making it one of the best headlights I’ve seen on a scooter thus far. Activating the light is simple; pressing the power button twice toggles it on and off. Additionally, on the left handlebar, there is a brake lever for controlling the front drum brake and rear regenerative brake.
The Niu KQi2 Pro isn’t exactly a portable scooter. While its folding and latching mechanism is straightforward and hassle-free, its weight is a significant drawback, weighing nearly 41 lbs. This makes it bulky to carry around, especially if you live on the second or third floor.
Braking
I really appreciate having the dual braking system, with both the front drum brake and the rear regenerative brake. While cruising downhill at 17 mph, the brakes performed well, providing sufficient stopping power without causing me to lean forward, ensuring a smooth braking experience. However, I do have some concerns about the regen braking—it didn’t feel very smooth, and I didn’t notice much battery saving when coasting downhill. But, I still use it for additional braking power. The regular drum brakes work fine, though. Also, the brake lights are quite bright and flash when you apply the brakes, adding to the safety features of the vehicle.
Hill Climbing Ability
The KQi2 Pro is equipped with a 300 watt hub motor, which provides sufficient power for most terrains. During my ride, I encountered slopes ranging from 10 degrees, and the scooter managed to navigate these hills adequately. While cruising at 15 miles per hour, the speed decreased to around 10 mph on moderate inclines, but the scooter still managed to ascend.
However, on steeper inclines (20 degrees), the scooter’s speed decreased further, sometimes dropping to as low as 5 mph. At one point, I even had to kick the scooter to assist its ascent. While the scooter can handle inclines of 7 to 8 degrees easily, it may struggle on steeper inclines and isn’t ideally suited for such terrain.
Is it Suitable for Riding in Rain?
While I haven’t personally tested the KQi2 Pro in rainy conditions, based on its features and specifications, I believe it could handle light wet conditions effectively. The scooter is equipped with an IP54 water-resistant rating, indicating a degree of protection against water ingress. Additionally, its large pneumatic tubeless tires provide strong grip and stability on wet surfaces, reducing the likelihood of slipping.
The rear mudguard is designed to protect the rider from dirt and water puddles, enhancing its suitability for riding in damp conditions. However, it’s important to note that while the scooter can handle wet surfaces and small water puddles, it may not be suitable for heavy rains or extremely wet conditions.
App Integration
The Niu KQi2 Pro app has its ups and downs for sure. First off, you’ve got to go through the tutorial on the app to unlock certain features like the sport mode, which is a bit of a hassle but worth it for the beginners. The app’s ability to lock the scooter is amazing. Once it’s locked through the app, nobody can unlock it unless you do it yourself, which is a fantastic security feature giving peace of mind.
However, there are some issues. Sometimes, getting Bluetooth to connect can be a real headache, and I’ve had to restart the app or even my phone to make it work, which is annoying. Also, there’s this weird thing where the speedometer on the app doesn’t quite match up with what’s on the scooter’s display. Like, if I’m going 15 mph, the app might show a slightly lower speed. It’s a bit concerning, but hopefully, they’ll fix it with updates soon.
Is the Price Worth it?
Definitely Yes! The scooter is a great value for money. Its fast, impressive range within its class, and, perhaps most importantly, exceptional ride comfort. Without dedicated suspension system, the scooter absorb bumps very effectively. It was a bit noisy while handling inclines. It’s a great entry level scooter, easily manageable even for beginners. Moreover, its strong build quality and excellent design enhance its appeal. It’s the ideal choice for teenagers commuting to colleges and serves as a perfect gift option.
Niu KQi2 Pro Electric Scooter
Features:
- Motor: 300-watt hub motor
- Tires: 10-inch pneumatic tubeless tires
- Brakes: Dual braking system (front drum, rear regenerative)
- Battery: 48V, 7Ah battery with up to 25-mile range
- Special Feature: App integration with sport mode and scooter lock
