NIU K100F/K300X Electric Scooter Adults - 600W-900W Peak Power, 18-41 Max Range, Top 17.4-23.6 MPH, Portable E Scooter w/Suspension for Commute, Sup. Turn Signal, Folding Handlebars(Only K100F)

The KQi3 Max isn't perfect, but under $800, it can't be beat and does the basics well.The acceleration is good and it can take medium hills, unlike my entry-level M365. It's hard to modulate the throttle to gently accelerate or stay at slow speeds, but the regen is nicely tuned. The brakes are grabby, but once you get used to them, you can smoothly modulate them and stop very quickly. Shock absorption isn't great because there's no suspension, but that's hard to find at $750 and below. The weight is much higher than entry-level scooters, so it's harder to carry up stairs or sling over your shoulder. Battery life is excellent, with performance dropping a reasonable amount below 50% and the scooter still usable and capable of going above 15mph.Bonus features: I like the ability to "lock" the scooter so it can't be easily rolled away by a thief, which is nice for quick stops when a U-lock is inconvenient or difficult to affix. The headlight is bright but has a limited beam width/height. There's not too many firmware settings besides top speed, although zero start is available if you don't like kicking off. Be careful: it's easy to accidentally push the throttle and swing your scooter forward!Modding: There's no major firmware modding groups for NIU, but their firmware has most of the features you'd want. It's easy to replace the handlebar grips and add accessories since it's a standard 22mm diameter. There's a repair manual available online and it's easy to access the 48V wires and put small electronics behind the dashboard (I'm adding turn signals and a brighter headlight). Unfortunately, there's no kits to "drop in" front or rear suspension, so you'd have to do a lot of fabrication. Ditto for a rear cargo rack, which is inconvenient when you're getting groceries.The competition: Below $800, you might be able to find suspension or dual motors, but I couldn't find reputable scooters that do the basics as well as the KQi3. At $850+, the Ninebot Max G2 is an excellent scooter, but rarely goes on sale or is available refurbished. It also has merely adequate brakes and worse performance below 50%, so I don't regret skipping it (although I am jealous of the better accessory options).

I tried two other scooters, including Nui's model "down" from this one (plus numerous Birds) before settling on this model. If you are a full-sized adult, then this is probably the "smallest" offering from Nui that you want. At about 235, I maintain 14-17 mph in most places, and rarely dip below 10. On flat surfaces, I do achieve 20mph after some ramp up. The scooter feels solidly built, and I love the confidence of having real front and rear brakes. I can stop going down a hill with ease, I would say the brakes can easily stop you faster that you ought to. I have no problem going up hills, unless from a dead stop, then some extra kick to get going is very useful.The charging brick is significant, and yes it does take 5-6 hours from low to charge, although I tend to charge up at 40% so it's ready in a couple hours. I've never tested it's full range, but I take frequent short trips of about 2-3 miles and never have have range anxiety in spite of only charging up once it's below 30%. So, I easily go a week or without the hassle of charging. Your mileage will literally vary.You definitely feel the road, but even with minor bumps, I still feel in control. Keep in mind this is a two-wheel vehicle with tiny wheels, so ride safely. You can't expect the same grip or performance as a 26" fat tire e-bike.Folding: I find the ability to fold it up is insanely useful. Folding allows me to keep it with me, like at an outdoor cafe table, or even a quick run into a shop if it's not too crowded, I'll carry it with me.Love:1. Good speed, even with a full-capacity load2. Dual Brakes (there are separate brake levers, like a bike)3. Wider handle bar: feels more stable4. There is a low speed mode for mixed pedestrian traffic (don't ride in crowds, but sometimes you may have to cross crowds to keep on your way)5. Folding: It will fit in the back of an SUV, can be easily carried into your destination or would probably store easily in an apartmentComplaints:1. They should really weld a nice loop on it for easy locking. Most scooters suffer this problem of having no good place to use a U-lock.2. The Single-button "UI". You have to push the one button multiple times to set certain things. So that means to change anything like speed limit, I have to come to a stop, or turning on the light, etc.3. The light could be brighter. It's bright enough to be seen, but hard to see the path in front of you at night. I recommend a lighted helmet if you plan on riding at night.

This product is very nice, well built, collapses easy, and pleasing to look at. The wide board is awesome for both my feet, side by side, pointed forward.The build took about 5 minutes and then I was off on a trial run. While some have complained you need an app for the scooter to function, that is not true.The app allows you to register via Bluetooth for updates and to digitally lock the scooter. You can also track rides and speed, elevation and change characteristics of the scooter via the app if you so choose. You absolutely do not need the app open or phone on you to operate if you don’t want to.Personally I like the app because it shows a map you can use to find locations. You will need a phone mount for that though.The only reason I did not give five stars for all is because I’m bleeding power a bit quicker than I thought. From 20%, it took about 6 hours to charge but that is a lot of riding to get it that low. It easy charges to 100% while I sleep. I would say that I will need to charge about every 3-4 days under current usage.Very fun and great over bumps and rough portions of road/sidewalk/dirt roads, breaks are touchy but good.Overall, very happy with this scooter! For reference, I’m 6’1” and 215 and my scooter still sustains the max of 22 mph on flat and slight incline terrain.