The Niu Technologies KQi3 Max has the kind of specs that should make it the ideal scooter for urban dwellers — especially those who live in hilly terrain. The 46.5-pound scooter has enough power to wisk riders through city streets at speeds of up to 20 miles per hour, handle steep hills and sharp turns all while managing a range of 40 miles.
And yet, the Niu Technologies KQi3 Max lacks some key features that its city-dwelling consumer base will want.
After a month of testing the KQi3 Max, I found the scooter had plenty of zip, power and battery range. But it missed the mark on sturdiness, safety and security features and weight — areas that one would expect to be covered for the $999 price. Niu has other versions of the KQi3 in its range, including the Sport ($699, top speed 17.4 mph) and the Pro ($799, top speed 19.9 mph).
