NIU KQi300P / NIU KQi300X – NIU Scooters Get a Big Upgrade

NIU makes some of the best electric scooters under $1000. Their new KQi300 line introduces some major improvements to their design, including front suspension, a higher top speed, and more battery capacity for longer range rides.

NIU KQi300P – $749 / NIU KQi300X – $929

NIU makes some of my absolute favorite single motor electric scooters, so when I heard they were going to release a new model, I picture a dual-motor high-performance scooter. Instead, they’ve gone in a much more practical direction, with a total upgrade to their KQi3 line of scooters, which includes the Pro and Max.

NIU bills the KQi300P (P for “Pro,” I guess) and KQi300X (X for “Max”?) as “all-terrain” scooters, but they’re essentially a sequel to NIU’s premium commuter models, with some impressive extra safety and performance features for the same price. NIU tells us the 300 line will eventually replace the other KQi3 models. What it all adds up to is this:

NIU still makes some of the best electric scooters under $1000 – and they just got even better.

Who Is This Scooter For?

NIU scooters are for serious commuters who want a robust daily rider for under $1000. They aren’t fast high-performance scooters, but they are seriously fun to ride.

These make great first scooters, but they’re also geared for intermediate or even expert riders. I’ve ridden almost every day for the past several years, and I still love going out on these scooters.

When people get their first scooter, they usually hit a point pretty quickly where they want more speed and acceleration, and I don’t think that will happen for new riders with the KQi300P and KQi300X.

NIU KQi300P / NIU KQi300X Specs

Our Full Video Review

NIU KQi300P / NIU KQi300X: Performance

Top Speed

Manufacturers can exaggerate their scooters’ top speed numbers. But NIU scooters have proven themselves reliably consistent when it comes to their top speed, and the KQi300 series is no different.

The KQi300P has a claimed top speed of 20 miles per hour. I saw speeds closer to 20.5, almost 21 mph on my speed. run. The KQi300X, on the other hand, has a rated top speed of 23. 7 mph, but I clocked it at 24 mph.

Both scooters have a higher top speed for the price than their KQi3 series equivalents. The only visual difference you’ll see between the two scooters is the coloring – the P gets black brake calipers and the and the X had red brakes and a red stripe. But their top speed and range numbers set them apart.

Acceleration

These are both really zippy little scooters, and the acceleration on both as to the point where I would warn beginner riders, make sure you’re exaggerating your lean, make sure you’re leaning forward when you accelerate, because it’s going to catch you off guard, how fast this scooter is.

Range

The NIU KQi300P gave me a total 17.7 miles before it completely ran out of charge. I rode it in the top speed mode and didn’t moderate my speed a ton, so if you’re riding in Eco mode, you might get closer to claimed 30 miles.

The KQi300X will give you a few more miles of range with its larger battery – about 20 miles on a full charge. We typically get about 50 to 60% of the manufacturer’s claimed range in our real-world testing, and these numbers are consistent with other scooters in the KQi300 series’ price class.

Braking

Both the KQi300P and KQi300X electric scooters are equipped with mechanical disc brakes, and they’re some of the best disc brakes we’ve ever seen on an under-$1000 scooter.

Rather than pulling just one brake pad toward the rotor, like most mechanical systems, the brake caliper pulls both pads, operating much more like hydraulic brakes. These brakes have been adjusted slight for more modulation, however, since the KQi3 brakes are almost too good and can send you sailing over the bars if you’re not careful.

The regenerative braking on the KQi300 series is also fantastic. It’s adjustable, and I put it in the lower mode because it was a bit too jerky for me on the higher setting.

Hill Climb

These scooters are very able hill climbers. I maintained speeds of 15 to 20 mph uphill on every ride and every hill.

Ride Quality

The biggest, and most noticeable, addition to NIU’s electric scooters is the front suspension, which gives you 45mm of travel for a much smoother ride. There are other new features for better ride quality as well, such as a roomier deck for shuffling your feet around to find the right position.

I liked having the rear tail for those times when you really need a solid stance, and when you want a more relaxed position, you can flatten out your back foot.

My one gripe with the KQi300 series is the use of a twist throttle instead of the thumb throttle that comes on the KQi3 scooters. That’s a personal preference – I just happen to like the thumb throttle better and find it harder to use a twist throttle. If that’s my only issue with this scooter, then NIU has really done something right.

The tubeless, 10.5-inch tires are also a major upgrade for NIU scooters, and the KQi300 series features turn signals on the ends of the handlebars, high up where most drivers are likely to see them.

NIU KQi300P / NIU KQi300X: Design, Build & Reliability

The KQi300P and KQi300X are built like trucks. They feel so solid and indestructible, they can handle the heaviest riders without losing speed or acceleration.

These are truly exceptional vehicles, and my one point of complaint – the twist throttle – really comes down to a matter of personal preference.

New riders might also have a problem with the app, and that’s understandable. It forces you to pair the scooter, complete a brief tutorial, and ride 200 meters (about a 10th of a mile) in the lowest setting before you can engage the faster modes of travel.

The app setup is frustrating, but you only have to do it once and you’re done. (This is a liability protection for NIU.) Other than some minor annoyances, I find no faults with the design and build of these scooters.

NIU KQi300P / NIU KQi300X: Are They Worth It? Our Verdict

Maybe the real question is: which scooter should you buy? If you made it this far in the review, you’re probably considering one or the other.

These are both excellent scooters for the money, and you get a great value with either one. The ride quality is the same – you get the same large, tubeless tires, wide deck, and front spring suspension, which really does make a big difference over bumps.

If you can spend the extra money, I would recommend the X simply for the added speed and range, but in most situations, the KQi300P has all the range, power, and speed you need for a fast, fun, reliable daily commute. You can’t really go wrong with either one of these scooters if that’s what you need.