NIU, a leading electrical scooter company, has introduced two new electric standing scooters just in time for back-to-school season, catering to the needs of students heading back to high school. The NIU KQi 100P and KQi 100F prioritize portability and affordability by deliberately sacrificing features, thereby delivering compact and budget-friendly commuting devices.
How affordable are we discussing here?
The NIU KQi 100P and KQi 100F scooters debut with price tags of US $349 and US $449, respectively, for their distinct features and dimensions.
It’s candidly surprising that such meager numbers would typically emanate from unscrupulous operators, not esteemed organizations like NIU, which successfully diversifies its product lineup with innovative offerings spanning electric bicycles, high-performance highway-legal models, and off-road capable e-dirt bikes.
Despite varying names and prices, all of NIU’s new electrical scooters share similar fundamental specifications.
Each e-bike comes equipped with entrance suspension forks, high-capacity 48V 252 Wh battery packs, powerful 600W peak-rated rear motors, allowing for speeds of up to 28 km/h (17.4 mph), and an impressive range of approximately 29 km (18 miles) on a single charge. The scooter’s performance is enhanced by its 9 x 2.3 inches of pneumatic tire surface, allowing it to navigate inclines up to a steep 15% grade.
The key difference lies in the foldable handlebars of the KQi 100F, contrasting it to its counterpart, the KQi 100P, which marks the company’s first appearance at Kohl’s, while maintaining its presence at Walmart and also being available at BestBuy and Amazon alongside Goal.
“By introducing two innovative electrical kick scooters and forging strategic partnerships with leading retailers such as Greatest Purchase, Kohl’s, and Walmart to ensure widespread accessibility, we’re not only elevating customer comfort but also establishing a new benchmark for the e-mobility industry,” explained Ben McGill, Head of North America at NIU. The KQi 100 sequence outperforms many mid-range scooters, all while costing significantly less – tens of dollars below comparable options on the market. Among numerous standalone companies, we stand out as a pioneer in crafting high-performance scooters priced under $500, boasting features previously unseen in the market.
“For a decade, NIU has pioneered the development of affordable lithium-ion battery-powered EVs that are within reach for city dwellers seeking practical mobility options, with our KQi 100-Series further solidifying our commitment to innovative technology and competitive pricing.”
While it’s fair to acknowledge that NiUs’ batteries are modest in size and their top speeds are significantly lower than those typically seen in North America’s e-scooter market, it’s also noteworthy that these vehicles are offered at a fraction of the cost of most scooters we’ve reviewed this year.
To appeal to budget-conscious students seeking an alternative to traditional prime-paced vehicles, the market offers increasingly affordable options for younger riders.
Despite its focus on a price range, NIU hasn’t sacrificed amenities; instead, it offers an impressive array of features. The NIU scooter app provides users with a suite of features, including an anti-theft system enabled by a built-in GPS tracker, allowing for enhanced safety and security. Riders can leverage the app to fine-tune settings, including adjusting the maximum cost threshold to prolong battery life and tweaking regenerative braking potency.
The 17.5-kilogram scooters, weighing 38.5 pounds, are designed to support riders up to 120 kilograms or 264 pounds, boasting robust aluminum frames and an impressive IP55 water-resistant rating. The sleek design of this vehicle features LED lighting integrated into both the front and rear, complemented by conveniently placed flip indicators that streamline its overall aesthetic.
With the new scooters readily available, we’re eager to put in some mileage and provide an updated review of NIU’s latest electric offerings, sharing our firsthand impressions with readers.
