NIU KQi 300X Review

For the dollars spent, the NIU KQi 300X is easily the top choice in terms of power for the price. It costs 27 dollars for every mile per hour up to its top speed of 23.5 miles per hour, whereas the top model we tested is nearly twice as expensive and only goes 5 miles per hour faster. But that model is going to cost you a steeper 42 dollars for every mile per hour of speed. Top speed, plus comparable hill-climbing performance to top models at half the price, and it should be pretty clear why our team really liked this model. Just keep in mind its size and heft when deciding if this model is right for you, and you shouldn't be disappointed!

Range

Whether you are riding to a friend's house, just taking a joy ride, or doing some portion of your regular work commute, the NIU KQi 300X has the range to get you there.

There is an adage about automobile engines and athletes that states, 'if it runs fast, it doesn't run long,' and that seems to apply to electric scooters pretty well. But it isn't a deadfast rule, and the NIU KQi 300X isn't just able to run fast; it can also run for a fairly long time, with an effective range that we measured at 19 miles. Only a handful of other models were able to run further. Among those models, only the most premium models have a comparable top-end speed or hill-climbing power.

If you decide to use the NIU KQi 300X for some or all of your commute to work, and you work a typical eight-hour day, then you'll have plenty of time to recharge the battery, which we measured from dead to fully charged in 6.7 hours. It isn't the fastest charging time recorded when compared to other top models, but it seems fairly balanced considering its range and power. While not the fastest charging time, you can still expect to have full range by the time you pack up work and head home.

Speed and Hills

To our pleasant surprise, the NIU KQi 300X outpaced many models when it came down to both speed and conquering hills. It clocked an impressive 23.5 miles per hour in our top-speed testing with a 195-pound rider, which is something you'd typically only expect from the most premium models, but it didn't stop impressing our team with speed alone.

On a very gradual grade of less than 3.5%, there isn't any noticeable decline in performance, and when faced with a more daunting 8% grade, it kept cranking along between 15 and 17 mph. For perspective, that is still faster than the top speed of many e-scooters on the market, tested with a lighter-weight rider on flat ground.

In our most demanding hill climbing test, where many other models slowed to a crawl, or quit altogether, the NIU KQi 300X was nothing short of impressive. While it slowed to 10 miles per hour, it was able to climb our 580-foot-long hill with a 15% grade. If part of your commute, or regular riding, includes a steep hill, you won't be disappointed with this model's performance.

Ride Comfort

The NIU KQi 300X doesn't make you work to feel comfortable the way other e-scooters do. The riding experience is more akin to a ride in grandmas over powered classic car than it is a puckering, near-death, speed-wobble down a steep hill on a Penny skateboard.

While the bulk of the NIU KQi 300X's heft is due in large part to the battery, a large deck to stand on, sturdy construction, dual brakes, and front suspension also add to the general heft, but also greatly increase ride comfort. If safety, especially visibility in low light, factors into what makes your ride comfortable, then you'll also be happy with the NIU KQi 300X's clearly visible rear light and turn signals, and strong headlight, with a measured beam distance of 104 meters.

Our test team's only real quibbles were the lack of rear suspension, which after a while can contribute to rider fatigue when riding over consistently bumpy terrain, handlebar padding that could be a little more plush, and the twist-style throttle.

All other e-scooters we tested use a lever-style throttle, whereas the NIU KQi 300X uses a twist-style throttle. If you aren't able to make use of cruise control because your commute requires frequent slowing, stopping, or accelerating, then you may get tired of the throttle twisting action.

While it may be more of a personal preference, our test team collectively preferred lever-style throttles. A lever-style throttle also reduces the risk of a phenomenon called “whiskey throttle”, so if you plan to use your electric scooter to get to a local spot to imbibe a few craft brews, and aren't making the most responsible decisions before coming home, the NIU KQi 300X might not be the best choice for you. Also, never drink and ride!

Portability

At a whopping 50.1 pounds, it is a little impractical to think the NIU KQi 300X would be very portable, especially when compared to models that are less than half of its weight, but weight aside, it does offer some features that help with portability.

The NIU KQi 300X actually folds down quite nicely, and the handlebar locks securely at the rear of the deck, forming a solid bar to make lifting and carrying a little more manageable. While the larger deck makes riding feel more secure, it doesn't help with how much space the folded scooter takes up. All that said, if you are comfortable lifting it, it will fit into the trunk space of a Subaru Crosstrek with room to spare, so the primary issue with portability is going to be its weight, which is right at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's (NIOSH) limit for the maximum weight an individual should handle.

The NIU KQi 300X is very easy to fold.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

Not the most portable due to its weight, but the 300x folds down to a respectably compact size.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The NIU KQi 300X, isn't as bad to carry as you might expect, given its large size and 50 pounds of heft   Credit: Matt Lighthart

Previous Next

Should You Buy the NIU KQi 300X?

The NIU KQi 300X is the only model that offers such impressive speed and power for anywhere near its price point, and is among the top-performing models that are often nearly twice as expensive. It also offers respectable range, moderate charging times, and good ride comfort with a large deck that includes an ergonomic place to rest your rear foot. While generally impressive and good for those who want the most speed and power per dollar spent, it is unfortunately also a bit of a chunk. It collapses down into a relatively compact size, but is still rather hefty at 50.1 lbs. So while it may fit in the trunk of a car, it may be a little too heavy for many people to comfortably or safely lift. All in all, we think it offers the best power and performance for the price, and it would be perfectly suitable for all but those who may need to regularly lift and carry it.

What Other E Scooter Should You Consider?

Still not sure the NIU KQi 300X is right for you, or the price isn't right? If you are simply trying to gauge whether an e-scooter is practical for your commute and want to get your feet wet at an entry-level price point, then you might consider the Maxshot V1. Maybe getting to work as quickly as possible it your top priority? Then you'll appreciate the 28.1 mph top speed, over 25 miles of range, and fast charging time that only the expensive but impressive Segway Ninebot MAX G3 can offer.