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NIU KQi3 Max vs NIU KQi Air
The NIU KQi3 Max has the longer estimated range — 24.3 miles against 18 — because it carries 608 Wh to the NIU KQi Air’s 451. The NIU KQi Air is the lighter of the two at 26.2 lb, which puts it in the carry up stairs class. Everything else is below.
| Estimated range | 24.3 mi | 18 mi |
|---|---|---|
| Claimed range | 40.4 mi (1.7x the estimate) | 31 mi (1.7x the estimate) |
| Tested range | 31.1 mi | 24.2 mi |
| Top speed | 20 mph | 20 mph |
| Motor | Single motor, 450 W (900 W peak) | Single motor, 350 W (700 W peak) |
| Battery | 608 Wh at 48 V | 451 Wh at 48 V |
| Wh per dollar | 0.61 Wh/$ | 0.53 Wh/$ |
| Wh per pound | 13 Wh/lb | 17 Wh/lb |
| Weight | 46.3 lb — curb lift | 26.2 lb — carry up stairs |
| Max rider weight | 265 lb | 265 lb |
| Rated grade | 20% | 20% |
| Tires | 9.5" tubeless | 9.5" self-healing |
| Suspension | None | None |
| Brakes | Dual mechanical disc with regen | Front mechanical disc with regen |
| IP rating | IP54 | IP55 |
| Charge time | 8 h | 5 h |
| Folded size | 46.5 x 21.3 x 19.7 in | 44.9 x 21.3 x 18.9 in |
| Deck width | 6.8 in | — |
| Lights | Headlight, taillight | Headlight, taillight, turn signals |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise control | Yes | Yes |
| Approx. price | ~$999 | ~$849 |
| Released | 2023 | 2024 |
NIU KQi3 Max: the case against
- No suspension on 9.5-inch tires at 20 mph
- Eight-hour charge is the longest in NIU's commuter range
- Owners report front-wheel instability on debris-strewn bike lanes
- IP54 is a splash rating, not a wet-weather rating
NIU KQi Air: the case against
- No suspension at all, and 9.5-inch wheels
- Single front disc — the only mechanical brake on the scooter
- Costs as much as a 600 Wh dual-suspension commuter