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NIU KQi3 Pro vs Varla Falcon
The Varla Falcon has the longer estimated range — 20 miles against 19.4 — because it carries 499 Wh to the NIU KQi3 Pro’s 486. The NIU KQi3 Pro is the lighter of the two at 44.8 lb, which puts it in the curb lift class. Everything else is below.
| Estimated range | 19.4 mi | 20 mi |
|---|---|---|
| Claimed range | 31 mi (1.6x the estimate) | 25 mi (1.3x the estimate) |
| Tested range | 23.5 mi | — |
| Top speed | 20 mph | 22 mph |
| Motor | Single motor, 350 W (700 W peak) | Single motor, 500 W (700 W peak) |
| Battery | 486 Wh at 48 V | 499 Wh at 48 V |
| Wh per dollar | 0.81 Wh/$ | 0.83 Wh/$ |
| Wh per pound | 11 Wh/lb | 10 Wh/lb |
| Weight | 44.8 lb — curb lift | 50 lb — curb lift |
| Max rider weight | 265 lb | 265 lb |
| Rated grade | 20% | 19% |
| Tires | 9.5" tubeless | 9" tubeless |
| Suspension | None | Dual |
| Brakes | Dual mechanical disc with regen | Dual mechanical disc |
| IP rating | IP54 | IP54 |
| Charge time | 6 h | 4 h |
| Folded size | 46.5 x 21.3 x 20 in | Folds |
| Deck width | 6.8 in | — |
| Lights | Headlight, taillight | Dual headlights, taillight, ambient |
| App | Yes | No |
| Cruise control | Yes | Yes |
| Approx. price | ~$599 | ~$599 |
| Released | 2022 | 2024 |
NIU KQi3 Pro: the case against
- No suspension, on smaller 9.5-inch tires than cheaper NIU models
- Long-term owners cite weight and hill pace as the reasons they moved on
- 44.8 lb with no suspension is a poor trade for a scooter you carry
- NIU's app draws repeated owner criticism
Varla Falcon: the case against
- No app at all
- 19% rated slope is modest for a 500 W motor
- 50 lb for a 499 Wh pack is poor watt-hours per pound
- IP54 is a splash rating