NIU - KQi2

i looked into what you suggested and im going with the niu kqi2 tysm!

I have a KQi2 and I can buy a spare tire on AliExpress.

Here you go with that tweak applied: I picked up a KQi2 during an Amazon sale about two years ago to replace my Ninebot ES3. I live in Washington, DC, which is a fairly dense city, so I needed something more reliable that could also handle slight inclines. Since then, it’s been a very solid workhorse. I use it for commuting to the office, grocery trips, and generally getting around the city more efficiently. It has more than paid for itself through the money I’ve saved on monthly Metro passes, though it’s now starting to show its age. Which is still commendable given the only maintenance I do is maintaining the tire pressure, and keeping the wheels lubricated. It’s still fairly zippy, but the battery doesn’t last nearly as long as it used to, and I’ve found myself needing to recharge it more frequently. The plastic body is also prone to scrapes and scratches, but those are purely cosmetic and don’t affect performance. My biggest complaint is the regenerative braking. I keep it turned off, but there have been random occasions when it turns itself back on or makes the brakes extremely sensitive. If I brake too hard when this happens, it feels like I could easily be thrown off. Weirdly enough, simply turning the scooter off and back on usually fixes the issue.

No that is the older model KQi1. The KQi100P and KQi100F(includes folding handlebars) are the new updated models that now include front suspension, the motor power was boosted from 250w to 300w, etc. Overall just a much better scooter. Not sure when the newer model will be on amazon.de its been out for a few months in the US, and I did see it from one seller in EU. Its still not on the EU NIU website either (https://shopeu.niu.com/) so my guess is they are still getting ready for wider EU availability. The NIU KQi3 Pro is currently on offer for €528 https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0B7P89SPZ/ that is worth considering, or take a look at the NIU KQi2, or slightly more expensive the newer NIU KQi300X https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0DGXLKH31/

The app is not perfect but it is slowly improving. But you don't really need to use the app at all once you adjust the settings how you like them. After initial setup you can use the scooter without the app. I nearly never use the app with my KQi2. So if the app is the only thing stopping you, I would not worry about it and get the scooter.

Its not necessarily bad, but it has the same specifications as the cheaper KQi2 Pro, but in the scooter body of the KQi3. The KQi3 Pro and KQi3 Max have higher specs (i.e. more powerful motor, bigger battery, etc.). So if the KQi2 Pro is cheaper than the KQi3 Sport, its better to get that, unless you really like the design of the KQi3 more.

I had an niu kq2 as well. Ran over a tack. A literal tack. It's totaled lol. Costs almost as much to get it repaired with a new front tire as it would to buy one new. Last time I get a tired with an inner tuber

This isn't the wheel with the motor tho. That was the one that popped for me. I was told via email I had to ship it to you.

I just went from a Kqi2 to max G3. Night and day difference, NIU I got used but ran beautifully all weather and down curbs. Put a lot of miles on it before their common issues with error codes. Segways new lineup with all the tech and suspension feels great. Horrible battery though.

I do fine-ish with a kqi2 in flat ass Florida. Traveled to NC last week. I had to kick going up hills. Also weigh 260. Food for thought.

For flats and small hills, look into NIU KQi2. It’s okay for standard roads and costs about $500. If you need more torque for steep climbs, I’d suggest Backfire M8 Rover. It’s been my goto lately because it doesn't struggle uphill. And the samsung battery cells are impressive,very consistent performance. It’s a bit pricier around $700, but worth it if you need that extra kick.

It’s almost the same. The lean on the handles is more but not noticeable. The folding handles is a game changer when transporting in the bus. I can slide it under the seat easily. I’ve had people trip on the handles on my kqi2.

The front suspension is great but there’s no rear suspension. Still, be prepared to get jostled if you hit a pothole. Cobblestone streets are a no-no. I broke my kqi2’s controller trying to ride on a cobblestone street lol. Good think NIU had a 2 year warranty. Cracks and dips are fine and manageable.

This isn't helpful. The person asked a very popular question and you responded with a condescending, "you need more money" tone. You could have referred them to this very question on the escooter sub. There are scooters out there that aren't "pieces of junk" at this price point. HiBoy, while having poor customer service, is a decent suggestion. Buy the extended coverage plan if you order from Amazon or wherever you order from just to be safe. They also sell extra parts which can be difficult to track down for other brands. NIU KQi2/3 is a great, budget friendly scooter which is recommended in the "escooter" sub and is the only "budget" scooter they recommend. The Ninebot model from Segway isn't the most popular, for quite a few reasons, but I certainly wouldn't consider it a piece of junk. It's a 70/30 chance you'll get your full money's worth, 400 dollars is still a good deal of money, which I think OP and I both understand; although to some who can afford better quality products for commuting there are obviously far better options. If you want to just get around for a little while look into these models. Stay away from brands like GoTrax or Volpam or those who primarily sell on Amazon and create fake reviews etc and you have a better chance of getting a decent life on these. My car was stolen and didn't receive enough to make a down payment on a vehicle, so I have tried each of these scooters. I will say the one I went with was the HiBoy, despite the NIU having a better track record and some better features. A review of that for a later time. At the end of the day, yes--you get what you pay for. But, as I said, this is still a decent chunk of change that will get you from points A to B (assuming your commute is primarily campus or city-based). Do not neglect the idea of looking for refurb's or used on FB marketplace and the like (!!!!) Don't get it wet/ride in the rain. Basic stuff. Look out for potholes and crazy drivers/stay safe and you will be good for a bit until you're able to save up for a nicer model. Hope this helps.