NIU - KQi2

That's strange because you're not stressing the load of the scoot, error 03 has to do with the connection of the throttle, I've had that issue with my kqi2 and the scooter triggers the e-brake once the throttle cuts out which was affecting my speed/range

To help you with your decisions I feel it would be better for you to give us a few more details. The budget is an excellent start but depending on what you need it may be better for you to keep saving. What is the intended use? Are you planning to use this as your ride to work? Is this your first scooter? Where are you located? For anyone who has first hand knowledge of other brands they can chime in however the experience I have is with NIU and its second hand. A coworker has the NIU KQI2, he uses it to commute to work , we are in New Jersey, metro area different terrain. Rain snow or shine he rides it with no problem. I tried it once its a kick scooter so once you get going just balance on the deck and its smooth sailing. This version is 420, the next one up is 500, I recommend buying it from a major chain such as Best Buy or Target or Walmart, the kqi2 is available at best buy and a two year protection plan is $100 dollars, the model above is available at target for 500 and has a 2 year protection plan for 100. Whayever you do get a full face helmet, and get reflective gear for night time use.

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.