Honest Review: NIU KQi Air - Best Lightweight Electric Scooter Ever?

[@eRideHero]

🛴 Get The NIU KQi Air - eridehero.com/go/kqiair/ Thanks for watching! What do YOU think about the NIU KQi Air? Let me know in a reply below.

[@PhillipRegton]

I just want to say that you did a really good review very detailed and accurate thank you very much especially even going into the battery keep up the good work you're going to do really well

[@eRideHero]

Thank you so much Phillip!

[@spectrumgaming523]

I have it and it’s quite nice for a mid range scooter

[@eRideHero]

Agreed!

[@hentaicrypto]

Does no suspension make it wobbly?

[@wahidmardan]

It’s such an elegant scooter. The price is high but it’s so light and the performance is also good. Don’t know whether it would be wise going for Air X or not. 30% more carbon fiber but the weight is almost the same and obviously the quality is also similar.

[@eRideHero]

Agreed, I just don't think the X is worth it over the standard Air. You won't feel that 0,5 lbs difference when carrying it around. Unless they are eventually the same price, I'd choose the regular Air any day

[@whynotstartusingyourbrain8726]

Not true. The quality of the air X is way better and it feels much better to ride it. The price difference is well worth it. I had the air and sold it and now I have the X and you can feel the difference. It's only 11,5kg.

[@wahidmardan]

@@whynotstartusingyourbrain8726 really? A new perception came in my mind. Are you from the US? I thought air and X are exactly similar and so is thought by all reviewers.

[@whynotstartusingyourbrain8726]

@@wahidmardan I am from Germany and I can guarantee you there is a huge difference.

[@whynotstartusingyourbrain8726]

@@wahidmardan the reviewers talk about something they do not know beacause they haven't experienced it. I have and I am blown away.

[@raylivengood8040]

Good review 👍🏼 I have the Kqi3, Kqi air and the e-twow gt & gt-s. I prefer the light weight of the KQi Air, but wished the speed could be increased to 22mph like the kqi3 max. Rear drive motor is also superior to the front motor of the e-twow.

[@eRideHero]

Thank you! And agreed, a tad more motor power would make it even more of a game-changer. The fast E-Twow's are really good in their own right, but they feel a bit sketchy when going full speed to me. A 450W KQi Air would be pure bliss.

[@raylivengood8040]

@@eRideHero I think it’s more of a issue with the controller programming. The motor feels just as powerful or perhaps more than the kQi3. Torque feels stronger too 💪🏼

[@eRideHero]

Could be, yes. But the 350W to 450W difference between the KQi3 Pro and Max is definitely felt - especially on hills

[@TubeDarnell]

Thanks for this review! Very informative. I bought it on Amazon prior to watching this video or I definitely would have used your affiliate link.

[@eRideHero]

Glad it was helpful!

[@biggjamess]

I got one and This would probably be the best scooter ever if the handle bars folded down to squeeze into tight spaces

[@eRideHero]

Thanks for sharing your experience with the Air. It's an incredible design. And agreed, foldable handlebars would be nice - but all scooters with foldable handlebars I've tested have wiggle in that mechanism, so unless NIU somehow made a design that fixed this, it's a slight but noticeable decrease in ride quality. But with their design team, I am sure they can keep innovating and develop something great.

[@matthewlongman4220]

How about... telescopic handles

[@MiloCalimlim]

hello, any update on the Air? Any reliability issues? I like this scooter due to its overall design with low board height. I plan on getting the air X but worried a 2025 model maybe coming soon.

[@eRideHero]

Hi Milo - clocked more miles on it since reviewing and no issues whatsoever. Firmware fixed the annoying alarm issue which is nice. In terms of 2025 models, I doubt NIU will release a "niche" carbon fiber superseeder in 2025. There isn't really tech advancements to warrant that for now.

[@Frostorm777]

Dang I got a new one off of marketplace for only $450, ayeeee

[@eRideHero]

Insanely good deal, my man. Congratulations on the purchase!

[@pentiuman]

I've watched others' reviews, and I liked the scooter, UNTIL you pointed out the short ground clearance! When one encounters a tall, vertical curb that may exceed it's lower limits, how should one proceed over the curb (without repeatedly scraping the bottom - which I assume is just plastic, like my current scooter, and if so, does this not also put the expensive batteries at risk of damage, should one go over (up or especially down) a curb beyond it's limits? I'd hate to have to pick my scooter up, every instance this happened. And street, sidewalk, parking lot and median curbs vary. Some are more gradually sloped than others. At the lower top speeds of many electric scooters, the route I travel is often based on the perceived risk from environment and traffic. So, for example, on 30mph side street sections without sidewalks, I often find it safer to walk on a center median (that cars can't go up) than ride in the street w/ faster vehicles and my back facing traffic.

[@thelosangeleslife]

I’m curious would the handlebar on this scooter support a phone mount? (Im not sure if the wires seem to be attached to the bar?)

[@whynotstartusingyourbrain8726]

OK I have ridden the KQI air X now for the first time. It's insane. It feels very fast and nimble and it's a pure joy to ride it.The weight is only 11,5kg and you really feel the difference to the KQI air. The best scooter ever!!!

[@pat6289]

model is not sold in Australia, does anyone know who will deliver if I buy it from overseas?

[@MerrittCluff]

I bought a KQi air in June 2024. Reviews were good. The scooter failed to start within 3 months. NIU took 2 weeks to pick up under warranty and 2 more weeks to return. The handle panel was scratched in the process. NIU will not own the issue. I would not buy another product from NIU given this experience. My review of the product itself is mixed. First it is light and portable. It is smooth to operate. However on the rough roads of Rome I find lightness is not a good thing. The wrist type power handle I rate poorly especially on rougher terrain. The front brake only is unstable under emergency braking. So far the claimed km on full battery is much less than the claimed 50-55km range. Finally most controls are set in an app and connection with Bluetooth is often poor. I give this scooter a 2 on 5.

[@julieeeeee9]

Thanks for the review! Do you think the air wheel lock system will go off when for example folding it then taking it on a bumpy train? Are there ways to avoid this? Does the Bluetooth unlock feature stay on past ten minutes if you are near the scooter while it’s powered off to prevent the wheel lock? Thank you!

[@eRideHero]

Sorry for the late reply. No, it will definitely not go off in a bumpy train. It requires the wheel to actually turn (like one or two full rounds). You should be able to keep it unlocked with Bluetooth, and I've seen mentions that you can now toggle this off entirely with the latest firmware. Hope that helps.

[@MohamedAbouzaid-it6gz]

When do you think you can realease a kqi3 300x and do you think it will be more realible and more poweful than the og kqi3 max

[@eRideHero]

I hope it will arrive really soon. I pinged NIU and they told me it is currently being cleared in customs here in EU so probably in coming weeks. Can't comment on reliability yet but it looks to offer a lot of value for its price and maybe slightly more power than the Max. Will post about it here and on our website, newsletter and other socials

[@fireice2585]

How is the suspension if I'm to ride it on the sidewalk? I have a Gotrax GXL2 with 8.5" pneumatic tire where it has no suspension, my feet would get numb from all the little bumps in like 15 minutes of ride.

[@eRideHero]

The Air doesn't have any suspension apart from the tires, but they're notably more comfy and grippy than 8.5" (these ones are 9.5"). If you have really poor road conditions, you may want something with 10" tires and dedicated suspension, but the Air is a definite upgrade over the GXL2

[@asmaabouzaid4930]

CAN YOU PLEASE DO A KQI3 300X REVIEW PLEASSEEEE I DONT KNOW IF I SHOULD ORDER IT OR ORDER A KQI3 MAX

[@eRideHero]

Yes definitely! I've already ordered the 300X but am waiting for it to arrive. Once it arrives, it'll be a priority to review. In the meantime, feel free to check my written review of the KQi3 Max on my website - it's a great scooter.

[@whynotstartusingyourbrain8726]

Do you know when the air X will be available?

[@eRideHero]

Sadly don't know. I had it on order and was told there were delays due to difficulties with the construction (carbon fiber is not easy to work with). Decided that it's practically the same scooter with a minor drop in weight so cancelled my order and put down a new for the 300X. Don't think the Air X is worth waiting for unless the price is the same (or $50 more).

[@whynotstartusingyourbrain8726]

@@eRideHero interesting. Where do you live? I was told that the problem was due to customs but that it has cleared now and that the air X would arrive next week.

[@eRideHero]

Cancelled back in March so a lot probably happened since - You're likely right. Based in Denmark EU so may also make a difference

[@whynotstartusingyourbrain8726]

@@eRideHero I also am from Europe.

[@eRideHero]

@@whynotstartusingyourbrain8726 Did you hear anything back yet?

[@nile7999]

If this folded better (not the handle bars) and averaged 3-5mph more it would be the perfect scooter for me. It's too big to stash under my bus seat without protruding so it doesn't solve the last mile problem for me. I think I'll go with the GT Sport, but would love the ride quality of this but oh well

[@eRideHero]

Thanks for sharing. There are definitely more compact models out there (the Fluid Mosquito or E-Twow's are good shouts), but yes, you'll have to sacrifice a lot in terms of ride comfort and quality. Hope you choose the right scooter for your needs. Thanks for watching.

[@rockyboy976]

Fantastic video mate but no one told me that the battery discharges completely if one does not use the vehicle for 3 days!! Why is that? I feel stupid now not knowing this.

[@eRideHero]

Thanks! All electric scooters with a proper BMS (battery management system) have some level of idle discharge. Is it losing a full charge in 3 days? Because it definitely shouldn't. Are you keeping it in a warm, dry space?

[@whynotstartusingyourbrain8726]

OK. Here is an update. I now ride on 40 psi and it really is the perfect scooter now. No need for suspension at all. You can carve on it as if you were on a Ski slope. Truly maxing scooter.

[@eRideHero]

Thanks for the update! Glad you're enjoying your NIU Air. It's truly a one-of-a kind scooter. Really special!

[@whynotstartusingyourbrain8726]

@@eRideHeroabsolutely. It feels like you are floating on nothing. The most fun I have ever had on a scooter.

[@eRideHero]

@@whynotstartusingyourbrain8726 Agreed! I have a background in skating, so what you mention about carving resonates with me. The KQi Air can indeed carve from side to side without sacrificing stability-It just goes to show how expertly designed their scooters are. Everything is thought about.

[@Cool-ng5rh]

Whatsyour weight at 40 psi ?

[@wideopenthrottl]

The Fluid Mosquito is 29 pounds and goes 30mph and would be less appealing to thieves. It's also cheaper. Just some things to consider.

[@a.nevillechamberlain7612]

You can’t change speed levels without stopping, the design is a 6 year old design, based on the uscooter GT sport. Don’t get ahead of yourself throttle boy

[@eRideHero]

Correct, definitely more powerful, but much less comfortable and stable. Acceleration is less smooth and as Neville says, it's quite an aged design. Still viable if you have very smooth roads, though.

[@a.nevillechamberlain7612]

@@eRideHero the wild claim of 30 mph top speed isn’t even feasible, even if you’re 125 pounds and riding downhill, passing off numbers as if real world facts is just so appealing to those who likes specs. The manufacturer only says +25 mph. I’ve done ~26 going downhill at 195lbs. The magnetic ebraking locks up more than owners mention, it’s a dangerous flaw. Especially pre Bluetooth version.

[@eRideHero]

Right, top speed in my tests are 25.6 MPH GPS verified. Display is known for overinflating the number by a few MPH (more than the average scooter)

[@fallback8314]

i'm currently STRONGLY considering the fluid mosquito. it's virtually completely paid for.

[@GusAdonis-n4q]

Satterfield Spurs

[@novreis1952]

I have a Xiaomi m365pro and when I bought the KqiAir, I was expecting a noticeable decrease in weight, one thing it didn't happen. It is lighter, but far from what I expected. To be honest, I am disappointed with the weight and above all with reviews that exaggerate about the weight. If someone says the difference between other heavier scooters is noticeable, I can understand (my 365 pro is smaller than this model), but to handle the box as it is quite light or support it with just a finger with the same purpose, sorry to say but are lies. I will keep the scooter, because at my age, every kilogram less is important. But, as I said before, I was expecting much more.

[@eRideHero]

Well, the cold, hard facts are written on the spec sheet. A scooter's weight isn't subjective. It's quantifiable.

[@novreis1952]

@@eRideHero , yes it is true, but I, and the most of people, don't have a scale at home to weigh them, so I would like to trust reviewers when they do those "unreal" demos. So , your argument, despite being true, is not applicable for most of us (at least in my country the scales we have in house are for cooking, but at yours I don't know)

[@eRideHero]

Not sure where a scale comes into the picture. If you know your M365 Pro is around 32 lbs and the KQi Air around 26 lbs, and you know what the M365 feels like to lift, you can calculate and expect the Air to be roughly 20% lighter, and so, it'll also feel about 20% lighter.

[@novreis1952]

@@eRideHero , you are not understanding. I bought the scooter after three or four reviews. And my Xiaomi is not weighing what you say (after the disappointment I weighted it) My gain is about 15%, quite far from what I was expecting after seeing your reviews and publicity talking about 40%. The weight of NIU Air is not what some reviews show by handling it. And I lost the Cruise Control (EU regulations,) which is annoying.

[@eRideHero]

Right, there are several M365 Pro versions, so it was really omstly as an example. I don't mention 40% anywhere (apart from my written review where I clearly state it is NIU's claim, not mine). What other reviewers write or say, I have no say in. Fact is, the KQi Air is in the 99th percentile of range-to-weight performance.

[@Dingdongbillybong]

I can't use your link. I appreciate your efforts and your information. But I live in Canada, so duties are very bad, but thank you. There's a depot in canada in toronto

[@Cool-ng5rh]

Niu drains battery, even if not used - waste of energy

[@eRideHero]

Every scooter does to an extent. In the case of the Air, it allows the safety alarm with motor lock to work. But yes, it probably draws a bit more than some alternatives. I've left my KQi3 Max for months and come back to 60% charge though

[@Cool-ng5rh]

@@eRideHeroit would be so easy to turn it completely of - similar to transport mode - just change the Software - NIU could do this to save energy and battery

[@rickdeckard9810]

lol how can this be the “most comfortable” without any suspension. Makes me wonder what other BS are in your videos.

[@eRideHero]

The most comfortable ultralight without suspension I've tested, yes. Which model do you think beats it? Low ground clearance, perfect center of gravity, spacious, great handling, pneumatic tires.

[@Dingdongbillybong]

Io66 . ????

[@MerrittCluff]

I bought a KQi air in June 2024. Reviews were good. The scooter failed to start within 3 months. NIU took 2 weeks to pick up under warranty and 2 more weeks to return. The handle panel was scratched in the process. NIU will not own the issue. I would not buy another product from NIU given this experience. My review of the product itself is mixed. First it is light and portable. It is smooth to operate. However on the rough roads of Rome I find lightness is not a good thing. The wrist type power handle I rate poorly especially on rougher terrain. The front brake only is unstable under emergency braking. So far the claimed km on full battery is much less than the claimed 50-55km range. Finally most controls are set in an app and connection with Bluetooth is often poor. I give this scooter a 2 on 5.