EleKtro Flash Vs NIU KQi3 Pro Electric Kick Scooter: Which Is a Better Electric Scooter for Adults?
Are you looking for a capable and practical electric scooter at a reasonable price? Many e-scooters in the market offer a well-rounded ride for less, but two e-scooters come to mind that truly encapsulates this: the EleKtro Flash and the NIU KQi3 Pro electric kick scooter.
The EleKtro Flash was only released in October, but this flashy new ride is already gaining attention in the e-scooter community in Australia. The EleKtro brand has consistently released various models catering to different needs and lifestyles. As a result, it quickly became a popular brand in the country, especially in Western Australia.
Meanwhile, the NIU KQi3 Pro, dubbed the SUV of electric kick scooters, was launched in 2021 and has gained a cult following. NIU is a well-recognized brand in China and Europe, and now you’ll see an NIU scooter in Australia and other countries.
While these two have similar specs, they also have stark differences, making them unique from their peers. More importantly, which one of the two models is the best electric scooter for adults?
This review breaks down their specs, compares the two models, and provides insight to help you decide which e-scooter to get.
Quick Electric Scooter Comparison
EleKtro Flash |
NIU KQi3 Pro |
|
Weight |
22 kg |
20.3 kg |
Max Load |
100 kg |
100 kg |
Motor |
350 W |
350 W |
Battery |
36 V 13 Ah battery |
486 Wh |
Charging Time |
6-8 hours |
6 hours |
Top Speed |
40 kph (restricted to 25 kph) |
25 kph |
Max Range |
50 km |
50 km |
Suspension |
Dual swingarm sports |
N/A |
Hill Grade |
20° |
20% |
Brakes |
Front and rear hydraulic disc |
Front and rear disc brake, |
Tyres |
Front and rear 8.5-inch |
9.5 x 2.5-inch pneumatic |
Regular Price |
$1,399 |
$1,599.95 |
Design and Durability
Both the EleKtro Flash and the NIU KQi3 Pro sport a distinct look. However, the EleKtro Flash offers a more eye-catching and stylish look compared to the minimalist design of the NIU KQi3 Pro. Either way, both rides have a unique look, setting them apart from the rest. It all depends on your style preference.
In terms of colour, the EleKtro Flash electric scooter features a black exterior with yellow accents. Meanwhile, the NIU KQi3 Pro comes in two colours, Ultra Black and Rose Gold.
Regarding durability, both rides have a maximum load of 100 kg. Meanwhile, the EleKtro Flash has a hill grade of 20° (36%), and the NIU KQi3 Pro electric scooter has a 20% hill grade (11.3°). This means the EleKtro Flash has a leg up on the NIU KQi3 Pro when it comes to travelling on hills and inclines.
Nonetheless, both rides are built with durable aluminium, giving them tough exterior for different terrains.
Performance
When it comes to performance, both rides have similar specs. Both models use a 350 W motor, produce a maximum range of 50 km, and at least six hours of charging time. Meanwhile, they differ in terms of battery capacity and top speed.
Despite having the same possible max range, the EleKtro Flash e-scooter uses a 36 V 13 Ah battery (468 Wh), while the NIU KQi3 Pro has a 486 Wh battery.
On the other hand, although both use a 350 W motor, the EleKtro Flash has an unrestricted top speed of 40 kph (default top speed at 25 kph), while the NIU scooter has a 25 kph top speed.
Since the only major difference between their specs is the top speed, choose how much speed you’d like. If you’re looking for a faster ride when riding on private property, EleKtro Flash offers a higher speed.
Portability
Although the EleKtro Flash and NIU KQi3 Pro can be considered portable e-scooters, they are slightly larger and heavier in weight than other e-scooters.
The EleKtro Flash scooter features a dimension of 1,100 (L) x 625 (W) x 1,250 (H) mm when unfolded, while the NIU KQi3 Pro has a dimension of 1,173 (L) x 170 (w) x 1,202 (H) mm.
The NIU KQi3 Pro claims to have 25% wider handlebars, 13% wider deck, and 30% fatter wheels than its predecessor. Nonetheless, it’s still a portable ride you can carry and bring anywhere.
Regarding weight, the EleKtro Flash weighs 22 kg, while the NIU KQi3 Pro weighs 20.3 kg. In terms of weight, the NIU KQi3 Pro is the better choice.
How about practicality? The EleKtro Flash features foldable and adjustable parts that help save space. For example, it has a foldable stem, enabling you to reduce its size when storing. You can also fold its handlebars downward to further reduce the space it takes up and make it easier to bring and store anywhere.
Meanwhile, the NIU KQi3 Pro has an easy-fold stem, but not foldable handlebars. Nonetheless, this doesn’t take away from its portability. However, if you prefer foldable handlebars, the EleKtro Flash scooter is a better option.
Safety
When riding an e-scooter, safety is the most important aspect you should consider. Fortunately, both rides offer multiple safety features to keep you safe on the road.
The EleKtro Flash uses front and rear hydraulic disc brakes and an electronic braking system (EBS), while the NIU KQi3 Pro features front and rear disc brakes with a regenerative brake to save on energy.
Both rides use disc brakes, which are a powerful and responsive type of braking system. So, you won’t go wrong with either ride.
Both e-scooters are also fitted with front and rear lights. However, the EleKtro Flash features an eye-catching all-around deck lighting system, which helps riders become more visible when riding at night. It also helps illuminate their paths, providing riders with better visibility on the road.
However, some people might not like the deck lighting system since it’s too eye-catching. So, it all depends on which ride you prefer. Regardless, you can be sure that both e-scooters offer sufficient safety features.
Scooteroo reminds all e-scooter riders to observe and follow their city’s e-scooter laws and ride their e-scooter responsibly while travelling.
Ride Quality
The EleKtro Flash and NIU KQi3 Pro electric kick scooter provide excellent ride quality. However, the EleKtro Flash offers a more comfortable and stable riding experience thanks to its dual suspensions.
It’s the only ride at this price point with a suspension. However, note that it uses 8.5-inch puncture-proof solid tyres. Its tyres may not help cushion your rides, but it will survive various terrains, especially rough roads.
Meanwhile, although the NIU electric scooter doesn’t have suspension, the KQi3 features 9.5 x 2.5-inch pneumatic tyres that help absorb shocks on the road and make your rides smoother and more comfortable.
However, which is the best electric kick scooter? Since the EleKtro Flash features suspension, it slightly wins over the NIU KQi3 Pro. But that doesn’t mean the NIU KQi3 Pro is far behind. Ultimately, if you want to check the ride experience for these two e-scooters, Scooteroo recommends dropping by an e-scooter store and requesting a test ride.
Price and Warranty
Regarding price, the EleKtro Flash offers a more affordable option than the NIU KQi3 Pro electric kick scooter. The EleKtro Flash has a regular retail price of $1,399, while the NIU KQi3 Pro costs $1,599.95.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the EleKtro Flash is the obvious choice. However, being cheap doesn’t mean it offers fewer specs and features than the NIU KQi3 Pro scooter.
Similarly, the NIU KQi3 Pro doesn’t mean it’s overpriced. Although they’re not cheap electric scooters for adults, they both offer value for your money, given their decent specs and features.
Regarding warranty, EleKtro has a two-year warranty for the frame of their e-scooters and a one-year warranty for the official motor, battery, main body, and controller.
On the other hand, NIU has a two-year warranty for the main body (including the battery, battery charger, frame, motor, controller, and dashboard), a six-month warranty for the accessories (including brake levers, brake disc, brake line, throttle control and other non-daily consumable parts), and a three-month warranty for the consumable parts like anti-collision strip, headlight, and bell.
If you want to get good warranty coverage, NIU offers more comprehensive warranty terms.
Which Ride Is the Best Electric Scooter for Adults?
As you may have noticed, these two e-scooters have plenty of similarities, from their specs to their perks. Which one do you think is the best electric scooter for adults in Australia?
If you’re looking for a convenient everyday ride with an affordable price and excellent ride quality, perfect for hilly terrains, consider getting the EleKtro Flash.
Meanwhile, if you want a minimalist e-scooter with decent performance, reliable safety features, and comprehensive warranty coverage, choose the NIU KQi3 Pro electric kick scooter.
Overall, identify your riding needs carefully to know which ride suits your lifestyle best. If you need help choosing between certain e-scooters, check out more of our e-scooter reviews or contact our team for inquiries.
Feel free to browse our online shop to see a wide range of e-scooters, e-dirt bikes, and e-skateboards.