Updated on 6 December 2022
This comparison is certified 100% impartial and follows our selection process.
Xiaomi Mi Pro 2
The good performance of this scooter makes it pleasant to use without being afraid of hills. It is also safe and practical thanks to its interesting equipment.
For its price, this connected scooter has a good battery range (45 km) and excellent responsiveness allowing it to climb slopes up to 20%. Its maximum speed (25 km/h) complies with urban models. It provides effective braking thanks to its hybrid system (magnetic and disc) and has a neat ergonomic design, like its screen which offers a route tracker. Even though it is a little heavier (14.2 kg), it has an interesting folding system and remains perfectly manageable.
More environmentally friendly, electric scooters are becoming increasingly popular in urban areas. Dimensions, weight and foldability are important to consider if you need to carry it on the move. The range depends on the route, the driving mode used, the temperature and the weight of the rider. The average charge time is 5 hours, but this can be more than double for the more durable models. The handlebars should be adjustable to suit the size of the rider. The wider it is, the more stable it is. The platform should be large enough to accommodate your feet. Tyre sizes vary. The larger the diameter of the tyres, the better the ride. There are some accessories to improve your safety or comfort when travelling.
Xiaomi Mi Essential
This basic scooter from the extremely popular Chinese brand is particularly suitable for beginners who want to discover this means of transport but is limited to everyday use.
This light, urban and connected model is easy to use and transport. Approved for use on public roads, it is equipped with a range of accessories that improve safety, comfort and handling. However, it is criticised for its lack of responsiveness (especially when climbing hills), its limited top speed (15 km/h in practice) and its relatively long recharging time (around 3.5 hours) compared to its limited battery range (15 km on average).
This relatively heavy model is designed for door-to-door use due to its high weight (23.8 kg). However, thanks to its excellent endurance (up to 65 km), it can cover long distances. It also has good traction, allowing it to climb gradients of up to 20% and reach a speed of 25 km/h. It also offers good stability thanks to its wider tyres (10 inches). The dual brakes are also efficient, and the scooter complies with road traffic regulations. It is also IPX5 certified. There are also some extra features such as a number plate holder and many more.
Niu KQI3 Pro
The Niu KQI3 Pro electric scooter is designed for medium and long distances. Of course, it has the right features to perform efficiently.
The KQI3, in its Pro version, impressed us with its solid looks and assertive styling. Simply put, we knew at a glance what we were dealing with a scooter designed for long journeys and not very suitable for public transport (bulky size, considerable weight of 20 kg). In practice, it proved pleasant to use thanks to its very dynamic engine, spacious deck and powerful brakes. However, its 9.5″ wheels did not spare us from the jolts of the smallest bumps in the road. The range, announced at 50 km, is more like 40 km when the speed is limited to 20 km/h. Visibility is guaranteed by its particularly powerful headlight and numerous reflectors.
Our selection
| Our choice, Best mid-range | Best budget | Best high-end | High-end alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| | |  | |
| Xiaomi Mi Pro 2 | Xiaomi Mi Essential | Segway Max G30 | Niu KQI3 Pro |
| The good performance of this scooter makes it pleasant to use without being afraid of hills. It is also safe and practical thanks to its interesting equipment. | This basic scooter from the extremely popular Chinese brand is particularly suitable for beginners who want to discover this means of transport but is limited to everyday use. | It is very robust and, thanks to its long battery life, is designed for long journeys. It also gives you perfect balance and is relatively well-equipped. | The Niu KQI3 Pro electric scooter is designed for medium and long distances. Of course, it has the right features to perform efficiently. |
| See the price on Amazon | See the price on Amazon | £ 780.08 on Amazon |
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How did we test?
To test the different models, we first proceeded to the basic assembly, allowing us to get a clear idea of the overall quality of the scooters. This stage was also an opportunity to check the practicality of the whole by manipulating the folding system(s) or by lifting the scooter to move it.
Then it’s time to practice. We did the initial setup, including the dedicated application where available. We then set off on a defined route with different surfaces and a few hills to analyse the comfort of the different models and their performance. The autonomy was calculated based on the consumption of each scooter over this specific distance.
How to choose your electric scooter?
Electric scooters are becoming increasingly popular in urban areas because of their economic and ecological characteristics. As a result, there are more and more models on the market and, as with any relatively new item, it is difficult to know what to look out for and to distinguish the essential from the accessory.
It is therefore important to determine your needs before purchasing one. Consider particularly the following parameters:
- Use: the choice of model for leisure use is not the same as for everyday use. For sports or more difficult terrain, a powerful engine and wide tyres are preferable, whereas for commuting or using public transport, light, compact and, depending on the distance and frequency of use, more durable scooters are recommended.
- Age, height and weight of the rider: children’s and adult scooters differ in terms of top speed, maximum weight and adjustment options (adjustable handlebar height, etc.). The materials used are often different, as children’s products are all designed for recreational use, while adult scooters are designed for everyday use.
- Size and weight: this is a must if you have to carry your scooter on public transport or up the stairs in your flat, for example. In these cases, a folding scooter is a good option. On average, electric scooters weigh between 9 and 20 kg, but the material used and the size of the scooter have a big influence. Some high-end models can even weigh up to 40 kg.
- Speed: in France, an electric scooter is tolerated on a bicycle path and the road if its speed is limited to 25 km/h. It is, therefore, better to take precautions as this could cost you a heavy fine in the event of speeding (a 5th class fine goes up to £1500, and in the event of a repeat offence, up to £3000). Most of them are therefore restricted to this speed, but the maximum speed limit is unlimited on private roads. As a result, more and more scooters are going up to 90 km/h or more.
- Motor power and acceleration: it is usually between 250 and 1000W. You can refer to other parameters such as the voltage (between 20 and 60 V), but it is best to consult existing tests to get a better idea on this subject. Power is important for speed but also for steep roads.
- Battery range: most electric scooters offer a battery range of between 20 and 40km, but the more expensive ones offer performance of over 60km. It is important to take into account the routes you wish to take, your tendency to use the trigger to the maximum, the type of route taken, the outside temperature and the weight of the user to be sure to invest in a sufficient battery. For information: 77% of users ride more than 5 km per day and 40% ride more than 10 km per day. The most important thing is to make sure you can make a round trip.
- Charging time: the majority of scooters have an average charging time of 5 hours, but this can be more than double on some models, even reaching 10-12 hours for a full charge.
- Comfort: one of the most important points to check here is the shock absorber system, which is often lacking in basic models. Moreover, the tyres influence comfort. The handlebars should also be adjustable so that you can easily lean on them, and preferably wide enough for better stability. A narrow handlebar is more sporty and easier to handle. You should also consider the space provided on the platform (length and width) and the grip of the handles.
- Tyres: tyre sizes generally vary between 6 and 16 inches. The larger the diameter of the tyres, the better the ride. Solid tyres are less prone to punctures and only need to be changed when damaged, while tube tyres offer more comfort on paved or rougher roads, providing better damping (but requiring more regular maintenance). New are the honeycomb tyres which are a good compromise between the two.
- Extra features: battery range display and control screen, sufficient lighting, headlights, mudguards, bell, kickstand, Bluetooth connection, USB socket… These are all features that can make a big difference to your experience on the road, especially in terms of safety.
- After-sales service: you need to think about the after-sales service, as many foreign dealers do not have an after-sales service or one that is not very efficient in France. In the event of a problem, the cost of returning the scooter can be more than the cost of the scooter itself. It is therefore best to make sure that your purchase is reliable for the long term.
PS: Note that to drive an electric scooter on the road, you must be at least 14 years old and hold a licence.
Other electric scooters we recommend
Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 3 (£399.99 upon publication): an attractive in-between range. Placed between the two models in our selection, the Electric Scooter 3 is an attractive solution for those on a limited budget. We categorise it as a relatively durable and comfortable solution. We were surprised to find that it has many of the same strengths as its larger sibling, with a willing motor, a spacious deck and good hill-climbing ability. However, it remains impractical to carry around for the same reasons (fixed handlebars, inability to ride on the front wheel when folded).
Augment ES210 LR (£629.99 upon publication): a leased electric scooter. This scooter works on a subscription basis, allowing it to be paid for in 24 months, according to different terms. During the test, we identified it as a solution focusing mainly on comfort with excellent attenuation of road irregularities. Performance was also good, with a willing engine for both acceleration and hill climbing. However, we were a little disappointed with its range, which fluctuated between 15 and 20 km… whereas the competition reaches 30 km.
Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 4 Pro (£699.99 upon publication): for everyday use. Robust and easy to use, this scooter has a powerful motor (up to 700 W) and a good range (between 40 and 55 km). In addition to its good design, it is easy to use thanks to its intuitive controls and pleasant screen. The brakes are also effective. On the other hand, despite its 10-inch wheels, the lack of suspension does not help to smooth out the bumps in the road, and the charging time is long, which makes the price/performance ratio less interesting.
Other electric scooters tested
Windgoo M20 (currently not available): although its power and comfort were full of promise, this model disappointed us with its heavy weight, its engine lacking punch and its loss of power at the end of the battery.
Translated by Ramsés El Hajje
