In this article we want to compare the Mi Pro 2 scooters from Xiaomi and the KQi3 Pro from NIU. In terms of features and performance, both competitors are in the upper middle range of their respective manufacturers' model ranges - that's where their prices are too. Even though both models are on a similar level in terms of price and performance, there are still differences that we would like to address in this comparison.

What products are we looking at?

Xiaomi Mi Pro 2

With its 600 watt electric motor, you can accelerate the Xiaomi to its maximum permitted speed of 20 km/h the fastest when its cruise control is set to sport mode (S-Mode). Even when loaded with its permissible weight of 100 kilograms, it can still handle gradients of up to 20%. Its 8.5-inch tires always ensure good road contact, even on rough or loose road surfaces (gravel).

It's good to know that if you get a flat tire, you can quickly get out of an emergency with the spare tire that comes with the accessories. This scooter is downright lightweight compared to many of its competitors, as it only weighs around 14.2 kilograms. This feature is particularly advantageous if you want to transport it between trips in other means of transport.

Xiaomi specifies a maximum range of 45 kilometers for the Pro 2. However, we do not trust manufacturer information. So we checked this statement ourselves on a trip. We were therefore not surprised that we could only determine a range of around 37 kilometers.

After its battery has been drained, the scooter needs around 9 hours to fully charge. In our opinion, a value that is hardly up to date if we take into account its rather meager range in this context.

NIU KQi3 Pro

As with its competitor, the top speed of the KQi3 Pro is also limited to 20 km/h in order to comply with European laws. 4 preset speeds can be finely adjusted with its “E-Saving” – “Sport” – “Individual” and “Pedestrian” modes. With its 9.5 inch tires, it sits firmly on the road to protect the driver from the worst bumps in the road.

According to the manufacturer, the range of the 20.3 kilogram KQi3 should be reached after 50 kilometers. However, we are aware that manufacturer information on range can only be obtained under laboratory conditions. That's why we put ourselves on his running stool to determine realistic values. During our trip we were only able to achieve a range of just over 42 kilometers. After its battery is empty, the scooter is available again for further trips after 6 hours of charging. During your journeys you can load the scooter with up to 120 kilograms. Even with a full load, it can still conquer gradients of up to 20%. Its electric motor develops a continuous output of 350 watts. You can also use 700 watts for a short time, for example to accelerate faster.

What are the main differences between the Xiaomi Mi Pro 2 and NIU KQi3 Pro?

The KQi3 Pro has better driving characteristics

In our test, the KQi3 Pro achieved a range that was around 5 kilometers longer than its competitor. At the same time, it allows a payload that is 20 kilograms higher. Thanks to these features, the KQi3 can be used to explore a larger area on one battery charge with a higher payload than with the Xiaomi scooter.

The KQi3 Pro battery can be recharged faster

Once the battery of a scooter has run empty, the driver often waits impatiently until it has reached its full capacity for further rides after charging. Here the KQi3 Pro impresses with a 3 hour shorter charging time than that of the Xiaomi scooter.

The Xiaomi scooter has the more powerful motor

With a rated output of 600 watts, its electric motor offers more thrust than its competitor, which only produces 350 watts of power, so you can always have greater power reserves at your disposal.

Conclusion: Which is better – Xiaomi Mi Pro 2 or NIU KQi3 Pro?

Xiaomi's scooter has the more powerful engine of the two competitors. This advantage was clearly noticeable on our rides, as it was quicker to accelerate to its top speed. In addition, its lower weight makes it easier to transport if, for example, you have to cover sections of your journey on public transport. And does a flat tire ever happen? No problem, because a spare tire is included.

Leaving aside the manufacturer's information, which is generally not practical, we were able to determine a range that was around 10% longer with the KQi3 Scooter from NIU than with the Mi Pro 2 from Xiaomi. Other advantages include its approximately 20% larger train load capacity and its battery, which can be charged to maximum capacity around 3 hours faster than its rival.

Advantages Xiaomi Mi Pro 2:

Its electric motor has around 40% greater power rating (600 vs. 350 watts) than that of the NIU scooter, which helps it accelerate better.
It weighs around 30% (14.2 vs. 20.3 kilograms) less than the NIU model compared here, which makes it easier to transport when traveling on public transport, for example, and also makes it easier to store.
Accessories include a spare tire. The NIU scooter does not come with one.

Advantages NIU KQi3 Pro:

On our test drive, the KQi3 achieved around 10% greater range (42 vs. 37 kilometers) than its rival.
With the scooter from NIU you can transport 20% more weight than with the Xiaomi scooter (120 vs. 100 kilograms).
Its battery can be charged in a third of the time of its competitor (6 vs. 9 hours).
It is equipped with 9.5-inch tires, which, due to their larger size, naturally compensate for uneven road surfaces better than the 8.5-inch tires of its competitor.