NIU makes some of my absolute favorite single motor electric scooters, so when I heard they were going to release a new model, I picture a dual-motor high-performance scooter. Instead, they’ve gone in a much more practical direction, with a total upgrade to their KQi3 line of scooters, which includes the Pro and Max.

NIU bills the KQi300P (P for “Pro,” I guess) and KQi300X (X for “Max”?) as “all-terrain” scooters, but they’re essentially a sequel to NIU’s premium commuter models, with some impressive extra safety and performance features for the same price. NIU tells us the 300 line will eventually replace the other KQi3 models. What it all adds up to is this:

NIU still makes some of the best electric scooters under $1000 – and they just got even better.

NIU scooters are for serious commuters who want a robust daily rider for under $1000. They aren’t fast high-performance scooters, but they are seriously fun to ride.

These make great first scooters, but they’re also geared for intermediate or even expert riders. I’ve ridden almost every day for the past several years, and I still love going out on these scooters.

When people get their first scooter, they usually hit a point pretty quickly where they want more speed and acceleration, and I don’t think that will happen for new riders with the KQi300P and KQi300X.