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MagyarNiu Mqi+ Sport electric scooter reviewed - Silently through the city
In the city, it's common to get stuck in traffic. Finally, you arrive at your destination and then the great search for a parking space begins. Additionally, owning your own car costs a substantial amount to purchase and maintain. Possible alternatives are car sharing, bikes or scooters. The Niu Mqi+ Sport might carry the title of "sport" in its name but it feels especially at home in the city: It is small, nimble and, thanks to the electric motor, it runs silently. Its compact dimensions mean there's always space for it. We gave the electric flea a go.
The Mqi+ Sport comes in two battery sizes, letting you choose between 31 or 42 Ah. Niu calls the sizes Standard and Extended Range. Our review model has the larger battery. The battery size doesn't influence the motor performance. Niu offers the scooter in five different colors with the price of the normal version coming in at around $2850 and the variant with the bigger battery, $3650.
Features and design - The Niu Mqi+ Sport is small and compact
Just why the Mqi+ has earned the name "Sport" will remain a secret with the manufacturer. With its compact dimensions and small tires, it makes anything but a sporty impression. Neither can the maximum speed of 45 km/h be really described as sporty. However, categorising it as a moped has the advantage that it doesn't have to be registered.
An insurance disc is sufficient in order for the Mqi+ to be able to take part in everyday traffic. In some German federal states, riding the Mqi+ is possible with an AM driver's license from 16 years of age and in some states it can be 15. Owners of an automobile driver's license don't require an additional driver's license. The large number plate holder goes on the car because some people register their scooters voluntarily. This then makes it possible to apply for the yearly GHG quota payment. However, the quota is smaller, due to the scooter having lower consumption than a EV. In addition, voluntary registration is not possible in all municipalities.
A wheel hub motor from Bosch is responsible for the acceleration. It sits in the small, 10-inch rear wheel and accelerates the Mqi+ Sport almost silently. The scooter can also recuperate via the motor. In other words, recover energy when breaking. In our case, the battery has a capacity of 42 Ah. It is stored under the seat and is simply placed in a compartment without any locking mechanism. The connection to the scooter is done via a plug with a foldable handle aiding its removal.
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Motor | hub motor, rear wheel, Bosch, 1400-watt continuous power |
| Battery | 48 V, 42 Ah, 2016 Wh |
| Brakes | hydraulic disc brakes, 180/180 mm |
| Tires | 90/90-10 |
| Top speed | 45 km/h |
| Weight incl. battery | 72 Kg |
| Battery weight | 10.7 Kg |
The cockpit and handlebar controls are easy to get to grips with. The monochrome display shows the current speed, the total kilometers travelled, the time and the battery level. The latter is displayed both as a percentage and as a series of bars. Additionally, the scooter displays whether it is running in either of the two driving modes, mode 1 or 2. Symbols also display the current satellite connection. Errors are also shown in the form of a numerical code on the display. A customization of either the display or its contents is not possible.
Braking is done via two, long, non-adjustable hand levers. The indicator control is housed within reach of the left handle. The indicator has a reliable, automatic reset. Additionally, a noise and a visual signal close to the handlebar, remind the rider that the indicator is active. Next to the indicator is the control element for the main and low beams, as well as the horn and the cruise control buttons. Pressing this button causes the Mqi+ to maintain its current speed until the rider puts on the brakes or accelerates via the throttle.
Close to the right handlebar, you can find the buttons for ignition, hazard warning lights and changing the driving mode. Accelerating is done via the throttle. Anyone who has ever used a standard bike will have no problems getting to grips with the Niu's operation and motor.
In the casing underneath the handlebars, Niu has installed a USB-A port and a holder. A smartphone (which can be charged while riding) and a water bottle fit in this compartment. The space below the seat is almost completely taken up by the battery. There's no space there for a helmet but rain trousers and a rain jacket can be squeezed into the space next to the battery. Just like the handlebar lock, the seat is operated via the ignition lock.
In addition, the Niu has an alarm system which is controlled via a remote control and connection to an app.
Smart functions - The Niu offers app connectivity
For the Mqi+ Sport, Niu offers a connection to an app via the Niu app. As long as the software is installed on an Android or iOS device, the user only has to scan a QR code - which can be found under the seat - in order to connect the scooter and smartphone. Bluetooth is used for the exchange of data.
On the scooter's app starting page, its battery level and total kilometers travelled are displayed. In the battery menu, the software displays additional information such as the estimated range, battery temperature, charging cycles and battery health as a percentage. The charging status is continually visualised in the form of a graphic.
The app uses the information center to notify the rider which events occurred on a timeline such as a poor satellite connection when parked, an error message from the vehicle or if the vehicle moved while it was locked. The Mqi+ measures movements via various sensors as well as vibrations. If the scooter falls over, is moved or is only shaken, the software sends a warning. On top of that, it flashes and beeps in order to put off thieves. Furthermore, the Mqi+ Sport's location can be identified via the satellite connection, in the event of it being stolen.
Additionally, the vehicle records routes and the corresponding data. This data can be viewed and evaluated via the app. The scooter displays the route, time, and battery usage on a map. From this, the software calculates statistics not only for individual days but also weeks and months.
In some menus, for example, sub-items, the text is displayed in English if there isn't a German translation in the app.
Out and about - Mqi+ powerful and with cruise control
O course, the Mqi+ Sport can't perform miracles. At a top speed of 45 km/h, we're dealing with one of the slowest forms of transportation. Where the electric scooter does show its strengths is in stop-and-go traffic, at traffic lights and even on inclines. Because, unlike many combustion-based vehicles in this class, the e-scooter reliably reaches its top speed of 45 km/h even on hills and steep surroundings.
The integrated cruise control is a great help on somewhat longer routes. It makes good sense in this vehicle as it is continually being propelled at full throttle. The cruise control helps avoid having constant pressure put on the right wrist making the journey more relaxed. Furthermore, the scooter impresses with its whisper-like operation meaning it never attracts any unwanted negative attention.
At a height of 185 cm, our reviewer is just about the right size to still fit comfortably on the Mqi+. Taller people should take a look at another scooter - at least for longer journeys. Two people are permitted to ride on the Mqi+, with things then getting quite cosy on the seat. Nevertheless, both passengers can enjoy two separate, fold-out footrests.
The scooter's turning circle and low weight are both excellent. This makes riding and pushing manoeuvres a piece of cake. Using the handles to lift the rear end allows the scooter to be parked closer to a wall. With the small, 10-inch tires, the Mqi+ is wonderfully agile to ride. However, riding in a straight line or relaxed coasting - sometimes over potholes - cannot really be counted as two of the scooter's strengths.
Wind and weather protection are only modest due to the scooter's slim outline. When it rains, the rider's legs are sure to get wet. Likewise, the Mqi+'s mirrors show the reflected image of the rider's arms which is a common problem in this class. One positive is the LED headlight's good light output. The Niu strictly uses LED lighting which is often different when it comes to electric cars.
The scooter has a very good range. Although it was developed with the city in mind, longer trips are also easily possible. After one journey from Mittenwald to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and back, with many inclines (around 350 meters in height) and a distance of 36 kilometers, the screen displayed a remaining battery level of 57 percent. In tests, the scooter even mastered longer trips with no great difficulties. The scooter only asked for a short break on a hot summer's day, to help cool down the battery.
The battery weighs 10.7 kilograms and can be removed very easily, for example, for charging purposes. However, charging can also be done with the battery still housed in the scooter. But, the e-vehicle doesn't have an external charging flap. Unfortunately, charging takes quite a long time: The manufacturer states that a full charging cycle takes 9 hours and that equates to our test results. It is correspondingly faster if the battery is not completely drained. Using a fast charger to charge the battery is not possible.
You can forget the riding mode switch - well, almost. The Mqi+ always starts with the weaker mode 1. That means, after each start you have to press the switch to change to mode 2. Mode 1 is highly relevant if the rider has never sat on an electric bike before. The scooter accelerates very slowly and reaches a maximum speed of 20 km/h turning you into a traffic obstacle. An eco notification flashes when the scooter is being ridden economically. This mainly happens downhill since the scooter is fast enough even without full throttle being applied.
Recuperation - in other words, the recovery of energy - only occurs when braking and when the battery is charged to less than 90 percent. If the throttle grip is rotated, the scooter glides. The combination of motor braking paired with the effect of disc braking is smooth.
Verdict - Quiet, agile and affordable
The Niu Mqi+ Sport may not quite have managed to master its sporting abilities but, as a mobilizer in everyday urban life, it managed to impress us, right across the board. It can find a parking space everywhere, the battery is good to handle and it can even be charged in an apartment.
At the traffic lights and on hills the Mqi+ isn't immediately left gasping for breath - it's tons of fun to ride, within the limits of its capabilities.
The scooter's two best features are its silent operation and the ingenious cruise control which takes even more stress out of travelling. The good lights and app functions offer even more day-to-day safety. Of course, it would have been nice if the scooter were a little faster but its speed is sufficient for city use. The manufacturer's stated range is realistic and is enough for and to the city when commuting.
For anyone wishing to get around somewhat faster, we would recommend taking a look at the manufacturer's website or try finding a Niu dealership as Niu also has significantly faster scooters on offer.
Price and availability
With the smaller battery, the Niu Mqi+ Sport has an RRP of around $2800. The larger battery pack costs an additional $700. Der Mqi+ Sport is not sold via online shops but can only be purchased via a network of specialist dealers.
Transparency
The present review sample was made available to the author as a loan by the manufacturer or a shop for the purposes of review. The lender had no influence on this review, nor did the manufacturer receive a copy of this review before publication. There was no obligation to publish this review.
