NIU KQi3 Max – Setup, Charging, Operation, Maintenance & Fault GuideUpdated a month ago
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
- NIU KQi3 Max scooter
- Düsenverlängerung / Extension nozzle
- Netzteil / Power adapter
- Schraube M5 × 5 (one spare)
- 3 mm Allen key / socket head wrench
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
The manual labels these parts:
- Accelerator
- Headlight
- Front reflector
- Instrument
- Bell
- Brake lever
- Side reflector
- Wheel hub motor
- Charging port
- Folding wrench
- Folding buckle
- Disc brake calipers
- Battery compartment
- Kickstand
DASHBOARD INFO
The dashboard shows:
- Bluetooth status
- Abnormal temperature warning
- Light status
- Fault warning
- Real-time vehicle speed / fault code display
- Battery indicator
- Pedestrian mode status
- Riding mode
- Operation keys
Dashboard controls
- Long press the power button to turn the device on or off
- Short press once for gear switch
- Short press twice for light switch
- Short press three times for speed unit switch
- Short press five times to enter pedestrian mode
Pedestrian mode
- Entered by short pressing the button 5 times
- Speed is limited to 6 km/h
- Short press again to exit this mode
Riding mode display
- E-SAVE lights up: Eco mode
- E-SAVE goes out: Sport mode
- E-SAVE flashes: Custom mode (in app)
SETTING UP THE SCOOTER
Body assembly
- Lock the folding mechanism and open the kickstand.
- Connect the handlebar to the main line connector of the vertical tube and install the handlebar to the vertical tube.
- Charge the scooter and it will turn on automatically.
- Install the four screws.
Handlebar screw tightening torque:
- 4–5 N·m
Folding
- Confirm that the kick scooter is powered off.
- Hold the vertical tube.
- Open the folding wrench.
- Align it to the position of the mudguard hook.
- Hook the hook under the dashboard to the rear end of the body.
- Press the buckle button on the mudguard when opening.
- After the hook under the dashboard is separated from the folding buckle, straighten the vertical tube to lock the folded plate.
- Turn the folding wrench back.
Handling
- Fold the scooter and hold the standpipe with one hand or both hands before transport.
CHARGING
Charger connection
- Open the charging port first
- Plug the charging plug into the body charging port
- Then connect the power supply
- After charging is complete, fasten the charging port cover to prevent water intake
Charging cautions
- Do not charge when the charging port, charger, or power socket is wet
- Turn off the power before charging
- Only use the original charger provided by NIU
- Do not use any other charger type
- Do not charge or continue using the battery if it is damaged or flooded
- Fasten the rubber plug of the charging port before or after charging
- Do not charge outdoors
- Do not ride while charging
PARKING
- Turn on the parking device after use and park the vehicle
- Turn on the parking device before use
FAST LOCKING
How to lock
- Connect the electric scooter to the NIU app via Bluetooth and activate the fast locking function in the app.
- Long press the On/Off button for 5 seconds to lock the scooter.
- The lock icon is displayed on the meter.
- The manual also shows an alarm when locking and flash two times per second while locking.
How to unlock
- Long press the On/Off button for 2 seconds to start the scooter.
- Click the Unlock button in the app interface to unlock the scooter connected to the app.
DOWNLOADING THE APP / ACTIVATION
- Scan the QR code and install the NIU E-Scooter App
- Bind and activate the scooter according to the prompts
- After installing the app, log in and register
- Long press the button to power the scooter on and the Bluetooth icon starts flashing
- In the app, tap Me > Device Binding > Bind with Bluetooth
- The scooter beeps when Bluetooth connects successfully
- The Bluetooth icon stops flashing and stays on after successful connection
- Activate the scooter according to the prompts in the app and learn how to drive safely
App requirements
- Bluetooth 4.2 or above
- iOS 10.0 or above
- Android 5.0 or above
- Bluetooth operating frequency: 2400–2483.5 MHz
- Max radio power: 2 dBm
Owner / pairing notes
- The account paired with Bluetooth for the first time is the vehicle owner
- If the vehicle owner changes the mobile connection, the Bluetooth pairing must be reset
- If the account connection changes, the original vehicle owner’s account must be unbound
BEFORE RIDING
Before riding:
- Ensure the steering system and folding system are working properly and components are tightly secured
- Check whether the wheel axle is fastened to the body to ensure the wheel rotates normally and the brake system works normally
- Check tyre pressure before riding
- Inflate the tyres every three months and keep tyre pressure between 45–50 psi
- Check the wear of the tyres and brake pads
- If wear is serious and replacement is needed, contact the dealer in time
First-use riding note
- The new scooter will be locked in E-SAVE mode when first used
- After you finish a 200 m ride, the scooter beeps
- At that point, you can switch modes and ride at maximum speed
RIDING THE SCOOTER
- Turn on the power and check the power indicator.
- Stand on the pedal with one foot and push back with the other foot.
- When the scooter is sliding, place the other foot on the pedal, keep both feet stable, and gently press the throttle.
- The throttle starts working above 4 km/h.
- Release the throttle and use energy recovery to decelerate.
- Emergency braking requires a powerful grip on both brake levers.
- Lean the body slightly in the direction of turning and slowly turn the handlebar.
Additional riding notes
- There is a risk of fall injuries during practice
- Wear a helmet and protectors while learning and riding
- Deceleration through energy recovery can be adjusted within the app
WARNINGS
The manual includes these riding warnings:
- Do not drive on public roads, motorways, or highways
- Do not drive if water level exceeds 2 cm
- Avoid riding in the rain
- Braking distance is extended in wet weather
- It is forbidden for multiple people to ride one scooter or to ride with children in arms
- Do not ride with one foot on the pedal or on the ground
- Always wear shoes
- Do not step on the back of the mudguard
- Always keep your hands on the handlebar when driving
- Slow down when encountering deceleration zones, potholes, or unusual road surfaces
- Do not accelerate downhill
- Avoid obstacles
- Turn on the headlight when driving in the dark
- Do not ride up or down stairs or jump obstacles
- Do not hang heavy objects such as backpacks on the handlebar
- Do not drive indoors
- Do not twist the throttle when walking with the kick scooter
- Do not turn the handlebar substantially at high speed
- Do not touch the disc brake shortly after use to avoid burns
Additional warning notes
- Mechanical parts are subject to stress and wear
- Cracks, scratches, and discoloration in high-stress areas may indicate a part has exceeded service life and should be replaced
- In city traffic, avoid jumping obstacles such as curbs and steps
- Adapt trajectory and speed before crossing obstacles
- It is recommended to get off the scooter when obstacles become dangerous due to shape, height, or slippage
- Keep plastic covering away from children to avoid suffocation
- Ask your seller to refer you to an appropriate training organization
- Avoid high traffic or overcrowded areas
- Notify pedestrians or cyclists of your presence
- Walk while crossing protected passages
- Do not divert the use of the vehicle
- This vehicle is not intended for acrobatic use
- Eliminate any sharp edges caused by use
- Do not modify or transform the vehicle, including the steering tube, sleeve, stem, folding mechanism, and rear brake
- Self-tightening nuts and other self-tightening fastenings may lose efficiency and may need retightening
- Do not make modifications not described in the instructions
TROUBLESHOOTING / FAULT GUIDE
The manual includes a full Troubleshooting of the whole vehicle table.
Battery-related faults
- 31 displayed – Battery MOS tube damaged
Action: Please contact the dealer - 32 displayed – Battery moistened by water
Action: Please contact the dealer - 37 displayed – Battery short-circuit protection warning
Action: Please contact the dealer - 33 displayed – Battery open-circuit or imbalance warning
Action: Please contact the dealer - 34 displayed – Battery low-temperature warning
Action: Place the vehicle at room temperature and reuse it after temperature is recovered - 35 displayed – Battery over-temperature warning
Action: Make the vehicle still and use it after the internal temperature becomes normal - 38 displayed – Battery charging overcurrent protection warning
Action: Please disconnect the charger - 39 displayed – Battery discharging overcurrent protection warning
Action: Please contact the dealer - 40 displayed – Battery over-charging warning
Action: You can ride normally, and it can recover after electricity reduces - 41 displayed – Battery over-discharging warning
Action: Please charge the vehicle - 42 displayed – Battery communication fault and verification failure
Action: Limit speed to 6 km/h, please contact the dealer
Controller / motor-related faults
- 01 displayed – Power tube fault of the controller
Action: Please contact the dealer - 02 displayed – Brake fault
Action: Please check the state of the brake handle or contact the dealer - 03 displayed – Accelerator fault
Action: Please check the state of the accelerator switch or contact the dealer - 04 displayed – Controller overcurrent
Action: Please contact the dealer - 05 displayed – Controller over-temperature
Action: Make the vehicle still and use it after the internal temperature becomes normal - 06 displayed – Fault of driving power of the controller
Action: Please contact the dealer - 08 displayed – Undervoltage / overvoltage of the controller
Action: Please charge the vehicle or contact the dealer - 07 displayed – Controller communication fault and verification failure
Action: Please contact the dealer - 10 displayed – Motor locked-rotor
Action: Please contact the dealer - 11 displayed – Motor phase loss
Action: Please contact the dealer - 12 displayed – Motor HALL fault
Action: Please contact the dealer - 13 displayed – Motor over-temperature
Action: Make the vehicle still and use it after the internal temperature becomes normal
MAINTENANCE AND CARE
Vehicle cleaning
- Wipe the main frame with a soft wet cloth
- If buildup is hard to remove, apply toothpaste and rub with a toothbrush, then wipe clean with a soft wet cloth
- Do not clean the scooter with alcohol, gasoline, kerosene, or other corrosive and volatile solvents
- Do not spray with pressure water guns or water pipes
- Before cleaning, make sure the scooter is shut down, not charging, and the charging port is tightly buckled closed, otherwise water may damage electrical parts
Vehicle storage
- Do not use accessories or additional items not approved by the manufacturer
- Store the vehicle in a flat, stable, well-ventilated, and dry place
- Prolonged exposure to UV rays, rain, and the elements may damage enclosure materials, so store indoors when not in use
- For long-term storage, keep battery power between 30% and 70%
- Recharge the battery every two months
- After long-term storage, fully charge the battery before use and check tyre pressure
- Do not charge when the charging port or charging cable is wet
- If abnormal sounds occur during riding or pushing, stop riding and check the source before continuing
- Do not use other models or brands of battery packs
- Use the original charger only
- Do not touch battery contacts and do not open or expose the shell
- Do not store the vehicle near a heat source
- If the battery is damaged or water enters the battery compartment, do not charge or continue using it
- It is strictly forbidden to immerse the battery or vehicle body in water or ride in the rain
- Do not take the battery out
- Contact your dealer if needed
DISC BRAKE ADJUSTMENT
If braking force is too strong
- Use a wrench to loosen the brake arm nut counterclockwise
- Return the brake cable to shorten the exposed tail length
- Lock the nut clockwise to confirm brake force and complete adjustment
If braking force is insufficient
- Use a wrench to turn the fine adjustment screw counterclockwise
- Confirm braking force through brake action
- Tighten the limit nut clockwise after completion
CHANGING BRAKE PADS
- Completely loosen the brake cable and remove the brake calipers from the vehicle body with a 4 mm hexagon wrench
- Tilt the tail end of the brake pad return spring and remove it
- Remove old brake discs one by one and clean the brake piston with a clean cloth
- Put the new brake discs in one by one and push the two brake discs apart with tools
- Push the return spring through the gap of the brake discs
- Install the calipers to the vehicle body, thread the brake cable, and lock it in place
HANDLEBAR SHAKING DEBUGGING
- Check whether the vertical tube screws are loose
- If loose, fasten the standpipe screws first
- Then fasten the two screws of the folding mechanism with a 6 mm hexagon wrench
USE OF THE EXTENSION NOZZLE
- If the front and rear tyres are underinflated, use the extension nozzle to connect for inflation
- Remove the tyre inflatable nozzle caps first
- Tighten the extended inflatable nozzle and tyre inflatable nozzle
- Connect the pump and inflate after they are tightened
NIU KQi3 MAX Unboxing and setup video