Qiewa Q Mini Electric Scooter Review 2023: Is It Worth The Money?
Pros
Cons
The Qiewa Q1mini is a compact but powerful electric kick scooter that delivers amazing performance, as well as an enjoyable ride. It is lightweight with a weight of only 48 lbs. It is one of the most versatile and fastest electric scooters available in the market. In fact, it is one of the few electric scooters that can go as fast as 37 miles per hour and as far as 38 miles on a single charge.
In this Qiewa Qmini review, Zippy Electrics will see how much value for your money this electric scooter offers.
Speed and Power output
The Qiewa Qmini electric scooter may be small but, make no mistake, it has a powerful 500-watt motor that allows it to run as fast as 37 mph, using the three-speed gears the scooter has. Of course, the speed will vary depending on the terrain and the weight of the rider. This makes it perfect for fast commutes, especially if you are running late for work or school, or if you just want to have a leisurely ride around town.
However, before maximizing that speed, make sure that you are wearing enough safety gear like a high-quality helmet and a set of pads.
Additionally, do check the speed limit for electric scooters in your area to avoid running into trouble. In most states, there is a 15 mph speed limit for electric scooters on any public road. Californian law, however, allows scooters to be used on the streets as long as the posted speed limit is 25 mph or below. (1) There are also requirements for your scooter to be considered street legal. Make sure to do your research before hitting the streets.
Range and Battery Performance
Do not let the mini design of the Qiewa Q mini fool you. Its 16 AH lithium-ion battery and 500 Watt brushless motor give it the power to run as far as 38 miles on a single charge. For a compact electric scooter, this is pretty powerful.
The battery charging time can last between 8 and 12 hours, which is decent enough, considering the max range it gives in return. However, it is pretty long compared with the charging time and max range of Qiewa Q1 Hummer at 3.5 hours and 65-mile max range, respectively.
Design & Construction Quality
If you are looking for a small electric scooter that has enough juice to give you decent speed and mileage, look no further than the Qiewa Qmini.
It is one of the most versatile, well-built, and fastest folding electric kick scooters available. In fact, it is more affordable than IMAX s1+, tougher than EcoReco M5, and more portable than UberScoot. With a simple press and pull in the right places, you will be able to fold it in half, as well as its handlebars at both ends, in just seconds.
The Qmini has a tough and rugged design, with its solid deck and chassis. Aside from being one tough cookie, it is also stylish enough to get you noticed in a crowd. It is also extremely portable. Moreover, it has 45-degree dual rear shocks and front shock, giving it better shock absorption for a smoother and more stable ride. There is also foot placement support at the back part of the deck, which many riders find useful. It also helps make your ride more comfortable.
Materials:
The Qiewa Qmini may be small, but it is made from sturdy materials. One feature to take note of is its solid rubber tires. When we say solid rubber, we mean real solid. This means no more flat tires. It also boasts of a solid deck and chassis that is placed at 12 cm in height. This is higher than other standard electric scooters. Aside from giving you superb performance when riding on any pavement, it also helps protect the batteries from early wear and tear.
Overall, this electric scooter has a premium look and feel to it. The only downside is that the charger does not have the same premium look. Not that it looks cheap per se, but its quality is not up to par with the built and design of the electric scooter.
Handlebar:
Qmini shares many of the same handlebar features as its bigger brother, the Qiewa Q1 Hummer. Both electric scooters have a backlit LED display on the handlebar, which displays the necessary information, such as speed and battery life. It also has a compass, a horn, and a USB charging port where you can charge your mobile devices while on the go.
The main difference between these two electric scooters is that the Qmini has only one electronic hand brake, which is located on the left handlebar. On the right handlebar, you will see the thumb throttle. It is quite comfortable to use. However, it will take time getting used to if you are not used to using one. The handlebar, just like most electric scooters, is adjustable.
Foldable:
The Qiewa Qmini electric scooter is not just highly portable. It is also super easy to fold. When folded, you can easily fit two (or maybe even more) in the trunk of a compact car.
Seat:
The Qmini does not come with a seat when you purchase it. However, Qiewa understands that a seat will make your ride a lot more comfortable, especially with its speed. This is why they made it an optional accessory, which you can order and install on your scooter.
Assembly:
Aside from the optional seat, there is really nothing to assemble with the Qmini. You only need to unfold the main shaft and handlebars, and you are ready to go. However, if you do plan to install a seat, it will take some time to complete. You will also need the right tools to accomplish this task successfully.
Tires & Braking System
The Qmini is among those compact electric scooters that provide a consistent, smooth ride because of its shock absorber system. However, that is not the only thing giving you a smooth ride. Its 8-inch solid rubber tires are also responsible for that. You might think that the rubber tires will cause a bumpy ride, but they actually absorb a lot of impact. Plus, no more worrying about getting a flat tire.
For the brakes, it uses a pretty standard drum brake system. Not the best, but still reliable enough. The electronic brake is also conveniently placed on the handlebar. Another thing we like about its braking system is that it actually has a brake light at the rear of the scooter. This makes driving at night a whole lot safer.
Safety
When it comes to safety, the Qiewa Q mini will not let you down. For starters, its headlight is bright enough to help you spot potholes and other bumps on the road at night. It also has brake lights at the back of the scooter and the LED lights on the side of the deck, which makes you visible to other riders and motorists.
The horn is also loud enough to warn pedestrians or slow riders. You also get a thumb throttle on the right handlebar and the electronic brake on the left side. This allows you to control the acceleration and braking with different hands, making it easy to adjust your speed. The braking system is not the best, but it gets the job done.
Did we mention its anti-theft design? The Qmini comes with a remote control that you can use to activate or deactivate it. The remote also allows you to start and stop the motor of the scooter.
Bluetooth
Much like the Qiewa Q1 Hummer, the Qmini is also not equipped with a Bluetooth function. However, it does have a USB charging function for your mobile device.
Brand & Customer Service
The line of Qiewa scooters was created as a response to the growing traffic and pollution crisis in Taiwan. It is probably more popular in Southeast Asia, but it is slowly starting to make a name in the international market.
In case of any transit or factory defect, you get 12 months warranty for new purchases (2) and 30 days for open box/refurbished scooters. You may contact them through their website for support should you need repair services for your Qmini (3). They have a local maintenance factory in the U.S. where they provide repair services. They are open Mondays through Fridays, from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Downsides
- The brakes do their job at stopping you, but it may take some time for the rider to get used to them.
- It is a bit on the pricey side.
- The charger does not have the same quality as the rest of the scooter.
- The battery charging time at 8 to 12 hours is a bit of a letdown, considering how some other scooters provide a longer max distance range for the same charging time.
Who Should Buy the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter?
The Qmini is pretty fast. This makes it a good choice for people looking for speed and power, especially if you are rushing to work or school. However, its small body makes it better suited for women and teens. Larger people may still use it. In fact, some do. However, getting a Q1 Hummer may be a better option for larger individuals.
Final Verdict
Do not let the Qmini’s compact size fool you. It is one of the fastest and most powerful electric scooters available in the market. It also has a decent max range of 38 miles and a top speed of 37 mph on a single charge. You also will not believe how smooth a ride it gives, especially with its front shock and 45-degree dual rear shock. The anti-theft design is also a good touch.
However, the charging time of 8 to 12 hours is pretty long. The drum brakes are also not the best, but they are reliable enough. It is also a bit pricey. With these downsides, do we think that it is still a good buy? Absolutely! Although it is more expensive than many other electric scooters, it is worth every penny. Overall, we give it a score of 3.5 out of 5.
Qiewa Q Mini Electric Scooter Video Review
Qiewa Q Mini Specifications | |
---|---|
Top Speed | 37 MPH |
Motor | 500 watts |
Range | 38 miles |
Battery | 48 Volts |
Charge Time | 8 – 12 hours |
Max Load | 550 LBS |
Weight | 48 LBS |
Wheel Size | 8 inches |
Tires | Solid rubber |
Brake System | Drum |
Warranty | 12 months |
Price | $$$$ |
FAQs
References
- https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-scooter-vote-20180904-story.html
- https://qiewascooter.com/pages/warranty
- https://qiewascooter.com/pages/product-support
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