NIU launches two new ultra low-cost electric scooters in the US
Electric scooter industry giant NIU is back with another pair of new electric standing scooters just in time for college students headed back to school. The NIU KQi 100P and KQi 100F are laser-focused on portability and affordability, dropping the power level to create compact and budget-priced commuting tools.
Just how low-cost are we talking here?
The NIU KQi 100P debuts with a US $349 MSRP, while the even more compact KQi 100F carries an MSRP of US $449.
To be frank, those are figures we normally see from bargain basement, fly-by-night companies – not industry leaders like NIU, which produces everything from electric bicycles to fully-fledged highway-legal electric motorcycles and e-dirt bikes.
Despite the unique monikers and prices, both of NIU’s new electric scooters feature largely similar specs.
They both offer front suspension forks, 48V 252 Wh battery packs, 600W peak-rated rear motors, speeds of up to 28 km/h (17.4 mph), and maximum ranges on a charge of 29 km (18 miles). The scooters ride on 9″x2.3″ pneumatic tires and are said to be capable of climbing inclines up to 15%.
The main difference appears to be the KQi 100F’s folding handlebars, as well as its availability at BestBuy, Amazon, and Target, compared to the KQi’s 100P marking the company’s debut at Kohl’s in addition to continuing NIU’s Walmart availability.
“By bringing these two new electric kick scooters to market and partnering with retail giants like Best Buy, Kohl’s and Walmart to ensure widespread availability, we are not only enhancing convenience for customers but also setting a new standard for the e-mobility industry,” explained Ben McGill, Head of North America of NIU. “The KQi 100 series performs better than many mid-tier scooters, while being hundreds of dollars less than others in the market. We are one of the only companies making a sub-$500 scooter with the capabilities that this product offers. For 10 years, NIU has led the world in lithium-ion battery EVs that remain an affordable option for urban mobility and the KQi 100-Series further demonstrates our commitment to innovative technology at competitive pricing.”
It’s fair to say that the scooters offer rather small batteries and somewhat lower top speeds than we often see in the North American electric scooter market, but these NIUs are also priced at a fraction of most scooters we’ve covered this year.
In exchange for a slightly shorter range and reduced top speed, riders get that ultra-affordability that is increasingly sought after, especially among younger riders heading off to college.
But just because NIU has targeted budget pricing doesn’t mean the company has skimped on the features. Both scooters use NIU’s smart app that includes connected features like anti-theft provided by a built-in GPS tracker. Riders can also use the app to adjust parameters like the maximum charge level (to extend the lifespan of the battery) as well as modify the regenerative braking strength).
The 17.5 kg (38.5 lb) scooters are rated for riders up to 120 kg (264 lb) and feature robust aluminum frames and IP55 water resistance. LED lighting is included in the front and rear, as well as with built-in turn signals.
Both scooters are available now, and we look forward to getting the chance to put some miles on them soon to report back on our own opinion of NIU’s latest electric ridables.
Mercedes calls it the “one-liter” car for a reason. The new Mercedes CLA EV has an impressive EPA range of 374 miles, but in real-world driving, it can go even further.
Mercedes CLA EV beats EPA range in real-world driving
The new CLA EV might just be the most critical Mercedes model yet. It’s the first of the luxury brand’s latest generation of electric vehicles, promising to be much more advanced, efficient, and refined than ever before.
Powered by an 85 kWh battery pack, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ has an EPA-estimated range of 374 miles.
Although that’s already among the highest for any 2026 model-year EV in the US, the electric CLA can drive even further in the real world.
The folks at Edmunds just got their hands on one to test it out. In the Edmunds EV Range Test, the 2026 Mercedes CLA EV crushed its EPA figures, driving an impressive 434 miles on a single charge, beating its official ratings by 16%.
Out of 13 Mercedes models Edmunds has tested, the new CLA EV had the second-longest driving range, trailing only the EQS 450+. However, given that the EQS is a full-size sedan and significantly more expensive than the CLA, it’s expected.
The 2026 Tesla Model 3 Standard went 339 miles, while the 2026 Audi A6 E-tron drove 402 miles during the EV Range Test.
The Edmunds EV Range Test is 60% city and 40% highway driving with an average speed of 40 mph. Each vehicle is set to the most efficient drive setting, while the climate control is set to 72 degrees to reflect the most accurate real-world driving conditions drivers encounter each day.
During the test, the electric CLA used 23.2 kWh per 100 miles of driving, beating the EPA’s estimates by 16.5%.
On the Edmunds EV Charging Test, it had an average charge rate of 193 kW from 10% to 80%, earning a score of 833 miles per hour. That’s the second-best of those tested, behind the Hyundai IONIQ 6.
| 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA trim | Starting Price* | Driving Range |
| CLA 250+ | $47,250 | 374 miles |
| CLA 350 4MATIC | $49,800 | 312 miles |
The new Mercedes CLA EV is now the least expensive car they’ve tested, with over 400 miles of range. Last week, Mercedes launched the 2026 CLA 250+ EV, starting at $47,250.
Mercedes said it will begin delivering the first customer models this month, with output ramping up throughout early 2026.
Ready to test one out for yourself? We can help you get started. Check out our link to find the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA EV in your area.
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Tesla is pulling every demand lever available as we head into the final weeks of the year. The automaker has launched a new set of aggressive incentives in the US, including free upgrades on inventory vehicles, 0% APR financing, and $0 down leases.
It’s the end of the quarter (and year), and as per usual, Tesla is trying to empty its inventory, but it’s more difficult this year due to the end of the tax credit in Q3 pulling a lot of demand away from Q4.
We have regularly reported on Tesla ramping up incentives at the end of the year, but this new batch is arguably the most aggressive we have seen in a long time.
First off, Tesla is offering one free upgrade on eligible inventory vehicles.
If you go to Tesla’s inventory page for Model 3 or Model Y, you will see a lot of vehicles listed with a “Free Upgrade” tag. This basically means that if you pick a car that has a paid option, like a premium paint color (Ultra Red or Quicksilver), 20″ Induction wheels, or the White interior, Tesla is waiving the cost of that option.
That’s a value of anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 depending on the option.
On top of that, Tesla has expanded its financing offers. The company is now offering 0% APR financing for up to 72 months on Model 3 and Model Y purchases.
This is a significant move. We have seen low interest rates before, but 0% for 72 months is basically free money, especially in the current interest rate environment.
But wait, there’s more.
For those looking to lease, Tesla has introduced $0 down leases for the Model Y.
Previously, Tesla required a down payment of at least $3,000 for its best lease rates. Now, you can drive off the lot with a Model Y for $0 down, though the monthly payments will obviously be higher than with a down payment.
Tesla writes on its website regarding the new push:
“Take delivery by December 31, 2025 to take advantage of these limited-time offers. Available on select inventory vehicles while supplies last.”
The automaker is clearly trying to deliver as many cars as possible before the ball drops on 2025.
Electrek’s Take
The end-of-year push is in full swing.
When you see Tesla stacking incentives like this, 0% financing, zero down, and free options, it tells you one thing: they have inventory to move.
With a lot of demand in the US pulled forward into Q3 due to the end of the tax credit for electric vehicles, it was always clear that Tesla would have trouble moving cars in Q4.
These are roughly the best end-of-quarter incentives we have ever seen, and even then, I’d be surprised if Tesla can come close to its record deliveries of last year’s Q4: 495,000 vehicles.
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