NAVEE N65i II Review: Powerful e-scooter for road and off-road use

Wide SUV design, massive 10.5-inch tires, 1,350-watt motor and 70 km range for 500 euros? The NAVEE N65i II is undoubtedly a self-confident challenge to the e-scooter segment. But whether it is really worth buying, where its strengths and weaknesses lie, we clarify in our detailed test.

• Read more: The best e-scooters – Our recommendations from the test

Technical data of the NAVEE N65i II

The product	N65i II
Dimensions	1,210 mm x 600 mm x 1,300 mm (unfolded); 1,210 mm x 600 mm x 610 mm (folded)
Weight	23.6 kg
Maximum payload	150 kg
Power output	500W/1350W
Maximum speed	22 km/h
Tires	10.5 inch; tubeless
Suspension	Double suspension (front)
Brakes	Drum (front); discs (rear)
Safety system	EABS; TCS
Lighting	Yes + indicators
Range	Up to 70 km (15 km/h); Up to 50 km (25 km/h)
Display	Yes (4 inch LED)
Price	€ 569.00 *

NAVEE N65i II Review: design and workmanship

A good year and a half after the success of the N65i, NAVEE is following up with the second version of the SUV e-scooter. Even at first glance, it is clear that the NAVEE N65i II is not a typical city e-scooter, but a self-confident, off-road capable model.

NAVEE relies on QStE 420 high-strength steel here, which is immediately noticeable when you lift it. At 23.6 kg, it is certainly no lightweight, but that is exactly what gives it stability. The frame has a solid, torsion-resistant and well thought-out design.

With 1,350 W peak power and an SUV-inspired, reinforced frame, the N65i II masters even inclines of up to 24% with ease. The 187 mm wide running board, 86 mm ground clearance and double front fork suspension ensure SUV-level stability and comfort. Whether on smooth roads, cobblestones or rough terrain: the N65i II does not shy away from any terrain. The sturdy steel frame can carry up to 150 kg. This is one of the highest payloads in this price class and is explicitly aimed at heavier riders, who are simply not covered by many competitors.

The option for secure connection is also particularly exciting. No fiddling around with thin struts, but a stable structure to which you can attach a lock really securely. This is a huge advantage in everyday life.

In terms of build quality, the NAVEE N65i II is of a solid standard. The welded seams are somewhat rough in direct comparison to premium models, but everything appears solid and robust. However, there are a few unsightly paint chips and inconsistencies as soon as it is unpacked.

A critical point arises when folding: The one-arm folding mechanism on the shaft is practical and quick to operate, but requires some practice until the handlebars lock cleanly into place. Anyone who folds and unfolds the scooter every day will quickly get used to it, but it should be a little more comfortable.

Features of the NAVEE N65i II

With the N65i II, NAVEE has significantly improved the equipment compared to its predecessor and this is noticeable in practice. Equipped with 1350W peak power, the motor delivers strong acceleration and stable performance, with 24% climbing ability for urban routes and mountain trails. In Germany, the e-scooter is throttled to 15 km/h, using the tolerance permitted in the EU. The rated power for Germany is 500 W, the peak power is 1350 W.

The braking system is one of the highlights. The N65i II relies on maximum control here: disc brakes at the rear, drum brakes at the front. EABS as well as traction control and a reinforced steel frame ensure maximum stability and safety on any route. The TCS (Traction Control System) is not just a marketing label – it actually intervenes noticeably when grip on wet or loose surfaces decreases. A feature that is simply not expected in this price segment.

The 10.5 “x80mm tubeless tires with deep treads are made for mud, gravel, sand and rocky trails. The tubeless design keeps maintenance pleasantly low and reduces the risk of getting a flat tire.

For added comfort, the NAVEE N65i II features dual front fork suspension that absorbs shocks and vibrations for a smoother ride and more comfort on rough or uneven roads. This is the decisive difference to its predecessor, the N65i, which had to make do without suspension. In combination with the wide tires, the result is a setup that is actually more comfortable on cobblestones or gravel roads than many of its competitors.

The 6W auto-sensing front light switches on automatically in the dark and dims the brightness to save energy. Indicators are also on board and comply with the E-Mark standard. An obligation in Germany, which is fulfilled here as standard.

For the display, NAVEE relies on a 4-inch color display that clearly shows speed, gear, battery and vehicle status. However, readability can suffer somewhat in daylight, depending on the angle of the sun. The smart features are also remarkably generous for 599 euros. The N65i II really makes everyday life easier: Bluetooth unlocking, Apple Find My for location tracking and a 4-inch color display.

Apple Find My is a real added value for everyone in the iPhone ecosystem, as it allows the scooter to be tracked as reliably as your own AirPods. The NavAirLock technology automatically unlocks the scooter when you approach and automatically locks it again when you move away. Very well thought out and reliable.

The Navee app for Android and iOS also offers functions such as recuperation adjustment, electronic locking, automatic headlight settings, cruise control and a logbook. Recuperation can be set to three levels (weak, medium, strong). Practical for optimizing range and adjusting braking performance.

The NAVEE N65i II in an everyday test

After several weeks of daily use, a clear picture emerges: The N65i II is an e-scooter that largely lives up to its SUV claim. Albeit with a few limitations that you should be aware of. The scooter is a joy in everyday urban use on paved roads.

Acceleration is powerful and direct without being nervous or uncontrollable. The TCS prevents the well-known spinning of the rear wheel when starting off on wet surfaces – anyone who has ever had a scare on wet autumn roads will appreciate this.

The brakes are extremely responsive and can be controlled precisely: the drum brake at the front for gentle deceleration, the disc at the rear for sharper stops, plus the EABS, which is automatically activated when braking harder and prevents the wheels from locking. The brakes are powerful, so it is advisable to use the brake levers rather gently. However, this is easy to do after a short period of familiarization. And hey: better than if the brakes didn’t work, right?

The double front fork suspension in combination with the 10.5″×80mm tubeless tires creates a ride that actually feels much more comfortable than typical city models. Kerbs, cobblestones, dirt tracks and potholes: the N65i II absorbs all of this with significantly less vibration in the handlebars than unsprung competitor models. This is not a full-suspension off-road scooter, but the damping is perfectly adequate for everyday urban use.

The N65i II can easily cope with light gravel passages or well-trodden dirt tracks on the outskirts of the city. However, those planning serious off-road adventures will reach their limits here. And yet: the NAVEE N65i II feels right at home even on rough surfaces.

I tried out the e-scooter on dirt tracks and moguls and was pleasantly surprised by its excellent handling characteristics. The scooter copes with most bumps, stones and transitions effortlessly. When changing from the mud to the sidewalk or other large bumps, things get quite rough, but the vehicle also masters these obstacles without any problems. There are limitations in terms of weight: at 23.6 kg, the N65i II is one of the heavier models in its class.

Three riding modes in the N65i II: A little hidden

With three driving modes – pedestrian mode, standard mode and sport mode – the speed can be flexibly adjusted. Pedestrian mode is practical for narrow areas or pushing on the sidewalk. The only annoying thing is that NAVEE hides the information on how to switch between modes as a small detail in the instructions, which is only mentioned in one sentence.

The quick start guide doesn’t even mention it, only the long instructions explain that you can switch between modes by pressing the power button twice. This should have been solved better, especially as the app does not provide any information about this.

Pedestrian mode limits the speed to 6 km/h. Ideal for pushing. In normal mode (D), the e-scooter reaches a maximum speed of 15 km/h, while the official maximum speed of 20 km/h is only reached in sport mode. In practice, the Navee N65i II even reaches 22 km/h here.

Range of the N65i II

The range usually shows the greatest variance between the manufacturer’s specifications and reality. The manufacturer advertises a range of up to 70 kilometers at a speed of 15 km/h and 50 km at 15 km/h respectively. However, this value is determined under ideal conditions: 75 kg rider weight, flat route, 25°C, no wind. As expected, things look different in practice.

Depending on weight, riding style, temperature and terrain, the realistic range of the e-scooter is around 45 to 60 km. And that’s pretty impressive for a scooter in this price range. The 477.36 Wh battery (46.8 V) is one of the largest in this price range and gives the N65i II a real advantage over many of its competitors.

So if you ride 10-15 km a day, you can easily go several days without charging. This is undoubtedly the most relevant figure for commuters and the N65i II delivers convincingly here. Of course, charging takes a long time with a correspondingly large battery. The e-scooter takes around 8 hours until the battery is fully charged.

NAVEE N65i II Review: Conclusion

The NAVEE N65i II is characterized by great riding characteristics, modern equipment and decent motor power. The workmanship clearly shows that we are in the middle price segment here. Some of the weld seams are unclean, there are paint flakes here and there, but at the core there’s not much to complain about.

Above all, the off-road talents of the NAVEE N65i II make the e-scooter interesting for all those who don’t just want to ride on paved roads. Thanks to its SUV design, large tires and stable performance, the scooter masters even rough terrain including steep inclines – but you shouldn’t expect a full-suspension off-road scooter.

Apple’s Find My integration is a nice-to-have for iOS users, while the app connection is practical. This makes the NAVEE N65i II a well-rounded overall package without any major flaws, but with useful improvements compared to the first version. Not perfect, but fun and reliable.