Owners of Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 1S electric scooters often face the question: how long does it take to fully charge the battery? The answer depends on many factors - from the type of charger to the ambient temperature. In this article, we will analyze the official data of the manufacturer, real user tests and give practical recommendations on how to optimize the charging process so that the scooter lasts longer.
The 1S features a 280 Wh (7800 mAh, 36 V) lithium-ion battery, 20 percent more than the base Mi M365, which means not only increased range (up to 30 km in ideal conditions), but also longer charging times. However, many users note that actual time may differ from the instructions. Why this happens and how to achieve maximum efficiency, read on.
We analyzed the feedback from owners, the technical documentation of Xiaomi, and conducted our own measurements to provide accurate figures and debunk myths. For example, it is common belief that a scooter can charge "up to 80% in an hour", but this is only true for models with fast charging support (which the 1S does not have).
How much is the Xiaomi 1S charged on the passport?
According to Xiaomi’s user manual, the full charging cycle of the Mi Electric Scooter 1S scooter takes between 5 and 6 hours, a figure that is given for standard conditions: air temperature 10–25°C, use of the original charger (output: 42V/1.7A) and discharged battery up to 0%.
It is important to understand that Xiaomi is setting the maximum time, meaning that the process can take less hours if:
- 🔋 The battery is not completely discharged (for example, from 20% to 100% charging will take time). ~4 hours).
- 🌡️ The temperature in the room is close to optimal (18-22)°C).
- 🔌 A charger with a slightly higher current strength (but not exceeding 2 A) is used!).
However, the manufacturer does not recommend leaving the scooter on charge for more than 8 hours in a row, because this is due to the risk of overheating the battery and reducing its lifespan. If you notice that charging takes more than 7 hours, this can signal a malfunction of the battery or charger.
Factors that affect charging time: what speeds up and what slows down the process?
Even with the original charger, the charging time can vary by ±2 hours.
1. Battery discharge level
The lower the charge, the longer the process will take.
- 🔴 From 0 to 100%: ~5.5-6 hours.
- 🟡 From 30% to 100%: ~3.5-hours-to-4 hours.
- 🟢 From 50% to 100%: ~2.5 hours.
Ambient temperature
Xiaomi 1S lithium-ion batteries are optimally charged at 10–30°C. At temperatures below 5°C or above 35°C:
- ❄️ In cold weather: charging time increases by 30-50%, risk of undercharging.
- 🔥 In the heat: the battery may overheat, which will lead to automatic disconnection of charging.
💡
If you bring a scooter from the street in the winter, let it "acclimatize" indoors for 15-20 minutes before charging, which will protect the battery from condensation and temperature changes.
Quality of charger
The original Xiaomi RAM gives 42 V / 1.7 A. Cheap analogues can:
- 🐢 Charge longer (for example, 7-8 hours due to low current strength).
- ⚡ Overheat the battery (if the voltage exceeds 42.5 V).
- 💥 Fail to fail, risking damage to the scooter controller.
⚠️ Note: Using chargers from other scooters (e.g. Ninebot Max or Xiaomi Pro 2) can cause permanent battery damage. Even if the connector is suitable, current and voltage may not match.
Battery condition
As time goes by, battery capacity decreases, and after 300 to 500 charging cycles (approximately 2-3 years of active use), you may notice that:
- 📉 Charging time is reduced (the battery takes less energy).
- ⚡ Scooter discharges faster.
- 🔄 Charging is interrupted or is jerking.
These are signs of battery degradation, and in this case, it may be necessary to replace it.
Table: Charging time Xiaomi 1S under different conditions
Below are the averaged data based on user tests and technical specifications:
| Conditions | Level of discharge → 100% | Charging time. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original ZU, 20°C, battery new | 0% | 5.5 hours | Optimal conditions |
| Original 20°C battery after 200 cycles | 0% | 4.5 hours | Capacity reduced by ~10% |
| Non-original RAM (1.5 A), 15°C | 0% | 6.5-7 hours | Risk of overheating of the controller |
| Original ZU, 5°C (cold) | 0% | 7-8 hours | Possible undercharging. |
| Original ZU, 30°C (heat) | 30% | 3-4 hours with breaks | Automatic shutdown during overheating |
And you can see from the table that the fastest charging time is when you recharge from 30 to 50 percent to 100 percent in room conditions, and if you need to get the scooter ready for the trip, you better not wait for the full discharge.
How to speed up charging Xiaomi 1S: working ways
While the Xiaomi 1S doesn’t support fast charging technology, there are a few safe ways to reduce time:
1.Use "intermediate" charging
You don't have to drain the scooter to 0%. For example, if you drive 10 to 15 kilometers a day, you just need to recharge the battery from 40% to 80%, which will take only 1.5 to 2 hours, and this approach also extends the battery life.
2. Optimize the temperature
If you bring a scooter from the cold, don't plug it right into the grid. Let it heat up to room temperature. In the heat, on the contrary, avoid direct sunlight on the battery while charging.
3. Check the contacts
Oxidized or contaminated contacts on the scooter or charger connector can increase resistance and slow charging.
4.Use a quality outlet
Weak contact in the socket or extender can lead to voltage drawdowns. Connect the charger directly to the 220V network without adapters.
Connect the original ROM | Check the temperature of the scooter (10-30 ° C) | Clear the contacts of the connector | Use the socket without extensions | Do not discharge the battery to 0%-->
⚠️ Warning: Don't try to modify the charger to increase current! this could cause the battery to fire.Maximum allowable current for Xiaomi 1S — 2 A.
Frequent charging errors: What shortens battery life?
Many users unconsciously commit actions that accelerate battery degradation, and these are the most common mistakes:
1. Full-time charge
Keeping the charge at 100% under voltage constantly leads to oxidation of the electrodes, the optimal range for lithium-ion batteries is 20-80%.
2. Storage discharged
If you don't use a scooter in the winter, you can't leave it with a 0% charge, 40-60% optimally, and recharge every 1-2 months.
3. Use of a scooter during charging
Some owners are trying to save time by riding with a charger connected.
- 🔌 Risk of short circuit during vibration.
- 💥 Battery overheating due to double load.
- ⚡ Damage to the controller.
4. Ignoring the indication
If the indicator on the charger flashes red for more than 10 minutes or does not burn at all, this is a malfunction signal, and if you continue charging, then the battery can be disabled.
What to do if the scooter is not charging?
How many charging cycles can Xiaomi 1S withstand?
The manufacturer claims that the Xiaomi 1S battery is designed for 500 full charge cycles (from 0% to 100%).
- 🔄 When used carefully (charging in the range of 20–80%), the battery will last 600–800 cycles.
- 📉 With constant discharges up to 0% and charging up to 100% - 300-400 cycles.
- ❄️ When operating in the cold (below) -10°C) — 200–300 cycle.
One cycle doesn't necessarily mean a complete discharge, for example, if you discharged a scooter from 100% to 50% today and again to 50% tomorrow, it would count as one complete cycle.
After 500 cycles, the battery capacity is usually reduced to 60-70% of the original, which significantly reduces the range.
- 🔋 Avoid deep discharges.
- 🌡️ Keep the scooter at a temperature of 10–25°C.
- 🔌 Use only the original charger.
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If properly operated, the Xiaomi 1S battery will last 3-4 years, even with daily use, and the main thing is to avoid extreme temperatures and deep discharges.