The Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 1S is a popular vehicle that requires the correct initial configuration for safe and comfortable operation. Immediately after unpacking, the device is in transport mode, which limits its functionality and does not allow you to manage settings via a smartphone. The initial setup takes no more than 10-15 minutes, but ignoring this stage can lead to the inability to use key functions such as recovery or wheel locking.
The activation process starts with charging the battery and turning on the device, but the magic happens when paired with a mobile application. The owner gets access to telemetry, travel history and the ability to update the software. Without binding to the Mi Home account, the scooter operates in basic mode with limited speed and no protection against theft. In this guide, we will detail every step, from installing software to finely adjusting the braking pedal.
Preparation for the first launch and activation
Before you try to connect to the scooter, you need to make sure that the battery has enough charge. Factory charging is usually about 60%, but for stable operation of the Bluetooth module and the upgrade process, it is better to bring the energy level to 100%. Use only the original power supply or certified analogue with an output voltage of 36V, as using poor-quality chargers can damage the charge controller.
The device is turned on by short pressing and then holding the power button on the display. Once the Mi logo appears on the screen, the battery and current speed will light up. If the scooter emits an audible signal and the Bluetooth indicator flashes, this means that it is in pairing mode. At this stage, it is important not to try to connect through the standard Bluetooth menu of Android or iOS settings - this action often leads to connection errors.
The official Mi Home app is required to drive the vehicle, and once you install the app, you need to log in to your Mi Account, which will be the digital key to your transport. If you plan to use a scooter in another country or sell it, the ability to uncoup the device from your account will be critical, so use your personal account, not a store or friend account.
- 🔋 Charge the battery to 100% before first turning on for cell calibration.
- 📱 Install Mi Home from Google Play or App Store.
- 🔑 Create or log in to your personal Mi Account, do not use other people's logins.
- 📍 Enable geolocation on your smartphone, it is a mandatory requirement for finding devices.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to activate the scooter if the ambient temperature is below 0°C or higher than 40°C. Lithium-ion batteries are sensitive to extreme temperatures, and the controller can block the connection or charging process to protect the battery chemistry.
The process of adding a device to the app is automated, but it requires care. If the smartphone can't see the scooter, check if Bluetooth is on and the device is connected to other gadgets nearby. Sometimes it helps to reboot the Bluetooth module on the phone. Once successful, the system will ask you to confirm the pairing by pressing a button on the body or on the scooter display.
Connection and Account Linking
When the Mi Home app detects a new device, a window pops up on the screen asking you to add it. By clicking "Add", you start the synchronization process. At this point, the confirmation code that you need to enter in the application may appear on the scooter display, or you just need to confirm the action. Successful pairing will be marked by the appearance of the device card on the main screen of the application with the display of the current battery charge.
The most important step is to link the device to the region. Xiaomi 1S model often requires you to choose the region "China" or "Russia / CIS" depending on the version of the firmware installed in the factory. If you choose the wrong region, some features may not be available, or the application may not see the scooter after reconnecting. Regional binding also affects the server where your travel data is stored.
After binding, it is recommended to check the serial number immediately (MAC-The address, which is displayed in the device card, is also duplicated on a sticker under the scooter deck, next to the charging port. The coincidence of these data ensures that you are connected to your device, and not to the scooter of the neighbor, which sometimes happens in apartment buildings with thin walls.
If the binding process is interrupted or there is an error, try removing the device from the list (if it has been added) and start again. Also make sure that the smartphone does not turn on the power saving mode, which can aggressively limit the operation of the background Bluetooth processes necessary for a stable connection to the scooter controller.
Update the firmware to the current version
Once connected, the app will likely offer software updates, which cannot be ignored because factory firmware often contains errors in the algorithms of the BMS (battery management system) and the engine, updates improve smoothness, correct recovery work, and close security vulnerabilities.
The process of updating is as follows: the phone downloads a packet of data from the server and transmits it to the scooter via Bluetooth, at which time the device will flash an indicator on the screen, and it can emit sounds of the engine. It is strictly forbidden to turn off the scooter or move away from it at this moment.
☑️ Checklist before software update
Update time varies from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the speed of the connection and the amount of changes. Once completed, the scooter will automatically restart. If the update is successful, the notification will disappear in the application, and the version number will change in the About section. In some cases, you may need to update the firmware twice if you go through several major versions.
⚠️ Attention: During a firmware update, the scooter can make loud clicks of the relay and hum. This is normal for the controller to redistribute energy and test systems. Don't be intimidated or try to drown out sounds by pressing buttons.
What to do if the update is suspended?
Calibration of the brake pedal and brake adjustment
One of the most important settings for the Xiaomi 1S is the calibration of the rear brake pedal, which is equipped with an electronic brake (E-ABS) that is activated when you press the pedal. If the pedal is not set correctly, the braking can be too sharp or, conversely, delayed, which is life-threatening.
To set up the app, you need to go to the device menu, select three dots in the corner of the screen, and find "Pedal Sensitivity" or "Pedal Setup." Here you'll see the current value. Calibration requires the screw to be physically adjusted under the scooter deck, next to the rear wheel axis. By rotating the screw, you change the cable tension or the position of the sensor.
The goal of the adjustment is to make sure that a light touch of the pedal with the toe causes the brake indicator to light up on the display and light wheel resistance, but when the pedal is released, the wheel should rotate freely, without friction. If the brake brake brakes in the free state, the battery will discharge faster and the mileage will be reduced.
- 🛠 Find the adjusting screw under the protective cover at the rear wheel.
- ⚙️ In the application, track the moment of the brake on (red indicator lights up).
- 🦶 Adjust the screw so that the free ride of the pedal is 2-3 mm.
- 🧪 Check the absence of extraneous noise when driving without pressing the brake.
The correct adjustment of the electronic brake also affects the efficiency of recovery, so when you press hard, the system first uses the electric motor to brake and charge the battery, and only at high pressure does the mechanical disc brake connect, which saves the life of the pads and the disc.
Configure security parameters and restrictions
The app's settings menu contains critical parameters to keep the rider safe. The first thing you should do is set a pin to lock the scooter, which turns the device into a useless piece of metal for outsiders to use: when you try to turn on a blocked scooter, it will emit an audible signal and require you to unlock it through the app.
Next, you should pay attention to the speed modes. Xiaomi 1S has three modes: pedestrian (D), standard (D) and sports (S). For beginners or children, you can set a maximum speed limit. In some versions of the firmware, you can have a function "Stop", which is better to turn off. If it is on, the scooter will go as soon as you push your foot without pressing the gas button, which can lead to a fall.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Description of the impact |
|---|---|---|
| Locking (Lock) | Included (PIN code) | Protects against theft and unauthorized inclusion. |
| Auto-start (Kick-start) | Off. | Prevents a sharp start without pressing the gas. |
| Recovery | Medium/High | Increases the range, but makes braking more sharp. |
| Cruise control. | As you wish. | It fixes speed, but can be dangerous in dense flow. |
You can also find information on mileage, total running time and number of charging cycles in the settings, and you can monitor it regularly to understand the actual state of the battery, and if you notice that the mileage on one charge has dropped dramatically and the settings haven't changed, it could be a signal that one of the cells in the battery has deteriorated.
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For maximum security, always turn on Lock, even if you leave it for 5 minutes outside the store. Statistics of thefts show that most thefts occur during moments of short-term absence of the owner.
Diagnosis and error elimination
When you're operating or setting up, you might encounter error codes on the display, the most common is a communication error with the controller or the engine, often solved by simply restarting the system: turn off the scooter, wait 10 seconds and turn on again. If the persists error, check the density of the cables in the steering column area, they may have weakened during transportation.
Another common problem is that you can't charge. If the indicator on the charger is red but it's not going, check the connector on the scooter. The 1S uses a magnetic connector that is sensitive to oxidation and dirt. Wipe the contacts with dry cloth and make sure the magnets fit tightly together.
If the app has stopped seeing the scooter, although there were no problems before, try "forgetting" the device in the Bluetooth settings of the phone and re-tethering it to Mi Home. Sometimes the app cache can cause conflicts. In extreme cases, a complete reset of the scooter settings (usually a combination of buttons depending on the firmware version) helps, but this is an extreme measure.
What does the flashing of a red light bulb on the display mean?
Can I ride a scooter without connecting to the phone?
How to reset the settings to the factory?
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Regularly checking the tightening of the bolts and the condition of the tires is the key to the long service of the scooter. Vibrations when driving gradually weaken the connections, so once a month do a visual inspection and tighten the fastener.
In conclusion, setting up the Xiaomi Mi Scooter 1S correctly is not just a formality, but a prerequisite for safe driving. Taking time to calibrate the brakes, update the software and adjust the safety parameters will significantly extend the life of the device and protect yourself on the road. Keep an eye on the battery and avoid deep discharge, and then the scooter will delight you with reliable service for many years.