How to activate the Xiaomi Electric Scooter S1 (Chinese version) – full instruction 2026

The Xiaomi Electric Scooter S1 in the Chinese version often comes with factory restrictions: a blocked maximum speed (usually 20 km / h instead of the stated 25 km / h), the lack of support for the Russian language in the proprietary application and the inability to connect to servers outside of China. These restrictions are associated with local regulatory requirements, but they can be circumvented by legal means.

Unlike the global version (sold in Europe under the name Mi Electric Scooter 1S), the Chinese S1 requires additional manipulations for full use. In this guide, we will discuss three official activation methods (via the Mi Home app, Xiaomi Scooter and alternative firmware), and also explain how to avoid typical errors leading to locking the device. All instructions are relevant for firmware 2023-2026 and are tested on devices with serial numbers starting on MS1A and MS1B.

1. Preparation of the scooter for activation: what to do before the first switching on

Before you start setting up, make sure your Xiaomi S1 is ready for the procedure.Neglecting these steps can cause Bluetooth module malfunctions or sync errors with the application.

Here is the checklist before activation:

Charge the battery to 100% (green indicator)

Make sure the scooter is within a radius of 2 meters from the smartphone

Turn off VPNs and proxy on your phone (they interfere with connecting to Chinese servers)

Download the latest version of the Mi Home app (not Xiaomi Scooter!)

Check that the smartphone is enabled Bluetooth 4.2+ and GPS-->

Pay special attention to battery charging if the charge level is lower. 30%, The application may give an error to Error. 21 (Not enough power to synchronize.We also recommend using the original Xiaomi power supply on the 5V/2A — Cheap charging can damage the battery controller.

⚠️ Warning: Do not turn on the scooter with the power button until the activation procedure in the application is completed. Premature turn on will reset the factory settings and require re-binding.

Method 1: Activate via the Mi Home application (official method)

This is a good option for users who want to keep the warranty and not risk firmware.The Mi Home app allows you to unlock basic features, but does not remove the speed limit to 25 km / h (there will be 20 km / h).

Step-by-step:

1. Install Mi Home from Google Play or App Store. Version should be at least 6.5.400 (check in the app settings).
2. Register a Xiaomi account (if not) and select China in your profile settings. This is critical for working correctly with the Chinese version of the scooter.
3. Turn on the scooter with a long press of the power button (5 seconds) before the beep. The indicator should flash blue (pairing mode).
4. In Mi Home, click Add Device (+) → Scooter → Xiaomi Mijia M365 (yes, this is the model, despite the fact that you have an S1).
5. Follow the instructions on the screen. If the app requests a serial number, enter it from a sticker under the platform (format: MS1Axxxxxxxxxxx).
6. After a successful connection, go to Scooter Settings → General → Region and select Europe (this will unlock some features, but not speed).

If you have an Error 10 error during the connection phase, your Xiaomi account is linked to another region.

This method does not remove the speed limit, but it allows you to use the basic functions: display charge, mileage and error diagnosis. For full unlock, read the next section.

Method 2: Unlocking speed through custom firmware (CFW)

If you're not comfortable with the 20km/h limit, the only way to work is to install an alternative firmware, which requires technical skills and removes warranty, but gives you complete control of the scooter: unlock speeds up to 25-30km/h, turn off cruise control, adjust recovery, and even change the color of the lights.

You'll need:

• 📱 Android smartphone (iOS is not supported)
• 🔌 USB-Type-C Cable (to connect to the controller)
• 💻 DownG (for firmware via ST-Link)
• 🔧 Screwdriver. TORX T20 (scooter)
• 📄 Firmware CFW Xiaomi S1 (You can download it on the ScooterHacking forum)

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware archive and unpack it. Inside should be the files: app.bin, bootloader.bin, and drv.bin.
2. Connect the scooter to the PC via USB-Type-C (the connector is under the lid on the steering column). Make sure that the ST-Link drivers are installed (download from the official STMicroelectronics website).
3. Run DownG and select the COM port that the scooter is connected to. Data rate: 115,200 baht.
4. In the program, click Open File and download app.bin. Then click Download and wait for the process to complete (about 3-5 minutes).
5. After you've done the firmware, disconnect the scooter from the PC and turn it on with the power button. If the light flashes green, the firmware is successful.

⚠️ Attention: Continuous power during firmware is critical! If the process is interrupted, the scooter controller may fail. Use an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or a laptop with a full charge.

After installation of the CFW:

• 🚀 The maximum speed will increase to 25-30 km / h (depending on the weight of the rider and conditions).
• ⚙️ You will be able to access hidden settings through the ScooterHacking Utility app.
• 🔋 Regenerative braking will become more aggressive (you can adjust manually).
• 🎨 You can change the color of the lighting on the steering column (if installed) RGB-module).

Cons of custom firmware:

• ❌ The mileage counter is dropped.
• ❌ Possible calibration errors of sensors (solved by repeated firmware).
• ❌ Xiaomi warranty is cancelled.

💡

Before the firmware, take a photo of the original sticker with the serial number and QR-This will help restore the warranty if you need to contact the service center (although officially after the service). CFW warranty is not).

Method 3: Use of alternative applications (without firmware)

If you don’t want to risk firmware but need to unlock speed, you can use third-party apps like ScooterHacking Utility or XiaoFlashing, which work with the original firmware but require root access on your smartphone (for Android).

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ No need to disassemble the scooter.
• ✅ Retains the warranty (unless you make changes to the controller).
• ✅ Allows you to temporarily unlock speeds up to 25 km / h.

Instructions for ScooterHacking Utility:

1. Download. APK-File from GitHub and install it on Android (allow installation from unknown sources).
2. Connect the scooter to the phone via Bluetooth (the pairing mode should be enabled - blue flashing indicator).
3. Launch the app and select the Xiaomi S1 (China) model.
4. Go to Speed Unlock and activate the Enable 25 km/h option.
5. Save the settings and restart the scooter (turn off/on the power button).

Limitations of the method:

• 🔄 Speed unlock resets after Bluetooth shutdown or scooter reboot.
• 📱 Requires a constant connection to the smartphone while driving.
• 🚫 It doesn’t work on iPhone (Android only).

💡

Alternative applications are the safest way to unlock, but they are temporary, and you'll need a controller firmware to permanently remove the restrictions.

5. Typical activation errors and their solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, users often encounter errors. We have collected the TOP-5 problems and ways to fix them:

If the scooter does not turn on after firmware, try:

1. Hold the power button for 10 seconds to reset.
2. Connect the charger and wait for the indication (if the battery is completely discharged, it may take 5-10 minutes).
3. Repeat the firmware using bootloader.bin (instructions on the ScooterHacking forum).

⚠️ Attention: If the scooter is continuously squeaking after firmware and does not respond to the power button, this indicates damage to the bootloader.

6. How to check the success of activation

After the procedure is completed, you need to make sure that the scooter is working correctly. Here are 5 tests that you should do:

• 🔋 Battery test: Fully charge the scooter and check the actual capacity through the app. Normally 280-300 Wh for a new battery.
• 🚀 Speed test: Accelerate on a flat surface to maximum. GPS-an application (such as Strava) for accurate measurement. Once unlocked, the speed should reach 24-26 km / h.
• 🔄 Recovery test: When the engine is braking, the gas should be felt back to the handle (this means that energy is returned to the battery).
• 🔊 Audible signal test: One short signal should sound when turned on, a series of long ones should sound when it is mistaken.
• 📱 Application Communication Test: All parameters (mileage, controller temperature, battery voltage) should be displayed without delay.

If at least one of the tests is not passed, repeat the activation procedure or contact Xiaomi technical support (for official methods) or the ScooterHacking forum (for custom firmware).

7. Frequent Questions (FAQ)