How to ride on the Xiaomi electric scooter: instructions for beginners and experienced users

Xiaomi scooters are one of the most popular vehicles in the city, combining compactness, environmental friendliness and high functionality. M365, Pro 2 or 4 Ultra don’t always know how to use your device safely and efficiently. In this article, we’ll break down not only basic driving rules, but also hidden settings that will improve your experience, extend battery life and help you avoid penalties.

It's important to understand that an electric scooter is not just a toy, but a complete vehicle with speed, weight and driving restrictions. For example, in 2026, Russia has strict requirements for power (up to 500 watts) and maximum speed (25 km / h), and for violating them, fines of up to 5,000 rubles. But how to achieve the perfect balance between dynamics, safety and the law?

1.Preparation for the first trip: what to check before the start

Even if your Xiaomi is just out of the box, you can't just sit down and drive. The initial diagnosis will take 5-10 minutes, but it will save you from breakdowns and accidents. Start by inspecting the wheels: tire pressure should be 35-40. PSI (Check with a pressure gauge, not an eye pressure. Low pressure increases the risk of puncture, and high pressure worsens traction.

Next, check:

• 🔋 Battery charge: minimum level for travel is 20%. Below is the risk of sudden shutdown.
• 🔧 Steering fastening: back lifts of more than 1-2 mm require bolt lifts (use the key from the kit).
• 🚲 Brake: disc should be triggered from the stroke 3-4 m, electronic - smoothly, without jerks.
• 💡 Lighting: front headlight and rear stop light are required for driving in dark times.

Pay special attention to the Mi Home mobile app (or Xiaomi Scooter for new models), which shows not only the charge, but also the battery temperature, mileage, and also allows you to adjust driving modes. For example, in Pro 2 you can activate Eco Mode, which limits speed to 15 km / h and increases the range by 20-30%.

⚠️ Note: If the scooter was stored at a lower temperature +5°C, before you go, let the battery warm up for 10-15 minutes at room temperature%.

2. Control rules: how to brake, accelerate and maneuver

Control of the electric scooter starts with the right stance. The legs should be on the platform parallel to each other, the knees are slightly bent for cushioning. Beginners often make the mistake of putting one leg in front of the other - this upsets the balance when braking sharply. Keep your hands on the steering wheel, but do not strain them: the scooter should "feel" your movements, not resist them.

Acceleration should be smooth, especially on wet or rough roads. Xiaomi models have three standard modes:

• 🐢 Eco: speeds up to 15 km/h, minimum battery consumption, suitable for parks and beginners.
• 🏃 Standard: 20-22 km/h – optimal for the city.
• 🚀 Sport: up to 25-30 km/h (depending on model) Use only on flat roads without pedestrians - the risk of loss of control increases by 3 times.

Braking is the most critical thing. Never press the brakes sharply, especially at high speed, because locking the wheels will lead to skids.

1. 5-7 meters before the stop release the gas.
2. Smoothly press the rear brake (disc or foot).
3. If necessary, connect the front brake (electronic or disc), but do not lock the wheel.

For emergency braking (for example, when a pedestrian appears), use a combined method: rear brake + Weight transfer to the rear wheel, which will reduce the risk of overturning the steering wheel!

3. Battery and charging: how to extend the life of the battery

Lithium-ion batteries in Xiaomi scooters are designed for 300-500 full charging cycles, but if used improperly, this period is reduced by 2-3 times.

• 🔥 Overheating: charging at higher temperatures +35°C or riding in the scorching sun.
• ❄️ Freezing storage: below -10°C battery loses up to 50% of capacity.
• 🔌 Deep discharge: zero charge storage for more than 2 weeks.
• ⚡ Use of non-original chargers (fire risk!).

Optimal charging mode:

If the scooter is not used in winter, keep it in a dry place at a temperature. +10…+20°C, recharges up to 50% per month. For the 4 Ultra and Pro 2 models, the app has a Winter Mode feature that automatically maintains optimal charge.

⚠️ Note: If the scooter passes less than 70% of the declared mileage after charging (for example, 15 km instead of 25 km for the scooter). M365), The battery needs a diagnosis, and the possible causes are: cell imbalance or failure. BMS-pay-off.

4. Maintenance and repair: what can be done on your own

Regular maintenance of the Xiaomi scooter includes not only checking tire pressure, but also cleaning, lubricating and diagnostics of electronics.

Cleaning and lubrication:

• 🧹 Remove dirt from the suspension and wheels after each ride in the rain (use a soft brush and wet cloth).
• 🛢️ Lubricate the bearings of the wheels and the folding mechanism of the steering wheel with silicone lubrication (1 time in 3 months).
• 🔧 Check the mounting of the bolts (especially on the steering column) every 500 km.

Replacement of consumables:

• 🚲 Tires: when the tread wears up to 1 mm or cracks appear. M365 fit tubeless tires 8.5" with the marking 60 TPI.
• 🛑 Brake pads: replace at less than 2 mm thick. Original for Pro 2 - art. XMSCTBR01.
• 🔋 Battery: if the capacity has fallen below 60% of the nominal, a replacement is required (cost for 4 Ultra – from 12 000 rubles).

To diagnose electronics, use Mi Home or specialized applications like ScooterHacking Utility (available for Android) that show controller errors, battery cell voltage, and even allow you to reset speed limits (but this violates the warranty!).

Complex breakdowns (controller failure, engine replacement) are better entrusted to the service center. The average cost of diagnosis is 500-1000 rubles, repairs - from 2 000 rubles.

5. traffic rules and fines: how to drive legally in 2026

From March 1, 2023, Russia has updated rules for personal mobility (SIM), which include electric scooters.

• 🚦 Maximum speed: 25 km / h (violation - fine of 1000-3 000 rubles).
• 🚶 Sidewalks: allowed only if there is no bike path or lane for SIM.
• 💡 Lighting: required white headlight in front and red stop light in the back in the dark.
• 👮 Age: you can drive a scooter from 14 years old (up to 16 years old - only on sidewalks).

In Moscow, St. Petersburg and other major cities, there are additional restrictions:

• It is forbidden to drive on the roadway if there is a bike path nearby.
• In parks (for example, in Gorky or Sokolniki) speed is limited to 15 km / h.
• For driving in a state of alcoholic intoxication - a fine of up to 5 000 rubles.

If you are stopped by the DPS inspector, he has the right to check:

• Certificate of registration (not required for scooters up to 500 W).
• Speed mode (can use radar).
• Braking system and lighting function.

⚠️ Attention: In 2026, there are penalties for driving without a helmet on scooters with a maximum speed above 25 km / h (1,000 rubles). For Xiaomi 4 Ultra models (max. speed 30 km / h), the helmet is mandatory!

6 Advanced settings: how to unlock the potential of the scooter

Standard scooter settings limit its capabilities. M365 The Pro has defaulted to regenerative braking, which allows you to recharge the battery when you're braking, so you can activate it:

1. Open the Mi Home app.
2. Go to Settings. → Driving modes.
3. Enable the option of recovery (KERS).

This will increase the range by 5-10%, but will make braking more sharp.

For experienced users, alternative firmware (such as Custom Scooter Firmware) is available that allows:

• 🔓 Remove the speed limit (up to 35–40 km/h for 4 Ultra).
• 📊 Set up the sensitivity of gas and brakes.
• 🔋 Display the exact charge level of each battery cell.

However, there are risks:

• Loss of warranty (if the scooter is warranty).
• Accelerated wear of battery and motor.
• Possible controller errors (e.g, E014 — hall-sensor malfunction).

💡

If after firmware scooter began to "twitch" during acceleration, reset the settings to the factory through Mi Home → Resetting. Often, it solves the problem without flashing it.

For Xiaomi 4 Pro and later, Adaptive Cruise Control is available (included in the app) and automatically supports the set speed, which is convenient for long straight sections.

7 Safety: How to avoid accidents and injuries

According to statistics, 70% of accidents on electric scooters occur due to:

• 🚶‍♂️ Pedestrian collisions (especially on sidewalks).
• 💥 Wheels falling into pits or cracks (leads to falling forward).
• 🚗 Unexpected appearance of cars when leaving the sidewalk on the road.

To minimize the risks:

• 👀 Look 5-10 meters ahead, not under the wheels.
• 🎧 Don’t use headphones – they drown out the sounds of cars and pedestrians.
• 🛡️ Wear protection: helmet (required!), elbows and knee pads (recommended).
• 🌧️ Avoid driving in the rain: wet road increases the braking distance by 2-3 times.

If you are driving at night, add:

• 💡 LED tape on the frame (increases visibility).
• 🔔 Call or signal (required by traffic rules).
• 👓 Reflectors on wheels.

In case of a fall:

1. Do not try to brake with your hands – this will lead to a fracture of the wrist.
2. Group yourself with your elbows against your torso.
3. After falling, check the scooter for cracks in the frame and backlash in the steering wheel.

💡

The most dangerous situation is driving on wet metal grilles (for example, on bridges), the clutch coefficient drops to almost zero, which leads to skidding.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi scooters