Xiaomi electric scooters are some of the most popular vehicles in the city, but for beginners, the first start can be a real test. Even if you ride a regular scooter or bicycle, an electric scooter requires a special approach: it is important not only to keep balance, but also to properly manage gas, brakes and electronic systems. In this article, we will analyze everything from power on to a confident start and the first meters of the road.
Xiaomi models M365, The Pro 2, 4 Pro and others have similar controls, but differ in nuances in settings and power, and we will take into account the features of different versions to make the instruction suitable for most users. And you will learn why the scooter can twitch at the start and how to avoid it - this is one of the most common problems for beginners.
Preparation of the scooter for the first trip
Before you get on the scooter, make sure it's fully ready to move, and it's not just a matter of comfort, it's also a matter of safety, because improperly pumped wheels or unbalanced brakes can cause a fall.
Start with a visual inspection:
- 🔋 Check the battery level (optimally at least 30%, but for the first trip is better than 100%).
- 🚲 Make sure the wheels are pumped to the recommended pressure (usually 35-50). PSI, see wheel sticker).
- 🔧 Check the reliability of the steering wheel mount, folding mechanism and footrest.
- 🛑 Test press the brake lever - it should smoothly return to the starting position.
If the scooter has been standing still for a long time, Xiaomi may require calibration of the accelerometer.
- Turn on the scooter.
- Put it on a flat surface.
- Hold the power button for 5 seconds until you hear the beep.
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If the scooter after calibration still leads to the side, check the pressure in the tires - often the problem lies in the different pressure of the left and right wheels.
How to turn on the Xiaomi scooter: buttons and indicators
Xiaomi's power management is intuitive, but it's nuanced. Most models have an on-hand drive (under the thumb) to activate the scooter:
- Press the power button briefly - the battery indicator will light up (some models also sound a signal).
- Wait until the red error indicator (if any) goes out.
- On models with a display (Pro 2, 4 Pro) check that the screen displays a speed of 0 km / h.
If the scooter is not operated:
- 🔌 Check the battery charge (it may be completely discharged).
- 🔄 Try holding the power button for 10 seconds to reset.
- 📱 Make sure that there is no lock in the Mi Home app (on some models, the scooter will not start without connecting to the phone).
| Indicator | Colour | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Battery charge | Green. | More than 50% charge |
| Battery charge | Red. | Less than 20%, charging is required |
| Mistake. | Red flashing | Fault (check the wheels, brakes, or connection) |
| Driving mode | White/blue | Activated energy saving mode (on Pro 2) |
Proper stance and position of the legs before the start
The wrong stance is the main reason for falls in beginners. At Xiaomi, it is important to distribute the weight correctly so that the scooter does not tip back on a sharp start.
How to get on a scooter:
- 👟 Place one foot on the foot (usually left if right working leg).
- 🏃 With a slight push of the second leg, start moving at a speed of 2-3 km / h.
- 🦵 Move the weight on the foot standing on the foot, and put the second leg next to you (but not on the edge!).
- 🚀 Then, just press the gas (right hand) smoothly).
Beginner mistakes:
- ❌ Put both legs on the scooter before the movement - this leads to "sticking" forward.
- ❌ Standing too close to the steering wheel - loses balance when braking.
- ❌ Keeping a wheel with one hand is dangerous on rough roads.
Why does the scooter twitch at launch?
⚠️ Warning: On wet or slippery surfaces (marble, metal, ice), the scooter may suddenly accelerate when tilting forward due to the regenerative braking system. Always get off the scooter if the road is slippery!
How to move from place: working with gas
A sharp start is the main reason for the falls. On Xiaomi, gas is controlled by the right lever (in some models, by the button under the thumb).
- Start the movement with a push with your foot (as on a regular scooter).
- Wait until the speed reaches 3-5 km / h.
- Smoothly press the gas (no more than 20% of the lever stroke to start).
- As you accelerate, increase the pressure on the gas, but avoid jerks.
On models with kick start (for example, M365) The motor will not turn on until you accelerate to 3 km / h. This is done for safety - so the scooter will not go spontaneously.
☑️ Pre-launch check
If the scooter does not react to the gas:
- 🔄 Reboot it (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
- 📱 Check in the Mi Home app if the child mode is activated (limits speed to 5 km / h).
- 🔧 Make sure the brake pads don't rub against the disc (this blocks the motor).
Braking and stopping: how not to fall
Brakes on Xiaomi are a separate science. There are two types of braking:
- Electronic (regenerative) - works when releasing gas.
- Mechanical – disc brake (left lever).
How to brake properly:
- Reduce the gas in advance and let the scooter slow down naturally.
- Smoothly press the left lever (do not block the wheel completely!).
- At a full stop, first get off the scooter, then put it on the bandage.
⚠️ Attention: High speed braking (over 20 km/h) can block the rear wheel and cause skids. M365 Pro 2 is recommended to brake in advance, from a distance of 5-10 meters to the obstacle.
If the brakes are creaking or not working well:
- 🛠️ Check the wear of the pads (they should be thicker than 1 mm).
- 🧹 Clean the brake disc of dirt (use alcohol or a special cleaner).
- 🔧 Adjust the tension of the brake cable (if the lever is too soft).
The first meters: how to maintain balance and manage
After the start, the main task is to learn how to keep the trajectory and maneuver. On Xiaomi, the steering wheel is sensitive, so it is enough to move easily:
- 🔄 For a turn do not turn the steering wheel sharply - it is enough to tilt the body in the right direction.
- 🚦 At low speed (5-10 km / h), the scooter is less stable - stay closer to the center of the footrest.
- 🌊 On rough roads, bend your knees for cushioning.
If the scooter leads away:
- Check the pressure in the tires (the difference is even 5). PSI may cause a withdrawal).
- Make sure the wheel bearings don't slug.
- On models with a display (Pro 2), calibrate the gyroscope (hold the power button for 5 seconds).
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At speeds above 15 km/h, the scooter becomes more stable, but the braking distance increases by 2-3 times. Keep your distance and avoid sharp maneuvers!
Frequent Beginner Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even after a successful start, many people make mistakes that lead to falls or breakdowns.
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Sharp gas at launch | The scooter twitches, possible "smack" forward | Start with a push with your foot and smoothly add gas |
| Rear brake only braking | Wheel lock and skid | Use both brakes (front brakes) + posterior) |
| Riding flat tires | Increased engine wear and risk of puncture | Check your blood pressure every week. |
| Ignoring error signals | Controller or battery failure | Check the cause of the flashing red indicator. |
Another common problem is that you're going to have a motor shutdown spontaneously while you're driving.
- 🔋 Battery discharged (below 10%).
- 🌡️ Overheating of the engine (if you go uphill at high speed).
- 📶 Loss of communication with the remote (on models with Bluetooth-blocking).
If the engine is out, don’t panic:
- Smoothly brake.
- Stop and restart the scooter.
- Check the charge and temperature of the case (if it is hot, let it cool for 10-15 minutes).