Why do Xiaomi scooters want to limit speed?
Xiaomi scooters are among the most popular in the world due to the balance of price, quality and technical characteristics. M365, The Pro 2 or 4 Pro can accelerate to 25-30 km/h, which for many users is not only redundant, but also dangerous. Especially important is the speed limit for children, beginners or driving in crowded places, where high speed increases the risk of accidents.
In this article, weβll look at all the possible speed limits, from official settings in the Mi Home app to hidden firmware techniques and mechanical improvements, how to reduce top speed without losing functionality, which models support these or those methods, and what to do if standard settings donβt work.
Important: some methods require technical skills or can cancel the warranty. If you are not confident, contact the specialists.
Method 1: Speed Limitation through the official Mi Home app
The easiest and safest way to do this is to use the Mi Home app (or Xiaomi Home for new models), a method that is suitable for most Mijia scooters, including the Mijia series. M365, Pro 2, 1S, Essential and 4 Pro. The main condition is that the scooter must be tied to the Xiaomi account and connected to the application.
Step instructions:
- Open the Mi Home app and select your scooter from the list of devices.
- Go to Scooter Settings (or Device Management) section.
- Find the Speed Limit (in some versions β Drive Mode or Speed settings).
- Select one of the preset values: usually 15 km/h, 20 km/h or No Limits.
- Save the changes and restart the scooter (turn off/turn on power).
β οΈ Note: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 3), the speed limit in the app may be reset after a firmware update.
Link the scooter to the Xiaomi account|Update the application to the latest version|Charge the scooter to at least 30%|Stay in a stable Wi-Fi or Bluetooth area-->
Which models support the restriction through the app?
| Model scooter | Support for speed limiting | Additional regimes |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi M365 | Yes (15/20 km/h) | Eco-mode, sport mode |
| Xiaomi Pro 2 | Yes (15/20/25 km/h) | Pedestrian mode (6 km/h) |
| Xiaomi 1S | Yes (15/20 km/h) | Cruise control. |
| Xiaomi 4 Pro | Yes (15/20/25 km/h) | Mode "Children" (10 km/h) |
| Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 3 | Partially (only 20 km/h) | No additional regimes |
If your app does not have a speed limit, try:
- π Update the scooter firmware through Settings β Update of the PO.
- π± Reinstall the Mi Home app (sometimes cache resetting helps).
- π Change your account region to Europe or China (in profile settings).
π‘
If the scooter doesn't respond after you change your settings, try untie it and re-attach it to your account, which often solves synchronization problems.
Method 2: Firmware with custom speed settings
If you donβt like standard settings (e.g., limiting speed to 10 km/h or 12 km/h), custom firmware is a good technique for advanced users, as it requires firmware and can lead to loss of warranty.
The most popular tools for firmware:
- π οΈ DownG β a utility for Windows that allows you to change the controller settings (including the speed limit).
- π± ScooterHacking Utility is an open source Android mobile application.
- π» ST-Link + Flash Tool β for experienced users who are ready to work with a soldering iron and debugging boards.
β οΈ Warning: The wrong firmware can incapacitate the scooter controller. If you are not sure about your skills, contact specialists or use official methods.
Step-by-step instructions for DownG (on the example of Xiaomi) M365)
- Download and install DownG from the official repository.
- Connect the scooter to the computer through USB-cable (use the port on the steering column).
- Run DownG and select your scooter model.
- Go to Speed Settings and set the desired limit (for example, 12 km/h).
- Press Write and wait for the process to be completed (the scooter will reboot).
After the firmware:
- Check the scooter on a flat surface.
- Make sure the brakes and accelerator are working properly.
- If the scooter behaves unstable, return the standard firmware.
What if the scooter does not go after the firmware?
Risks and Consequences of Custom Firmware
Before you change the firmware, consider:
- β οΈ Loss of warranty β any trace of interference with firmware voids warranty obligations.
- β‘ Controller damage β incorrect settings can lead to overheating or failure.
- π« Account lock β Xiaomi can block the device for using unofficial software.
Method 3: Mechanical speed limit (without firmware)
If the software methods don't work (e.g., you have an old model that doesn't support the limitations of the application), you can use mechanical methods. They don't require any interference with the electronics, but they have some nuances.
Method 1: Installation of the limiter on the wheel
The idea is to physically block the wheel from spinning at a certain speed.
- π§ The cable stopper is attached to the plug and brake disc, and when you're speeding, the cable pulls and brakes the wheel.
- π Magnetic sensor β is installed on the spoke and works when the specified speed is reached (requires settings).
- π Chain limiter - a chain or belt connecting a fork to a frame and limiting the suspension.
β οΈ Attention: Mechanical limiters increase the load on bearings and can cause premature wear on the wheel.
Method 2: Replace gear or gearbox
In Xiaomi scooters, speed depends on the gear ratio of the gearbox, and if you replace the standard gear with a model with a different number of teeth, you can reduce the top speed.
- Installing a gear with more teeth will reduce speed, but increase torque (useful for uphill riding).
- A gear with fewer teeth will increase speed but reduce traction.
Where to buy gears:
- π AliExpress (search by request "Xiaomi" M365 gear").
- π§ E-Scooter Parts Stores (e.g. ScooterHut or E-Twow).
π‘
Mechanical improvements require disassembly of the scooter and can affect its handling. Always test changes in a safe area before going to the city.
Method 3: Reducing tire pressure
Reducing the pressure in the wheels by 0.5-1 bar from the recommended (usually 2.0-2.5 bar) will increase the rolling resistance and reduce the maximum speed by 3-5 km / h.
- β Increased battery consumption.
- β Deteriorating handling at high speeds.
- β Risk of puncture or tyre damage.
Recommended pressure for different models:
| Model | Recommended pressure (bar) | Pressure to reduce speed (bar) |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi M365 | 2.2β2.5 | 1.5β1.8 |
| Xiaomi Pro 2 | 2.5β2.8 | 1.8β2.0 |
| Xiaomi 1S | 2.0β2.3 | 1.5β1.7 |
Method 4: Use of external devices (GPS-trackers, key chains)
If you don't need to limit your speed all the time, but only in certain areas (like a school or park), you can use external devices with geofences and speed limits, which connect to the scooter and automatically reduce power when you enter a given area.
Popular devices:
- π Xiaomi Mi Scooter Lock - official key fob with lock and speed limit function (works only with the device). M365 Pro 2).
- π°οΈ AirTag + Find My app β does not directly limit speed, but allows you to track movement and receive notifications when you exceed the limit.
- π GPS-Trackers from Sherlock or Tile β some models support geofence and alert settings.
How to set up Xiaomi Mi Scooter Lock:
- Tie the keychain to the scooter via Bluetooth.
- In the Mi Home app, select Child or Limited mode.
- Set the range of the keychain (for example, 50 meters). When you move away from the keychain, the scooter will automatically reduce the speed to 10 km / h.
β οΈ Warning: External devices may conflict with the firmware of the scooter. Check compatibility with your model before buying.
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If you use GPS-Tracker, set up notifications not only for speed, but also for exit from the geofence, which will help to avoid theft of the scooter.
Method 5: Limiting speed by replacing the battery
The maximum speed of the scooter depends on the battery voltage. 36V or 48V, If you have a battery with a lower voltage (for example, 24V), It's going to drop 30 to 40 percent, and it's a good method for power users, because it requires a lot of speed:
- π Buy compatible battery (for example, from Ninebot or Gotway scooters).
- π§ Connector soldering or use of adapters.
- βοΈ Controller settings under new voltage (otherwise the scooter may not start).
Example of calculation:
- Xiaomi's standard battery M365 β 36V, maximum speed of 25 km/h.
- Battery 24V β speed will fall to 15-18 km / h.
- Battery 48V β speed will increase to 30-35 km / h (not recommended without the revision of the controller).
β οΈ Warning: Replacing a battery with a non-standard one is warranty-free and can cause fire if the battery is not connected properly.
Where to buy compatible batteries?
Recommended shops:
- π GearBest β batteries for scooters with delivery to Russia.
- π NKON β European Store with Battery Guarantee.
- π¬ Local scooters stores (for example, ScooterShop or E-Transport).
What happens if you install a battery with a different voltage without setting up the controller?
Method 6: Speed Limitation for Children (Children's Mode)
If a child is using a scooter, it is not enough to slow down, it is necessary to ensure maximum safety. In new Xiaomi models (for example, the 4 Pro or Mi Electric Scooter 3), there is a special child mode that:
- πΆ Limits speed to 10-12 km/h.
- π Disables turbo mode (smooth acceleration).
- π Includes audible alerts when speeding.
How to turn on the child mode:
- Open the Mi Home app and select a scooter.
- Go to Security Settings.
- Activate the option of Child Mode or Safe Driving.
- Install. PIN-code so that the child cannot turn off the mode.
Additional safety measures for children:
- πͺ Use protective pads on the steering wheel (prevent injuries when falling).
- π² Helmets and knee pads (even at low speed).
- π± Install. GPS-tracker.
π‘
Childhood mode is no substitute for adult supervision, and even at 10 km/h, a child can be injured in a collision or sudden braking.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When speed limits are limited, users often face problems, and let's look at some of the most common errors and their solutions:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Speed limit resets after switching off | Unsaved settings in the controller | Update your firmware or use DownG to fix the settings |
| The scooter twitches when it's dispersed. | Incorrect customization of the firmware | Return the standard firmware or reduce the accelerator current |
| The application does not see the item "Speed Limitation" | Older Mi Home or incompatible model | Update the app or change your account region to Europe |
| After the firmware, the scooter does not turn on | Damage to firmware or disconnect cables | Try to reflash through ST-Link or contact the service |
β οΈ Warning: If the scooter starts to overheat or discharge quickly after the speed limit, return the standard settings immediately.