Xiaomi’s electric scooters are equipped with Eco Mode, a feature that limits maximum speed and engine power to increase range. For some users, this is a useful option, especially when driving long distances. For others, an annoying limitation that prevents dynamic driving. There are several ways to turn off eco-mode, but it is important to understand the consequences: increased battery consumption, reduced battery life and the risk of engine overheating under intense loads.
In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of disabling eco-mode on popular models Xiaomi M365, Pro 2, 1S, Essential and 4 Pro. Consider the official methods through the proprietary application Mi Home, alternative methods using third-party utilities (for example, DownG or ScooterHacking Utility), as well as “physical” tricks with buttons on the steering wheel. Separately, we will dwell on hidden risks and myths – for example, why disconnecting eco-mode does not always give an increase in speed on old batteries.
If you are a beginner, we recommend that you first read the section on the consequences of disconnection — perhaps a compromise medium mode (D-mode) will be the best solution for you. For experienced users, we will give instructions for unlocking full power, taking into account the firmware and the version of the controller.
1.Official method: via the Mi Home app
The safest and most recommended method is to use the proprietary Mi Home app (formerly Xiaomi Home), which works on most models, including the M365, Pro 2 and 1S, but requires a scooter connection to a Xiaomi account and a stable Bluetooth connection.
Step-by-step:
- Install the Mi Home app from Google Play or the App Store.
- Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account (required!).
- Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and scooter (press the power button for 2 seconds).
- In the app, click Add Device (+) → Transport → Scooter and follow the instructions on the screen.
- After connecting, go to the scooter settings: Control → Riding modes.
- Select Sport Mode or Standard Mode instead of Eco.
⚠️ Note: On some firmware, after updating via Mi Home, eco-mode may turn on automatically. To avoid this, turn off the Auto-Update Firmware option in the application settings.
☑️ Preparation for the deactivation of the eco-mode
2. Disconnect eco-mode without phone (buttons on the steering wheel)
Not everyone knows, but on most Xiaomi models, you can switch driving modes without a smartphone using a combination of buttons on the steering wheel, which works even if the scooter is not connected to the application or the phone is discharged.
Instructions for Xiaomi M365/Pro 2/1S:
🔹 Decoding signals:
- 🟢 1 Blinking - Eco-mode (speed limit) ~15–18 km/h).
- 🟡 2 Blinks - Standard Mode (D-Mode, ~20–25 km/h).
- 🔴 3 blinks - Sport mode (maximum speed, ~25-30 km/h).
⚠️ Note: On scooters with firmware 1.5.0 and later, this method may not work due to the manufacturer's lock, in which case you will need firmware through third-party utilities.
What to do if the buttons do not respond?
3. Alternative methods: third-party utilities and firmware
If the official methods have not worked (for example, due to outdated firmware or regional restrictions), you can use third-party tools, which is suitable for advanced users, since it requires connecting the scooter to the computer and risks cancelling the warranty.
Popular Unlocking Utilities:
- 🔧 ScooterHacking Utility (SHU) — Advanced firmware and customization tool (requires ST-Link cable).
Step-by-step instructions for DownG (on the example of Xiaomi M365):
Important: After firmware through DownG, the scooter may lose communication with the Mi Home app before resetting!
💡
Before firmware, make a backup of the original firmware by the team downg_cli.exe comX --backup=backup.bin. This will help to restore the scooter in case of failure.
4. Consequences of disconnecting the eco-mode: pros and cons
Disabling eco-mode gives a noticeable increase in dynamics, but has the opposite side.
| Parameter | Eco-regime (Eco) | Sport mode (Sport) |
|---|---|---|
| Max, speed. | 15–18 km/h | 25–30 km/h (depending on model) |
| Power reserve. | up to 30-35 km | 18–25 km (decrease by 20–30%) |
| Engine heating | Minimum | High (risk of overheating with prolonged loads) |
| Battery wear and tear | Low. | Accelerated (reduced resource by 15-20%) |
| Gas response | Smooth. | Abrupt (can be dangerous for beginners) |
⚠️ Warning: On scooters older than 2-3 years (or with a worn-out battery), the deactivation of the eco-mode can lead to automatic engine shutdown during acceleration due to overload protection.
When to leave the eco-mode:
- 🏙️ Driving around the city with frequent stops (traffic lights, pedestrians).
- 🔋 Long trips (over 20 km) without recharging.
- 🌡️ Hot weather (risk of overheating of the controller).
💡
Disabling eco-mode is only advisable when driving on flat roads with minimal braking. In urban conditions, standard (D) mode is often optimal in terms of speed and energy consumption.
5. Features of the disconnection on different models Xiaomi
The process of disabling eco-mode may vary depending on the model of the scooter and the firmware version, and below are the key nuances for popular devices:
Xiaomi M365 (2017-2019):
Xiaomi Pro 2 (2020-2022):
Xiaomi 1S/Essential (2021–2023)
Xiaomi 4 Pro (2023)
- 🔹 Eco-mode is integrated into the energy saving system and does not completely turn off.
- 🔹 Only a temporary switch to sports mode via Mi Home is possible.
- 🔹 Has an adaptive mode that automatically selects power depending on the driving style.
6.How the Eco-Mode Disconnection Affects the Battery
Xiaomi owners’ main fear of switching off eco-mode is accelerated battery wear. Let’s see how critical this is and how to minimize the damage.
Factors that accelerate battery degradation:
- 🔥 High discharge currents in sports mode (especially with sharp starts).
- 🌡️ Battery overheating under prolonged loads (optimum temperature: 10-35)°C).
- 🔋 Deep discharges (below 10%) combined with high loads.
How to extend the life of the battery after switching off the eco-mode:
- Avoid sharp accelerations – smoothly press the gas.
- Do not operate a scooter at temperatures below 0°C or above 40°C.
- Charge the battery to 80-90% for everyday driving (full charge only before long trips).
- Keep a 40-60% charge scooter in a cool place (if you don’t use it for longer than 2 weeks).
⚠️ Warning: On scooters with mileage of more than 5000 km, the shutdown of eco-mode can lead to a sudden power outage due to battery wear.This is due to the fact that older batteries cannot provide high current in sports mode.
How to check the status of the battery?
7. Myths and misconceptions about the eco-mode on Xiaomi
There are many myths surrounding eco-regimes that often mislead users, and we'll take a look at some of the most common ones.
Myth 1: “Switching off eco-mode increases speed by 50%”
🔹 Reality: Speed increases depend on the model. M365 The difference between eco and sports mode is only 7-10 km/h (18 to 25 km/h) and the Pro 2 is even smaller due to factory constraints.
Myth 2: “Eco-mode can be shut down forever.”
🔹 Reality: On New Firmware (1.7.0)+) The eco-mode can be automatically activated when:
- Low battery charge (<15%).
- Overheating of the controller (>60°C).
- Updates through Mi Home.
Myth 3: “Sports burns a battery in 10 charges”
🔹 Reality: Xiaomi’s current lithium-ion batteries are designed to last 300 to 500 full cycles regardless of mode. However, in sports mode, one discharge cycle can burn faster (for example, 15 km instead of 25 km in eco-mode).
Myth 4: “Switching off the eco-mode voids the warranty”
🔹 Reality: The warranty is only cancelled by physical intervention (disassembly, soldering) or firmware through unofficial utilities (for example, DownG.