How to switch speed on the Xiaomi electric scooter: all the ways and nuances

Xiaomi scooters are some of the most popular vehicles in the city, but many owners face speed limits set by the manufacturer. Standard settings often do not allow you to realize the full potential of the device: in Eco mode, the scooter runs slowly, and in Sport, it drains the battery too quickly. In this article, we will discuss how to correctly switch speed modes, which models support unlocking, and what to do if the buttons on the steering wheel do not respond.

It is important to understand that not all Xiaomi models allow you to change speeds the same. For example, the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter M365 has three standard modes, while the Xiaomi Pro 2 supports additional settings through the mobile application. We will look at all the current ways, from basic to advanced, including the firmware of the controller for power users. If you are a beginner, start with the first partitions; if you want to squeeze the maximum, read to the end.

What speed modes are on Xiaomi electric scooters

Most Xiaomi models come with three main operating modes, which differ in maximum speed, acceleration and power consumption:

  • 🐒 Eco (Economic) – speed limited to 15-18 km/h, smooth acceleration, minimum battery consumption, suitable for beginners or short-distance travel.
  • 🚢 Standard - medium mode with a limit of 20-25 km / h. Optimal for urban trips, the balance between speed and autonomy.
  • 🏎️ Sport: top speed of up to 25-30 km/h (depending on model), sharp acceleration, high battery consumption.

On some models, such as Xiaomi Pro 2 or Xiaomi 1S, an additional Pedestrian mode is available with a limit of 6 km / h - it is activated automatically when driving at low speed or in crowded places.

Important: On scooters with firmware below version 1.3.5, Sport mode can be blocked by default to comply with local laws (e.g. in the EU), in which case you will need to unlock through the application or change regional settings.

How to switch speed buttons on the steering wheel

The easiest way to change mode is to use the power button on the steering wheel, and the instructions are suitable for most models (M365, Pro, 1S, Essential):

  1. Make sure the scooter is on (the indicator on the panel is on).
  2. Briefly press the power button once – the current mode will be displayed on the display or LEDs (the color of the indicator or the letter designation: E, S, D).
  3. To switch, hold the power button for 2-3 seconds until the indicator blinks. Release the button and the mode will change to the next in order.
  4. Repeat the action until you select the desired mode.

Colors of indicators on different models:

Regime.Xiaomi M365 / ProXiaomi 1S / Pro 2Xiaomi Essential
EcoGreen.BlueOrange (blinks)
StandardOrangeWhiteGreen.
SportRed.Red.Red (flashing)

If the button does not respond:

  • ⚑ Check battery power – at levels below 10%, switching may be blocked.
  • πŸ”„ Reboot the scooter (hold the power button for 5 seconds until the indicator goes out).
  • πŸ“± Update the firmware through the Mi Home app - in old versions there are glitch with buttons.

Scooter on and unlocked

Battery level above 10%

Wheels are not locked (no error on the display)

Mi Home app updated to latest version-->

Switching speeds through the Mi Home app

The Mi Home mobile app (or Xiaomi Home for new models) allows not only to switch modes, but also to adjust custom speed parameters, which works for scooters with Bluetooth support (Pro 2, 1S, Essential, 4 Pro and later).

Step-by-step:

  1. Download and install the Mi Home app from Google Play or the App Store.
  2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account (required! not all features are available without an account).
  3. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and scooter (hold the power button for 5 seconds until the blue light flashes).
  4. In the app, click Add Device (+) β†’ Electric Scooter β†’ Your model.
  5. After connecting, go to Scooter Settings β†’ Riding Modes.
  6. Select the desired mode or set up Custom Mode (if available).

In Custom Mode you can install:

  • πŸ“‰ Maximum speed (e.g. 22 km/h instead of the standard 25 km/h).
  • πŸ”‹ Regenerative braking level (KERS).
  • ⚑ Sensitivity of the accelerator (for smooth or sharp start).

If the scooter is not connected to the application:

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models M365 (First generation Bluetooth module often fails after 2-3 years of operation, in this case, only replacing the controller board or firmware through the cable will help.

πŸ“Š What mode do you use most often?
Eco
Standard
Sport
Custom (customizable)
I don't know what I got.

Unlocking speed above factory limits

The manufacturer deliberately limits the top speed of Xiaomi scooters to 25 km/h (in the EU) or 30 km/h (in other regions).However, many users want to accelerate faster. There are several ways to remove the restrictions, but each has risks:

  • πŸ”“ Change the region in the application – if your scooter is blocked to European standards, you can change the region to Russia, the United States or China through Mi Home:

Firmware through DownG

M365

Pro

1S

After DownG firmware, the scooter can accelerate to 35-40 km / h, but this reduces the battery and motor life by 30-40%.

Replacement of the controller

Warnings before unlocking:

⚠️ Attention: Lifting the restrictions will void the warranty Xiaomi. At speeds above 30 km / h, the risk of an accident increases dramatically - standard brakes and tires are not designed for such loads. In some countries (e.g. Germany), scooters with unlocked speed are equated to mopeds and require registration.

What happens if you exceed the maximum speed?
With long driving at speeds above 35 km / h: - Overheats the engine (risk of short circuit). - Quickly sits down the battery (autonomy is reduced by 40-50%). - Wear bearings and shock absorbers. - Increases the braking distance (standard disc brakes are not designed for high speeds).

Speed Switching Problems and Their Solutions

If the scooter does not switch modes or hangs on one of them, the reasons can be both software and hardware.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The power button does not respond to the pressingContact contamination, wear of the button, firmware failureClean the button with alcohol. Update the firmware through the Mi Home. Disassemble the steering wheel and check the integrity of the wires.
The scooter itself switches to Eco-modeLow battery charge, overheating of the controllerCharge the battery to 100% and let it cool for 10-15 minutes
The app does not show driving modesOutdated firmware, Bluetooth failureUpdate the Mi Home and the scooter firmware. Reset the Bluetooth settings on your phone.

If the scooter produces an error of ERROR 14 or ERROR 15 when trying to switch, this indicates a problem with the controller or speed sensor.

  1. Try resetting to factory settings (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
  2. Check the integrity of the cable running from the wheel to the controller.
  3. Contact the service center - you may need to flash or replace the fee.

Before your first high-speed trip, practice in an empty parking lot:

  1. Try emergency braking (hold both brakes at the same time).
  2. Check how the scooter behaves on turns (tilt the body, not the steering wheel!).
  3. Evaluate the response to obstacles (such as small bumps).

πŸ’‘

Even if you're a seasoned rider, remember, an electric scooter is not a motorcycle, it doesn't have a suspension, and the little wheels pick up every bump, and at speeds above 30 km/h, any hole or rock can cause a fall.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi speed modes

Can I switch speed on the Xiaomi scooter without an app?
Yes, on most models (M365, Pro, 1S) the power button switches modes on the steering wheel, but Mi Home is required to adjust Custom Mode or unlock regional restrictions.
Why doesn’t my scooter go faster than 20 km/h even in Sport mode?
Probable reasons: Regional restrictions (scooter blocked to EU standards); Solution: change region in Mi Home to Russia or China; weak battery charge (below 50%); charge to 100% and try again; wear of motor or controller; check errors through the diagnostic menu.
How to reset the scooter settings to the factory?
To reset: Turn off the scooter. Hold the power button for 10 seconds until the indicator blinks. Turn on the scooter - all settings (including unlocked speed) will reset. Attention: after the reset, you will need to reconnect the scooter to the Mi Home application.
What is the top speed of the Xiaomi Pro 2 after unlocking?
The standard top speed is 25 km/h (in the EU) or 30 km/h (in other regions), and once you have firmware through DownG or changed the controller, you can accelerate to 35-40 km/h, but this reduces the battery life and motor.
Can I ride an unlocked scooter around the city?
Depending on your country's legislation: In Russia, scooters are equated to pedestrians, but speeds should not exceed 25 km / h (according to traffic rules); in the EU, scooters with speeds above 25 km / h require registration as mopeds; in the United States, the rules vary by state (for example, in California, a maximum of 28 km / h); We recommend that you clarify local laws to avoid fines.