How to fold the scooter Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 1S: nuanced

Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 1S It's one of the most popular vehicles in the city because of its combination of compactness, power and affordable price, but even experienced owners sometimes have difficulty folding a model, especially if it's the first version with a mechanical lock. Incorrect handling of the retainer can lead to breakage of the steering column or jamming of the mechanism, and this is already a reason for expensive repairs.

In this article, we will analyze the folding process by steps, pay attention to common mistakes (for example, why the scooter is not fixed in the folded state) and give recommendations for safe transportation. You will also learn how to check the correctness of the lock and what to do if the mechanism is rusted or clogged. 1S (code M365) and its clones with similar designs.

Before you start, make sure that the scooter is off (power button is held for 3 seconds) and the wheels are on a flat surface, which will prevent the motor from accidentally turning on during steering manipulations.

The design of the folding mechanism: what you need to know

Unlike later models (such as the Pro 2 or 3 Lite), which use a button lock, Xiaomi is a very popular choice. 1S It's equipped with a mechanical lock with a spring:

• 🔧 The lock lever is a metal “pedal” at the base of the steering column, which you need to press with your foot.
• 🔗 Latches - the internal mechanism that keeps the steering wheel in the working position.
• 🛡️ Safety pin - a small metal rod that prevents spontaneous folding during driving.

The main feature of the mechanism is a double lock: first the latch is unlocked, then the pin is removed. If you miss the second step, the steering wheel will "wander" that can damage the cables inside the rack, and also the design provides a shock-absorbing rubber limiter that softens the impact when folding.

The manufacturer claims that the mechanism is designed for 10,000 folding/folding cycles, but when sand, moisture or corrosion hits, this time is reduced by many times, so it is important not only to fold the scooter correctly, but also to periodically clean the retainer.

Step-by-step: how to fold the scooter Xiaomi 1S

Follow the algorithm below to avoid jamming the mechanism:

1. Prepare. Put the scooter on a flat surface, make sure the front wheel is looking forward. If the scooter is slanting, move it, and it will prevent spontaneous folding when you press the lever.
2. Unlock the lock. Press the lever at the base of the steering column (it should go down to the end with a characteristic click). The force should be sharp, but not excessive — if you have to push hard, the mechanism requires lubrication.
3. Removal of the safety pin. After clicking, pull up behind the wheel while pulling out the metal pin (located to the right of the lever). It should come out without resistance. If the pin is stuck, do not use force - see "What to do if the mechanism is jammed."
4. Fold the steering wheel. Smoothly lower the steering column down until it runs into the rear wing. Don't throw the steering wheel, which can damage the shock absorber or cables inside the rack.
5. Fix it in folded condition. Click the steering wheel on a special hook on the rear wing. Make sure it is securely fixed, otherwise the scooter may open in the bag or trunk.

If the scooter folds for the first time after buying, the mechanism can run tightly, which is normal. After 5-10 cycles, it will "wash up." But if the resistance does not decrease, check for factory lubrication (its excess also interferes with work).

⚠️ Warning: Never fold a scooter unless the safety pin is removed to the end, which can cause the steering column to deform or wires to break inside the rack. 80% of these breakages are not covered by warranty.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that shorten the life of the machine, and here are the most common ones:

• 🚫 If the scooter is hanging in your hands instead of standing on the ground, the lock lever may not unlock completely. Always put the scooter on a flat surface.
• 🚫 Use force in jamming. If the pin or lever does not move, do not push harder - it can break the spring).
• 🚫 Storage in the folded state under weight. If you push the steering wheel from above (for example, put a bag), over time, the lock deforms.
• 🚫 Ignoring the creaks. Screaming when folding is a sign of lack of lubrication. If you don't fix the problem, the mechanism will rust.

Another common problem is spontaneous unfolding in the bag or trunk, which happens if:

• The hook on the back wing won't be snapped to the end.
• The steering wheel is not lowered to the point (must touch the wing).
• The mechanism is worn out and requires replacement of the spring.

To check the serviceability of the retainer, try to slightly shake the folded scooter. If the steering wheel "plays" or turns around, the mechanism needs to be repaired.

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After raining or washing the scooter, be sure to dry the mechanism of folding with a hair dryer (cold air) or napkins. Moisture is the main cause of corrosion of the spring and pin.

Cleaning and lubricating the mechanism: when and how to do

The manufacturer recommends cleaning and lubricating the lock every 3-6 months (or after 500 km of running), however, if you drive on dusty roads or in the rain, the interval should be reduced to 1-2 months.

• 🧴 Lubricant, fine. WD-40 (for cleaning) and lithium lubrication LIQUI MOLY (Don't use vegetable oil or solidol, they collect dirt.
• 🧹 Tools: Toothbrush, napkins without pile, screwdriver (to remove the lid if necessary).
• 🔍 Backlight. A flashlight or LED lamp -- the mechanism is in an awkward place.

Step-by-step cleaning:

1. Unlock the lock, but do not fold the scooter.
2. Put it on. WD-40 I'll take the lever, the pin and the visible parts of the latch.
3. Remove the dirt with a toothbrush, wipe with napkins.
4. Apply lithium lubrication to the rubbing parts (don't overdo it - the excess will attract dust).
5. Fold/decompose the scooter several times so that the lubricant is distributed.

If the machine is heavily contaminated, it may require a partial disassembly.

1. Remove the plastic cover at the base of the steering wheel (unscrew 2 screws).
2. Clean the internal parts (do not disassemble the latch completely - springs can fly out!).
3. Lubricate all moving elements.

⚠️ Warning: Do not lose a small spring of the safety pin when disassembling, without which the mechanism will not fix. If the spring breaks, replace it with a similar one (for example, from a car lighter).

Comparison with other Xiaomi models: what has changed

If you are used to scooters Xiaomi Pro 2 or Essential, the folding mechanism 1S This might seem archaic. The table below shows the key differences:

You can see, 1S — The only model in the lineup with a metal pin, which makes it more reliable in terms of safety, but also more demanding to care. In the new versions, the manufacturer abandoned the pin in favor of electronic locking, which simplified the process, but added the risk of failures due to moisture or battery discharge.

If you are planning to upgrade your scooter, pay attention to the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter. 1S 2022, it had a better hold spring and added corrosion protection, but the folding mechanism remained the same, so this is the right one for it.

Transportation and storage: tips from service centers

Even if you fold the scooter correctly, improper transportation can lead to breakdowns.

• 🚗 In the car, put the scooter up to avoid pressure on the lock. If the trunk is small, use a case with hard ribs.
• 🚌 On public transport, hold the scooter upright, the steering wheel folded. Don't put it on the seat, vibrations can unlock the hold.
• ✈️ On the plane, only take the baggage (the cabin will not be allowed because of the lithium battery), pack it in a case and lock the steering wheel with tape.
• 🏠 Keep it in the decomposed state (if space permits) so it's less loaded on the spring. If you fold it for a long time, grease the mechanism.

Pay special attention to the temperature regime:

• Do not leave the scooter in the cold below -10°C – the plastic becomes brittle and the lubricant thickens.
• Avoid direct sunlight – UV radiation destroys the rubber seals of the fixator.

If the scooter will be stored folded for longer than a month, every 2 weeks, spread it out and fold it again - this will prevent the spring from sticking.

Frequent breakdowns and their elimination

Even with careful handling, the folding mechanism can fail. Let's look at typical malfunctions and how to fix them:

If the problem is not solved by cleaning or lubrication, do not postpone a visit to the service. For example, a worn-out spring can lead to the fact that the scooter will fold right while driving - and this is already a risk of injury. In Xiaomi service centers, the folding mechanism is replaced in 1-2 hours, and the warranty for work is usually 3 months.

For self-repair, you can order parts on AliExpress or in specialized stores (for example, ScooterParts (M365).

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If the scooter is warranty (usually 12 months), do not disassemble the mechanism yourself - this will void the warranty.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions