How to fold the scooter Xiaomi 365 Pro: instructions with photos and videos

Why Xiaomi 365 Pro is important

The Xiaomi Mijia 365 Pro has become one of the most popular vehicles in the city due to its combination of price, power and compactness. However, many owners face a problem: the folding mechanism, which seems simple at first glance, often raises questions. Wrong handling of the lock can lead to a break in the lock, a backlash of the steering column or even injuries if you unexpectedly fold while driving.

In this article, we will examine not only the basic instructions, but also the hidden nuances of the design that the manufacturer does not always mention in the official manual, for example, why sometimes the lock “bites” after the rain, how to avoid wear of plastic bushings and what to do if the steering wheel began to hang out after folding it repeatedly, if you just bought a Xiaomi 365 Pro or have already been a year of riding, but still not sure about what to do – this guide is for you.

Warning: the folding mechanism of the 365 Pro is different from the base model Xiaomi Mijia M365 – it uses a reinforced metal lock with an additional spring.

The device of the folding mechanism: what is inside

Before you start practicing, it is worth understanding how the folding assembly works. The Xiaomi 365 Pro uses a two-stage fixation system:

• 🔧 The main metal lock, which locks the steering column in the operating position, has a spring mechanism that automatically snaps when you turn around.
• 🔄 Plastic folding fixator - keeps the scooter folded, often broken when handled rough.
• 🛠️ Adjustment bolt - allows you to tighten the back of the steering wheel (located under the lid near the base of the column).

The 365 Pro features an extra spring in the lock that is missing from the base model, which provides a tighter fit, but requires more folding effort, and many users confuse spring resistance with "jamming" the mechanism and begin to apply excess force, which leads to deformation of plastic parts.

Interesting fact: the first batches of the Xiaomi 365 Pro (2019) used plastic sleeves in the folding mechanism, which quickly wore out. In later versions, they were replaced with metal ceramic ones, which can be checked by the serial number (starting with the M365P-19... on older models and M365P-20... on new ones).

Step-by-step instructions: how to fold a scooter

Now, let's get to the practice. Follow this algorithm to avoid breakdowns.

1. Place the scooter on a flat surface. The rear brake must be fixed (press the brake pedal) to prevent rolling.
2. Find the red lock button on the steering column (right, if you look at the front) and press it with your thumb down until you click.
3. Holding the button, tilt the steering wheel forward slightly until you feel the lock is free. Don't pull sharply!
4. Smoothly lower the steering column down until the plastic lock snaps automatically, make sure it enters the groove completely, otherwise the scooter may spontaneously decompose.

Is the scooter turned off (long press of the power button)?

Is the rear brake locked?

Is there any dirt in the lock mechanism?

Is the plastic fixator intact?

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Important: If the red button doesn't press or jam, don't use force, it's likely that there's dirt or moisture in the mechanism.

⚠️ Attention: If the steering wheel does not fold after pressing the button, check if it is locked with an electronic lock (on some firmware, the scooter blocks the steering wheel when the battery is low.

For a visual understanding of the process, check out the official video from Xiaomi (attached below), but note that it does not show typical user errors:

Video: [Insert the YouTube embed code here: "Xiaomi Mijia 365 Pro Folding Mechanism Official Tutorial"]

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to breakdowns over time, and here are the most common ones:

• 🚫 Sharp folding causes cracks in the plastic locker. Always do it smoothly, in two steps: first release the lock, then lower the steering wheel.
• 🚫 Ignoring the click – if the plastic fixture does not snap completely, the scooter can decompose in the bag or trunk.
• 🚫 Storage folded under load – if something is pressing on the steering wheel (for example, other things in the trunk), this deforms the lock.
• 🚫 Lack of lubrication - the mechanism requires maintenance every 6 months. Use silicone lubricant (not grease) WD-40!).

This is especially dangerous when users try to fold the scooter without pressing the red button, but simply pull the steering wheel on themselves. This breaks the lock spring and causes the scooter to spontaneously fold while driving. If this happens, immediately stop operation and contact the service!

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After raining or washing the scooter, always dry the dryer (cold air) and apply a few drops of silicone lubricant to prevent the spring from corroding and locking.

Another thing that you do, if you're often carrying a scooter in the trunk of a car, don't put it on your side, and the oil from the shock absorbers can get into the folding mechanism, which will cause it to stick, and you'll be in the best position, upright, steering up.

What to do if the scooter does not fold up

If the machine is jammed, don't panic. In 90% of cases, you can solve the problem yourself.

1. Check if the scooter is on. On some firmware, the electronic lock blocks folding when you're in active power.
2. Look at the red button, it may have been trash, and clean it carefully with a toothpick or compressed air.
3. If you press the button, but the steering wheel doesn't release, try swaying it left-right with a little effort. Sometimes it helps.
4. If nothing works, remove the plastic cover of the mechanism (screwdriver T15) and check if the spring has jumped off the guides.

If the problem is electronic locking, try:

1. Turn off the scooter (hold the power button for 5 seconds).


2. Turn it on again.




3. Press the folding button and simultaneously briefly press the brake.




4. Repeat folding attempt.

⚠️ Warning: If you find that the metal lock is bent after you have disassembled the mechanism, do not try to straighten it yourself. This requires a special tool, otherwise you will violate the geometry of the part, which will lead to irreversible failure.

In rare cases, the problem is the firmware of the controller, for example, in software versions below 1.3.6, there was a bug with a steering lock when the battery is low.

• 📱 Open Mi Home → Choose a scooter → Settings of the device → Firmware update.
• 🔄 Wait for the process to be completed (at least 10 minutes).
• 🔋 Make sure the battery is not below 50%.

Care for the folding mechanism: prolonging the life of the scooter

To ensure that the mechanism lasts, follow these recommendations:

1. Clean: Once a month, clean the machinery with compressed air or a soft brush. Do not use water under pressure!
2. Lubrication: Every 6 months apply silicone lubricant (e.g., WD-40 Specialist Silicone) to: Lock Spring The axis of rotation of the steering column Plastic lock

Adjustment: If you have a backlash in the steering wheel, tighten the adjustment bolt (under the lid at the base of the column). Use a dynamometer key with a force of 5 Nm.

Storage: When folded, the scooter should stand upright, rather than lying on its side, which prevents the holder from deforming.

To clean the machine deeply, you can use isopropyl alcohol (70% concentration). Apply it on a cotton swab and gently wipe the metal parts. Don't use acetone or solvents - they will damage plastic parts!

If you often drive in the rain, consider installing a protective case for the folding mechanism (for example, Xiaomi Original Folding Mechanism Cover), which prevents moisture and dirt from entering, prolonging the life of parts.

Comparison with other Xiaomi models

The folding mechanism of the Xiaomi 365 Pro is different from other models of the brand.

As you can see from the table, the Xiaomi 365 Pro is intermediate in reliability, stronger than the base model, but more difficult to repair than the M365, and the main advantage is a reinforced spring that prevents spontaneous folding, but requires more careful handling.

If you’re planning an upgrade, look at the Xiaomi Pro 2, which uses a store lock that’s more reliable but also more expensive to maintain. For a budget option, consider the Xiaomi 1S, despite the higher price, its titanium mechanism requires almost no maintenance.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi folding 365 Pro

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Regular maintenance of the folding mechanism (cleaning + lubrication every 6 months) increases its life by 3-4 times, and most breakdowns occur due to a banal lack of care, not factory defects.