How to fold the scooter Xiaomi: instructions for all models

Xiaomi scooters are some of the most popular vehicles in the city, but even experienced owners sometimes have difficulty folding.Incorrect actions can lead to jamming of the mechanism, damage to the brake cable or even break the steering column. In this article, we will discuss how to fold the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter (including models) 1S, Pro, Pro 2, 3, 4, Lite and others, avoiding common errors.

The folding process seems intuitive, but each model has nuances. For example, Mi Scooter 3 added an additional hold on the steering wheel, and Pro 2 - reinforced lock. If you first encounter a Xiaomi scooter, we recommend reading the instructions to the end so as not to damage the mechanism, and we will also tell you how to unlock the jammed folding lever without contacting the service.

Preparation of the scooter for folding: what you need to check

Before you fold the scooter, make sure it is in a safe condition, which will prevent accidental fall or damage to parts.

First, turn off the power — even when folded, the accelerator button can be triggered when pressed. Second, check whether foreign objects (such as a bag on the steering wheel or a case) interfere with folding. Third, if the scooter has been recently used, let it cool for 5-10 minutes — hot parts (especially the brake disc) can deform when folded sharply.

• 🔌 Turn off power with a long press on the power button (3-5 seconds).
• 🛑 Make sure the brake lever is not pressed - this blocks the wheel.
• 🧰 Check if there is dirt or sand in the folding mechanism (especially after rain).
• 🔄 If the Pro 2 scooter or newer, make sure the steering wheel is not locked by a button on the steering column.

⚠️ Warning: Do not fold the scooter if it is wet after driving in the rain. Moisture in the mechanism can cause corrosion of springs and levers. Wash all metal parts with a dry cloth before folding.

Step-by-step: how to fold the scooter Xiaomi (universal method)

Most Xiaomi models (except for Mi Scooter 4 and some modifications) are folded in one pattern.

1. Place the scooter on a flat surface and make sure it is standing steadily on the bandwagon.
2. Find the folding lever (usually located on the steering column on the right or left, next to the power button). On the Pro and Pro 2 models, the lever can be hidden under a rubber plug.
3. Press the lever down before clicking, this will unlock the mechanism. If the lever does not press, check if the steering wheel is locked (some models have a separate lock button).
4. Carefully lower the steering wheel down, holding the handles. Don't put too much effort - if the steering wheel doesn't fold, then the mechanism is not unlocked to the end.
5. When the steering wheel is down to the point, lock it with a latch (on the back of the steering column). Make sure the latch snaps with a characteristic sound.

If the scooter is not fixed in the folded state, check:

• 🔧 Is the latch spring worn out (a common problem after 2-3 years of use).
• 🧲 Did the trash get into the lap of the fixer.
• 🔩 Are the steering column bolts weakened (checked with a screwdriver).

Is the scooter off?

Is the steering wheel locked?

No foreign objects in the machine?

The folding lever is pressed to click?-->

Features of folding for different models Xiaomi

While the folding principle of most Xiaomi scooters is similar, some models have unique nuances. Below is a comparison table for popular modifications.

For the Mi Scooter 4 and 4 Pro, the process is more complicated due to electronic locking.

1. Scooter on.
2. Press the unlock button on the steering wheel (Power) + Mode).
3. Lower the lever at the bottom of the steering column.

⚠️ Warning: If the Mi Scooter 4 scooter doesn't fold, check the battery power. At levels below 10%, the electronic lock may not work. Connect the charger for 5-10 minutes, then try again.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many Xiaomi scooter owners make the same folding mistakes, leading to breakdowns.

• 💥 A sharp lowering of the steering wheel - this can damage the brake cable or bend the steering column.
• 🔒 Incomplete fixation – if the latch is not snapped to the end, the scooter may open during transportation.
• 🧹 Folding a dirty scooter - sand and dust get into the mechanism, causing creaking and jamming.
• 🔋 Ignoring steering lock - on the Pro 2 and newer models, the steering wheel is locked with a separate button.

Another common problem is the skewed steering column after folding, which happens when the scooter is on an uneven surface or the steering wheel is down curved, to correct the skew.

1. Put the scooter out.
2. Relax the steering column bolts (use the 5mm key).
3. Line the steering wheel and tighten the bolts with a force of 4-5 N·m (do not pull!).

💡

If the scooter is difficult to fold due to a tight mechanism, do not put excessive effort.Make the hinges with silicone lubrication (for example, Liqui Moly Silicone-Spray) and fold/decompose the scooter several times to distribute the lubricant.

How to unload the Xiaomi scooter after folding

It's usually easier to unpack than to fold, but there's a nuance here, too, and the rule of thumb is not to pull the steering wheel upwards if it doesn't respond, which can damage the gas shock absorber (in the Pro 2 and later) or bend the steering pipe.

Procedure:

1. Make sure the scooter is on a flat surface.
2. Press the latch of the lock (located on the back of the steering column).
3. Carefully lift the steering wheel up, holding the scooter by the bandage.
4. Wait for the click, which means that the mechanism is blocked.

If the steering wheel is not fixed in the upper position:

• 🔧 Check if the steering column bolts are loosened.
• 🔄 Try several times to fold and unfold the scooter - sometimes the mechanism "snags" because of the dirt that gets.
• 🛠️ If the problem recurs, the retainer spring may have worn out (replacement is required).

💡

If the Xiaomi scooter is not fixed in the unfolded state, do not use it until the fault is corrected. This is dangerous - the steering wheel can fold while driving!

Care for the folding mechanism: how to extend the service life

To make the folding mechanism last longer, follow the simple rules of care:

• 🧼 Clean the machinery regularly (once a month) and use a soft brush and dry cloth.
• 🛢️ Lubricate the hinges every 3 to 6 months with silicone or Teflon lubrication. Don't use oil-based oils - they attract dust.
• 🌧️ Avoid driving in the rain if the scooter is not protected. IP54 Moisture accelerates the corrosion of metal parts.
• 🔧 Check the steering column mounts every 2-3 months. Weakened bolts can lead to backlash and failure of the mechanism.

For models with gas shock absorber (for example, Pro 2) it is important:

• Do not load the steering wheel weighing more than 5 kg in the folded state.
• Do not drop the scooter - the blow can damage the shock absorber.
• When the creak appears, lubricate the shock absorber rod with a special lubricant (for example, CRC Food Grade Silicone).

If the folding mechanism starts to creak or get stuck, don't delay repairs. The longer you operate a scooter that malfunctions, the more serious the breakdown can be. Most of the time, cleaning and lubrication are enough, but sometimes you need to replace the springs or levers.

What to do if the scooter does not fold: diagnosis and repair

If the folding mechanism is stuck, don't panic, 80 percent of the time, you can solve the problem yourself.

1. Examine the mechanism for visible damage (bent parts, cracks).
2. Clean the lever and the grooves of the dirt, use alcohol and cotton swabs for hard-to-reach places.
3. Check the spring – if it is stretched or broken, it needs to be replaced.
4. Lubricate the hinges with silicone lubrication and fold/decompose the scooter several times.
5. If nothing helps, disassemble the mechanism (requires a screwdriver and a key for 5 mm).

To disassemble the folding mechanism:

1. Remove the handles (usually they are attached to bolts under rubber plugs).
2. Unscrew the steering column bolts (do not lose washers!).
3. Carefully remove the folding lever and inspect it from the inside.
4. Replace broken parts (springs, pins) with new ones.

⚠️ Warning: When disassembling the folding mechanism Xiaomi Mi Scooter 4 be careful with the wiring - this model has electronic lock sensors.

If you are not sure of your abilities, it is better to contact the service center.The cost of repairing the folding mechanism in official Xiaomi services is from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles (depending on the model and the complexity of the breakdown).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions