How to turn on and use cruise control on a Xiaomi scooter: detailed instructions

Xiaomi’s electric scooters have long since ceased to be just a means of transportation, becoming fully-fledged smart devices with advanced functionality. One of the most useful but often underrated features is cruise control, which allows you to maintain a constant speed without retaining gas. This not only reduces arm fatigue during long trips, but also helps save battery power through smooth acceleration.

However, many owners of Xiaomi M365, Pro 2, 4 Pro or Essential are unaware of the existence of this option, either because it is hidden in the settings or because of the common myth that cruise control β€œdoes not work” on stock firmware. In this article, we will understand how to activate the feature correctly, which models support it, and why it can suddenly turn off.

Which Xiaomi models support cruise control?

Cruise control is not available on all Xiaomi scooters, but only on models with an electronic controller (ESC) that supports this option.

  • πŸ›΄ Xiaomi M365 (all versions, including M365 Pro)
  • πŸ›΄ Xiaomi Pro 2 (including upgrades with larger battery)
  • πŸ›΄ Xiaomi 1S and 1S Pro
  • πŸ›΄ Xiaomi 4 Pro (requires firmware updates to version 1.5.4+)
  • πŸ›΄ Xiaomi Essential (with firmware only from 2022)

On Xiaomi 3 Lite, Mi Electric Scooter 2 and low-end models without a display (such as Mi Mijia M365 Lite), cruise control is not hardware, and the feature can be blocked on devices purchased in some regions (for example, in the EU due to speed restrictions).

To check for support on your model, go to the scooter menu: if you have Cruise Control or Cruise Control in your settings, the feature is available; if not, you may need to update your firmware or install a custom version (such as CFW).

πŸ“Š What kind of scooter Xiaomi you have?
M365
Pro 2
1S/1S Pro
4 Pro
Essential
Another model

How to Enable Cruise Control through the Standard Menu

If your scooter supports the function, you can activate it directly through the built-in menu.

  1. Turn on the scooter with a long press on the power button.
  2. Press one short press on the power button to go to the main menu (the SET icon will appear on the display).
  3. Press the power button briefly until you find P3 (or P4 on new models) – this is the cruise control settings section.
  4. To activate, hold the power button for 3 seconds until the CRUISE ON icon or tick appears.
  5. Save the settings with another long press.

And then the function will be active, and then it's going to be used.

  1. Accelerate to the desired speed (usually from 15 km / h).
  2. Hold the gas button in the pressed position for 5 seconds - the scooter will emit an audio signal, and the speed will be recorded.
  3. Release the gas: the scooter will continue to move without your participation.
  4. To cancel cruise control, briefly press the brake or gas.

Battery loading > 30%|Wheels pumped to recommended pressure|No errors on the display (for example, E01-E05)|The scooter is on a flat surface.-->

Important: on some models (such as the Xiaomi 4 Pro), cruise control only works in Sport mode. If the feature is not activated, try switching to this mode via double pressing the power button.

Why does cruise control not work?

If you have completed all the steps but the function is not turned on, the reasons may be as follows:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
There is no Cruise Control item on the menu.Outdated firmware or regional restrictionsUpdate the software through the official Mi Home app or install custom firmware
The function is activated but does not record the speed.Failure of the throttle (gas) or controllerDiagnose the scooter for errors (code E02 or E03 indicates gas problems)
Cruise control is automatically shut downProtection against overheating or low chargeCheck the temperature of the controller and the battery level (should be > 20%)
Function works in jerks.Wear of motor brushes or malfunction of Hall sensorContact the service for motor diagnostics

A common cause of broken cruise control is locking by regional standards, for example, in the EU, many scooters are software limited to 25 km/h, and cruise control can be disabled by the manufacturer, in which case the firmware with unlocked settings (for example, CFW by ScooterHacking) will help.

⚠️ Warning: If the scooter starts twitching or making extraneous sounds after the cruise control is activated, immediately turn off the function and check the controller, which may indicate a power board malfunction that, if ignored, will cause the engine to break.

Alternative ways to enable cruise control

If the standard method does not work, you can try alternative options:

1.Through the Mi Home app

On some models (for example, Xiaomi 1S) cruise control can be enabled through the official application:

  1. Connect the scooter to the Mi Home via Bluetooth.
  2. Go to the Scooter Settings section β†’ More.
  3. Find Cruise Control and activate the slider.
  4. Save the settings and restart the scooter.

If there is no item, update the app to the latest version.

2. Through custom firmware

For scooters with locked cruise control (for example, the European versions of the Pro 2), CFW firmware will help:

  1. Download the firmware from the ScooterHacking website (select the version for your model).
  2. Connect the scooter to the PC via the STM32- cable.
  3. Run the ScooterHacking Utility utility and run the controller.
  4. In the new settings, a Cruise Control section will appear with advanced options (for example, setting the activation time).

Warning: Custom firmware will void warranty and may cause scooter instability, and use this method only if you are confident in your skills.

What if the scooter does not turn on after firmware?
If the scooter stopped responding to the power button after firmware, try: 1. Disconnect and reconnect the battery (on some models you need to disassemble the deck). 2. Press the power button for 10+ seconds to reset the controller. 3. Repeat the firmware with another version of the software (possibly files were damaged). If nothing helps, contact the service - you may need to solder the controller.

Restrictions and security measures when using cruise control

Cruise control simplifies management, but has a number of critical limitations that are important to consider:

  • 🚦 Does not work at speeds below 15 km/h, which is the threshold for most models. At lower speeds, the function simply does not activate.
  • πŸ”‹ Automatically shuts down when the battery is below 20% – this is protection against full discharge, which can damage the battery.
  • πŸ›‘ Deactivated by brake application (manual or electronic) is a safety measure to avoid collisions.
  • 🌑️ It can be turned off when the controller overheats (usually at temperatures above 60).Β°In this case, an error will appear on the display. E07.
  • πŸ”οΈ Not recommended for use on uneven surfaces – cruise control maintains a constant speed but does not adapt to tilts, which can lead to loss of control.

Also, it's worth remembering that cruise control is not a substitute for alertness, for example, if an obstacle suddenly appears in front, the scooter will not be able to brake urgently, as the driver should. Statistically, more than 30% of cruise-controlled electric scooter accidents occur due to the driver's delayed response to changing traffic conditions.

⚠️ Warning: On Xiaomi scooters with firmware older than 2021 years, cruise control may not work properly in sub-zero temperatures (below -5°C). This is due to a change in throttle resistance. If you notice jerks or spontaneous acceleration, immediately disable the function.

πŸ’‘

Before a long cruise control trip, check the steering wheel and wheel mountings – vibrations at high speed can unwind the bolts, which will lead to loss of control.

How to Calibrate Cruise Control for Smooth Operation

If the function is working, but the speed is floating, or the scooter is twitching, you might need to calibrate the throttle.

  1. Turn on the scooter and go to the settings menu (as described above).
  2. Find the P5 (or Throttle Calibration in the new models).
  3. Press and hold the power button until you hear a double beep.
  4. Release the gas and wait for the calibration to be completed (display blinks).
  5. Check the operation of cruise control on a flat surface.

If calibration didn't work, the problem could be wear on the motor brushes or a malfunctioning controller, in which case it's recommended:

  • πŸ”§ Check the condition of the brushes (when worn more than 50%, they need to be replaced).
  • πŸ”Œ Diagnose the controller for errors (codes E02, E03, E08 indicate electrical problems).
  • πŸ“± Update your firmware to the latest version (sometimes cruise control bugs are patched in new releases).

On the Xiaomi 4 Pro and 1S Pro scooters, there is an additional Cruise Sensitivity setting that can be adjusted through the Mi Home app. If your model supports it, try to reduce sensitivity - this will help to avoid accidental positives.

πŸ’‘

Calibration of the throttle should be performed on a flat surface at room temperature. If the scooter was in the cold, wait 10-15 minutes before setting up.

Comparison of cruise control on different Xiaomi models

The cruise control functionality may vary depending on the scooter model, and below is a comparative table of key parameters:

ModelMinimum activation rateMaximum speed of fixationAuto-disconnection during brakingSupport for sensitivity settings
Xiaomi M36515 km/h25 km/h (firmware restriction)Yes.No.
Xiaomi Pro 212 km/h30 km/h (in Sport mode)Yes.Yes (via Mi Home)
Xiaomi 1S10 km/h28 km/hYes.Yes (3 levels of sensitivity)
Xiaomi 4 Pro15 km/h35 km/h (with unlocked firmware)Yes.Yes (via CFW)

For example, on the Xiaomi Pro 2, cruise control is smarter: it responds more smoothly to changes in slope and less often turns off when there are small fluctuations in speed. On the M365, the function operates on a simplified algorithm, so it may seem less comfortable.

If you're a frequent rider on hilly terrain, look for adaptive cruise control models (like the Xiaomi 1S Pro), which adapt to the terrain. On flat roads, the difference is not noticeable, but on ups and downs, it greatly improves handling.

Frequent questions about cruise control on Xiaomi

Can I turn on cruise control on the Xiaomi M365 Lite?
No, the M365 Lite doesn’t have this feature hardware--it has a simplified controller without cruise control support, and it’s not on the Mi Electric Scooter 2 and Xiaomi 3 Lite.
Why does cruise control spontaneously shut down?
The reasons can be different: πŸ”‹ Low battery power (less than 20%). 🌑️ Controller overheating (usually when driving at high speed for long periods of time). πŸ›‘ Small brake press (even accidental hand touch). πŸ“‰ Sharp slope change (e.g., downhill descent). Check the display for errors (codes E07, E10 indicate overheating.
Can you change the speed of cruise control?
On stock firmware, no, the speed is fixed only at the current value. But on models with CFW (e.g. Xiaomi Pro 2), you can adjust: πŸ“Š Step change speed (e.g., fix every 2 km/h). ⏱️ Gas retention time for activation (default 5 seconds).
Is cruise control harmful to the battery?
No, if used correctly. On the contrary, smoothly maintaining speed reduces battery load compared to constant acceleration. However: πŸ”‹ Avoid using cruise control when charged below 30%, which accelerates the degradation of lithium-ion cells. 🌑️ Do not drive at top speed in heat (above 30Β°C) - overheating reduces battery life. Optimal battery life: speed 20–25 km/h on flat surface.
Can I install cruise control on a scooter where it is not?
Technically, yes, but it will require a deep reworking of the electronics: πŸ”§ Replacing the controller with a feature-enabled model (e.g., Xiaomi Pro 2 on M365). πŸ’» Custom software firmware with cruise control emulation (risky, can disable the motor). The cost of such an upgrade often exceeds reasonable limits β€” it is cheaper to sell an old scooter and buy a model with factory-enable features.