Xiaomi scooters are some of the most popular vehicles in the city, but their reliability depends on the condition of the wheels. Incorrect tire pressure can lead to punctures, poor handling or even engine failure. In this article, we will discuss how much atmosphere to pump into the wheels for each Xiaomi model, how often to check the pressure and what will happen if the tires are pumped or under-pumped.
Many owners mistakenly believe that "the more, the better" and pump the wheels to the maximum indicated on the tire. However, the manufacturer recommends specific values - usually in the range of 2.5-3.5 atm, but for different models they differ. It is also important to consider the weight of the rider, the type of road surface and even weather conditions.
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Xiaomiβs official tire pressure recommendations
Xiaomi specifies the optimal pressure for each model in the operating instructions, based on safety and comfort tests, such as the M365 and Pro 2, the recommended range is 2.8-3.2 atm, and the 4 Pro with wider tires 2.5-3.0 atm, which leads to the risk of camera explosion, especially in heat.
It is important to understand that pressure is measured in cold tires. If you just arrived, wait 15-20 minutes for the air inside to cool. Otherwise, the pressure gauge will show inflated values. Also consider that when you heat up (for example, during a long trip), the pressure can increase by 0.2-0.5 atm.
For convenience, we have collected data on popular models in the table:
| Model electric scooter | Recommended pressure (atm) | Maximum pressure (atm) | Wheel size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi M365 | 2.8β3.2 | 3.5 | 8.5 inches |
| Xiaomi Pro 2 | 2.8β3.2 | 3.5 | 8.5 inches |
| Xiaomi 4 Pro | 2.5β3.0 | 3.5 | 10 inches |
| Xiaomi 4 Ultra | 2.2β2.8 | 3.0 | 10 inches |
| Xiaomi Lite 2 | 3.0β3.3 | 3.8 | 8.5 inches |
If your model is not in the table, look for the tyre sidewall, which usually indicates maximum pressure (e.g. MAX PRESSURE 3.5 BAR), and the optimal value is 0.3-0.5 atm below the maximum.
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How the weight of a rider affects the pressure in tires
Xiaomiβs standard recommendations are designed for weights up to 80-90 kg. If you weigh more, the pressure should be increased by 0.2-0.4 atm for better stability and puncture protection.
- π€ Weight up to 70 kg β pressure at the lower end of the range (e.g. 2.8 atm for M365).
- π₯ Weight 90-100 kg β +0.2 atm to the recommended (e.g. 3.0-3.2 atm).
- ποΈ Weight 100+ kilogram β +0.3β0.4 atm, but not exceeding the maximum value!
When underpressure, the tire flexes, which increases the risk of snakebite, on the other hand, pumped tires are less likely to absorb shock, transmitting all the impacts to the frame and arms, especially on rough roads.
β οΈ Warning: If you weigh more than 110 kg, consider models with reinforced wheels (for example, Xiaomi 4 Pro with 10-inch tires) or install tubeless tires - they are less prone to punctures.
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How to measure and pump tires correctly
To check the pressure, you'll need a pressure gauge (electronic or handheld rather than cheap plastic).
- Remove the protective cap from the nipple (it is located on the rim of the wheel).
- Press the pressure gauge tightly against the nipple and record the readings.
- If the pressure is below normal, connect the pump (manual or electric) and pump to the desired value.
- Check the pressure again - when pumped, some of the air may come out.
It's more convenient to use a pump with a pressure gauge (e.g., Xiaomi Portable Electric Air Pump) that automatically shuts down when you reach a given pressure. If you use a manual pump, swing short jerks to keep the camera from overheating.
Remove the caps from the nipples |
Check current pressure with a pressure gauge |
Connect the pump to the wheel |
Inflate to the recommended value (see table)|
Check the pressure after pumping |
Put the caps back in.-->
Some scooters (such as the Xiaomi 4 Ultra) are equipped with wide tubeless tires, pumped through a special Presta nipple (thin), not a standard Schrader.
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Consequences of improper pressure
Both over-pumped and under-performed tires lead to problems.
If the pressure is too low (less than 2.0 atm):
- π Fast battery discharge β scooter spends more energy overcoming resistance.
- π² "Snake bite" - puncture of the camera rim when hitting an obstacle.
- π Poor handling - the scooter "floats" on the corners.
If the pressure is too high (more than 3.5 atm):
- π₯ Risk of camera explosion β especially in the heat or when hitting a sharp object.
- π€ Hard driving β all blows are transmitted to the hands and feet.
- π§ Wear of bearings - increased load on the wheel axle.
β οΈ Attention: In hot weather (+25Β°C and above) tire pressure increases by 0.1 to 0.3 atm. If you pump the wheels to their maximum in the morning, the risk of puncture increases in the afternoon. In the summer, it is better to keep the lower limit of the recommended range.
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Frequent mistakes in pumping wheels
Even experienced scooters sometimes make mistakes.
- π Using an inappropriate pump β for example, trying to pump a Presta nipple tire with a standard car pump without an adapter.
- π‘οΈ Measurement of pressure in hot tires β after the trip, the air expands, and the pressure gauge will show an overestimated value.
- π« Ignoring small punctures β if the tire has to be pumped more than once a week, look for a leak.
- βοΈ Different pressure in the wheels - this leads to the scooter being pulled aside.
Another mistake is to pump the tires in the eye, and even if the tire looks elastic, the pressure can be below normal, for example, at 2.0 atm, the wheel appears normal visually, but in fact it is a critically low figure for most Xiaomi models.
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If you often drive on gravel or uneven asphalt, reduce the pressure by 0.2 atm from the recommended β this will improve cushioning and reduce the risk of puncture.
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How often to check the pressure in the tires
Air from the wheels escapes even without punctures through the micropores in the rubber.
- π Every 2 weeks, with regular use.
- π Before a long trip (more than 10 km).
- π‘οΈ With sharp temperature changes (for example, autumn-winter).
- π΄ After a severe blow (for example, a collision on the curb).
If the scooter is stored in an unheated room in the winter, the pressure can drop by 0.5-1.0 atm due to the cold.Be sure to check the wheels before the spring season and pump if necessary.
For convenience, you can use wireless pressure sensors (for example, Xiaomi Mijia Tire Pressure Monitor), which are attached to a nipple and transmit data to the smartphone, warning of a drop in pressure.
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Cameraless tires vs. chamber: what is better for Xiaomi
Many Xiaomi owners are switching to tubeless tires (such as Tannus Armour or Honeycomb).
- π‘οΈ Puncture protection β there is no camera that can be pierced.
- βοΈ Less maintenance β donβt need to be pumped as often.
- π Better energy efficiency β lower rolling resistance.
But they also have disadvantages:
- π° High price - sets cost from 5 000 to 15 000 rubles.
- π οΈ Difficult installation β without experience to install them yourself is difficult.
- π Stiffness β worse cushioned than properly inflated chamber tires.
If you drive in a city with flat asphalt, tubeless tires are a good choice. For off-road or rough roads, it is better to stay on the chamber, but monitor the pressure and pump in time.
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The tubeless tires do not require pumping, but their cushioning is worse than that of properly inflated chamber tires, and the optimal choice depends on the style of driving and budget.
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