Why do you need to reflash Xiaomi electric scooter?
Xiaomi’s electric scooters are some of the most popular devices for urban mobility, but even they require periodic software updates. The firmware (or firmware) is responsible for the controller, battery, motor and control system. The update can solve brake problems, increase top speed, improve energy efficiency or add new features — for example, support for additional accessories.
Not all firmware is equally useful, however. Official updates from Xiaomi are usually stable, but limit the scooter’s capabilities (e.g., artificially slowing down speeds to 20–25 km/h). Alternative firmware removes these restrictions, but requires caution: improper installation can lead to loss of warranty, overheating of the controller or even battery fire. In this article, we will discuss both options - from preparation to finishing.
Preparation for reflashing: what do you need to know?
Before you start the update, check out three key points:
- 🔋 Battery charge: not less than 50%, and when discharged during firmware, the scooter can turn into a brick".
- 📱 Controller model: refine the version (e.g, MINI4Pro or M365 Pro 2) - firmware is not universal!
- 🔧 Tools: for the official update, there will be enough smartphone, for custom you will need an adapter UART-TTL or ST-Link programmer.
Also, keep a backup of your current settings if your model supports configuration export (e.g., Mi Home or Ninebot), which will come in handy if the scooter starts to behave unstable after the upgrade.
Official update via the app: step-by-step instructions
Xiaomi regularly releases updates for the M365, Pro 2, Essential and new Scooter 4 models. The process takes 10-15 minutes and does not require disassembling the scooter.
How to update:
- Download the latest version of the Mi Home app (Android/iOS) or Ninebot app (for models with the Ninebot logo).
- Connect the scooter to the application via Bluetooth.
- Go to the Settings section → Update the firmware.
- If a new version is available, click Update and wait until it is completed (the scooter will reboot automatically).
⚠️ Note: If after the update the scooter began to slow down or issue an error E014, Try resetting to factory settings through the same app, which solves 80 percent of the problems with official firmware.
Connected to Wi-Fi (to download firmware)
Battery charge >50%
The scooter is indoors (not on the street)
Mi Home app updated to latest version-->
Alternative Firmware: Pros and Risks
Custom firmware (e.g. CFW or ScooterHacking Utility) allows:
- 🚀 Remove the speed limit (up to 30-40 km / h depending on the model).
- 🔋 Increase battery current for better acceleration.
- 🎛️ Set up brake and accelerator sensitivity.
- 🔄 Disable forced shutdown at low charge.
But there is a downside:
- ⚡ Risk of overheating of the controller (especially on the M365 low-powered).
- 🔥 Possibility of battery fire when exceeding current restrictions.
- 🚫 Loss of warranty (if the scooter is warranty, the official service will refuse repairs).
Critical: Firmware from third-party developers (e.g. ScooterHacking) often contains remote access bookmarks. Check the hash of the firmware file on forums (e.g., 4PDA or Xiaomi Community) before installing.
What happens if you install a firmware from another model?
Flashing through UART: for experienced users
If you want to install custom firmware, you need physical access to the controller board, a method that is suitable for the M365, Pro, Pro 2 and Essential models.
What do you need?
- 🔌 adapter UART-TTL (for example, CP2102 or FT232RL).
- 💻 Programme STM32 Flash Loader or ScooterHacking Utility.
- 🔧 Screwdriver for disassembling the body (usually Torx) T20).
- 📁 Firmware file in.bin format (download only from verified sources!).
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the battery of the scooter (required!)
- Remove the bottom cover and find the UART connector on the board (usually 4 pins: GND, TX, RX, 3.3V).
- Connect the adapter to the connector and computer, observing the polarity.
- Run STM32 Flash Loader, select a port and download the firmware file.
- Press Next and wait until the adapter is completed (don’t turn off!).
⚠️ Note: If the scooter does not turn on after firmware, check:
- TX/RX connection is easy to confuse!
- The supply voltage (should be exactly 3.3V, not 5V!).
- Integrity of the firmware file (download again from another source).
💡
Before disassembling the scooter, take a picture of the location of all the wires and connectors, which will save hours on the reverse assembly if something goes wrong.
Comparison of official and custom firmware
| Criteria | Official firmware | Custom firmware |
|---|---|---|
| Speed. | Limited (20–25 km/h) | Up to 30–40 km/h (depending on model) |
| Stability | High (tested by Xiaomi) | Risk of bugs and overheating |
| Guarantee | It's still there. | Burns. |
| Additional functions | Limited. | Cruise control, brake adjustment, sound switching off |
| Complexity of installation | Just (via app) | Requires a soldering iron and knowledge of electronics |
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even with a neat firmware, you can have problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
E010 error (controller error):
- 🔄 Reboot the scooter (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
- 🔧 If it doesn’t help, try the official firmware via Mi Home.
The scooter is not switched on after the firmware:
- 🔋 Check the battery voltage (should be) >36V for M365).
- 🔌 Reconnect the controller connectors (the contact may have gone away).
Twitching during acceleration:
- 🛠️ Reset the controller settings to factory.
- 📉 Reduce battery current in custom firmware settings.
⚠️ Warning: If the scooter starts to warm up or make extraneous sounds after firmware, immediately turn it off and return the official firmware!
💡
90% of the problems after firmware are solved by returning to the official version.