How to accurately determine the model of your Xiaomi electric scooter

Owners of popular electrical equipment often face the need to accurately identify the device, especially when it comes to finding parts, firmware or accessories. Xiaomi electric scooter is one of the most common devices in this segment, but the visual similarity of various modifications can be misleading even an experienced user. Understanding which version of Xiaomi Mijia is in your hands is critical for proper maintenance.

There are several reliable methods to quickly and accurately identify a modification of a gadget. The exact name of the model is always indicated on the factory sticker located on the frame or under the deck of the device. In this article, we will discuss in detail all methods of identification, from visual inspection to software methods via a smartphone, so you can be sure of the characteristics of your vehicle.

Visual inspection and factory stickers

The fastest and most reliable way to know the model is to physically inspect the body of the device. Electric vehicle manufacturers are required to label each product with a unique identifier that contains all the information you need. You don't have to turn on the device or look for a charger, just tilt the scooter.

Notice the bottom of the foot platform (deku), usually in the rear wheel area or near the charging hole, and there should be a silver or white barcode sticker, which contains the serial number and alphanumeric code of the model, and carefully study the text printed next to the barcode.

• 🔍 Look for a line called “Model” followed by a code like MDS01SC, MDS02SC or MDS03SC.
• 🔢 Pay attention to the serial number (SN), It often starts with a prefix indicating the region of supply.
• ⚠️ Note: If the sticker is worn or damaged, this method may not work and you will have to look for other ways.

Xiaomi model encoding is logical enough, but requires decoding. For example, MDS stands for Mi Electric Scooter line, and the following numbers indicate a generation. The letters at the end of the code often indicate a region or specific battery characteristics. If you see the MDS01SC code, you see the classic first-generation version, often referred to simply as "Mijia."

⚠️ Warning: Never try to remove a serial number sticker for aesthetic reasons, it may be needed for warranty service or when selling a device.

In some cases, especially on devices imported through parallel imports, the sticker can be duplicated in Chinese. Don't be intimidated by the characters, look for the Latin letters "Model." If the sticker is missing completely, it may have been assembled from different parts or undergone unqualified repairs, which requires additional functionality checks.

Identification through the Mi Home app

Xiaomi’s modern gadgets are designed to work in the smart home ecosystem, making it much easier to get technical information. If your scooter supports wireless connectivity, the Mi Home app will be the best diagnostic tool, and the good thing about it is that it reads data directly from the device’s controller.

First, you need to connect your smartphone to the scooter via Bluetooth. Make sure the phone is geolocated and the Bluetooth adapter is active. Open the Mi Home app (or Xiaomi Home) and wait for the device to appear on the available list. If the scooter was not previously associated with the account, you will need a pairing procedure.

Once you've successfully connected, click on the scooter icon to go to the main control screen, which shows battery power, speed and mileage. However, we're interested in technical information. Click on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen or look for the Settings button in the device control menu.

• 📱 Find the item "About" or "Device Information".
• ℹ️ The menu will show the exact model, firmware version and MAC-address.
• 🔄 Here you can check for updates, which will also confirm the compatibility of the software with your model.

The application interface may vary slightly depending on the operating system version and the account region. If you don't see the details, try changing the region in the application settings (Profile → Settings → Region). Sometimes the model data is hidden in the General Information section or displayed in fine print under the main battery status.

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If the Mi Home app doesn't see the scooter, try rebooting your smartphone completely and turning on Bluetooth again. Also make sure the app has permission to access the geo-position.

Differences between the M365, Pro and 1S models

Visually, different generations of Xiaomi scooters may look almost identical, but their specifications vary significantly. The base model M365 (MDS01SC) has a 281 Wh battery and a power reserve of about 30 km. It has a charging port located at the bottom, to the left of the brake pedal.

The Pro version (MDS02SC) has an enlarged battery (474 Wh) and, accordingly, a large power reserve of up to 45 km. Visually distinguish the Pro from the normal version can be by the charging port cover: the Pro it is round and is slightly higher, as well as by the absence of a reflector on the rear rack (in some revisions).

The 1S (MDS05SC) and Essential (Lite) represent a design evolution. The 1S has a reshaped headlight (it has become more elongated and integrated into the steering wheel), and a redesigned mechanism folding system. The Essential version often lacks some comfort elements, such as a wing over the rear wheel may not be included, and the battery has a smaller capacity.

When buying parts like a controller or a BMS board, these differences become critical. Component incompatibility between the regular version and the Pro can cause the electronics to fail. Always check not only the appearance, but also the labeling on the internal components if you disassemble the device.

⚠️ Attention: Installation of the battery from the Pro model in the case of a normal M365 It's physically possible, but it requires you to sell contacts and check the controller for higher voltage support.

Software Methods and Third-Party Software

If standard methods fail, you can use specialized diagnostic software. There are many applications from third-party developers that can read deep system data via Bluetooth LE. One of the most popular tools is the Mi Scooter or Dash application.

These snails allow you to see not only the model, but also the state of each battery cell, the temperature of the engine and the system errors. Connecting is similar to the official application: turn on Bluetooth, run the software and select your device from the list, the program automatically requests the necessary permissions.

The connection process in Dash:


1. Launch the application.




2. Press the "Scan" or "Search" button.




3. Select the "Mi Scooter" device.




4. wait for the data to be synchronized.

In the interface of such programs, the model is usually indicated at the very top of the screen or in the "Device Info" section. The advantage of third-party software is that it often shows the real state of the device, which may differ from the factory specifications due to wear or replaced components, which is especially useful when buying a used scooter.

Analysis of the complete set and box

If you still have the original packaging, it's a lot easier, and the side of the cardboard box is always marked with a large label with the device and its name, which is the easiest way for those who haven't unpacked their purchase yet or who have the box in their garage.

In addition to the name, the box contains the main technical parameters: voltage, weight, maximum load. Compare this data with the characteristics stated for the model you are interested in on the official website. Product article (SKU) printed on the box also allows you to accurately identify the modification through search engines.

• 📦 Check for instructions: the manual always shows the device model on the first pages.
• 🔌 Pay attention to the power supply: chargers for different models can have different power (42V 1.5A against 42V 2A).
• 📄 Keep the warranty card: the seller must enter the exact name of the model and the serial number.

The absence of a box is not a problem if you are attentive to the details of the device itself. However, if you plan to sell or transport a scooter, the presence of original packagings with the label increases the liquidity of the product and simplifies logistics. QR-codes leading to the product page with full specifications.

Frequent errors in model definition

Users often confuse the device model with the firmware version. Software can update to change functionality and interface, but the physical hardware part remains the same. The appearance of the label "Firmware 1.4.2" in the application does not mean that you have a 1S model, it is only a version of the software.

Another common mistake is trusting the names that the marketplaces give, phrases like "Xiaomi Pro Max" or "Xiaomi Ultra 2026" are often marketing ploys that have nothing to do with the company's real nomenclature: M365, Pro, 1S, Essential, 4 Pro, 4 Ultra.

Also, be careful with custom versions and Chinese counterparts. There are many replicas on the market that copy Xiaomi's design, but have a completely different internal filling. If the settings on the sticker look suspicious or the font is different from the brand, you're likely to have a clone.

⚠️ Buying parts for the “Chinese version” of Xiaomi can be difficult, as the mounting connectors from regional (Global) and Chinese (CN) Sometimes versions are different.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

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The most reliable way to know a model is to check the code on the factory sticker (MDS...) with the data in the Mi Home app. The visual similarity of the models can be deceptive.