What are Xiaomi scooters: a full guide to the models of 2026

Xiaomi’s electric scooters have long since ceased to be a mere means of transportation, becoming a symbol of urban lifestyle. Since the launch of the first Mi Electric Scooter in 2016, the company has expanded its lineup to a dozen models, each of which solves specific problems, from compact options for the subway to powerful off-road vehicles.

In this article, we will examine all the current Xiaomi scooters, including their technical features, target audience and hidden β€œchips”, which the manufacturer does not mention. You will learn how the M365 differs from the Pro 2, why the Electric Scooter 4 is considered a flagship, and which models will be suitable for weights over 100 kg.

1.Classic lineup: Mi Electric Scooter M365 and its heirs

The legendary Mi Electric Scooter M365 (2016) was a breakthrough in the market, the first mass-produced electric scooter with a decent range (up to 30 km) and an adequate price. Today it is no longer produced, but in the secondary market it remains in demand.

  • πŸ”‹ Battery: 280 Wh (lithium-ion, 36V 7.8Ah)
  • πŸš€ Maximum speed: 25 km/h (limited by software)
  • πŸ‹οΈ Load capacity: up to 100 kg
  • πŸ”„ Wheels: 8.5" pneumatic (frequent puncture problem)

The direct successor was the Mi Electric Scooter Pro (2018), which received an increased battery (474 Wh) and a range of up to 45 km. However, its key disadvantage is the lack of cushioning, which makes riding on irregularities extremely uncomfortable. In 2020, the Pro 2 came out with improved moisture protection (IP54) and a disc brake on the rear wheel.

⚠️ Attention: All models of the classic line (except the Pro 2) have a weak spot - a plastic front brake caliper, which breaks when used intensively.

πŸ“Š What kind of scooter Xiaomi you have already had?
M365
Pro/Pro 2
Electric Scooter 3/4
Other
Nothing.

2.Budget models: Electric Scooter 1S and Essential

For those who are looking for the β€œfirst scooter” without overpaying for the brand, Xiaomi has released a line of Essential and 1S. These models are cheaper than flagships by 30-40%, but have a number of limitations:

ModelRange, kmPower, watts.Weight, kgFeatures
Electric Scooter 1S2530012.5Folding mechanism in 1 second, IP54
Essential2025012Unlit, basic depreciation
Essential Lite1520010.5Lightest, wheels 7.5"

The main compromise of budget models is the lack of pneumatic wheels, instead of cast with gel filling, which are less cushioning, but not afraid of punctures, Essential Lite is generally marketed as a "last mile scooter" - it is only enough for short trips from the subway to home.

Fun fact: The Electric Scooter 1S is often confused with the M365, but it has a hidden advantage: regenerative braking, which recharges the battery when it descends from a slide. In tests, this gives +5-7% of the range.

πŸ’‘

If you buy a budget model, immediately buy protective covers for wheels - they will prolong the life of cast tires by 30-40%.

3. Flagships 2023-2026: Electric Scooter 3 and 4

The Electric Scooter 3 (2021) and Electric Scooter 4 (2023) represent Xiaomi’s premium segment, with not only power but also dual braking (disc + electromagnetic brake) which is critical for high-speed safety.

Let's look at the key differences:

  • πŸ”‹ Scooter 3: 486 Wh battery, range 30 km, weight 16 kg. Suitable for weights up to 100 kg.
  • πŸ”‹ Scooter 4: battery 768 Wh (!), range up to 55 km, weight 18 kg. Sustains up to 120 kg.
  • πŸ’‘ Both have IP55 (protection against dust and water jets, but the 4th model has added a front shock absorber.
  • πŸ“± Scooter 4 has a color screen and support NFC unlockable.

An important nuance: Electric Scooter 4 is equipped with an automatic folding system β€” just press the button on the steering wheel, and the scooter folds in 3 seconds. This is a unique feature among all Xiaomi scooters.

⚠️ Note: Scooter 4 uses a fast-charging battery, but the original Xiaomi power supply charges it in 6 hours. To accelerate to 3.5 hours, you need an additional adapter (sold separately).

What is the difference between Scooter 4 and Scooter 4 Pro?
Electric Scooter 4 Pro is a modification with a battery of 996 Wh (range up to 70 km) and a 700 W engine (versus 500 W in the standard version).

4. Scooters for heavyweights: models with a carrying capacity of 120+ kg

Xiaomi's standard scooters are designed to weigh up to 100kg, but what if you weigh more? the company has released two models with reinforced frames:

  1. Electric Scooter Pro 2 (reinforced version) - can withstand up to 120 kg, but loses in range (up to 35 km instead of 45 km).
  2. Electric Scooter 4 – officially certified for 120 kg, but users tested up to 140 kg without losing performance.

Critical point: when you exceed the weight limit, not only the battery and the motor suffer, but also the bearings of the wheels, their life is reduced by 2-3 times.

Check tire pressure every week | Avoid sharp acceleration |Use Eco mode to reduce load |More often lubricate bearings (every 500 km)

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Interesting life hack: Scooter 4 can be fitted with reinforced tires from the Ninebot Max G30 (they are compatible in size), which will add cushioning and increase the life of the wheels by 40%.

5. Off-road scooters: Xiaomi Electric Scooter Off-Road

In 2022, Xiaomi released the first model for riding on dirt and gravel, the Electric Scooter Off-Road. This is not a full-fledged monster cross, but it will cope with easy off-road thanks to:

  • 🚜 Wheels 10" with a deep tread (pneumatic, pressure 2.5 bar).
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Reinforced frame made of aluminum alloy 6061.
  • πŸ”„ Suspension with a stroke of 50 mm (vs. 20 mm in urban models).
  • πŸ’ͺ 500 W motor (peak power 900 W).

There are, however, downsides:

  • ⚠️ Weight 22 kg - it is inconvenient to carry.
  • ⚠️ The range of everything 40 Km (when driving off-road really) 25-30 km).
  • ⚠️ No protection from dirt - after driving through puddles, brake cleaning is required.

This model is suitable for summer cottages or park areas, but not for serious offroads, for comparison: the Ninebot Max G60 (a competitor from the same ecosystem) has a suspension stroke of 75 mm, and the engine is more powerful by 30%.

πŸ’‘

Off-Road version of Xiaomi is a β€œsportsman” among scooters: it is more comfortable than urban models on irregularities, but inferior to specialized off-roaders in cross-country.

6.Children and teenage scooters Xiaomi

Xiaomi does not officially release scooters for children, but two models can be adapted:

  1. Electric Scooter Essential Lite - light (10.5 kg), with a speed limit of up to 15 km / h (configurable in the application).
  2. Mi Electric Scooter 1S – has a β€œchildren’s mode” with a maximum speed lock at 10 km / h.

Important points:

  • πŸ‘Ά Minimum age: 12 years (according to European standards).
  • πŸ›‘ Equipment required: helmet, elbows and knee pads.
  • πŸ”’ On all scooters Xiaomi can be installed PIN-lock-in.

⚠️ Attention: Even in the "children's mode" scooter accelerates faster than a bicycle. It is forbidden to ride on a wet road - the braking distance increases by 3 times!

For children under 12 years of age, it is better to consider alternatives: for example, the Ninebot ZING E8/E10 with a speed limit of 10 km / h and a weight of 8.5 kg.

7. How to choose a Xiaomi scooter: a step-by-step guide

To avoid making a mistake, answer 5 questions:

  1. What's your weight? Up to 80 kg β†’ any model. 80-100 kg β†’ Pro 2, Scooter 3/4. 100-120 kg β†’ only Scooter 4 or Off-Road.
  2. Where will you drive? Asphalt β†’ any model. Gravel / parkways β†’ Off-Road or Scooter 4. Public transport β†’ Essential Lite (lightest).

Do you need a longer range?

  • Up to 20 km β†’ Essential or 1S.
  • 20-40 km β†’ Pro 2 or Scooter 3
  • 50+ km β†’ only Scooter 4.

Additional criteria:

  • πŸ’° Budget up to 30,000 β‚½ β†’ Essential or 1S.
  • πŸ’° 30 000–50 000 β‚½ β†’ Pro 2 or Scooter 3.
  • πŸ’° 50 000+ β‚½ β†’ Scooter 4 or Off-Road.

Tip: Check before buying the presence of Xiaomi service centers in your city. For example, Scooter 4 uses a proprietary control system, and if the controller breaks, it can only be replaced in an authorized center.

8. Frequent problems and how to avoid them

Even Xiaomi scooters have typical "diseases." Here's what you need to know:

Problem.Reason.Decision
Fast battery dischargeStorage in the cold or at 100% chargeStore at 40-60% charge and temperature +10... +25 Β° C
Scream in bearingsSand/mud intrusionCleaning and lubrication every 300 km
Tire puncturesPneumatic wheels without protectionInstall a sealant or switch to cast tires
E02/E03 errorProblems with the controller or motorReset via application or service request

The most common mistake users make is ignoring firmware updates. In new versions, Xiaomi fixes brake and power bugs. Update the software through the Mi Home app at least 1 time every 3 months.

How to Reset E02 Error Without Service?
1. Turn off the scooter. 2. Press the power button and the brake button for 10 seconds. 3. Turn on the scooter - the error must reset. If it didn't help - the problem is in the controller, need repair.

Another life hack: if the scooter gets worse, check the battery contacts. Oxidation causes voltage drawdown. You can clean it with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.

❓ Can I ride a Xiaomi scooter in winter?
Officially, no. Lithium-ion batteries are losing up to 50% lower-temperature 0Β°C. In addition, the rubber seals become brittle, and the stopping distance increases in the 2-3 If you have to drive in the winter: πŸ”‹ Keep the battery warm before traveling. πŸš— Reduce the pressure in the tires on 0.2 bar. ⚠️ Avoid heavy braking – risk of skidding!
❓ How to increase the range?
Real range can be increased by 15-20% in the following ways: Drive in Eco mode (speed limit to 15 km / h); Keep tire pressure at 2.5-3.0 bar. Avoid frequent acceleration - smooth acceleration saves charge. Turn off the backlight if you don't need it. Also helps battery calibration: discharge the scooter to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruptions.
❓ Which application is best for management?
The official app is Mi Home, but it has limitations (e.g., no detailed travel statistics). Alternatives: ScooterHacking Utility allows you to remove the speed limit (but it violates the warranty!). Ninebot App – works with most Xiaomi models (as Ninebot is their production partner). EScooterGo – shows the exact level of charge of each battery cell. ⚠️ Note: Using unofficial firmware can lead to a lock on the controller. Xiaomi remotely monitors changes in the software.
❓ How long does the battery last?
Average battery life in scooters Xiaomi β€” 300-500 full charge cycles, with daily use (e.g, 10 That's enough for a day. 2-3 To extend the life of the battery: πŸ”Œ Do not leave the scooter on charging more 12 hours. 🌑️ Avoid overheating (do not store in the sun). πŸ”„ Once a month, make a full discharge/charge for calibration. The cost of replacing the battery is from 8 000 before 15 000 β‚½ model-wise.
❓ Can I transport a scooter on an airplane?
Transportation of electric scooters in the aircraft is regulated by the rules IATA. Highlights: βœ… Only in luggage (never in hand luggage!). βœ… The battery must be removable and packed separately in a protective case. βœ… Battery capacity should not exceed 160 Wh (all Xiaomi models it is higher, so transportation is prohibited by most airlines). βœ… Prior approval with the airline is required.Alternative: send the scooter by freight (for example, through the air). DHL or SDEC) marked "Lithium-ion battery".