When the first electric scooter Xiaomi appeared: history and evolution

The history of personal electric vehicles has changed dramatically since the introduction of an affordable and high-quality alternative to bulky gasoline scooters. Many users still wonder when Xiaomi’s electric scooter came along, as it has managed to make it popular and desirable for millions of people around the world.

Before the Chinese giant’s launch, the segment was filled with either expensive professional models or cheap toys with questionable safety. The M365 was the device that combined stylish design, sufficient range and reasonable price, a point that can be considered the starting point of a new era in urban mobility that continues to this day.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the timeline of the models, the technical features of the first generations, and answer questions that concern potential buyers, not only the exact date, but also understand why this product became a cult product, and we will discuss the evolution of the lineup to modern versions of Pro and Essential.

Release date and presentation of the first Mi Electric Scooter

The company’s first electric scooter was officially unveiled in August 2016, when Xiaomi introduced the M365 to the world, which immediately caught the attention of tech enthusiasts. Although mass sales in China began a little earlier, August is considered the date of the global announcement, when the product was talked about by international media.

The device was developed by Ninebot, a strategic partner of Xiaomi and a manufacturer of equipment under their brand, and engineers managed to create a design that weighed only 12.5 kg, but at the same time could withstand a load of up to 100 kg, made possible by the use of aviation aluminum and the proper distribution of battery weight.

⚠️ Note: The first batches released in 2016 sometimes had program errors in the game. BMS (battery management system), which were fixed by subsequent firmware updates through the application.

The model’s success was driven not only by price, but also by integration into the smart home ecosystem, where users could track mileage, speed and battery status through the Mi Home, an approach that was innovative for transport at the time.

Here are the key features that made the first launch a success:

• 🚀 Reserve until 30 mile by manufacturer (realistically about) 20-25 km).
• ⚡ Maximum speed limited to 25 km/h for safety.
• 🔋 Lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 18650 high-density cells.
• 📱 Bluetooth support for connecting to a smartphone.

Technical features of the M365 model

Xiaomi’s first electric scooter received a 250-watt engine located in the front wheel, which provided excellent balance and traction enough to overcome urban climbs of up to 14 degrees. The engine worked almost silently, which was an important advantage over competitors with gearbox engines.

The braking system combined a mechanical disc brake on the rear wheel and a regenerative brake on the front, and when you pressed the lever, the kinetic energy was partially returned to the battery, slightly increasing the range, which reduced the wear of the brake pads and improved overall efficiency.

A dual system was used to control the device:

1. Physical button for switching and switching speed modes.
2. A digital display display displaying speed and charge.

Importantly, the frame was designed to fold the scooter in 3 seconds, the folding mechanism was protected from accidental opening, which ensured safety when carrying, and the 8.5-inch wheels were inflatable, which provided good cushioning on the urban asphalt.

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When buying a used M365, be sure to check the date of battery cell production, as over time lithium degrades even without use.

Evolution of the line: from M365 to Pro and Essential

After the resounding success of the base model, the company’s engineers did not stop there: In 2019, the M365 Pro version came to market, which received an increased range and improved recovery system, the main difference was a larger battery and a more powerful engine that allows you to feel more confident on the rise.

In parallel, the Essential line was developed, which was a budget response to market demands, where some nodes were simplified, weight was reduced and the wing design was changed, but the basic concept remained the same, which allowed the company to reach an even larger audience of users.

Comparison of key characteristics of different generations:

Each new model received improvements in safety, such as improved IP54 moisture protection and brighter headlights, as well as changing the geometry of the deck, becoming more comfortable for leg setting, and evolving along the path of increased reliability and autonomy.

Software and Ecosystem Mi Home

An integral part of owning a Xiaomi electric scooter is the mobile app, which allows you to set up your device first, link to your account, and update your firmware regularly. Without a smartphone connection, the functionality of the transport is severely limited, as many of the settings are hidden in the app menu.

In the app, the user can activate Pedestrian mode (walking), which limits speeds to 6 km/h, which is useful in parks or crowded areas, and a wheel lock feature is available, which prevents unauthorized use, although it is not a full-fledged alarm.

Access to hidden functions often requires special actions:

• 🔧 Entering the engineering menu through multiple button pressing.
• 📲 Use of third-party utilities to unlock regional restrictions.
• ⚙️ Calibration of Hall sensors through the app.

⚠️ Warning: Installing informal firmware removes the device from warranty and may cause the controller to fail or the battery to fire.

Regular software updates improve the BMS algorithms and correct errors in the display of charge, so it is recommended to keep the Mi Home application and the scooter firmware up to date, which ensures the stability of all electronic components.

Common problems and solutions

Despite their high reliability, the early models and their successors are not without typical malfunctions. One of the most common problems is a camera puncture or tire damage. Inflatable wheels are sensitive to glass and sharp stones, so owners are advised to use a sealant to repair punctures.

The second common issue is controller errors, which are displayed by flashing the indicator, for example, flashing red three times indicates a problem with throttle wiring, and the diagnosis is made by the number of blinks that are prescribed in the instructions.

Frequently encountered error codes:

1 blink - Hall Sensor


2 blinking - Short circuit




3 blinks - Throttle wire break




4 Blinks - Problem with the controller

The maintenance of the electrical part often requires disassembly of the deck, care must be taken when disconnecting the plumes, as they are quite brittle, and the replacement of battery cells requires spot welding and polarity.

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Regular pumping of wheels (every 2-3 weeks) significantly prolongs the service life of the cameras and protects the rim from impacts.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions