Why it is important to know the exact model of the scooter
Xiaomi electric scooters are some of the most popular on the market, but even experienced owners sometimes confuse the M365, Pro 2, 1S or 4 Pro. Meanwhile, the exact name depends on the choice of spare parts, firmware compatibility and even operating rules. For example, the battery from the Mi Electric Scooter Essential is not suitable for the Mi M365, although the scooters are almost identical.
The manufacturer regularly releases updated versions with minimal design changes, but cardinal differences in the “stuffing”: for example, Xiaomi Mi Scooter 3 has a different controller than Xiaomi Mi Scooter 3 Lite, although both belong to the third generation. A mistake in determining the model can lead to the purchase of incompatible parts or even damage to equipment if the firmware is incorrect.
In this article, we'll look at all the official and covert ways of identifying, from visual inspection to firmware analysis, where to look for a serial number, how to decrypt a label, and what to do if the stickers are erased, and at the end, a quick checklist.
Method 1: Factory stickers - where and what to look for
The most reliable method is to inspect factory stickers. All original Xiaomi scooters have at least two stickers with key information, the first located on the steering column (usually on the left side), the second - under the platform (you have to flip the scooter).
On the sticker you'll find:
- 🔹 Model - full name (e.g., full name, M365 Mi Electric Scooter Pro 2).
- 🔹 Serial number (SN) — a unique code of 14-16 characters (starting with a code of M365, MSP2 etc.).
- 🔹 QR-code - leads to the manufacturer's page with characteristics.
- 🔹 Date of production - format YYYY/MM (for example, 2022/05).
If the sticker is damaged, try to wipe it with alcohol — sometimes the dirt hides the numbers. On scooters released after 2021, the serial number is duplicated on the battery (under the lid).
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If the sticker is unstuck, take a picture of it before you first use the scooter, and it will help you with warranty repairs or sales.
Method 2: Visual differences of popular models
If there are no stickers, compare the scooter to the key exterior features of each series. Xiaomi has clear design differences between generations:
| Model | Distinctive features | Year of release |
|---|---|---|
| Mi M365 | Black/white plastic, no display, 4 LED-Charge indicator, rear brake - disc only. | 2016 |
| Mi M365 Pro | Battery 474 Wh (vs. 280 Wh in the M365), red brake caliper, weight 14.2 kg. | 2019 |
| Mi Scooter 1S | There is a display (shows speed), rear drum brake, switch on the steering wheel. | 2020 |
| Mi Scooter Pro 2 | Battery 474 Wh, front and rear suspension, maximum speed of 25 km / h. | 2020 |
| Mi Scooter 3/4 Pro | Wide wheels 10" (vs. 8.5" in the previous), improved depreciation, weight 16.5 kg. | 2021–2023 |
Notice the little things:
- 🔍 Mi Scooter Essential is the only model with a single brake (front brake).
- 🔍 Mi Scooter 4 Ultra has dual shock absorbers and weighs 20kg.
- 🔍 On the Pro versions there are always red elements (brake calipers, buttons).
Method 3: Serial number - code decryption
The serial number (SN) contains encrypted model information, and it consists of 3 parts:
- Prefix (2–4 symbol - indicates a series: 📌 M365 — Mi M365 or Mi M365 Pro. 📌 MSP2 — Mi Scooter Pro 2. 📌 MSC3 — Mi Scooter 3 or 3 Lite. 📌 MSC4 — Mi Scooter 4 Pro/Ultra.
Date of production
YYMMDD
210515
Unique room
An example of a transcript is MSP2210815001234 → Mi Scooter Pro 2 (MSP2), released on August 15, 2021 (210815).
⚠️ Note: For fakes, the serial number often begins with SN Original Xiaomi scooters always have a prefix of 2-4 Latin characters.
How to verify authenticity by SN?
Method 4: Mobile application Mi Home
If the scooter is connected to the Mi Home app, the model is displayed in its profile.
- Open Mi Home and go to the Devices section.
- Choose your scooter from the list.
- Press on. ⚙️ Settings → Device information.
- The full name of the model will be indicated in the block (for example, Mi Electric Scooter Pro 2).
If the scooter is not connected, do this:
Turn on Bluetooth on your phone | Turn on the scooter (press the power button for 2 seconds) | In Mi Home, press "+" → "Add device" → "Transport" → "Electric scooter" | Follow the instructions on the screen-->
Some firmware shows the model incorrectly (e.g. M365 instead of Pro 2), in which case, check the serial number.
Method 5: Hidden Scooter Menu (for Advanced)
On scooters with a display (for example, 1S, Pro 2, 3/4 Pro) there is a service menu that displays the firmware version and the controller model.
- Turn off the scooter.
- Press the power button + brake button for 5 seconds.
- You'll see a menu with parameters on the display: 📱 Model: MSC3 — Model Mi Scooter 3. 📱 FW: 1.5.4 - firmware version (will help to clarify the model on the database).
For scooters without a display (such as the M365), use a Bluetooth scanner (applications like nRF Connect). Connect to the scooter and find the Device Name string in the logs - there will be a model.
⚠️ Warning: Do not change the settings in the service menu without experience! Incorrect settings can block the controller.
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If the service menu shows Model: M365, but you clearly have Pro 2, it's a firmware error.
Method 6: Analysis of characteristics (if nothing helps)
If all of the above methods fail, define the model by technical parameters.
- 🔋 Battery capacity: 280 Wh — M365 or 1S. 474 Wh is Pro 2 or 3 Lite. 551 Wh is 4 Pro or 4 Ultra.
- ⚖️ Weight: 12.5 kg — M365. 14.2 kg - Pro 2. 16.5 kg - 3 Pro.
- 🔄 Type of brakes: Disc front + drum-back — 1S Two disc brakes: 3 Pro or 4 Ultra.
Compare the data to the official specs chart on Xiaomi’s website. For example, if you have a 474 Wh battery, a 14.2 kg weight and red brake calipers, it’s definitely the Mi Scooter Pro 2.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many people confuse models because of the similarities or incorrect information in the firmware.
Mistake 1: Mi M365 and Mi M365 Pro are confused. M365 Pro is 1.7 kg heavier, has a 474 Wh battery (versus 280 Wh) and red calipers. If there is no power button on the steering wheel, it is M365.
Mistake 2: Mi Scooter 1S and Pro 2 are considered the same model.
The 1S has a rear brake, the Pro 2 has a disc brake, and the Pro 2 has a front and rear suspension, and the 1S has a front suspension.
Mistake 3: Mi Scooter 3 and 3 Lite confuse. 3 Lite is lighter (13.5 kg vs 16.5 kg), it has a 275 Wh battery (vs 474 Wh vs 3 Pro) and it doesn't support cruise control.
If in doubt, use a combination of methods: check the serial number with the visuals and data from the Mi Home.