Xiaomi scooters have become one of the most popular vehicles for their combination of price, quality and technology. However, even experienced users sometimes face the problem of how to determine the exact model of their device? This may be necessary to buy parts, firmware, repair or sell. On the surface, many Mi Electric Scooter scooters look almost the same, especially if we are talking about different generations of the same line.
In this article, we'll look at all the possible ways of identifying, from the obvious (serial number, stickers) to the obscure (hidden battery tags, Bluetooth data), where to look for model information, how to decrypt factory codes, what to do if all the stickers are erased, and what errors are most common in determining, and how to avoid them.
Serial number: main model identifier
The most reliable way to find out a model of a scooter is to find its serial number (SN), which is unique to each device and contains encrypted information about the line, year of release and even the country of manufacture. On Xiaomi scooters, the serial number usually consists of 14-16 characters and begins with the letters MS (for most models) or M365 (for the first version of the Mi M365).
Where to look for SN:
- 📋 On the sticker under QR-code on the steering rack (most prominent place).
- 🔋 On the battery label (you need to remove the bottom cover).
- 📦 In a warranty card or box (if preserved).
- 🔧 In the Mi Home mobile application (in the section about the device).
How do you decipher the serial number? The first 3-4 characters usually point to the model:
- MS1 - Mi M365 (first generation)
- MS2 is the Mi M365 Pro or Mi Pro 2.
- MS3 is Mi 1S or Mi Essential.
- MS4 is Mi Pro 2 (late batches) or Mi 3.
- M365 - Early versions of the Mi M365 (until 2018).
LN
LT
Mi Electric Scooter 2S EU
⚠️ Note: On fake scooters, serial numbers are often duplicated or do not meet the Xiaomi standard. SN It starts with random letters (for example, XZ12345) — This is a reason to check the device for originality.
2. Labeling on the case: where to look for hidden tags
Besides the serial number, Xiaomi scooters have other factory tags that help define the model, which are applied by laser or typographical method and usually do not erase with time.
| Location | Type of tag | Example (for which model) |
|---|---|---|
| Footstep (bottom) | Laser engraving | M365-1.0 – Mi M365 – First Generation |
| Inside the steering rack (under the plug) | Barcode sticker | MS201A — Mi Pro 2 |
| On the battery (under the lid) | White code sticker | BMS-M365-42V battery from Mi M365 |
| On the rear wing (under the reflector) | Embossed or sticker | SCOOTER-1S — Mi 1S |
If the tags are erased or taped, try to light them up with a flashlight at an angle — often the engraving becomes visible at the lumen. On Xiaomi scooters after 2020, the tags are duplicated in two places: on the steering rack and inside the case (under the battery).
3. Mobile app: data from Mi Home
The official Mi Home app (or Xiaomi Home for newer versions) automatically determines the model of the scooter when connected via Bluetooth.
- Connect the scooter via Bluetooth in the application (Section Add Device → Transport).
- Go to Device Settings → General Information.
- Check the line Model or device name.
What could go wrong:
- 🔄 The app shows the wrong model (e.g. Mi). M365 This happens if the firmware of the scooter has been changed.
- 🚫 The device does not connect – check if Bluetooth is on on the scooter (power button is held for 3 seconds).
- ⚠️ In some regions (e.g. EU) models may be displayed under other names (e.g. Mi Electric Scooter). 2S instead of Mi 1S).
If the app doesn't recognize the scooter, try resetting it: hold the power button for 10 seconds until the light flashes. After reset, reconnect.
💡
If the Mi Home displays the Mi M365 but you are sure you have the Pro 2, check the top speed in the settings. The Pro 2 has a 25 km/h limit (in the EU) or 30 km/h (in other regions), whereas the base M365 has a 20-25 km/h limit.
4. External differences: how to recognize the model by design
If you don’t have access to the serial number or app, you can identify the model by external signs. Xiaomi regularly updates the design of scooters, and even small details can point to a specific line.
Key differences of popular models:
- 🔦 Mi M365 (2016–2018: red rear stop light, mechanical brake on rear wheel, no display.
- 📊 Mi Pro 2 (2019–2021): built-in steering wheel display, disc brake, top speed of 25 km/h.
- ⚡ Mi 1S / Essential (2020–2022): black body color, improved suspension, weight 12.5 kg.
- 🚀 Mi 3/Pro 3 (2021–2023): wide wheels (8.5 inches), power 600W, support NFC lock-in.
Pay attention to:
- 🔧 Type of brake: mechanical (steer) - old model, disc - new.
- 🔋 Charging connector: y M365 Pro 2 is round, Mi 3 is oval.
- 📏 Wheel size: 8,5" — Mi 3/Pro 3, 8" — model.
If the scooter is painted or modified, the external features may be misleading, in which case it is better to combine methods (for example, check the serial number + design).
How to distinguish Mi Pro 2 from Mi 1S?
5.Bluetooth data: Hidden information in device name
Each Xiaomi scooter translates its name over Bluetooth, and it often contains a model.
- Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone.
- Find the scooter on the list of available devices (usually the name begins with Mi Scooter or Mijia).
- Look at the full name, and you can see the model, for example: Mi Scooter M365 – Mi M365, Mijia M365-Pro2 – Mi Pro 2, Mi Scooter 1S – Mi 1S.
If the name is non-informative (e.g. Mi Scooter BLE), try connecting via the nRF Connect app (available for Android/iOS) that shows the full set of data transmitted by the scooter, including the model in hexadecimal format.
⚠️ Note: On clones of scooters, the name Bluetooth is often forged (e.g., they write Mi Scooter Pro, when it is actually a non-original device.
Firmware and specifications
If the scooter connects to the application, but the model is not correctly defined, you can specify it by firmware.
- Connect the scooter to the Mi Home.
- Go to Settings → Update firmware.
- Check out the current version of the software: X.X.X_microprogram.
However, weight can vary due to accessories or modifications, so this method is inaccurate.