How to change the camera on the rear wheel of the Xiaomi electric scooter: full instructions with nuances

Why Xiaomi’s Rear Wheel Scooter Camera Fails and When to Change It

The rear wheel camera on Xiaomi electric scooters (including popular models M365, Pro, Pro 2, 1S and Essential) is a consumable that requires replacement every 1.5-3 thousand kilometers on average. The main causes of wear: driving on uneven roads, overloading of the scooter, improper tire pressure or factory defect. If you notice that the wheel has become “eight”, cracks on the rubber appeared or the scooter began to “hit” when moving – most likely, the camera lets air through microcracks or torn.

Many owners mistakenly think that it is enough to just pump the wheel, but if the camera is damaged, the pumping will give a temporary effect - the air will go away in a few hours or days. In the worst case, driving a flat tire will lead to deformation of the rim or damage to the gear motor, which will cost many times more to repair the new camera. Replacing the rear wheel camera with Xiaomi is a procedure that can be performed independently, saving on the service center.

Which camera to choose for the rear wheel: original vs analogues

The first thing to start with is choosing a new camera. Xiaomi’s original cameras (the MD-G90-16 for most models) cost more than their counterparts, but guarantee compatibility with the rim and tire. However, there are quality alternatives on the market from the Nankang, Kenda or Chaoyang brands that are not inferior in reliability, but are cheaper by 30-50%.

For electric scooters Xiaomi suitable cameras with parameters:

• 🔹 Size: 8.5 × 2.0 (for most models; or 10 × 2.0 (pro 2 and 1S).
• 🔹 Valve type: Schrader (car-like in bicycles).
• 🔹 Material: Butyl rubber (more durable than latex).
• 🔹 Pressure: can withstand up to 50–65 PSI (Please specify the instructions for your model).

Before buying, check the compatibility of the camera with your scooter model. for example, for Xiaomi M365 And Essential will do the camera. 8.5 × 2.0, a for Pro 2 — only 10 × 2.0. If in doubt, take an old wheel to the store or order a spare part. VIN-scooter code (it is indicated on the frame under the QR-code).

Replacement tools: what you need and where to buy

To replace the rear wheel camera with Xiaomi, you do not need a professional tool - a basic set is enough, which can be found in any bike store or ordered on AliExpress.

If you don't have mounting blades, you can use flat screwdrivers or even plastic spoons (but this increases the risk of damaging the camera or rim), and a rubber hammer or a regular soft-pad hammer will also be useful, which will help you gently put the tire in place after you install a new camera.

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Before starting work, take a picture of the location of the wires and mounts of the rear wheel - this will help to avoid errors during the reverse assembly.

Step-by-step: how to remove the rear wheel from the Xiaomi electric scooter

Rear wheel disassembly on Xiaomi is more difficult than front wheel due to the presence of motor and wiring. Follow the instructions carefully so as not to damage the contacts:

1. Turn off the power. Turn off the scooter with the steering wheel button and disconnect the battery (if the model allows), which will prevent short circuits when working with the wires.
2. Pull the air out of the chamber. Push the nupple and blow the air completely. If the wheel is already flat, skip this step.
3. Remove the motor-wheel cover. Put a flat screwdriver on it (carefully so you don't break the latches) and you'll see the wires and the power connector under the lid.
4. Disconnect the motor connector. It's usually fixed with a plastic latch -- press it and pull the connector up. Don't pull the wires!
5. Unscrew the wheel mount bolts. Use a 5mm hexagon. Bolts can be tightly tightened - don't put excessive effort to avoid tearing the thread.
6. Take the wheel off the axle. Pull it carefully, holding the scooter behind the frame. If the wheel is not removed, check if all bolts are unscrewed.

After removing the wheel, check the axle and bearings for backlash or rust. If the bearings crumble or jam, they're worth replacing too (Article 6004-2RS for most Xiaomi models).

How to remove an old camera and install a new one: life hacks and errors

The most critical step is to remove the old camera and install the new one, where many people make mistakes that cause the rim to puncture again or damage. Here's a step-by-step algorithm:

1. Remove the tyre from the rim. Put the mounting blade under the edge of the tyre and grab it by the spoke. Put the second blade 10 to 15 cm away and also hook the spoke. Pull the tyre carefully on yourself, freeing it from the rim. Repeat the procedure from the opposite side.
2. Take out the old camera. Take it out of the tire completely and check for damage. If you see small punctures, you can vulcanize them, but you'd better install a new camera.
3. Check the rim and the tyre. Make sure there are no sharp objects inside the tyre (glass, nails) that could pierce the new chamber. Also check the rim for burrs - they can wipe the camera.
4. Set a new camera. Pump the camera slightly (up to 5-10 PSI) so that it takes shape and doesn't twist when you're mounting. Plug the nipple into the rim hole and fill the camera inside the tire. Tuck the edges of the tire carefully back onto the rim starting on the side opposite to the nipple.

Pump the wheel.

Xiaomi M365/Pro

40–45 PSI

Pro 2/1S

45–50 PSI

Common mistakes in replacement:

• 🚫 If the camera is twisted, it will burst quickly. To avoid this, inflate it slightly before installation.
• 🚫 Make sure the camera is evenly placed inside the tire and not sandwiched between the rim and the rubber.
• 🚫 Wrong pressure. Too low pressure will lead to eight, too high pressure will lead to camera rupture.

Wheel assembly and check: how not to miss the little things

Once you have a new camera installed, you have to put the wheel together and check it out, and it seems like a simple step, but there are many people who forget the key points:

1. Check the camera for leaks. Pump the wheel to operating pressure, apply soap solution to the nipple and the camera seams. If bubbles appear, the camera lets air in, and it needs to be replaced or taped.
2. Place the wheel on the axle. Put it carefully in place, aligning the bolt holes, and make sure that the motor wires are not twisted or clamped.
3. Connect the motor connector. It should come in with a slight click. If the connector is not fixed, check if there is dirt or oxidation inside.
4. Twirl the mount bolts. Tighten them cross-to-cross so that the wheel sits flat. Don't pull over, it could damage the thread.
5. Set the motor-wheel cover. It should come in effortlessly. If the lid doesn't go down, check if the wires are properly stacked.
6. Test the scooter. Turn it on and drive a few meters. Listen to if there's any extraneous noise or vibration.

The important thing is that after you change the camera, the rear wheel can spin tighter than usual. It's normal, the new camera hasn't yet "stuck." After 10 to 20 kilometers, the tight rotation should disappear. If the wheel continues to "brake," check if the bolts are pulled or if the camera is clamped.

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After changing the camera, be sure to check the wheel balance. If the scooter vibrates at speeds above 20 km / h, it is possible that the tire or camera is installed unevenly.

Frequent problems after replacement and how to solve them

Even if you do everything according to the instructions, after changing the camera, you can have problems, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

If the scooter starts to hit the steering wheel or vibrate after the camera is replaced, it's likely that the wheel is not in the center.

1. Relax the mount bolts.
2. Center the wheel relative to the frame (the gaps on both sides should be the same).
3. Tighten the cross bolts.

Tip: If you often drive off-road, consider installing a tubeless tire (for example, Xiaomi Solid Tire), which is not afraid of punctures, but is tougher than usual and can worsen comfort on rough roads.

FAQ: answers to popular questions about replacing the camera on Xiaomi