Many owners of popular electric vehicles face an unusual search engine request: how to change the camera on the front wheel of an electric scooter. Immediately it is worth clarifying: the standard configuration of Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter, Xiaomi Essential or Xiaomi Pro 2 physically does not have any video camera installed directly on the front wheel or fork. The device does not record movement, and the optics there are not provided by the design.
However, confusion often arises from the presence of a speed sensor (Hall) or the desire of users to modify the vehicle by installing external video recording systems. If your request is related to a sensor failure, which is often mistaken for a “camera” because of its location and connection to the controller board, then below we will discuss in detail the procedure for diagnosis and replacement.
It's important to understand that tampering with the steering column and fork requires care. An electric scooter is a complex device where tightness and integrity of insulation play a critical role. Incorrect disassembly can lead to moisture entering the controller or damage to contact groups, which will disable the equipment. Next, we'll look at the technical nuances that will help you understand the components of the front of the scooter.
📊 What exactly are you trying to find or replace?
Speed sensor (Holla)
External video recorder
Headlight
Nothing, just looking into it.
Terminology analysis: Hall sensor or video module?
Before you start disassembling the Mi Scooter, you need to be clear about the terminology, so as not to order the wrong parts. As mentioned earlier, there is no factory video camera in the front wheel. What users often search for and call a "camera," in the technical language of Xiaomi engineers is a Hall sensor. This element reads the magnetic field generated by magnets in the motor-wheel rotor, and transmits data about the speed of rotation to the main board.
If you're planning to install a third-party camera to record the path, it's a completely different type of equipment, usually mounted on the steering wheel or decorative lining over the wheel, but not inside the fork design. Trying to embed the camera inside the rotary mechanism of the wheel will require complex engineering, disrupt the balancing and most likely lead to rapid failure of sensitive electronics due to vibrations.
Why is Hall's sensor confused with the camera?
Hall sensor has a small hole and connects with a thin plume, which visually resembles a miniature surveillance camera.In addition, both devices transmit a signal, which increases the confusion among inexperienced users.> In the context of repairing the Xiaomi M365 or its modifications, by "replace the camera" we will mean working with the speed sensor, as this is the only optical or magnetic part in this area that requires periodic replacement. The scooter controller relies on accurate readings of this sensor for the correct operation of the reclamation and anti-lock wheels (ABS in some models, you will need to work with certain tools and equipment for a set of quality). You should not try to disassemble the knot "on the knee" using improvised means, as this can lead to the failure of the thread or damage to the plastic elements of the case. a set of screwdrivers (cross and hexagonal), a plastic blade for opening the latches, a soldering iron with a thin sting (if you need soldering of the sensor contacts), insulation or thermal shrinkage, as well as new spare parts if the old ones are out of order. It is also not superfluous to prepare a multimeter to check the integrity of the chains. 🔧 Set of hexagonal keys (including dimensions of 4 mm and 5 mm). 🪛 Magnetic-tipped cross screwdriver. 🔌 Plastic blade or mediator for working with the body. ⚡ Solding station and solder (for advanced users). ☑️ Ready for repair Disconnect scooter from charging Remove decorative pad Prepare the tank for screws Check the availability of a new spare part: 0 / 4 Pay special attention to the organization of the workplace. The electric scooter should be stable on a flat surface, it is not recommended to put it upside down, so as not to damage the casts or the screen if it is touch-sensitive. It is best to fix the vehicle in a vertical position or use a special rack. The process of gaining access to the insides of the front fork begins with the removal of the decorative lining, often referred to as the "hood" or "cover." On Xiaomi Mi Scooter models 1S and pro 2 This is a piece that is attached to screws and plastic latches, and you have to be very careful when you open them, because plastic in the cold becomes brittle and can burst. First, unscrew the visible screws at the bottom of the pad, sometimes hidden under rubber plugs, and then gently, using a plastic blade, walk around the perimeter of the junction of the cover and the metal fork body, and you will hear the characteristic clicks of the retractable latches. The main thing here is not to use excessive force, so as not to break the fasteners. ⚠️ Warning: A plume of lights or an on button may pass inside the cover (depending on the model).Do not pull the sharply removed lining until you make sure nothing is connected to the inside of the cover. Once you've successfully removed the patch, you'll have access to the controller, the wiring, and the sensor that many people are looking for. Visually look at the wires. Often the problem isn't with the sensor itself, but with the worn wire that goes from wheel to board. Insulation in this place often suffers from constant vibration and steering. Diagnostics and replacement of the speed sensor (Hall) If your goal is to restore the speed sensor, which is mistakenly called the camera, then the next step is to check it. The Hall sensor is in close proximity to the axis of the wheel or integrated into the plug covering the bearing. To replace it, it often requires removing the front wheel, which is a more time-consuming procedure. To remove the wheel, you need to unscrew the axis nuts on both sides of the fork. Before this, be sure to disconnect the self-roll from the wheel, and make sure that it is wires from the wire, it is gently attached to the wire or a small wireboard. When installing a new element, it is critical to observe polarity and positioning correctly. The sensor should be at a strictly defined distance from the rotor magnets. If the gap is too large, the signal will be unstable, if too small, mechanical damage may occur during rotation. Standard value Critical deviation Consequences of the sensor 0.5 - 1.5 mm > 2.5 mm Loss of speed signal Resistance of the windings Depends on the model Break / KZ Insulation Insulation 100% Cracking Short After installing the new sensor, collect the structure in reverse order. If you mean a video recording device, you mean a camera, it's different. As I said, there's no regular camera, but enthusiasts often install action cameras or specialty recorders. Mounting is done on the steering rack or on a decorative lining, if the design allows. Use special brackets designed for bicycles or motorcycles for fastening. It is important to ensure rigid fixation, as vibrations from the front wheel on the asphalt are very high and can quickly shake cheap plastic.The camera is better directed a little down to capture not only the road, but also the license plate (if it is a city rental) or obstacles. ⚠️ Warning: Do not run the camera power wires through the internal fork cavities along with the motor power cables. This can cause interference and lead to tips that affect the operation of the controller. USB-port, if it is displayed outside, or powered directly from the battery through a step-down converter (DC-DC Converter, if you have electrical skills, remember that the battery voltage of the scooter (36V or 42V) is much higher than the camera (5V) needs, and a direct connection will burn the device. 💡There is no regular camera on the wheel, but it is possible to install an external DVR on the steering wheel with separate power. Assembly, leakage check and testing. Make sure all connectors are snapped to the characteristic clicks, and the wires are stacked in their channels and not clamped with the case. Pay special attention to the place where the wires are output from the fork. In the original Xiaomi, there are rubber seals that you can't lose. Check the tightness of the connections. If you removed the wheel or opened the body of the controller, it is recommended to additionally treat the joints with silicone sealant or use a special moisture-retardant lubricant for contacts. Water is the main enemy of the electronics of the scooter, especially in the autumn-spring period. 🌧️ Check the condition of the rubber seals. 🔩 Tighten all screws with uniform force. 🔌 Make sure the plumes don't touch moving parts. After assembly, run a full test cycle. Take a ride to the safe area, check the brakes, check the speed mapping and, if installed, the new camera, if everything is functioning properly, then the replacement was successful. Frequently asked questions (FAQ) Can I buy the original Xiaomi Wheel Camera? No, because there is no regular camera for the wheel. You can only find Hall sensors on sale, which are sometimes mistakenly labeled by vendors as cameras, or universal action cameras for external installation. Why does the scooter not drive or twitch after replacing the sensor? Most likely, the gap between the sensor and the magnets is incorrectly exposed, the contacts are confused when soldering, or the new sensor is defective. Also, the problem may be in the controller itself. Should you reflash the scooter after changing the sensor? In most cases, the controller must automatically read the signal from the new sensor. However, if you change the controller along with the sensor, you may need to update the software speed? The standard speed sensor is designed to operate on the motor-wheel, which is usually limited to a programmatic range of 25-30 km/h for compliance, but can physically read higher values. Can you drive without a speed sensor? Theoretically, the motor will spin, but the system will not work correctly. There is no speed reading on the screen, cruise control is not working and there may be problems with the energy recovery system and anti-lock.