Replacement of rubber on the scooter Xiaomi: a complete guide with photos and tips

Wheel wear is one of the most common problems for Xiaomi electric scooters. Over time, the rubber loses traction, cracks or punctures appear, and the ride becomes less comfortable. If you notice that the scooter has become worse at braking, vibrating on bumps or making extraneous sounds when driving, it's time to think about replacing the rubber.

Many users are afraid to change their wheels for fear of damaging the electronics or suspension. In fact, the procedure is no more difficult than replacing a bicycle camera, if you know the nuances of the design of Xiaomi scooters. In this article, we will analyze the entire process from choosing a new tire to the final assembly - taking into account the features of popular models (M365, Pro 2, 1S, 4 Pro).

You will save on the service center (where the replacement costs from 1500 to 3000 rubles) and learn to keep the scooter in perfect condition. And we will reveal a secret life hack using soap solution for easy tire installation - this will speed up the process by 2 times!

What tires to choose for a Xiaomi scooter

Before buying a new tire, determine the size of the wheels of your scooter. Most Xiaomi models (such as the M365 or Pro 2) have a standard diameter of 8.5 inches, but the Xiaomi 4 Pro and Xiaomi Electric Scooter 3 have larger wheels: 10 inches. This information is indicated on the sidewall of the tire or in the specifications of the model.

Also, pay attention to the type of rubber:

• 🔄 Slicks are smooth wheels for asphalt, they provide high speed, but poor traction on wet roads.
• 🌲 Winter/all-season, deep tread, suitable for snow, dirt and gravel, but wear out faster on asphalt.
• 🛡️ Pro-piercing, with an extra layer of Kevler or gel, more expensive, but protects against nails and glass.

For urban driving, the best choice is all-season slicks with a medium tread (for example, Xiaomi Original or Segway Ninebot>). They balance between speed and safety. If you often drive in parks or primers, take wheels with an aggressive pattern (for example, Kenda K1167).

⚠️ Warning: Don't buy tires with a diameter other than the regular! 10 inch wheels won't physically fit into a Xiaomi scooter plug M365, 8.5-inch on 4 Pro will lead to instability.

Tools for rubber replacement

To change the tires on the Xiaomi scooter, you will need:

• 🔧 Set of hexagons (mandatory with a size of 5 mm - for unscrewing the wheel axis).
• 🔨 Installation blades (2-3 pieces, plastic or metal with rounded edges).
• 🛠️ End key 14 or 15 mm (for the axis nut, if it is not under the hexagon).
• 🧼 Soap solution (dilute liquid soap in water 1:10 – will facilitate the installation of the tire).
• 📦 New rubber (tyre) + The camera, if you change it completely).

If you have a scooter with tubeless wheels (for example, Xiaomi 4 Pro), additionally prepare:

• 💨 Pump with pressure gauge (for pumping to the desired pressure).
• 🧴 Sealer for tubeless tires (for example, Slime or Hi-Gear).

Some craftsmen also recommend having a rubber hammer on hand (for a tidy fit) and a marker (to mark the position of the disc relative to the fork before disassembly).

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If there are no mounting blades, you can use two flat screwdrivers, wrapping their ends with tape so as not to damage the rim.

Step-by-step: how to remove the wheel

Start by preparing the work place. Put the scooter on a flat surface (preferably on a table or workbench) so that the wheel does not touch the floor. If you change the rear wheel, pre-switch off the power - remove the battery or press the switch on button for 5 seconds before turning off.

Sequence of action:

1. Unscrew the axis nut with the end key (on Xiaomi M365 and Pro 2 - counterclockwise). Some models use a hexagon bolt instead of a nut.
2. Remove the locking ring (if any) with a flat screwdriver or a special removable.
3. Carefully pull the wheel axis out of the fork. If it doesn't lend itself, tap the rubber hammer slightly on the end.
4. Remove the wheel with the brake disc (on the rear wheel).

On scooters Xiaomi 1S and newer wheel can be attached through a quick-removal mechanism, in which case it is enough to press the lever and pull the wheel on itself.

⚠️ Attention: Do not apply excessive force when removing the axle! on scooters Xiaomi Pro 2 and 4 Pro axis is connected to the sensor ABS — sudden movements can damage the wiring.

Scooter power cut off

All instruments are ready.

Workplace lit up

Photograph or layout of parts (for reverse assembly)-->

How to unwrap a scooter wheel

This is the most difficult step, especially if the rubber is stuck to the rim. Start with the camera descent: find a nipple (usually hidden under the cap) and press it with a thin object to release air.

Disassembly algorithm:

1. Insert a mounting blade between the tire and the rim, stepping 10-15 cm away from the nipple. Snatch the edge of the tire and pull on yourself.
2. Hold the shoulder blade under the rim's spoke, place the second shoulder blade 20 cm away from the first and repeat the action.
3. Carefully lead the second blade in a circle, pulling the tire over the edge. If the rubber is tight, help the third blade.
4. When one end of the tire is released, pull out the camera. Then remove the tire completely.

If the tire doesn't lend itself, moisten the edge with soapy solution and wait 5 minutes. Don't use WD-40 or other oils - they corrode rubber!

On scooters with tubeless wheels (for example, Xiaomi 4 Pro) the process is more complicated:

• First, unstick the side of the tire from the rim, starting from the opposite side of the nipple.
• Use plastic-tipped mounts to avoid damaging the sealed layer.
• After removing the tire, clean the rim from the old sealant with alcohol.

Installation of new rubber and assembly of the wheel

Before installing a new rubber, check the rim condition. It should be clean, without rust or dents. If there are burrs on the rim, clean them with sandpaper (granularity 200-400).

Assembly order:

1. If you have chamber rubber: Pump the camera a little (up to 0.5-1 bar) to take shape. Insert the nipple into the rim hole and fill the camera inside the tire. Place the edge of the tire in the rim, starting on the side opposite to the nipple.
2. For tubeless rubber: Apply a thin layer of sealant to the inside of the tire. Set the tire on the rim starting with the nipple and "set" it in a circle. Pump the wheel to 1.5-2 bar, so that the side of the tire is tightly pressed (you hear the characteristic click).

Check that the tire sat evenly - there were no "waves" or distortions.

2.5–3.5 bar

Xiaomi

For easy fitting, moisten the edge and rim with soapy solution, which will reduce friction and prevent rubber damage.

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Wheel pressure directly affects battery life! Unproven wheels increase drag and reduce mileage by 15-20%.

Installation of the wheel on the scooter and final checks

Once the wheel is assembled, you have to put it back on the scooter.

1. Insert the wheel axis into the fork, aligning the holes. Make sure that the brake disc (on the rear wheel) is placed exactly between the pads.
2. Put on a locking ring (if any) and twist the axis nut. Tighten it evenly, without distortion.
3. For models with quick-removal mount (Xiaomi 1S, 4 Pro), click the lever until the characteristic click.

After installation, it is mandatory to:

• 🔍 Check that the wheel rotates freely, without touching the fork.
• 🚦 Make sure that the brake pads do not rub against the disc (the gap should be 0.5-1 mm).
• 📏 Measure the pressure with a pressure gauge - if necessary, pump up.
• 🎛️ Conduct a test drive on a flat surface: accelerate to 10-15 km / h and brake sharply.

⚠️ Warning: If after replacing the rubber, the scooter starts to "beat" the steering wheel while driving, check the wheel balance. At high speeds (from 25 km / h), the imbalance can lead to loss of control.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when replacing rubber.

1. Twisted wheel axis: If you twist the nut too hard, the bearings will start to "buzz" and the wheel will rotate with effort. The optimal tightening moment for Xiaomi is 40-50 Nm (use a dynamometer key).
2. Damaged camera: When installed, it is easy to pierce the camera with a mounting blade. Always keep the tool at an angle of 30-45° to the rim and do not apply force closer than 5 cm from the nipple.
3. Incompatible rubber: Tires from other brands (such as Ninebot) may not fit in width or diameter. Always check the markings on old rubber (such as 8.5x2.1).
4. Dirt under the tire: Dust or sand between the tire and the rim will lead to depressurization. Before assembly, wipe all the parts with an alcohol napkin.

If after replacing the rubber scooter became worse to accelerate, check:

• Wheel pressure (below 2 bar increases resistance)
• The condition of the bearings (possibly they require lubrication).
• Controller settings (some models reset calibrations after removing the wheel).

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To test the tightness of the tubeless wheel, apply soap solution on the sides of the tires. If bubbles appear, it sucks air somewhere.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions