Replacing the rear wheel on a Xiaomi electric scooter is a challenge that every owner faces sooner or later, and whether you get punctured on the road, the tires are worn to the cord, or you need to replace the motor-wheel due to an engine malfunction, the process has its own nuances. Unlike the front wheel, the rear wheel is on Xiaomi. M365, Pro 2, 1S And other models are integrated with the electric motor, making it difficult to dismantle, and without proper training and tools, you can damage the wires, the controller, or even the frame itself.
In this article, we will take you through the steps of choosing a new wheel to final assembly and testing, and focus on the common mistakes that lead to damage to the engine winding or malfunctioning of the brake system, and learn how to distinguish the original motor-wheel from a fake, what tools are really needed and what you can do without. If you have never disassembled an electric scooter, don't worry: even a beginner can handle our instructions.
What tools will be needed to replace
Before you start, prepare everything you need, and not even one tool can slow down the process for hours.
- 🔧 End key for 5 mm (or a set of hexagons) - for unscrewing the wheel mounting bolts.
- 🔨 Screwdriver cross (PH2) — for removing plastic panels and brake mechanism.
- 🔧 14 or 15 mm wrench - for the axle nut (depending on the model).
- 🔪 Flat screwdriver or plastic mediator - for careful removal of covers.
- 🧲 Magnet or tray for fasteners - so as not to lose small bolts and washers.
- 🔌 Multimeter (optional) – to check the integrity of the wiring after replacement.
- 🧴 Bearing lubricant (e.g. Liqui Moly) – if you plan to service the wheel.
If you are replacing a motor-wheel (and not just a tire), you will need to:
- 🔌 A soldering iron with a thin sting - for disconnecting / joining power wires.
- 🧵 Thermal shrink tube - for isolation of connections.
- 📏 Stanger wheel – to check the compatibility of the new wheel with the axle.
Some "masters" advise using WD-40 You can unscrew the bolts, but it can get liquid on the controller contacts, PB Blaster, or gently heat the bolt with a building hair dryer.
Preparation of electric scooter for wheel replacement
Before disassembling the scooter, follow a few critical steps:
- Turn off the power. Take the battery out of the socket or disconnect the battery connector from the controller (under the deck), which will prevent short circuits when working with the motor-wheel wires.
- Clean the work area. Dirt and sand, getting into bearings or on threads, can cause premature wear.
- Take a picture of the original position of the wires, which will save you from confusion when you reassemble, especially if the wires are different colors.
- Check the pressure in the new tire. The optimal value for Xiaomi is 2.5-3.0 bar (indicated on the sidewall of the wheel).
If you're replacing a wheel because of a puncture, check the disc for cracks or deformities, and even a small dent can cause the wheel to beat at high speeds, which is dangerous for driving, and then the disk will have to be replaced.
Remove the battery|Clean the scooter of dirt|Take a picture of the wires|Check the pressure in the new tire|Prepare tools-->
⚠️ Warning: Never place the scooter on its side so that the gas handle touches the ground, which can cause the accelerator to falsely actuate and damage to the controller when the battery is connected.
Removal of the rear wheel: step-by-step instructions
Now, the most important step is to dismantle the old wheel, and follow the instructions in strict order.
- Remove the rear wing. It's mounted on 2-3 screws (depending on the model), and carefully tuck it in with a flat screwdriver so you don't break the plastic latches.
- Unplug the brake cable. M365 And Pro 2, it's attached to the lever on the wheel with a locking ring.
- Unscrew the axis nut. Use a 14mm wrench (or 15mm for some modifications). If the nut doesn't lend itself, don't apply excess force -- better treat it with penetrating lubricant and wait 10 to 15 minutes.
- Remove the axle. After unscrewing the nut, carefully pull the axle out while holding the wheel on the other side. Be careful, there may be washers or bearings inside.
- Disconnect the motor wires. They're usually soldered to the controller and tied with screeds. Snack on the screeds and carefully unstick the wires, remembering their location (better mark with tape).
If the wheel is stuck to the axle and it doesn't come off, don't hit it with a hammer, it will warp the bearings.
- Apply penetrating lubricant to the joint.
- Carefully wove the wheel from side to side.
- Use a filmmaker or two mounts, evenly pressing on both sides.
What to do if the motor wires are broken?
Choosing a new wheel: original vs analogues
When buying a replacement, many people face a dilemma: take the original motor-wheel from Xiaomi or an analogue from third-party manufacturers.
| Criteria | The original wheel | Analogue (e.g. Hiboy, Ninebot) |
|---|---|---|
| Price. | 3 500–6 000 ₽ | 2 000–4 500 ₽ |
| Compatibility | 100% (guaranteed) | 90–95% (may require further development) |
| Resource | 40,000-50,000 km | 20,000 to 30,000 km |
| Engine power | Complies with the model (e.g, 250W for M365) | Maybe different (±10–15%) |
| Guarantee | 6–12 months | 3-6 months (or absent) |
If you choose an analogue, pay attention to:
- 🔍 The axis diameter must match the original (10mm for most Xiaomi models).
- 🔌 Power connector – some analogues come with a different type of connector.
- 📏 Rim width – affects the compatibility with the tire.
- 🔋 Nominal voltage - must correspond to the scooter battery (36V or 48V).
Popular proven analogues:
- Hiboy S2 — fitting M365 and Pro, but requires interlocking of wires.
- Ninebot ES — compatible with Xiaomi 1S, but has a different diameter of the disk.
- Gotway is a premium variant with reinforced bearings, but more expensive than the original.
⚠️ Attention: Cheap wheels with AliExpress (price below 1,500) ₽) often have non-coaxial bearings, which leads to vibrations at speeds above 20 km / h. Check the reviews and reputation of the seller before buying.
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Before buying a new wheel, measure the diameter of the old one with a caliper. Even visually identical models can differ by 1-2 mm, making installation impossible.
Installation of a new wheel and assembly
The process of installing a new wheel is a mirror display of the dismantling, but with a number of important nuances:
- Check the direction of rotation. Xiaomi motor wheels usually have an arrow or a sign ROTATION. If you put the wheel "backwards", the scooter will go in the opposite direction when pressed on the gas.
- Set washers and bearings. Their order is important: first the metal washer, then the bearing, then the plastic washer (if any).
- Hold the wheel on the axle. Tighten the nut at 30 to 40 Nm (use a dynamometer key), and the drag will damage the thread, the tight will cause the backlash.
- If you've soldered a connection, short-circuit it with a multimeter. The polarity should match: usually red — "+", black — "–".
- Adjust the brake. After you install the wheel, check the gap between the pad and the disc. It should be 0.5-1 mm. If necessary, tighten the cable.
Don't rush right after assembly.
- 🔄 Scroll the wheel manually - it should rotate smoothly, without creaking.
- 🛑 Check the brake: press the lever - the wheel should lock without delay.
- 🔋 Connect the battery and test the engine at idle (lift the rear wheel and give gas).
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If the wheel vibrates at speed after replacement, check the balance of the tire and the integrity of the bearings. Vibration at speeds above 25 km / h may indicate a malfunction of the motor or rim curve.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when replacing a wheel with an electric scooter, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
- 🔧 Axis nut pull → Solution: use a dynamometer key or tighten it out of the hand with moderate force.
- 🔌 Wrong soldering of wires → Solution: Separate each wire with a shrink tube.
- 🔄 Installation of the wheel in the opposite direction → Solution: check with the arrow on the motor or test before final assembly.
- 🛑 Forgot to plug the brake cable. → Solution: Check the brake after every assembly.
- 🔋 Getting dirt into the controller connectors → Display errors. Solution: blow the connectors with compressed air before connecting.
One of the most insidious mistakes is that the voltages of the motor and the controller are not matched, for example, if you set the motor on the same side. 48V battery-driven 36V, that will lead to:
- Overheating the windings.
- Maximum speed reduction.
- Quick battery discharge.
To avoid this, always check the new wheel’s performance against your scooter. On the original Xiaomi engines, the voltage is indicated on a sticker next to the axle.
Testing and testing after replacement
After the wheel is replaced, the scooter requires running even if you have installed the original part.
- The first 5-10 km drive at a speed of no more than 15 km / h, avoiding sharp accelerations and braking, this will allow the new tires to "get lost" to the road.
- Check the engine heat. After the ride, touch the wheel, it should be warm, but not hot. If the engine overheats, check the tension of the belt (on belt-driven models) or the condition of the bearings.
- Calibrate the brakes. To do this, accelerate to 10 km/h and brake sharply. Repeat 3-4 times. This will help the pads "get tight" to the disc.
- Check the balance. If it's 20.+ km/h vibration appears, possibly wheel mounted curve or disc deformed.
If after replacing the scooter began to accelerate worse or there were extraneous sounds, the reasons may be as follows:
| Symptoms. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The scooter is not moving or twitching. | Incorrect soldering of motor wires | Check the chain integrity of the multimeter |
| It started to creak when it rotated. | It got dirt in the bearings. | Take the wheel apart and wash the bearings |
| Maximum speed has decreased. | Disparity in motor characteristics | Check the voltage and power of the new wheel |
| Brakes creaking or blocked by jerks | The pads are not calibrated. | Adjust the gap between the pad and the disc |
⚠️ Warning: If the scooter starts to brake spontaneously on the move after the wheel is replaced, stop driving immediately! This is a sign of a short circuit in the engine or a malfunction of the controller.