Replacement of wheels with cast wheels for Xiaomi electric scooter: a full guide with photos and tips

Xiaomi’s cast wheels on electric scooters are not only a stylish upgrade, but also a practical solution for those who are tired of constant puncture and rubber wear. Unlike standard pneumatic tires, cast wheels are not afraid of nails, glass and other β€œsurprises” of urban roads, but their installation requires accuracy, the right selection of components and the characteristics of a particular scooter model.

Many owners of Xiaomi M365, The Pro 2 or 4 Pro are afraid to change wheels for fear of damaging the electronics or suspension, but in fact, with a minimum set of tools and clear instructions, the process takes no more than 1-1.5 hours. The main thing is not to rush and follow the proven schemes, which we will discuss below.

In this article, you'll find a step-by-step replacement algorithm, a comparison of cast wheel types, tips for choosing a manufacturer and answers to frequent questions, and if you're in doubt about your abilities, at the end there's a checklist to check your readiness to work.

1. What cast wheels are suitable for Xiaomi: types and sizes

Before you buy a new drive, you need to understand which one will suit your model. All Xiaomi scooters are divided into two categories by wheel size:

  • πŸ”Ή 8.5 inches β€” M365, Pro, Essential, 1S. This is the most common form factor, for it produced most cast wheels.
  • πŸ”Ή 10 inches β€” Pro 2, 4 Pro, 4 Ultra. There's less choice, but there's better depreciation.

Cast wheels come in three types:

  1. Monolithic ones are a solid disc of polyurethane or composite, the cheapest, but hardest and noisy, suitable for flat asphalt.
  2. With a shock absorber insert, you have a rubber or silicone layer inside the disc, and it softens the vibrations, but it costs more.
  3. High-strength bearings are usually complete with reinforced axles, recommended for heavy riders (weights from 90 kg).

Not all cast wheels are compatible with anti-lock system (ABS), If your scooter is equipped with a speed sensor on the wheel, choose models with a magnetic ring (for example, from Hiboy or Gotway).

πŸ“Š What Xiaomi model are you improving?
Xiaomi M365
Xiaomi Pro 2
Xiaomi 4 Pro
Xiaomi Essential
Another model

2.Tools and materials: what will be needed to replace

For the work you will need:

  • πŸ”§ Hexagons (dimensions 4 mm, 5 mm and 6 mm) - for unscrewing the mounting bolts.
  • πŸ”§ End keys (13 mm and 15 mm) - to remove the wheel axis.
  • πŸ”§ Screwdriver with a cross bat - for dismantling plastic covers.
  • πŸ”§ Hammer and wooden expanse - to gently knock out the axle (if it is acidic).
  • πŸ”§ Lubrication for bearings (e.g. Liqui Moly or WD-40 Specialist - for the processing of threads.
  • πŸ”§ Dynamometer key (optional) - to twist bolts with the correct force (40-50 NΒ·m).

Critically, if you have a disc brake scooter (like the Xiaomi Pro 2), you need to prepare the brake pads for removal before the wheel is dismantled, and check if the cast wheels are complete with thrust washers, without which the bearings will quickly fail.

Tip: If you have never worked with bearings, buy a detachable (worth it). ~300–500 β‚½). It will help to carefully remove old bearings without damaging the seats.

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

3. Step-by-step instructions: how to remove an old wheel

Starting with the rear wheel (if you have a rear-wheel drive scooter, like most Xiaomi models), the front wheel is dismantled in a similar way, but easier - there is no gearbox motor.

  1. Turn off the power - remove the battery or disconnect the motor connector (on the Pro 2 and newer it under the plastic cover).
  2. Remove the plastic lids from the wheel axis, and they're attached to latches or little bolts (T8 or T10).
  3. Unscrew the axle nuts with a 15mm end key. If the nuts don't lend themselves, sprinkle them. WD-40 And wait 10 minutes.
  4. Take out the axis, knock carefully with a hammer through a wooden pad. Don't hit the axis with a metal tool!
  5. Take the wheel off the gear motor. M365 And Pro, it's sitting on the slits -- pull it on with effort. Pro 2 might need a camera.

If the wheel is not removed, check:

  • πŸ” Have you forgotten to unscrew the brake caliper (on models with disc brake).
  • πŸ” Is there any rust on the axis - if there is, treat it with a rust converter.
  • πŸ” Whether the bearing jammed - try to spin the wheel manually.

Power's out.|Plastic lids removed|Axis nuts unscrewed|Carvings processed WD-40|Checked brake caliper.-->

Attention: on the Xiaomi 4 Pro and 4 Ultra, the rear wheel is integrated with the gearbox motor. To remove it, you will have to disconnect 3 wire connectors (motor phases, Hall sensor, brake) and unscrew 4 bolts of gear gear to the frame.

4. Installation of cast wheel: nuances and errors

Now, to the most critical stage, here's the algorithm for most models:

  1. Check the cast wheel configuration: πŸ“¦ The wheel itself with bearings. πŸ“¦ Persistent washers (2 pcs.). πŸ“¦ The mounting bolts (if they differ from the standard ones). πŸ“¦ Instructions with the time of tightening (usually 40-50 NΒ·m).

Set up persistent washers

Put the wheel on the axle

Tighten the screws.

Don't pull it over!

Check the backlash.

0.5 mm

Common mistakes:

  • ❌ Forget about washers - leads to the breaking of bearings in 1-2 months.
  • ❌ Pull nuts - the wheel begins to "squeak" and warm up.
  • ❌ Do not lubricate the thread - later nuts are boiled, and it becomes difficult to remove the wheel.
  • ❌ Install the wheel on the wrong side - on some models, the left and right wheels are asymmetrical.

If the wheel is clinging to the fork after installation, check:

  • πŸ”§ Are the washers properly installed.
  • πŸ”§ Is there a skewed axis (sometimes helps to loosen the nuts and align the wheel).
  • πŸ”§ Is the new wheel too wide (compare with the original one).
What to do if the wheel creaks after installation?
The squeak usually occurs because of: 1. Retracted bearings - loosen the nuts on 1/4 turnover. 2. No lubrication – disassemble the wheel and add lubricant to bearings. 3. If you get dirt, wash the axle and the inside of the wheel with alcohol. If the creak is not lost, check if the persistent washers crack (sometimes they break when tightening).

Adjustment after replacement: brakes, ABS and test drive

The wheel is half the battle, so now you have to check.

  1. Brake system: πŸ”§ On models with disc brake adjust the gap between the pads and the disc (should be 0.3-0.5 mm). πŸ”§ On scooters with electronic brakes (e.g, M365) Check if recovery works when you press the lever.

Sensor. ABS

  • πŸ”§ Make sure that the magnetic ring on the new wheel matches the position of the sensor.
  • πŸ”§ The gap between the sensor and the ring should be 1-2 mm.
  • Balancing: scroll the wheel manually, and if it stops in one position, it's an imbalance, and then you have to move the wheel to 180.Β° or add loads.

New wheels running:

  • 🚲 The first 10-15 km drive at a speed not higher than 20 km / h - so polyurethane "stuck" to the road.
  • 🚲 Avoid sharp braking and jumping - cast wheels are harder than pneumatics, and the blows are transmitted to the frame.
  • 🚲 After running, check the nut tightening - they could weaken.

⚠️ Note: if after replacement the scooter does not go or twitches, check:

  • πŸ”Œ Is the motor phases connected correctly (on the Pro 2 and newer).
  • πŸ”Œ Has the Hall sensor wire worn (sometimes it is clamped between the wheel and the fork).
  • πŸ”Œ Has the controller protection worked (try restarting the scooter).

6.Cast wheel comparison: which is better to choose in 2026

There are dozens of cast wheels for Xiaomi on the market, but we have selected proven models with good reviews:

ModelTypeCompatibilityPlusesConsPrice (2026)
Hiboy S2With depreciationM365, Pro, 1SSoft stroke, quiet, magnetic ring for ABSDear, heavier than standard at 200g~5 500 β‚½
Gotway SolidmonolithicAll models 8.5""Strong, not afraid of hits, light.Hard, vibrations on irregularities~3 200 β‚½
Xiaomi Original SolidWith bearings. SKFM365, Pro 2Original quality, accurate landingHard to find for sale, expensive~6 800 β‚½
Kugoo S1With a silicone insert10" (Pro 2, 4 Pro)Good grip, absorbs vibrationsFast-wearing on the asphalt~4 700 β‚½

When choosing, pay attention to:

  • πŸ” Diameter of the landing hole - must coincide with the axis of the scooter (10 mm for most models).
  • πŸ” Wheel width – too wide wheels can cling to a fork.
  • πŸ” The presence of a magnetic ring, if you have a ABS.
  • πŸ” Weight – heavy wheels will reduce the range by 5-10%.

⚠️ Attention: Cheap cast wheels (up to 2,500) β‚½) They're often made from low-quality polyurethane, they blow away quickly (erase to a metal base) and they can crack when they hit a curb.

7. Frequent problems after replacement and how to solve them

Even if you do everything according to the instructions, you can have problems.

  1. The scooter does not turn on or the error flashes: πŸ”‹ Check the connection of the gearbox motor (on the Pro 2 and newer). πŸ”‹ Reboot the controller: Turn off the battery for 5 minutes. πŸ”‹ If there's a mistake E014 (motor problem, check the Hall sensor.
  2. The wheel warms up when driving: πŸ”₯ Too tight nuts - loosen on 1/4 turnover. πŸ”₯ No lubricant in bearings - disassemble and lubricate. πŸ”₯ Overload scooter - cast wheels do not like weight above 100 kilogram.

Vibrations on the steering wheel when driving

  • πŸŒ€ Check the wheel balance - scroll it in the air.
  • πŸŒ€ Perhaps the wheel is not installed in the center - relax the nuts and align.
  • πŸŒ€ If the fork is bent, you will need to edit or replace.

If the range has decreased after the replacement, it is normal: cast wheels are heavier than pneumatics by 150-300 g each.

  • πŸ”‹ Drive in Eco mode (if available).
  • πŸ”‹ Pressure up to maximum pressure (if only one wheel is replaced).
  • πŸ”‹ Reduce the weight of the scooter (for example, remove the trunk).

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If after replacing the wheel, the scooter behaves unstable, first check the mechanical mounts (nuts, washers, bearings), and then the electronics (wires, connectors).

❓ Can I put the cast wheel only in front, and leave the pneumatics behind?
Yes, but it's not recommended. Different rigidity of the wheels makes handling worse, especially when it's rough. If you change it, you have both wheels at once. Except if you're temporarily riding a donor wheel.
❓ How often should I check the nut tightening after installation?
Check the first 100 km before each trip, then every 500 km or after a heavy impact (for example, hitting a curb), use the dynamometer key for accuracy.
❓ Can I ride on wet asphalt on cast wheels?
You can, but be careful: cast wheels have worse grip on wet surfaces than pneumatics. Brake distance increases by 20 to 30 percent. Avoid sharp maneuvers and braking.
❓ How much do cast wheels on Xiaomi?
The service life depends on the quality of the material and the style of driving: πŸ”Ή Cheap models 2,000–3,000 β‚½) β€” 1,000–1,500 km. πŸ”Ή Mid-segment (3,500–5,000) β‚½) β€” 3,000-5,000 km. πŸ”Ή Premium (Hiboy, Gotway) - up to 8000 km. Signs of wear: cracks, "bald spots" on the tread, backlash bearings.
❓ Can you balance a cast wheel yourself?
Yes, for this: Remove the wheel and scroll it on the axis in the air, mark the heaviest point (where it falls), glue a bicycle wheel loader (5-10 g) on the opposite side, repeat the check. If the wheel stops in an arbitrary position, the balancing is successful.