Owners of Xiaomi Electric Scooter S1 scooters often face the need to improve the standard design elements, especially if the vehicle is operated in difficult weather conditions or over rough terrain. Installing additional protection or replacing the regular rear wing with a reinforced counterpart is not just a cosmetic improvement, but an important measure to extend the life of electronics and maintain a neat appearance of the device. Many users wonder how to securely fix the element so that it does not hang around and effectively remove splashes.
The installation process requires care and a basic set of tools, because the scooter design involves a dense assembly of knots. Incorrect installation can lead to wires being rubbed, creaking when moving or even damage to the motor wheel. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the steps of work, from the preparation of the workplace to the final check of the reliability of the mounts, so that you can complete the task yourself and efficiently.
Before you start active, you need to make sure that you have purchased a compatible wing or support whale model designed specifically for the S1 series, since the geometry of the mounts may differ from the M365 or Pro models. Ignoring compatibility will lead to the fact that the holes do not match, and you will have to drill new ones, which is undesirable for an aluminum deck housing.
Tools and workplace preparation required
To properly install the wing support on the Xiaomi S1, you will need to organize a comfortable workspace with good lighting. The scooter must be fixed steadily to prevent its accidental fall or displacement during operation, which is especially important when working with small screws and fragile plastic elements.
The toolkit must be pre-assembled so that you don't interrupt the process by finding the right screwdriver or key, and the main tool will be a set of hexagonal keys, because the manufacturer uses this type of fastener for most nodes, and it will also be useful to have a plastic blade for carefully snapping the plugs without damaging the case.
- 🔧 Set of hexagonal keys (basic dimensions 3 mm, 4 mm and 5 mm) for dismantling deck and wing.
- 🪛 Cross screwdriver (PH2) for working with screws of plastic elements and plugs.
- 🧴 Degreasing and clean rags for surface preparation before installing additional elements.
- 🔦 A flashlight or a good lamp for illuminating hard-to-reach places in the area of the motor wheel.
Special attention should be paid to clean hands and tools, as dirt entering the engine-wheel mechanism or on contacts can cause problems in the future. If you plan to use additional fixing compounds, such as a thread locker, make sure that they are compatible with aluminum alloys and plastic.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting any work, be sure to turn off the scooter through the app or power button to exclude accidental motor activation and finger injury.
Dismantling of the staff protection and preparation of the deck
The first step in installing new support or strengthening an existing one is to remove the regular elements that may interfere with access to the mounting points. In the Xiaomi S1 model, the rear wing is often integrated with a plastic lining covering the top of the motor wheel. Carefully unscrew the screws that fix this lining and remove it, trying not to damage the plastic latches.
If the scooter is fitted with a regular cable protection, it must also be loosened or dismantled to allow easy access to the installation area. The engine power cable passes in close proximity to the wing mounts, and it cannot be damaged during installation. Act slowly and check each step visually.
☑️ Preparation for installation
After removing the interfering elements, carefully examine the surface of the deck in the rear wheel area, which may contain residues of factory glue, dirt or oxides that prevent the new support from fitting tightly, carefully wipe the surface with a degreaser to ensure maximum adhesion if the adhesive components are intended, or simply for the cleanliness of the assembly.
Installation of support elements and brackets
Installation of the main supporting part of the wing starts with the installation of side brackets that are attached to the shock absorber racks or directly to the deck, depending on the design of the kit purchased. In most cases, the Xiaomi S1 uses metal plates that cover the wheel axis or attach to existing holes in the frame. It is important not to pull the screws at this stage, so as not to break the thread in soft aluminum.
When you install side elements, make sure they are symmetrical relative to the wheel axis. A skew even a few millimeters will cause the wing to touch the tire when loaded, or conversely, will scooter when parked if the wing is performing the function of a footrest. Use a rod or ruler to control distances.
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Use a thread fixator (blue) on all screw connections of metal brackets, as vibration when driving quickly unwinds the ordinary metal.
The central support that will hold the main wing area is installed after the sidewalls are fixed, it can be an arc or a straight bar that connects the side elements. When mounting, make sure that the gap between the part being installed and the tire is uniform throughout the circumference.
Installation of the main wing cloth
Once the support structure is assembled and securely fixed, it's the turn of the wing cloth itself, which is usually made of flexible but durable plastic or composite material, which needs to be carefully inserted under the support arcs and fit the screw holes together. Don't put too much effort if the plastic doesn't get in place, maybe the supports are displaced.
The attachment of the cloth to the support is carried out using screws, which often come with a whale. Between the screw head and the plastic of the wing, it is desirable to install rubber or plastic washers so that when the plastic is vibrating, it does not crack and wipe. The elasticity of the attachment in this knot is critical for durability.
Pay special attention to the area where the wing fits the stop light and reflectors. The design of the Xiaomi S1 assumes the presence of light elements at the rear, and an improperly installed wing can block the light or damage the backlight wires. Check the gaps from all sides.
| Type of attachment | Screw material | Recommended time of tightening | Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side brackets | 8.8 steel | Average (to the point + 1/4 revolution) | Requires a thread fixer |
| Wing-cloth | Stainless steel | Low (neatly) | Mandatory washers |
| Cable protection | Plastic/Steel | Minimum | Don't squeeze the cable. |
What to do if the holes do not match?
Adjustment of gaps and elimination of backlashes
Once the entire structure is assembled, the gaps between the tire and the inner surface of the wing must be carefully adjusted, the optimal distance is 5 to 10 millimeters. Too little gap will cause the wing to rub against the rubber when a pebble hits or the tire deforms, causing rapid wear and noise. Too much gap will reduce the effectiveness of the protection against dirt.
To check, swing the wing in different directions. Let's just assume the minimum backlash that disappears with a light press. If the wing dangles, you need to tighten the fasteners or, in some cases, use additional sealing rings (silent blocks) in the places of attachment to the frame. Xiaomi S1 has a fairly rigid suspension, but the vibrations are still transmitted to the hinged elements.
- 📏 Check the gap at the top point (12 hours) at maximum suspension compression (press the steering wheel).
- 🔄 Scroll the wheel manually and listen to if there is any rustle or knock on the wing.
- 🔩 Check the tightening of all screws after the first test trip.
⚠️ Warning: If the wing hits the tire after installation when you press the brake, stop immediately and increase the gap, otherwise the wheel may jam at speed.
Final check and test run
The final step is to complete the full connection check and the first test run, and visually make sure that all screws are twisted, the plugs are installed, and the wires are not stretched and squeezed, and the cable going to the motor should have a small range so that when the suspension is running, it does not stretch to the limit.
Take a short ride on flat asphalt at low speed, and notice the extraneous sounds, like creaking, knocking, or vibrations at the back of the scooter, and if it's quiet, you can increase the speed and test the wing on the bumps, and that's where the dynamics are, you can see all the flaws in the mounting.
After the test trip, be sure to re-strengthen the screws. The metal tends to shrink slightly under load, and the primary puff may weaken. This is standard procedure for any new equipment. If everything goes well, your wing support is ready for full operation in all weather conditions.
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The high-quality wing installation on the Xiaomi S1 not only protects against dirt, but also prevents damage to the rear light and contacts during falls.