How to disassemble a Xiaomi scooter: from wheel to electronics

Disassembling a Xiaomi scooter is a challenge that every owner will face sooner or later, whether it’s replacing worn rubber, cleaning bearings, repairing electronics or trivial maintenance, knowing the design of the device saves time and money. In this article, we will analyze the process of disassembly Step-by-step, taking into account the features of popular models (Mi Electric Scooter Pro 2, 1S, 3, 4), and also tell about the typical mistakes and ways to avoid them.

It is important to understand that Xiaomi scooters are not only mechanical, but also complex electronics with a system of protection against unskilled interference. For example, improperly disconnecting the battery can lead to locking of the controller, and careless disassembly of the steering column - to a backlash. So before you start work, read the frequent questions and prepare the necessary tools.

Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures

Before you start, make sure you have everything you need.The minimum set of tools for disassembling the Xiaomi scooter:

  • πŸ”§ Hexagons (2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm) – for most bolts
  • πŸ”¨ End keys (8 mm, 10 mm) - for fastening the wheels and steering column
  • ⚑ Multimeter – to check the voltage of the battery
  • 🧲 Magnetic screwdriver - so as not to lose small screws
  • πŸ”₯ Thermal shrink tube and insulation - for isolating contacts
  • πŸ“Έ Smartphone – for photographing the stages of disassembly

Safety is a priority: Xiaomi's scooter battery has voltage 36V–48V It can also be a short circuit, and never touch the bare contacts of the battery with metal tools, which can cause fire, and we recommend that you use gloves, because lithium-ion cells are sensitive to static electricity.

⚠️ Warning: If the scooter was in the cold (below) +5°C), let the battery heat up to room temperature before disassembly.

πŸ“Š What model of Xiaomi scooter you understand?
Mi Electric Scooter 1S
Pro 2
3
4
Another model

Disassembly of wheels: replacement of tires, bearings, brake pads

Wheels are the most worn element of a scooter.

  1. Turn the scooter over and fix the steering wheel in the folded position.
  2. Unscrew the wheel axis nut with the end key 10 mm (counterclockwise).
  3. Remove the wheel from the fork by pulling it on you. If it doesn't lend itself, gently tap the hammer through the wooden shed.

To replace the tyre or camera:

  • πŸ”Ή Lower the air by pressing the nipple.
  • πŸ”Ή Tap the edge of the tire with mounting blades (or flat screwdrivers), starting on the opposite side of the nipple.
  • πŸ”Ή Remove the camera, examine it for punctures (you can lower it into water - the bubbles will indicate the site of damage).

Bearings (usually) 608ZZ) Removed with a removable or neatly punched through a mandrel. Before installing new bearings, clear the seat of old lubrication and dirt. Use lithium lubricant or special bearing material for lubrication (not for the bearing). WD-40!).

β˜‘οΈ Checklist before wheel assembly

Done: 0 / 4

⚠️ Warning: If the wheel is hard to rotate after assembly, check the centering of the axle. The skewed wheel accelerates wear of bearings and increases the load on the engine.

Disassembly of the steering column: elimination of backlash and replacement of shock absorbers

Luft in the steering column is a common problem after 1-2 years of operation.

  1. Fold the scooter and close the rudder latch.
  2. With a 5 mm hexagon, unscrew two bolts on the bottom of the steering pin.
  3. Remove the steering wheel by pulling it up. If it doesn't give in, sway it slightly from side to side.
  4. Under the steering column you will see a adjusting nut (hexagon). 3 Put her on the back. 1/4 turn and check the backlash.

If the backlash remains, the steering column bearings will need to be replaced (usually). 6902RS). For that:

  • πŸ”§ Remove the plastic cover on the top of the pin.
  • πŸ”§ Knock out old bearings with a mandrel and hammer.
  • πŸ”§ Install new bearings by pre-lubricating them.

In the Mi Electric Scooter models 3/4 The steering column is equipped with shock absorbers to replace them:

  1. Unscrew the bolts of the mounting of shock absorbers (hexhedron 2.5 mm).
  2. Remove old shock absorbers and install new ones while observing polarity (usually marked with an arrow "UP").
How to check the serviceability of shock absorbers?
Press the steering wheel from top to bottom. If it returns to its original position smoothly, without jerking, the shock absorbers are fine. If you feel a failure or resistance, you need to replace it.

Disassembly of electronics: battery, controller, display

The electronic filling of the Xiaomi scooter requires special care. Start by turning off the battery:

  1. Remove the lower cover of the deck (unscrew 4 bolts with a hexagon of 2 mm).
  2. Disconnect the battery connector from the controller. First, turn off the sub-wire (black)!
  3. Measure the voltage at the terminals with a multimeter. Normal for the Mi Pro 2 β€” 42V–43.8V (full-load).

For battery replacement:

  • πŸ”‹ Unscrew the battery mounts (bolts 3 mm).
  • πŸ”‹ Remove the battery by pulling it up. Be careful - it's heavy (about 3 kg).
  • πŸ”‹ Install a new battery by connecting the connectors in reverse sequence (first plus, then minus).

The controller and display are less often disassembled, but if you need repairs:

  • πŸ“± The display is mounted on 2 bolts (2 mm) under rubber plugs on the steering wheel.
  • πŸ€– The controller is located under the deck, next to the battery, and its connectors are marked, so it's difficult to confuse them.
ComponentTypical malfunctionsMethod of diagnosis
BatteryFast discharge, bloating.Multimeter voltage check, visual inspection
ControllerUnintentional shutdown, errors on the displayTest with a known good battery
Display.It doesn't turn on, it flashes, it shows the wrong speed.Contact check, plume replacement
Hall's sensor.Moving jerks, uneven accelerationReplacement of sensors (3 units in the engine)

⚠️ Note: After replacing the controller or display, you may need to reset your settings through the official Mi Home app. Without this, the scooter may not recognize new components.

πŸ’‘

Before assembling the electronics, take a picture of the location of all the connectors, which will help avoid errors when connecting and save hours on finding a fault.

Disassembly of the motor and braking system

The motor wheel in Xiaomi scooters is a sealed assembly, but it can be disassembled to clean or replace Hall sensors.

  1. Remove the wheel (as described above).
  2. Carefully apply the engine cover with a flat screwdriver. It's on a sealant, so proceed with caution.
  3. Clean the insides of the dirt and old lubricant. Check the condition of the brush knots (in models with a brush engine).

The braking system (disc brake or electronic) also requires attention to:

  • πŸ›‘ To replace brake pads unscrew two 5 mm bolts on the caliper.
  • πŸ›‘ Check the thickness of the brake disc - if it is less than 1.5 mm, the disc must be replaced.
  • πŸ›‘ After assembly, adjust the tension of the brake cable (for mechanical brakes).

In electronic brake models (e.g. Mi Electric Scooter 4), check the performance of the brake sensor, which is located on the brake handle and connected to the controller with a thin wire, when the wire is damaged, the brake can act spontaneously.

πŸ’‘

If the scooter is jiggling when it's overclocked after assembly, it's likely that the Hall sensors are incorrectly installed.Β° each other.

Scooter assembly: check and test drive

The assembly should be in reverse order.

  • πŸ”© Moment of tightening of bolts: Wheel axis - 40-50 NΒ·m Steering column - 25-30 NΒ·m Battery - 5-8 NΒ·m
  • πŸ”Œ Connection of connectors: all contacts should sit tightly, without backlash.
  • πŸŽ›οΈ Adjustment of brakes: the stroke of the brake handle should be smooth, without jamming.

After assembly, perform a test drive:

  1. Check the display and lighting.
  2. Make sure the motor is smoothly gaining speed without jerking.
  3. Test the brakes at low speed (5-10 km/h).
  4. Listen to the scooter for extraneous noises (squeaking, knocking).

If the scooter is not activated after assembly:

  • πŸ”‹ Check the battery voltage.
  • πŸ”Œ Make sure all the connectors are connected correctly.
  • πŸ“± Try resetting your settings through the Mi Home app (Section Reset").

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling Xiaomi scooters.

  • πŸ”§ Bolt pulling - causes threads to break or parts to deform. Always use a dynamometer key.
  • ⚑ Short circuit: This happens when you touch the battery's plus and minus contacts.
  • πŸ”„ Incorrect assembly of bearings – if they are installed backwards, the wheel will wed.
  • πŸ“± Display password loss – after the display is replaced, binding via Mi Home may be required.

Another common problem is that the engine loses its leakage after disassembly, so if you've been cleaning the engine, put a thin layer of sealant on the lid before assembly, and that will prevent moisture and dirt from getting in.

If the scooter after repair behaves unstable (for example, spontaneously slows down or does not gain speed), check:

  • πŸ”Ή Status of Hall sensors in the engine.
  • πŸ”Ή Integrity of the brake cable (sometimes it is rubbed over).
  • πŸ”Ή Settings in the Mi Home app (possibly lost driving mode).

πŸ’‘

If the scooter does not turn on after replacing the battery, try to wake the controller by briefly closing the contacts of the battery connector (no longer than 1 second!).

FAQ: Frequent questions about dismantling the Xiaomi scooter

Can you disassemble the Xiaomi scooter without special tools?
Theoretically, yes, but it's risky. For example, you need a 5mm long-handled hexagon to unscrew the steering column bolts, you can't get to them with a normal key, and without a dynamometer key, you can easily pull the bolts over, which will break the thread, and the minimum toolbox will cost 500 to 1,000 rubles, but save you nerves and money for repairs.
How to remove the lock of the controller after improperly disconnecting the battery?
If the controller is locked (the scooter is not responding to the power button), try: Turn off the battery for 10-15 minutes. Connect it back to polarity. Press the power button for 10 seconds. If it doesn't work, plug the scooter into charging and try again. 90% of the time, it works. If it doesn't, you'll need to run the controller's firmware through ST-Link.
What if after disassembly the scooter began to accelerate more slowly?
There could be several reasons: πŸ”Ή Incorrectly installed Hall sensors in the engine. πŸ”Ή Contaminated brake disc or pads (they can brake the wheel). πŸ”Ή Mi Home App settings are lost (check the driving mode: "Sport", "Standard" or "Eco"). πŸ”Ή Battery discharged (check voltage: if it is lower) 36V, Start by diagnosing the motor and brakes, then check the electronics.
How often do I need to disassemble a scooter for maintenance?
Recommended frequency: πŸ”Ή Every 500 km: check tire pressure, cleaning and lubrication of bearings, inspection of brake pads. πŸ”Ή Every 2000 km: complete disassembly of wheels, check of motor and controller, replacement of worn parts. πŸ”Ή Every 5,000 km: battery diagnostics, shock absorbers replacement (if any), steering column checks. If you drive on wet or dusty roads, cut the intervals 1.5 to 2 times.
Can you replace the battery on the Xiaomi scooter, or is it better to contact the service?
Replacing the battery is a medium-sized task, and if you have experience with electronics and multimeters, you can do it yourself: πŸ”‹ Buy an original battery or a quality analogue (for example, from Baseus or Green Cell). πŸ”§ Observe polarity when connecting. πŸ“± After replacing, reset the settings in the Mi Home app (sometimes the controller does not recognize the new battery).If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact the service - errors when working with lithium-ion batteries can lead to a fire.