How to disassemble the Xiaomi scooter: a step-by-step guide

Electricity from Chinese giant Xiaomi has proven to be a reliable and compact solution for urban mobility. However, even the best technology requires maintenance over time, whether it is replacing a broken camera, lubricating bearings or eliminating the backlash of the steering column. Self-disassembly of a Xiaomi scooter can seem a daunting task for a beginner, but with the right tool and a clear algorithm of actions, this process becomes quite affordable.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the design of popular models such as the M365, Pro and Pro 2 so that you can safely diagnose and repair. It is important to understand that opening the case can affect warranty obligations, so you make all the manipulations at your own risk.

Before you start dismantling, you need to prepare the workplace, you need a flat surface with good lighting, where pets and young children will not get, and you should also purchase a toolkit in advance, since a standard screwdriver from the hardware store may not be enough to work with specific screws and tight connections.

Tools and workplace preparation required

Quality training is half the success of any electronics repair. To disassemble Xiaomi scooters, you will need a specific set of tools that differ from the standard household. The main difficulty is often the screws with a secret head and special slits that the manufacturer uses to protect against unskilled interference.

The basic set of the master should include the following subjects:

• 🔧 Set of bits (crosses) PH2, flat, hexagonal and necessarily Torx T20/T25).
• 🔋 Plastic blades for opening the housings without damage.
• 🧤 Dielectric gloves for safe operation with the battery.
• 🧴 Degreasing and lubricant for subsequent assembly.

The Torx screwdriver is worth paying special attention, since most fasteners in the deck and steering rack have just such a slit. Using an inappropriate bit can lead to slicing of the screw faces, which will turn a simple repair into a long torture with drilling of the fastener, it is also recommended to have a magnetic mat or a container with cells at hand, so as not to lose small cogs in the process of work.

⚠️ Warning: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the scooter from the charger and press the power button to make sure it is off.

Organise the space so that all the parts are at hand. Light should fall evenly, without creating deep shadows in the disassembly zone. If you have the opportunity, use a magnifying glass or a magnifying glass on a tripod to work with small connectors and boards.

Dismantling the lower deck and access to the battery

The bottom deck is the main body of the scooter, which hides the battery, the controller and the control system. To access the insides, you need to turn the scooter upside down, which is the most important step, because sloppy movement can damage the cable channel that runs inside the rack.

The process of removing the bottom cover is as follows:

1. Unscrew all visible screws around the perimeter of the bottom panel.
2. Check the indentations under rubber plugs (if you have them in your model).
3. Carefully tuck the plastic cover with a spatula, starting from the front.
4. Do not pull sharply so as not to damage the wires going to the control board.

Inside, you'll see a massive battery pack, covered with metal or plastic protection, and the battery in the M365 and Pro is made up of many 18650 elements connected to a single system, and it's critical that you don't damage the wire insulation and the BMS itself, because short circuits in lithium cells can cause fire.

A full battery diagnosis often requires removing the top of the deck, which is done after unscrewing the screws hidden under stickers or rubber pads on the top surface. Be careful with the plumes connecting the control buttons and charge indicators to the main board.

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When removing the bottom cover, immediately disconnect the battery connector from the controller if you plan to work with electronics, this will eliminate accidental short circuit when touching tools to the board.

Disassembly of the steering column and elimination of backlash

The steering column is a assemblage that experiences maximum vibration loads. Over time, owners notice that the steering wheel begins to stagger or creak. Disassembly of this part of Xiaomi allows you to lubricate the bearings and tighten the fasteners, returning the structure to its original rigidity.

First, you need to remove the decorative pad on the steering wheel, if any, then you unscrew the locking screw, which fixes the position of the steering pipe, and some modifications require a complete dismantling of the steering wheel along with the grips and brake handles to access the upper bearing.

A common problem is the wear of plastic bushings or the drying of lubricant in slip bearings.

• 🛑 Cracks on plastic fixing elements.
• 🛑 Lack of lubrication or presence of dirt in the node.
• 🛑 Weakening of locking nuts.

Once the knot is cleaned and lubricated, put the structure back together, remembering the thread lock. Excessive tightening of the screws in an aluminum alloy can cause the thread to break down, so be moderate. Luft steering is not only a discomfort, but also a direct safety threat, so you can't ignore this problem.

⚠️ Warning: When assembling the steering column, make sure the power cable is not twisted or clamped between metal parts.A worn wire can cause a short circuit when turning the steering wheel.

If you find deep workings on metal, simple lubrication won’t help — you’ll need to replace worn parts. In the spare parts stores for Xiaomi, there are repair kits for the steering column, including new sleeves and fasteners.

Removal and maintenance of wheels and motor wheels

Replacing a camera or tire is the most common reason for disassembling a scooter. The motor wheel (usually the front one) has a more complex design because of the built-in electric motor. Removing the wheel requires care so as not to damage the phase wires coming from the axle.

Algorithm for removing the front wheel:

1. Unscrew the bolts that fasten the engine cover (if the model allows).
2. Remove the brake disc by unscrewing the screws in a circle.
3. Remove the axis nuts and remove the locking washers.
4. Carefully stretch the axis, watching the exit of the wires.

The rear wheel is usually easier to remove, but requires removing the brake caliper and disconnecting the speed sensor. When disassembling, pay attention to the condition of the bearings. If you hear a hum from your hand or feel a roll, the bearings should be replaced immediately.

To replace the camera, you need to remove the tire completely. Use the mounting blades to avoid damaging the rim. The Pro and Pro 2 have tubeless tires, but many users install inside the camera for reliability. When assembled, make sure that the camera is not sandwiched between the tire and the rim, or there will be a hernia or puncture.

Diagnostics of the controller and electrical system

The controller is the scooter's brain, which controls the power supply to the motor, and it's located in the front of the deck and it's protected by a metal casing, and when you disassemble, you often have to remove the bottom lid completely and disconnect a lot of the connectors.

The main signs of a controller failure:

• ⚡ The scooter does not respond to the trigger of gas.
• ⚡ The motor twitches or hums, but does not spin.
• ⚡ Unintentional power outage under load.

When you visually inspect the controller board, look for signs of overheating, swollen capacitors or oxidation of contacts. Often the problem lies in poor contact in the phase wire connectors. Cleaning the contacts with alcohol and reconnecting can solve the problem without replacing an expensive module.

If you change the controller, be sure to check firmware compatibility. Newer versions of Xiaomi may have protection against installing non-original components.

⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to repair battery or controller elements unless you have experience with high voltage electronics.Errors can cause the device to fail permanently.

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Proper diagnostics of electrical equipment begins with checking the integrity of all connections and the absence of oxides on the contacts, not with replacing expensive nodes.

Scooter assembly and systems inspection

After all the repairs are done, the assembly phase is as important as the dismantling process, and the main task is to assemble all the components so that there are no unnecessary parts left, and all the wires are securely fixed and isolated from the moving parts.

When tightening the screws, keep the sequence, especially on the lids of the case. Equitable distribution of force will prevent distortions and gaps through which moisture can enter the scooter. Pay special attention to the cable channel: it must lie free, without tension, so that when folding the steering wheel, the wires do not feel loaded.

First launch after assembly:

1. Connect the battery connector.
2. Turn on the scooter and check the indication.
3. Smoothly press the gas while holding the scooter on weight.
4. Check the brakes and headlights.

If all systems are running properly, take a short test ride at low speed. Listen to outside noises, knocking, creaking, or humming. The lack of vibrations on the steering wheel and smooth running indicate a quality work done.