Folding mechanism is a key feature of Xiaomi electric scooters, making them convenient for transportation and storage. Model 1S (also known as Mi Electric Scooter 1S) is equipped with an improved lock compared to the basic version, but many users face difficulties in the first folding. In this article, we will analyze the design of the hinge, describe the folding / unfolding process, and also explain how to avoid breakage of the mechanism and extend its life.
The Xiaomi 1S features a dual-string system: a primary lever and an additional safety latch, and if you don't synchronize them, the scooter may not lock in when folded or, on the contrary, may not open completely, and we analyzed typical errors (such as trying to fold the scooter without unlocking the latch) and prepared visual diagrams for clarity.
Attention! If you have just purchased Xiaomi 1S, we recommend that you first practice folding / spreading the scooter on a flat surface 3-4 times, without putting too much effort, which will help to "get lost" the mechanism and avoid jamming in the future.
Xiaomi 1S folding mechanism: what’s inside?
The Mi Electric Scooter 1S folding unit consists of 5 key elements:
- The main lever of fixation is a metal loop with a spring that holds the steering rack in the working position.
- A safety latch is a plastic tongue that blocks random folding during movement.
- The hinge bolt - the axis of rotation, requires periodic lubrication.
- A shock absorbing sleeve is a damper that softens the impact when unfolding.
- Rubber seal protects the mechanism from dust and moisture (IP54 protection class).
Unlike the M365, the 1S adds a reinforced metal bracket on the steering rack, which increases the stiffness of the structure by 20%, but it also means that folding requires a little more effort (about 8-10 kgf), especially if the mechanism is new.
⚠️ Attention: If the lever moves too tightly or makes creaks, this is a sign of lack of lubrication or sand hitting the hinge. WD-40 grease-driven Xiaomi 1S It's strictly forbidden, it washes out the factory lubricant and leads to corrosion. LIQUI MOLY or silicone spray for plastic machinery.
Step-by-step: how to fold the scooter Xiaomi 1S
Before starting, make sure that the scooter is off (power button is held for 3 seconds), and the wheels are on a flat surface.
- Unlock the safety latch: Press the red plastic tongue (located at the right under the steering wheel) with your thumb down until you click. Make sure it drowns in the case - this is an unlock signal.
- Open the main lever: Hold the steering wheel with your left hand, press the metal loop with your right hand (on the left side of the rack) and pull it on yourself. The lever should come out of the groove with a characteristic click.
- Fold the steering rack: Smoothly tilt the steering wheel forward until it lies on the front wing. Don't make a sharp effort, it can damage the shock-absorbing bushing.
- Lock the folded position: Make sure the hook on the rack is hooked on the groove on the base. If the scooter spontaneously unfolds, repeat step 2.
☑️ Pre-shipment checks
⚠️ Note: If there is a gap between the steering wheel and the wing after folding 5 This indicates wear on the shock absorbing sleeve, in which case contact the service center to replace the part (article: M365-007).
How to Unload Xiaomi 1S: The Reverse Process
The scooter requires more care than folding, because the wrong actions can lead to a break in the locking bracket.
- Unlock the hook: Press the black plastic tongue (located on the base under the steering wheel) and hold it.
- Raise the steering wheel: With your left hand, hold the rack to the end, with your right hand, hold the lever in the upper position. It should snap automatically.
- Activate the safety latch: Press the red tongue before clicking - it should move out of the case.
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If the locking lever doesn't click when you unfold, try swaying the steering wheel slightly left-right (amplitude 2-3 cm), which helps the mechanism to sit in place.
To check the correctness of the fixation:
- 🔴 Pull the steering wheel on yourself with a force of 5-7 kg - it should not move.
- 🟢 Try to fold the scooter without pressing the latch - the mechanism should not give in.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Analysis of service center calls shows that 80% of Xiaomi 1S folding mechanism failures are due to improper operation.
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Folding without unlocking the latch | Bending of metal bracket, cracks on plastic | Always check if the red tongue is drowned. |
| Dramatic lowering of the steering wheel when unfolding | Splitting of shock absorbing sleeve, backlash in hinge | Control the speed of the rack. |
| Use of WD-40 for lubrication | Corrosion of the hinge bolt, jamming of the mechanism | Use only silicone lubricants |
| Transportation in folded state without fixing the hook | Spontaneous unfolding, falling of the scooter | Check the reliability of the fixation before carrying |
What to do if the scooter is not fixed in the folded state?
Care for the folding mechanism: extending the service life
To fold the Xiaomi 1S mechanism lasted more than 5 years (the warranty period for the hinge is 12 months), follow the recommendations:
- 🧴 Lubrication: Treat the hinge bolt 1 time every 3 months (or after 500 km of running) with silicone lubricant. Apply it point-by-point through a technical hole (diameter 2 mm) under the lever.
- 🧹 Cleaning: After driving on dusty roads or in the rain, wipe the mechanism with a wet wipe, then with a dry cloth. Avoid directing a jet of water under pressure!
- 🔧 Adjustment: If a backlash appears in the rack, pull the hinge bolt with a hexagon by 5 mm (the moment of tightening is 12 N·m).
- 🚫 Prohibited: Keeping the scooter folded for more than 2 weeks will deform the shock-absorbing sleeve. Hang heavy objects on the wheel when folded (for example, a backpack).
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Regular lubrication of the hinge increases the life of the mechanism by 40% and prevents creaking when folding.
Comparison with other Xiaomi models: what has changed?
The folding mechanism of the Xiaomi 1S inherited the basic design from the M365, but received several key improvements:
| Model | Type of fixation | Material of the bracket | Folding force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi M365 | Single lever | aluminum | 5-7 kg |
| Xiaomi 1S | Double (lever + latch) | Carbon steel | 8-10 kg |
| Xiaomi Pro 2 | Double + Magnetic Locker | Stainless steel | 6-8 kg |
The main difference between the 1S and the Pro 2 is the lack of a magnetic hold, which in older models is responsible for smooth folding. Instead, the 1S uses a reinforced spring, which makes the mechanism more reliable in extreme temperatures (from -10 ° C to +40 ° C).
Video instruction and additional resources
For visual perception of the process, we recommend the official video from Xiaomi (available on the support page).
- 🎥 0:45 - correct position of hands when folding.
- 🎥 1:20 – The clicking sound when the lever is fixed.
- 🎥 2:10 - Checking the safety latch reliability.
If you have any questions about the mechanism, study it. 3D-Parts catalogue (section "Mi Electric Scooter" 1S → Folding mechanism”). Original replacement parts can also be ordered there.