How to fold the scooter Xiaomi: instructions for all models (with photos and videos)

Xiaomi scooters are some of the most popular vehicles in the city, but even experienced owners sometimes have problems folding. It seems that the mechanism is simple: press a button, folded - and ready. However, improper folding can lead to breakage of the lock, grinding wires or even damage to the frame, especially for models with a spring mechanism (for example, Mi Electric Scooter 4), which requires accurate positioning of parts.

In this article, we will discuss:

• 🔧 Step-by-step folding algorithm for all current Xiaomi models (from the M365 to Mi Scooter 4 Ultra).
• ⚠️ Typical errors that lead to jamming of the mechanism or wear of plastic elements.
• 📦 Transportation Tips: How to Place a Folded Scooter in a Track, Subway or Bag.
• 🔩 What to do if the scooter does not fold - diagnosis and quick decisions.

Warn immediately: if your Xiaomi scooter was purchased before 2020 (for example, if you are a Xiaomi scooter, M365 The first batches, the folding mechanism may be different from the current models, so check the serial number on the frame, and it will tell you the exact modification.

1. The device of the folding mechanism: how it works inside

All Xiaomi scooters (except for children's models) are equipped with a spring-lever mechanism, which consists of:

• 🔘 Locker - a metal or plastic latch that holds the steering wheel in the working position.
• 🌀 Compression springs – ensures smooth folding and prevents spontaneous opening.
• 🔧 Adjustment bolt (in Pro 2 and newer models) - allows you to adjust the rigidity of the mechanism.
• 🛡️ Protective housing - prevents dirt and moisture from entering.

In the Mi Electric Scooter models 3/4 And you add a double lock, which is a better reliability, but it requires more folding effort. 4 Pro you need to press the red button on the steering wheel and simultaneously pull the lever up, otherwise the mechanism will lock.

Important: In 2023-2026 models (e.g. Xiaomi Scooter 4 Ultra), the folding mechanism is integrated with the theft lock system. If the scooter is locked through the app, folding may not be possible before unlocking.

2. Step-by-step instruction: how to fold the Xiaomi scooter (with photo)

Consider a universal algorithm that works for most models, and if you have a Mi Scooter 4 or newer, look for the extra step with a double lock.

1. Preparation: 🛑 Turn off the scooter (press the power button for 3 seconds). 🚫 Make sure the wheels don’t rotate (put on a flat surface). 🔋 If the scooter was in motion, wait 1-2 minutes (the spring may be hot).

Unlocking the mechanism:

Press the red button on the steering column (in models) M365/Pro 2) or gray lever under the wheel (in Mi Scooter) 4). Hold it until you hear the click.

Folding:

Smoothly pull the steering wheel up and on yourself until it lies on the rear wing. In spring models (Pro 2, 4 Pro) you can need a force of up to 5-7 kg.

Do not lower the steering wheel sharply - this can damage the shock absorbers or wiring inside the rack.

Folding in folded state:

Click the plastic hook on the steering wheel behind the rear mud shield. The Mi Scooter 4 has a magnetic lock.

⚠️ Note: If the scooter is not fixed in the folded state, do not transport it so - when shaking, the steering wheel can open and damage surrounding objects (or the owner himself).

3. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that eventually make the machine fail. TOP-5 problems and solutions:

• 🔧 "The "stick" button is the folding button. The reason is: sand, dust, or spring corrosion. WD-40 or silicone lubricant (do not use litol-based oils!).
• 🚫 The steering wheel is not fixed in the unfolded state Reason: wear of the plastic fixator (typical for M365 after 2–3 The solution is to replace the fixator (article) M365-001-012).
• ⚡ The scooter folds spontaneously while driving, because the spring is loose or the lock is broken, the emergency solution is to wrap the rack with tape until repair is done, the permanent one is to replace the mechanism.
• 🔊 Screaming or knocking when folding Cause: backlash in the rudder and frame connection. So the solution is to pull the adjusting bolt (under the hexagon) on the rack.
• 🔋 It doesn't add up after a fall. The reason is that the frame is bent or the fixture has shifted).

⚠️ Note: If the scooter Xiaomi fell on the wheel in the folded state, do not try to force it to decompose - it can bend the rack).

💡

Before a long trip (for example, on vacation), fold and unfold the scooter 3-4 times - this will help to identify potential problems with the mechanism in advance.

4. How to transport a folded scooter: tips for the subway, car and aircraft

The folded scooter Xiaomi takes up little space, but there are nuances:

• 🚇 In subway/public transport: According to the rules of most cities (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan), scooters are allowed in folded form outside rush hours.
• 🚗 In the trunk of the car: Stow the scooter upwards to avoid pressure on the steering wheel. If you are carrying with other things, wrap the frame with a soft cloth (for example, a towel).
• ✈️ On the plane: Batteries >100 Wh (all Xiaomi models except Mi Electric Scooter Lite) are prohibited in hand luggage. You can take the scooter in your luggage, but you must: Remove the battery and pack separately. Lock the wheels (for example, with a belt.

For regular trips, we recommend covers:

• 🎒 Backpack case (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter Bag) – suitable for M365/Pro 2.
• 🛍️ Hard case - for flights (protects against blows).
• 🧵 Cloth cover - from scratches in the subway.

💡

If the scooter is transported in a horizontal position (for example, in the trunk), check the steering wheel fixation every 2-3 hours - vibration can weaken the lock.

5 Maintenance: How to prolong the life of the mechanism

Xiaomi’s folding mechanism is designed for 10,000-15,000 cycles, but if used improperly, it can break down in a year.

1. Clean and lubricate: Every 3 months (or after rain), clean the mechanism of dirt with a dry brush and apply silicone lubrication to: Spring. Steering axis. Lock lock lock lock lock lock.

Don't use it. WD-40 — He washes out the factory lubricant!

Adjustment of the spring:

In the Pro 2 and 4 Pro models, you can twist the spring tension using a hexagon by 4 mm (clockwise - strengthening, against - weakening).

Checking the fasteners:

Every six months, pull the bolts of the rack (puff time - 6-8 Nm). Use the dynamometer key to avoid breaking the thread.

⚠️ Warning: If the mechanism becomes too easy to fold after lubrication, you overdo it with the amount of lubrication. Remove the excess with a dry cloth - otherwise the dust will stick faster.

Disassembly of the folding mechanism: when repair is inevitable

If the scooter doesn't fold even after lubrication, you'll have to disassemble the mechanism, which is no more difficult than replacing the wheel, but requires care.

Tools required:

• 🔧 Hexagons: 4 mm and 5 mm.
• 🔨 Screwdriver. T20 (for some).
• 🧴 Silicone lubricant or lithium consistency lubricant.
• 🧲 Magnet (to avoid losing small details).

Step-by-step disassembly (on the example of Xiaomi) M365):

1. Remove the plastic casing on the rack (it is attached to 2 latches).
2. Unscrew 4 bolts with a hexagon (2 from above, 2 from below).
3. Carefully remove the metal plate - there is a spring and a retainer under it.
4. Clean the parts with an alcohol solution and apply a new lubricant.
5. Collect in reverse order, making sure that the spring is in place.

⚠️ Critical error: Do not confuse the upper and lower parts of the locker - if you put them incorrectly, the mechanism will lock permanently!

Video disassembly instruction:

🎥 Watch on YouTube: "Seconding the mechanism Xiaomi" M365 10 minutes"

7. Comparison with other brands: who made the mechanism better?

Xiaomi's folding mechanism is robust, but it's not perfect.

The bottom line: Xiaomi offers a middle ground — it's not the most innovative, but it's easy to fix on its own, whereas Ninebot is more reliable, but if it breaks, you'll have to take it to the service.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)