How to fold the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 1S: instructions with nuances

Why it’s important to be able to fold Xiaomi 1S correctly: risks and benefits

The Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 1S has become one of the most popular vehicles in the city due to its compactness and power. However, even a simple process like folding can be difficult for beginners — especially if you do not know the mechanism. Mishandling a lock or hinge often leads to jamming of the steering wheel, damage to the brake cable or even break the lock. In this article, we will understand how to fold the Xiaomi 1S quickly, safely and without consequences for technology.

The manufacturer claims that the folding mechanism is designed to last more than 10,000 cycles, but this is only true when used carefully. Many users complain of backbone steering or creaking after months of use - and it is often due to careless folding. We tested the process on triplicate Xiaomi 1S (2020-2023 release) and identified key points that even experienced riders miss.

Note: if your scooter already has problems with the mechanism (for example, the lock is not fixed or the steering wheel is dangling), do not try to fold it by force - this can aggravate the breakdown.

Preparation for folding: what to check before starting

Before you start folding, make sure the scooter is in a safe condition.

• 🛑 Turn off the power. Even if the scooter is not going, accidentally pressing the gas can cause injury.Push and hold the power button for 3 seconds until the indicator goes out.
• 🔄 Check the steering wheel. It should be strictly perpendicular to the deck. If the steering wheel is turned left/right, the lock mechanism may not work.
• 🧹 Clean the hinge knot. Sand, dirt or moisture in the mechanism is the main cause of jamming.
• 🔧 Make sure there's no backlash. Try swaying the steering wheel up and down. If you hear a knock, maybe the bolts have loosened.

Pay special attention to the rear brake cable, which runs next to the hinge, and if you fold it in a careless way, the cable can rub or catch on to the parts of the mechanism, and if you notice damage to the insulation, you better replace the cable immediately to avoid brake failure in the way.

Next articleHow to fold Xiaomi 1S in 10 seconds

Now, to the process itself, follow the instructions strictly to avoid errors.

1. Step 1. Unlock the lock Press the red lock button (located on the rack under the steering wheel) with the thumb of your right hand. The effort should be sure, but not sharp - just press 1-2 kg. Hear the characteristic click.
2. Step 2. Tilt the steering wheel forward with your left hand, drive closer to the center, your right hand, hold the deck. Smoothly tilt the steering wheel until it lies on the front wing. Don't throw the steering wheel, it can damage the shock absorbers.
3. Step 3. Lock the folded position There's a magnetic hold on the back of the steering wheel (metal plate). Press the steering wheel to the deck so it sticks to the magnet. If the fixation is weak, check the magnet for dirt.

Important: If you're not able to lock in step 1, don't push harder, you're probably going to get dirt or need lubrication, and use WD-40 or silicone lubricant to treat the hinge.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that eventually make the machine fail, and here are the most common ones:

Notice the front shock absorbers, they can deform when folded in a careless manner, causing vibrations during the ride, and if the scooter is going sideways after unfolding, check for symmetry.

Care for the folding mechanism: prolonging the life of the scooter

To make the folding mechanism last longer, follow the simple rules of care:

• 🧴 Hubble lubrication. Use silicone lubricant or lithole every 3-4 months. Apply a thin layer on metal parts, avoiding contact with plastic.
• 🧹 Cleaning after rain. If you've been driving in the rain, wipe the hinge with a dry cloth and blow it with compressed air (such as a compressor for wheels).
• 🔧 Check bolts. Once a month, pull up the steering wheel and hinge bolts (use the 5mm key).
• 🚫 Avoid overloading. Don't put bags or backpacks on the wheel, it deforms the mechanism.

If you notice that the lock is tightly pressed, do not rush to lubricate it. Perhaps the problem is the ingress of sand - in this case, it is better to wash the mechanism with isopropyl alcohol and only then apply the lubrication.

💡

After lubricating the hinge, fold and open the scooter several times so that the lubricant is evenly distributed in the details.

How to decompose Xiaomi 1S: the reverse process with nuances

The scooter's layout seems easier, but there are pitfalls here, too.

1. Step 1. Take the steering wheel off the magnet. Take the wheel and pull it up and a little bit on you. Don't pull it too hard, the magnet might come off the base.
2. Step 2. Raise the steering wheel until you click Smoothly until you hear the lock click. If there is no click, check if the mechanism is stalling.
3. Step 3. Lock position Make sure the red lock button is drowned (does not protrude). If it remains pressed, press again to lock the lock.

Important: after you've laid out, always check the back of the steering wheel. If it's hanging, it means the lock didn't work.

1. Press the steering wheel down slightly to hear the click.
2. If it doesn’t work, disassemble the cleaning mechanism (instruction below).

💡

If the scooter is "leading" away after unfolding, the front wheel is likely to have skewed. Check the symmetry of the shock absorbers and the tire pressure (normal: 2.0-2.5 bar).

Cleaning and adjustment of the mechanism: when disassembly is required

If folding is a problem (locking, steering wheels, slug), it's time to clean the mechanism.

• Cross screwdriver (PH2)
• Hexagon (5 mm)
• Silicone lubricant
• Napkins without pile

Disassembly instructions:

1. Unscrew 4 bolts on the bottom of the rack (under the steering wheel).
2. Remove the plastic cover of the mechanism. Be careful, there are springs underneath it!
3. Clean the parts of old lubricant and dirt. Use alcohol or a special cleaner.
4. Apply the new lubricant to the metal axles and plastic guides.
5. Put the mechanism back together. Tighten the bolts cross-to-cross to avoid skewing.

Warning: If you notice cracks in plastic parts or deformation of metal axes during dismantling, the mechanism should be replaced. In this case, contact the Xiaomi service center - self-repair can be dangerous.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions