Folding the Xiaomi M365 Pro is a seemingly simple operation, but many owners face challenges from jammed mechanism to accidental unfolding during transportation. Unlike the base model M365, the Pro version has a reinforced lock and a modified lock, which requires a special approach. If you just bought a scooter or plan to transport it, it is important to understand the nuances of the design to avoid breakdowns.
In this article, we will discuss the step-by-step folding algorithm, tell you about common errors (for example, why the scooter does not lock in the folded state), and give recommendations for the maintenance of the mechanism. We will focus on safety: how to hold the scooter correctly when folding so as not to damage the steering column or battery, and you will find answers to questions about transportation in public transport and storage in the trunk of the car.
If your M365 Pro isn't new anymore, it could get clogged or lost its lubrication -- we'll show you how to fix it without going to the service. And for those of you who like numbers, we'll give you a comparison table with the folding parameters of different Xiaomi models.
The design of the folding mechanism: what you need to know
The folding mechanism of the Xiaomi M365 Pro consists of three key elements: a locking lever (located on the steering column), a spring lock (inside the rack) and a safety latch (prevents spontaneous unfolding). Unlike the base model, it uses a reinforced spring, which requires more effort in folding.
It's important to understand that the mechanism is designed to last up to 10,000 folding/folding cycles, but if you don't use it properly, that resource is reduced, for example, if you pull a lever at an angle or apply force to the steering wheel (rather than to the rack), you'll eventually get a backlash.
Inside the rack is a plastic fixture that can deform over time, which is one of the reasons why the scooter stops being securely fixed when folded, and it also uses a metal pin that sometimes jams due to corrosion (especially when riding in the rain).
To prolong the life of the mechanism, just once every 3 months to clean it of dust and lubricate it with silicone lubricant. Under no circumstances use WD-40 or other aggressive compounds - they corrode plastic parts!
Step-by-step: how to fold Xiaomi M365 Pro
Follow this algorithm to avoid breakdowns:
- Place the scooter on a flat surface, make sure the front wheel is facing forward and the steering wheel is not turned to the side, which is important so as not to put additional strain on the mechanism.
- Find the lock lever on the steering column (on the right if you look at it from the front) and press it with your thumb down until you hear a click.
- Holding the lever, gently pull the steering wheel on and up. Don't apply force abruptly, the mechanism should work smoothly.
- Fold the steering wheel to the end until the safety latch locks it. You should hear the second click.
- Check the stability of the fixation: shake the scooter a little, if the steering wheel doesn't fold, it's done right.
If the steering wheel doesn't fold at step 3, don't try to push harder. It's likely that the latch hasn't fully pressed. Try pressing the lever again and repeat the action.
The wheel is looking straight |
The lever of fixation doesn't bite |
No extraneous sounds when pressed |
The steering wheel moves smoothly, without jerks.-->
Note that when folded, the M365 Pro takes 108 × 43 × 49 cm (length × width × height) and is important to consider when transporting in the trunk or public transport.
⚠️ Attention: If you fold a scooter after driving in the rain, first wipe the mechanism with a dry cloth.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced owners sometimes make mistakes that eventually make the machine fail, and here are the most common ones:
- 🔧 Sharp twitching of the steering wheel, which causes the plastic fixture to deform. Always fold the scooter smoothly.
- 🚫 If you don't wait for the characteristic sound when you're fixing, the scooter can open up in the trunk or on the move.
- 💦 Folding a wet scooter, moisture gets into the mechanism and causes corrosion. Always dry the scooter before transporting it.
- 🔨 Use force when you hit. If the machine doesn't work, don't push harder, make sure the trash is in the latch.
Another common problem is spontaneous unfolding during transportation, which is due to the wear of the spring or the deformation of the lock, and to avoid this situation, you can use an additional belt or screed, but you better repair the mechanism immediately.
If you notice that the lock lever has become soft (you can't feel a click), it's a sign of the spring wear and tear, and then it's recommended to replace it at a service center. The cost of repairs is usually less than 1,500 to 2,000. ₽.
What should I do if the mechanism is jammed?
Comparison with other Xiaomi models: what has changed in the Pro version
The M365 Pro’s folding mechanism is inherited from the base model, but has several key differences:
| Parameter | Xiaomi M365 | Xiaomi M365 Pro | Xiaomi Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of fixator | Plastic, standard. | Plastic, reinforced. | Metal, double spring. |
| Folding force | Lung (1-2 kg) | Mean (2-3 kg) | Heavy (3-4 kg) |
| Moisture protection | IP54 (partial) | IP54 (improved seals) | IP55 |
| Dimensions folded | 108 × 43 × 49 cm | 108 × 43 × 49 cm | 113 × 43 × 53 cm |
| Frequent breakdowns | The plastic fixator breaks down | Jamming the spring | Wear of metal pin |
As you can see from the table, M365 The Pro is more reliable than the base model, but inferior to the Pro 2 in moisture protection and durability of the mechanism. If you often ride in the rain, it is worth considering buying a case for the folding mechanism (cost from 800). ₽).
Now, interestingly, the Pro 2 uses a magnetic latch that's more reliable at preventing spontaneous unfolding, and if you're planning an upgrade, that might be a big argument.
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If you often transport a scooter in the trunk, buy a special case with hard inserts, which will protect not only the folding mechanism, but also the display from scratches.
Transportation and storage: tips for owners
Proper transportation prolongs the life of a scooter. Here are some tips:
- 🚌 Public transport: On the subway or bus, hold the scooter upright with your back wheel on it. Don't put it on the seat, it can damage the steering wheel.
- 🚗 Car trunk, if you're moving horizontally, lock the steering wheel with screeds, avoid direct sunlight on the battery.
- ✈️ Air travel. M365 Pro can be taken to the cabin if the battery does not exceed 160 Wh (this model has 128 Wh). Pack the scooter in the case and remove the battery (if the airline requires it).
- 🏠 Home storage. Don't leave the scooter folded for long, it deforms the spring. Once a month, fold it and prevent it.
If you often ride a scooter in the winter, remove salt and reagents before folding, which corrodes metal and plastic, which leads to snag, use a wet cloth to clean, and then dry the mechanism with a hairdryer (at minimum power).
When stored in a garage or on a balcony, make sure the temperature does not drop below -10 ° C. Lithium batteries do not tolerate frost, and plastic parts become brittle.
⚠️ Note: If you are carrying a scooter in the trunk with other cargoes, make sure that there is nothing pressing on the steering wheel. Even a small load (for example, a groceries bag) can deform the folding mechanism.
Repairing the machine with your own hands: when it is possible
Not all breakdowns require a service call, but here are some cases where you can handle it yourself:
- 🔧 Lever jamming. Usually caused by dirt, clean the mechanism with compressed air and lubricate it with silicone lubrication.
- 🔄 Weak fixation. If the steering wheel is spontaneously unfolding, check the spring. Sometimes it's enough to bend it with pliers.
- 🔊 A crunch or a crunch indicates a lack of lubrication, disassemble the mechanism and apply the lubrication to the metal parts.
To disassemble the mechanism you will need: a hexagonal key for 5 mm, a Torx screwdriver. T20 Carefully remove the lid on the steering column (it is held on 3 screws) and examine the lock. If the plastic part cracks, it can be replaced with a new one. 3D-printed (the drawings are available in the open access).
The more difficult thing is if you break a metal pin, and you have to replace the entire machine, which costs 3,000 to 4,000. ₽ However, such breakdowns are rare and usually involve abuse.
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If you're not sure about yourself, you should go to the service, and if you're not repairing it properly, it can cause even more serious damage, like backlash in the steering column.