The Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter Essential is one of the most popular budget options for city trips, but even experienced owners sometimes have questions about its operation. Folding the mechanism seems like a simple procedure, but the wrong actions can lead to a rudder jamming, damage to the brake cable or even break the lock. In this article, we will analyze the step-by-step algorithm, talk about the hidden nuances of the design and give advice on how to avoid typical errors.
The Essential model features a simplified folding system compared to the flagships Xiaomi Pro or 1S. There is no automatic lock, so the whole process falls on the shoulders of the user. If you just bought a scooter or plan to transport it on public transport, this instruction will save time and nerves. And we will also reveal the secret technique for smooth folding effortlessly - it will not be found in the official manual!
Preparation of the scooter for folding: 3 mandatory steps
Before you start folding, make sure that the scooter is ready for this procedure, and neglect of preparation is the main reason for jamming the mechanism and premature wear of parts.
- 🛑 Turn off the power. Press and hold the Power 3 button for a second until the light goes out. This will prevent the motor from accidentally triggering when manipulating the frame.
- 🧹 Clean the mechanism. If the scooter was used in the rain or on dirty roads, wipe the folding joint and the steering wheel lock with a dry cloth.
- 🔧 Check the mounts. Make sure the bolts on the steering column and platform are not loosened. If you notice a backlash, pull them up by 5 mm (moment of force: 8-10 Nm).
Pay special attention to the brake cable. When folding, it should not be stretched or twisted. If the cable is sandwiched between the frame and the steering wheel, this can lead to a loss of braking efficiency after unfolding. In Xiaomi Essential, the cable runs to the right of the steering column - remember this, so as not to confuse the sides.
How to fold Xiaomi Essential in 20 seconds
Now, to the core process, follow the algorithm in strict order, which ensures that the mechanism will not jam and last longer. Just 5 steps:
- Unlock the steering wheel lock. Press the red button on the steering column (front, under the steering wheel) and simultaneously pull the steering wheel up. The effort should be smooth — don't pull!
- Tilt the steering wheel forward. After unlocking, tilt the steering column to the front wing to the full stop, and you hear the characteristic click, and that's the first lock.
- Fold the platform. Take the wheel with one hand, and the other press the black pedal at the base of the platform (back, next to the rear wing), the platform will fold automatically under the action of the spring.
- Lock the steering wheel. When the platform is folded, tilt the steering wheel as down as possible until it snaps on the second lock (again, there should be a click).
- Check reliability. Get the scooter behind the wheel -- if the platform doesn't fold under its own weight, it's done right.
An important nuance: Xiaomi Essential does not have an automatic lock like the Pro 2 or 3 Lite models, which means that when transporting the scooter can accidentally open if shaken or dropped. To avoid this, use a carry strap (comes with it) - it tightens the steering wheel and platform, preventing spontaneous unfolding.
Brake cable not clamped |Strikers snapped (two clicks)|Wheels not locked |Rule not backed up-->
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced owners sometimes make mistakes that eventually make the machine fail. TOP-3 Problems and ways to prevent them:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Folding without unlocking the lock | Bending pin of the fixator, rudder jamming | Always press the red button before folding. |
| The steering wheel jerks upwards | Stretching of the mechanism spring, backlash | Raise the steering wheel smoothly, without jerking |
| Transportation without belt fixation | Spontaneous unfolding, cable damage | Use a complete strap or cover |
| Folding on uneven surfaces | Platform skewing, difficult laying out | Put the scooter on a flat, solid coating |
OSeparate deserves attention to the problem of jamming the mechanism after prolonged use. If the scooter began to fold tightly, the reasons may be as follows:
- 🔩 The hinge is contaminated. The sand and dust get into the mechanism, creating friction. Solution: clean up. WD-40 and lubricate with silicone.
- 💧 Corrosion. If the scooter was stored in a wet room, the metal parts could rust.
- 🔧 Bolt loosening. Vibration when driving unwinds the mounts. Solution: pull the bolts with a key (moment of force: 8-10 Nm).
What to do if the scooter does not fold at all?
How to fold Xiaomi Essential with one hand: Lifehack for experienced Over time, the folding process can be optimized to spend minimal effort on it. Here is a secret technique used by couriers and experienced riders: Place the scooter on the rear wheel, resting the front wing on the floor (like on a bicycle rack). Press the red button of the retainer with your right thumb, while circling the steering wheel with the other fingers. Pull the steering wheel up and on yourself in one smooth motion, the platform will fold automatically under the weight of the scooter. Secure the steering wheel with a belt (if you plan to carry), this method requires some skill, but after 2 to 3 attempts, you can fold the scooter in 10 to 15 seconds. The main thing is not to rush and make sure that the brake cable does not fall under the platform. 💡If you often transport a scooter on a subway or bus, buy a case with a hard bottom. It will protect the mechanism from impacts and prevent accidental unfolding.
Scooter laying out: the reverse process with pitfalls
Xiaomi Essential seems easier to deploy, but there are some nuances here too: if you do it wrong, you can damage your electronic controller or battery.
- Place the scooter on a flat surface with the front wheel to yourself.
- Unlock the strap (if it has been fastened).
- Pull the steering wheel up and forward until the first lock clicks.
- Press the black pedal at the base of the platform, it will open automatically.
- Lower the steering wheel down until the second lock clicks.
- Check that the steering wheel is not back and the wheels rotate freely.
A critical mistake many users make is to turn the scooter on before it is fully unfolded, which can lead to:
- 🔋 Short circuit in the controller (if the platform is not fixed, vibration damages the contacts).
- 🚲 Blocking of wheels due to incorrect position of Hall sensor.
- ⚠️ Spontaneous movement (if the steering wheel is not fixed, the engine can work when tilted).
💡
Always unroll the scooter when power is off, only turn it on after checking the locks and the wheels are free.
Care for the folding mechanism: prolonging the life of the scooter
To make the folding mechanism last longer, you just need to follow simple maintenance rules. Xiaomi Essential uses closed bearings, but they still need attention.
- 🧴 Lubrication. Every 3 to 6 months, apply a silicone lubricant to the folding joint. Don't use it. WD-40 — She washes out the factory lubricant!
- 🧹 Clean. After driving in mud or rain, wipe the mechanism with a dry cloth. For hard-to-reach places, use compressed air.
- 🔧 Adjust. Check the steering column once a year, if it exceeds 2-3 mm, pull the bolts (moment of force: 8-10 Nm).
- 🛡️ When stored in a damp room, treat metal parts with an anti-corrosion spray.
If you notice that the mechanism has started to creak or jam, do not delay repairs. 80% of the time the problem is solved by cleaning and lubrication, but if you ignore the symptoms, you may need to replace the hinge or fixator (price of parts: 1,500-3000). ₽).
⚠️ Warning: Never lubricate the machinery with vegetable oil or solidol. These substances attract dust and accelerate the wear of parts. Use only specialized bearing lubricants!