How to fold the scooter Xiaomi M365: instructions with photos and videos

Folding the Xiaomi M365 scooter is a seemingly simple operation that every owner faces. But in practice, many users make mistakes, from banal pinching of their fingers to breaking a plastic fixture. Especially a problem for beginners who have just bought a device and are afraid to break the mechanism. In this article, we will analyze the step-by-step algorithm, the nuances of design, and give tips for the care of the folding node.

Xiaomi M365

locker

spring-latch

The device of the folding mechanism: what you need to know before starting

Before you start practicing, it is important to understand how the folding assembly works. The Xiaomi M365 uses a system of three key elements:

• 🔧 The lock lever is a metal piece with a spring that locks the steering column in the position of operation, and that's what you have to push to fold the scooter.
• 🔗 The spring latch is a plastic tongue that locks the lever in a closed state, often broken when rough.
• 🛠️ The hinge mechanism is a metallic assembly that connects the steering column to the base. It requires periodic lubrication.

The design feature is that the lock lever has a two-stage locking system: first it is pushed 5-7 mm (unlock), and then completely down (add), many users miss the first stage and try to lower the lever immediately, which leads to a jamming.

Also, you have to consider that when you're in operation, you get dust and moisture, which makes it worse, and if you start folding tightly, you need to clean or lubricate, and we'll talk about how to do that in one of the following sections.

⚠️ Warning: Do not fold the scooter if it is under load (for example, you are standing on it with one foot).This can deform the hinge mechanism and lead to a backlash of the steering column.

Next articleHow to fold Xiaomi M365 in 10 seconds

Now, let's get to the practice. Follow this algorithm to avoid errors.

1. Place the scooter on a flat surface. Make sure the wheels are not blocked by the brake (if activated, turn it off with a button on the steering wheel).
2. Take the wheel with one hand, and press the lock lever with the other, which is located on the right on the steering column, under the switch.
3. Pull the lever 5 to 7 mm up, and you'll hear the click of unlock. Don't let it go!
4. Smoothly lower the lever to the bottom, the steering column should fold automatically under the action of the spring.
5. Lock the steering wheel in the folded position by snapping the plastic tongue on the back of the column.

If the scooter doesn't fold the first time, don't put too much effort into it. Probably the lever hasn't fully unlocked. Repeat steps 2-3, making sure you hear the characteristic click.

Electronic brakes disabled.

The steering wheel is not locked (if installed)

The lock lever is squeezed to click

No foreign objects in the folding mechanism-->

For clarity, see the official video from Xiaomi (available on the support website). Note that in some versions (for example, the M365 Pro) the lever can be located on the left – this does not change the process.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when folding the Xiaomi M365.

• 🚫 This is a sharp lowering of the lever, and it causes the metal parts to hit and the spring to wear out gradually.
• 🚫 Ignoring the click of unlock, if you don't wait for the first click, the lever won't go down to the end, and the scooter won't fold.
• 🚫 If you keep the scooter behind the wheel in the air, the mechanism can jam due to the wrong load angle.
• 🚫 Storage folded under a heavy weight, like if you put a bag on the wheel, it deforms the plastic latch.

One of the most dangerous mistakes is trying to fold the scooter when it's on, in which case the electronics can react to the sensors changing position and lock the wheels, always turning off the power before folding!

Care for the folding mechanism: lubrication and cleaning

To make the scooter fold easily and without creaking, the mechanism must be maintained periodically, the recommended frequency is once every 3-6 months, depending on the intensity of use.

For cleaning and lubrication you will need:

• 🧴 Silicone lubricant (e.g, WD-40 Specialist – Do not use litholine oils, they collect dust.
• 🧹 Soft brush or toothbrush to remove dirt.
• 🧻 A hairless napkin for cleaning parts.

Service algorithm:

1. Fold the scooter and fix the steering wheel in the folded position.
2. With a brush, remove visible dirt from the grooves of the lever and hinge.
3. Apply 2-3 drops of silicone lubricant to the hinge mechanism and the spring of the lever.
4. Fold/decompose the scooter several times so that the lubricant is evenly distributed.
5. Remove the excess lubricant with a napkin.

⚠️ Note: Do not use graphite lubricant or litol – they attract dust and over time turn into abrasive, accelerating wear and tear of the mechanism.

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If the scooter is folding tightly, but the mechanism is visually clean, try greasing the plastic latch, which is often what creates friction due to the deformation.

Comparison with other Xiaomi models: what has changed?

The folding mechanism in the Xiaomi M365 has become the benchmark for many subsequent models, but there are nuances in the new versions.

As you can see from the table, the new models have moved away from plastic latches, which solved the problem of their frequent failure, but the folding principle remained the same: unlock first, then add.

What to do if the scooter does not fold?

If the machine is jammed or the lever is not pushed back, don't panic. In 90% of cases, you can solve the problem yourself.

1. Check for debris. Often, sand or small pebbles enter the slots. Use a flashlight to inspect the mechanism.
2. Evaluate the condition of the spring. If it's deformed or broken, the lever will not return to its original position. It will require replacement.
3. Check the plastic latch. If it cracks, the mechanism can lock, and the temporary solution is to lock it with tape, but it's better to replace it.
4. You can lubricate the hinge. Sometimes the metal's friction on the metal blocks the movement. Silicone lubrication usually solves the problem.

If nothing works, the hinge mechanism itself may have deformed, and this happens when you fall or hit, and then you need to disassemble and replace the part, and you better go to a service center, because self-repair without experience can make things worse.

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In 70 percent of cases, folding problems are solved by cleaning and lubrication, and only 30 percent require replacement parts or professional repairs.

Safety in folding and transportation

A folded scooter is not only a convenience, but also a potential danger if you don't follow the rules of transportation.

• 🚗 In a car, the scooter should lie horizontally so as not to deform the steering column. Don't put it vertically, it puts a load on the hinge.
• 🚆 On public transport, keep the scooter behind the wheel, not behind the base, so you avoid accidental unfolding.
• 🏠 When storing at home, do not put heavy objects on the wheel. Plastic latch is not designed to carry a load of more than 2-3 kg.
• ✈️ When flying, be sure to remove the battery (if required by the airline rules) and pack the scooter in the case.

Also remember that when folded, the Xiaomi M365 weighs about 12 kg and its center of gravity is shifted to the wheels. When carrying, keep the scooter closer to the body so as not to lose balance.

If you often transport a scooter in a car, consider buying a special case with hard inserts, which will protect not only from scratches, but also from accidental unfolding while driving.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions