How to fold the electric scooter Xiaomi M365: instructions with nuances

The Xiaomi M365 electric scooter has become one of the most popular vehicles in the city due to its compactness and ease of use. However, many owners face difficulties in first folding the device - the lock mechanism seems obscure, and the manufacturer's instructions are often lost. Incorrect folding can lead to a joint break, a rudder jamming or even damage to the wiring inside the rack.

In this article, we'll take you through the steps from scooter preparation to folding, and we'll focus on common bugs that shorten the life of the machine, and we'll give you tips for hinge care, and if your M365 is struggling to fold or creaking, you'll find solutions to these problems.

The material will be useful for both beginners and experienced users who want to extend the life of their scooter. All actions are illustrated by the photo and accompanied by unique tips for maintaining the folding mechanism, which are not in the official documentation of Xiaomi.

The device of the folding mechanism Xiaomi M365

Before you start folding, it is important to understand how the lock is built. The Xiaomi M365 uses a spring-lever mechanism with a lock, which consists of:

• 🔧 The unlock lever is a red or black button on the steering rack that frees the lock.
• 🔗 hinge joint - metal assembly connecting the steering column with the base of the scooter.
• 🔄 Return springs - provides smooth folding and fixation in the unfolded state.
• 🔒 Safety latches - prevents spontaneous folding during movement.

The mechanism is designed for ~10,000 folding cycles, but if used improperly, this resource is reduced by 2-3 times. For example, if you apply excessive force when fixing or ignore the creaks, the hinge wears out after a year of active use.

The brake and power cables pass inside the rack, so abrupt folding can cause them to be rubbed. The manufacturer recommends folding the scooter only when the power is turned off - this reduces the risk of short circuits when contacts are accidentally closed.

Step-by-step: how to fold Xiaomi M365

Follow this algorithm to avoid breakdowns:

1. Turn off the scooter. Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds until the light goes out. This will prevent accidental switching on when folding.
2. Free the steering wheel from loading. Make sure there are no bags or accessories on the steering rack - they can interfere with the mechanism.
3. Find the unlock lever. It's located at the junction of the steering column and the base (usually marked in red).
4. Press the lever down and pull the steering wheel on yourself at the same time. Don't put too much effort into it -- if the mechanism fails, see if the lever is fully pressed.
5. Fold the steering wheel to the click. The folding angle is ~135°. You'll hear the characteristic fixation sound.
6. Click the lock. Some M365s have an extra latch on the steering wheel, so lock it to avoid spontaneous unfolding.

If the scooter folds tightly, do not try to "overpower" the mechanism. This is a sign of contamination of the hinge or wear of the spring. In this case, maintenance is required (see "Care for the mechanism").

Whether the scooter is off?|Whether accessories are removed from the steering wheel?|Is there any dirt in the hinge?|The unlock lever is pressed to the end?-->

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to breakdowns.

It is particularly dangerous to fold the scooter when it is on, and when the contacts are closed, the brake mechanism may be triggered, causing the cable to break, and it is also not recommended to fold the M365 in the cold below -10°C, because the plastic parts become brittle.

⚠️ Warning: If the steering wheel is not fully decomposed after folding, stop operating immediately! This is a sign of a break in the locking gear, which can lead to an accident.

Care for the folding mechanism: cleaning and lubrication

To last longer, the mechanism must be maintained every 3-6 months (depending on the intensity of use).

• 🧴 Silicone lubricant (e.g, WD-40 Specialist – Do not use lithium-based oils, they attract dirt.
• 🧹 Soft brush or toothpicks to clean hard-to-reach places.
• 🧰 Screwdriver. T20 for removal of protective covers (in deep cleaning).

Step-by-step service process:

1. Deploy the scooter and find the hinge connection.
2. Remove visible dirt with a brush. For dirt in the grooves, use a toothpick soaked in alcohol.
3. Apply 2-3 drops of silicone lubricant to the moving parts of the mechanism. Avoid getting on plastic parts!
4. Fold and spread the scooter several times so that the lubricant is evenly distributed.
5. Remove excess lubricants with a napkin – they can attract dust.

If the mechanism creaks even after lubrication, check the return spring. Over time, it loses its elasticity - in this case, you will need a replacement (details can be ordered by art. M365-007 from official Xiaomi dealers).

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After lubrication, avoid riding on puddles for 2-3 days - water can wash out fresh lubricant from the hinge.

How to unload Xiaomi M365: the reverse process

It is easier to lay out the scooter than to fold, but there are nuances here:

1. Make sure the lock is unlocked. Some models require pulling the black lever on the steering rack.
2. Smoothly lift the steering wheel up to the characteristic click. Don't make an effort if you feel resistance!
3. Check the fixation: pull the steering wheel on yourself - it should not backlight.
4. Turn on the scooter and check the brakes, and if the brake lever doesn't return to its original position, it may have been a cable squeeze when folded.

If the scooter is not fixed in the unfolded state, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔧 Wear of the fixator - replacement is required (art detail. M365-012).
• 🧲 Getting metal shavings into the mechanism - you need deep cleaning.
• 🔄 Weakening the spring - try to put the puck to increase tension.

⚠️ Warning: If the scooter spontaneously folds when tilted after unfolding, operation is prohibited! This is a sign of critical failure of the anchor, which can lead to a fall at speed.

Storage and transportation of folded scooter

The folded Xiaomi M365 takes up minimal space, but even in this condition requires careful handling:

• 🚗 In the car: Set the scooter with your belts to avoid falling when braking. Don't put heavy objects on it.
• 🏠 Homes: Store in a dry place, avoid direct sunlight (plastic may warp).
• ✈️ In transport: Use a cover to protect against scratches. In the subway, keep the scooter upright so as not to block the passageway.

For long-term storage (more than a month), it is recommended:

• Discharge the battery to 40-60% and disconnect from the scooter.
• Deploy the scooter to take the load off the hinge.
• Cover metal parts with preservative lubricant (e.g. Liqui Moly MoS2).

If you often transport a scooter folded, consider buying an additional fixture (for example, the Xiaomi M365 Strap belt, art. M365-ACC-003). It prevents spontaneous unfolding when shaking.

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Storing in a folded state for more than a week speeds up the wear of the hinge. Try to spread the scooter if you don't use it regularly.

What if the mechanism is jammed?

If the scooter doesn't fold or fold, don't panic. 80 percent of the time, you can fix it without repair.

1. Check the unlock lever. Sometimes it sticks because of the dirt. Try to clean it with alcohol.
2. Examine the hinge for foreign objects (pebbles, sand). Remove them with tweezers.
3. Apply penetrating lubrication (such as WD-40) and wait 10-15 minutes. Then try folding the scooter again.
4. If the mechanism still doesn't work, don't force it, call the service. Forced folding can break the lock.

If the jamming occurred in the unfolded state, try the following:

• Place the scooter on your side and gently tap with a wooden hammer at the junction of the rack and base.
• Try swaying the steering wheel left-right while pressing the unlock lever at the same time.
• If nothing helps, remove the protective covers (screwdriver T20) and check if the spring has slipped.

In the most severe cases (for example, if the fixture breaks), parts will need to be replaced.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use a scooter with a faulty folding mechanism! this violates safety rules and can lead to injuries.

FAQ: Frequent questions about folding Xiaomi M365