How to increase speed on a Xiaomi scooter M365 Pro: from firmware to upgrade

Xiaomi electric scooter M365 The Pro is one of the most popular urban vehicles, but its 25km/h factory speed often seems inadequate to experienced riders, while the device’s potential can accelerate to 35-40km/h, and in some cases even higher. However, before proceeding with modifications, it is important to understand: increasing speed entails not only adrenaline, but also a decrease in the range of 20-30%, increased wear and tear of components and legal risks in most countries.

In this article, we will discuss 9 proven ways to increase speed. M365 Pros, from software tweaks to iron replacements, each method is accompanied by an assessment of complexity, cost and safety impact. You will learn how to bypass the limitations of firmware, what parts should be updated first, and why even after an upgrade, the scooter can “brake” due to trivial reasons like low pressure in the wheels. Let’s start with the simplest and cheapest solutions – you may not even have to spend money on new components.

1. Checking the basic parameters: why the scooter can be slower than the factory performance

Before you interfere with settings or spend money on upgrades, make sure your Xiaomi is yours. M365 Pro is working normally, and often the reason for the slowness is not the manufacturer's limitations, but the banal things:

• 🔋 Discharged battery: at a charge level below 30%, the controller automatically reduces the engine power. M365 Tools – if the cells are unbalanced (a difference greater than 0.2V), calibration is required.
• 🚲 Tyre pressure: optimal value for M365 Pro — 50–55 PSI (3.5-3.8 bar) When the wheels are flat, the scooter spends up to 15% of its energy overcoming resistance.
• 🔧 Contaminated bearings: If the wheel is rotating with the hand, crunch is heard or it stops after 1-2 revolutions, cleaning and lubrication is required (use lithium lubrication). LGHP 2).
• 🌡️ Overheating: Controller temperature above 70°C is trottling. Install the app. M365 Dashboard for real-time temperature monitoring.

A simple test: Accelerate on a flat surface to maximum speed and detect acceleration time to 20 km / h. Normally, this takes 4-5 seconds. If longer, the problem is more mechanical than software. Also pay attention to the sound of the engine: high squeak when loaded indicates wear of the brushes or bearings of the engine.

2. Software methods: unlocking speed through firmware

Factory limit of 25 km / h is laid in the firmware of the Xiaomi controller M365 Pro. It can be removed in two ways: through the official application (with the risk of blocking) or using custom firmware.

Method 1: Bypassing restrictions through Mi Home (official method)

In some regions (e.g. China), the speed limit in the Mi Home app can be changed legally:

1. Open Mi Home → Profile → Region and choose China.
2. Restart the application and connect the scooter.
3. Go to Scooter Settings → Speed mode and select Sport Mode (up to 30 km/h).

⚠️ Note: The next app update or region change will reset, and Xiaomi may block the account for “misuse” (recorded cases in 2023).

Method 2: Castom firmware (DRV, CFW)

A more reliable method is to install alternative firmware, for example, DRV (Downhill Racing Version or CFW (Custom Firmware:

• 🚀 Increase the speed to 35-40 km / h (depending on the version).
• 🔋 Disable the battery discharge limit (acceleration even by 10% of charge).
• 🛠️ Set up brake recovery and throttle response.

The firmware will require:

1. Adapter ST-Link V2 (about 500-800 ₽) plug-in.
2. Programme STM32 CubeProgrammer (download from STMicroelectronics official website).
3. Firmware file (e.g, DRV_1.5.5.bin for M365 Pro).

Disconnect the scooter from charging and remove the battery|

Install drivers for ST-Link|

Download firmware from a trusted source (e.g. EScooterNerds forum)|

Make a backup of the original firmware through the Read command STM32 CubeProgrammer|

Connect ST-Link to the controller connector (pins: 3.3V, GND, SWDIO, SWCLK)

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⚠️ Warning: The wrong firmware can brick the controller. If the scooter doesn't turn on after the upgrade, try reflashing it in Bootloader mode (close the pin). BOOT0 In 10% of cases, a replacement of the controller is required.

3. Hardware modifications: what can be improved in iron

Even with the unlocked firmware Xiaomi M365 Pro may not issue the claimed 35+ This is the upgrades that will give you real speed gains:

The most noticeable effect is to replace the motor and the controller. QS205 + Votol EM300 It can accelerate to 45 km / h, but will require the reworking of the mounts and settings in the Votol Tool program.

⚠️ Warning: Installing an engine more powerful than 350W requires strengthening the frame (especially in the rear wing mounting area). >35 km/h may destroy plastic elements.

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Before buying components, check compatibility with your version. M365 For example, Votol controllers are not suitable for scooters with a Hall sensor in the engine (you need flashing under sensorless mode).

4. Optimization of gear ratio: replacement of gear

The speed of the scooter depends not only on the power of the engine, but also on the gear ratio - the ratio of teeth on the gear of the motor to the wheel. M365 Pro uses a 1:4.5 gear, which limits the maximum speed.

Replacing a gear with a gear ratio of 1:3.5 or 1:3 gives you a 10-15% increase in speed without losing torque.

• 🔄 Cogs 36T (standard 42T) — +3-5 km/h, cost ~1 500 ₽.
• 🔄 Set with an aluminum gear (for example, EGG Rider - better heat sink, but the price ~3 000 ₽.

The replacement will require:

1. Remove the rear wheel and engine cover.
2. Remove the old gear (may require a removable).
3. Install a new one, lubricate with lithium lubricant and adjust the tension of the belt.

⚠️ Warning: After changing the gear, be sure to check the wheel backlash. If it exceeds 1 mm, pull the axle nut with a dynamometer key (puffing moment - 40 N·m). >30 km/h possible vibrations.

5. Battery tuning: increased voltage and capacity

Xiaomi's standard battery M365 Pro (36V 12.8Ah) limits not only the range, but also the maximum speed.+ And the voltage is lost to 30 to 32 volts per km/h, which leads to a power drawdown:

Option 1: Parallel connection of additional cells

Add 2-4 cells 18650 (e.g. Samsung) 35E) And you can actually go up to 15 to 18Ah in parallel to the battery, and you can keep the voltage at 38 to 40V when you're loading:

• 🚀 Increase in speed by 2-3 km / h due to stable voltage.
• 🔋 Increase in range by 30-40%.

Cost: ~5 000 ₽ (consideringly BMS-pay-and-balance).

Option 2: Replacement with 48V battery

More radical upgrade – battery setting to 48V (for example, 13S4P cell-wise LG MJ1). It requires it:

1. Replacement of the controller with a support 48B (e.g. Votol) EM300/48V).
2. Modifications BMS or the installation of an external balancer.
3. Checks of wire insulation (48V can break weak contacts).

The result: speeds up to 40-45 km / h, but the battery life will be reduced to 300-400 cycles (versus 500-600 in the standard).

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Increase in battery voltage over 42V requires replacement of all power wires by a section of at least 1.5 mm2. M365 Pros are designed for a maximum of 40A and can melt at 50A current+.

Aerodynamics and weight: non-obvious speed factors

At speeds above 30 km/h, air resistance becomes a noticeable factor, and simple improvements can increase by 1-3 km/h without interference with electronics:

• 🪁 Fairing to the steering rack: reduces flow turbulence. You can make 2 mm thick plastic (the templates are on Thingiverse).
• 🏍️ Low-profile pedals: standard wings create resistance. Ninebot's aluminum pedals replace them. +0.5 km/h.
• 🧲 Magnetic spoiler: attached under the deck, equalizes the flow of air under the scooter, the effect is minimal, but noticeable over long distances.
• ⚖️ Lightening the design: replacing plastic wings with carbon fiber (~1 500 ₽) reduces weight 300-400 g.

Also check for weight centering: if the battery is shifted back, the front wheel loses traction when overclocking. Optimal distribution is 60% weight on the front axle. Achieved by moving the battery or adding loads in the front (for example, tool bags).

⚠️ Warning: Installing fairings may affect the cooling of the controller. After modifications, check the temperature through the 10 minutes of driving at maximum speed, if higher 65°C, additional ventilation is required (e.g. fan) 40×40 mm 12V).

7 Legal aspects: what the law says

In most countries, including Russia, electric scooters are equated to pedestrians or bicycles, but with restrictions:

• 📜 Russia: maximum speed of 25 km/h (Government Decree) №1734 from 2022, the excess is subject to a fine of up to 2,000 ₽.
• 📜 EU: limit of 25 km/h for L1e-A (Light electric vehicles in Germany fines up to 100€.
• 📜 US: rules vary by state: California allows up to 28 mph (45 km/h) but requires helmet and rights.

In addition to fines, there are risks:

• 🚨 Insurance: in case of an accident on a modified scooter, the insurance company may refuse to pay.
• 🛡️ Warranty: Any firmware or hardware changes will void Xiaomi warranty.
• 🚔 Confiscation: in some countries (for example, Singapore) scooters with speed >25 km/h withdrawn.

If you still decide to tuning, consider legalization options:

1. Registration as a moped (PTS, license plate, M category rights are required).
2. Installation of a speed limiter with the possibility of turning off (for example, via a Bluetooth remote).
3. Use of a scooter on closed tracks or in special areas (for example, karting tracks).

8 High Speed Safety: What to Change

Ride at speed >30 km/h requires further development of safety systems. M365 Pros are not designed for such loads. Minimum set of modifications:

• 🛑 Brake: Replacement of the rear disc brake with a hydraulic 140 mm (e.g. Zoom) HB-100). Installation of the front brake (requires modification of the fork); replacement of brake pads with ceramic pads (preferably heat sink).
• 🛞 Suspension: Installation of shock absorbers in the front wheel (for example, Monorim), replacing the rear spring with a stiffer one (for example, 1200 lb/in).
• 🚲 Wheels: Tires with puncture protection (e.g. Kenda) K193). Reinforced rims (for example, aluminum from Ninebot Max).
• 👷 Equipment: Full size helmet (for example, LS2 Stream) Certified elbows and knee pads EN 1621-1. Wrist protection gloves (e.g. Alpinestars) SMX-1).

It is also recommended that:

• 🔔 Sound signal (e.g. electric horn 110 dB).
• 💡 Additional headlamps (front 1000 lumens, rear stop light).
• 📱 GPS-tracker (for example, Apple AirTag in a sealed case).

⚠️ Attention: At speed >35 km/h the stopping distance of the scooter increases to 8-10 meters (versus 3-4 m for 25 km/h.

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At 40 km/h, falling from a scooter is equivalent to hitting an obstacle on a bicycle at 50 km/h. Without a helmet, the risk of brain injury is 85% (Accounts from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 2021).

FAQ: Frequent questions about speeding up Xiaomi M365 Pro