The Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter Essential (M365 Essential) is limited to 20 km/h from the factory, which is enough for urban travel, but experienced riders want more. Acceleration to 25-35 km/h is possible, but requires a comprehensive approach, from software tweaks to replacement components. In this article, 12 proven ways to increase speed, including risks, cost and step-by-step instructions.
Important: overclocking affects battery life, controller heating and brake wear. We recommend not exceeding 28-30 km / h on a stock battery 250 Wh is the safety limit for Essential without upgrading the battery.
The article is relevant for models:
- 🛴 Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter Essential (2020–2023.)
- 🛴 Xiaomi Mi M365 (Similar methods, but adjusted for power)
- 🛴 Controller-based clones L6B5 (For example, Ninebot. ES1/ES2)
1. Unlock speed through the application (the safest way)
The official Mi Home app limits speeds to 20 km/h, but there are workarounds, and the easiest is to change the region to Japan or Singapore, where the limit is higher.
Step-by-step:
- Uninstall the Mi Home app and install the Japan version (APK is available at apkmirror.com).
- Register a new account with a VPN (server – Tokyo).
- Connect the scooter and select the Japan region when setting up.
- In the menu of the scooter will appear option Sport Mode with a limit of 25 km / h.
⚠️ Note: When changing region, some features (for example, blocking via Bluetooth) are disabled. VPN.
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If the speed has not changed after the change of region, update the scooter firmware through DownG (see section 3).
2. Custom software firmware: DownG vs CFW
Stock firmware Xiaomi Essential artificially limits engine power.Castom firmware (DownG or DownG) CFW) Remove these limits, but require ST-Link programmer (~1500 ₽) and basic rationing skills.
Comparison of firmware:
| Parameter | DownG | CFW (ScooterHacking) |
|---|---|---|
| Max, speed. | 30–32 km/h | Up to 35 km/h (with the risk of overheating) |
| Equipment required | ST-Link + soldering | ST-Link + soldering + USB-TTL |
| Cost | Free of charge. | ~500 ₽ (developer) |
| Risk of "bricking" | Low. | Medium. |
Instructions for DownG:
- DownG is available for the M365 Essential.
- Connect ST-Link to the controller (SWDIO, SWCLK, GND pins).
- Run STM32CubeProgrammer and run DownG.bin.
- Calibrate the scooter using the DownG Tool (Android/iOS).
What if the scooter does not turn on after firmware?
Replacement of the engine gear (mechanical tuning)
The Xiaomi Essential’s stock gear has a gear ratio of 1:15, which limits the top speed. Replacing the gear from the Xiaomi Pro 2 (transmission ratio of 1:12) increases speed by 15-20% without firmware.
What you need:
- 🔧 Cogs from Xiaomi Pro 2 (articular MD1-12T-01, ~800 ₽).
- 🔧 Bearings (or soft sponge grips).
- 🔧 Thermopaste Arctic MX-4 gear-grease.
Step-by-step process:
Remove the wheel and engine cover | Remove the old gear with a removable | Clean the shaft of old lubricant | Apply the thermal paste to the new gear | Set the gear and lock the locking ring
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⚠️ Attention: If you replace the gear, you'll reduce the thrust on the climbs, you'll have a worse scooter uphill, and you'll also have a higher load on the chain, which can cause you to stretch the chain.
4. Increase battery voltage (most risky method)
Xiaomi Essential stock battery has a voltage of 36V (10S configuration). Replacing with 48V (13S) or 52V (14S) increases speed by 30-40%, but requires:
- 🔋 New. BMS-fees, 13S 30A for 48V).
- 🔋 Batteries 21700 with discharge current ≥20A (for example, Samsung 40T).
- 🔧 Reflashing the controller under a new voltage.
Consequences of battery upgrade:
| Parameter | 36V (stack) | 48V | 52V |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max, speed. | 20 km/h | 30–32 km/h | 35+ km/h |
| Power reserve. | 20 km | 25-30 km | 30-35 km |
| Cost | — | ~8 000 ₽ | ~12 000 ₽ |
| Risk of fire | Low. | Medium. | High-pitched |
⚠️ Attention: Higher voltage 48V It will burn the controller through the 1–2 Replacement is required for Votol. EM150/300 or similar.
DownG| Replace the gear | Battery upgrade |Another way |Not yet decided-->
5. Optimization of tire and bearing pressure
Even without technical modifications, you can increase the speed by 2-5 km / h, reducing the rolling resistance:
Checklist for optimization:
- 🚲 Pump up the tires to 50-55 PSI (Maximum pressure for Essential - 58 PSI). Use a pressure gauge because it is impossible to visually determine the pressure.
- 🛠 Lubricate the Liqui Moly wheel bearings LM47 (reduces friction by 15-20%).
- 🔧 Check the centering of the wheel - a beating of more than 1 mm reduces speed by 1-2 km / h.
- 🧴 Treat the chain with Teflon lubrication (for example, Finish Line Dry).
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The right tire pressure not only increases speed, but also prevents punctures. On soft tires (<40 PSI), the scooter sags when accelerating, losing up to 10% of power.
6. Upgrade of the braking system (required after acceleration!)
At speeds above 25 km/h, the Xiaomi Essential stock brakes become dangerous - the braking distance increases to 6-8 meters.
Options for modernization:
| Component | Stoke | Recommended upgrade | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brake pads | Rubber | Semi-metallic (Galfer) | ~1 200 ₽ |
| Brake disc | 120 mm | 140 mm perforated | ~1 500 ₽ |
| Brake cable | Steel. | Kevlar (Jagwire) | ~800 ₽ |
⚠️ Warning: After replacing the disc or pads, be sure to pump the brakes (10-15 sharp braking from a speed of 15 km / h), otherwise the efficiency will be lower than the stock.
7. Alternative ways: what doesn't work and why
There are “advice” on the Internet that are not only useless, but also dangerous.
Myths about overclocking Xiaomi Essential:
- ❌ "Shutdown KERS" — Recovery system does not limit speed, but only reduces the effectiveness of braking.
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The only working life hack without modifications is driving with a tailwind (increases speed by 3-5 km / h).