Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter has proven to be a reliable vehicle, but even the best models have a tendency to wear out. Puncture of the camera or abrasion of the tread is not a reason to carry the gadget to the service center, if you are willing to spend an hour of time and a little effort. Self-replacement of rubber can save a significant amount of money and extend the life of your device.
The process of replacing a tubeless rubber or a conventional camera requires a certain skill and the presence of a specific tool. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the steps of dismantling the wheel, removing old tires and installing new ones. It is important to understand that the correct execution of all the steps ensures safety of driving and no problems with the tightness of the system in the future.
Before you start, you need to prepare the workplace, you need a clean, flat surface and good lighting, do not try to replace on weight or in limited space, as this can damage other scooter nodes or injury, and attention to detail during the preparation phase will save you nerves during the assembly process.
Tools and preparation for work required
The success of the tire replacement operation depends on 80 percent on the right toolkit. The standard kit that comes with the scooter is not enough. You'll need specialized tools that will remove the tight side of the rubber without damaging the disc and the camera itself. The main tool will be mounting blades, preferably metal but with rubberized edges, so as not to scratch the metal.
You'll also need a set of keys, including end heads and hexagons. The Xiaomi M365 and Pro models often need a T25 or T30 star key, as well as a key to remove the engine lock nut. Don't forget to prepare the pump with a pressure gauge, as controlling pressure when installing a new camera is a critical step.
Here is a complete list of what to put on your desk before you start:
- 🔧 Set of mounting blades (minimum) 2-3 stuff)
- 🔩 Torx keys (T25, T30) and cape keys (8mm, 10mm)
- 🛠️ Special key for engine nut or powerful wrench
- 💨 Manometer pump and spare chamber/tyre
- 🧼 Soap solution in a spray or bowl
⚠️ Warning: Never use sharp objects (knives, screwdrivers) to pick tires instead of mounts.You risk cutting through a new chamber or damaging the sealant inside a tubeless tire, making it unsuitable for further use.
☑️ Preparation for tire replacement
Dismantling the wheel from the frame of the electric scooter
The first step is to take the wheel off the frame. For the Xiaomi M365 Pro and 1S, the procedure is almost identical, but there are nuances in the wing mount and locking elements. Start by turning off the power to the scooter and moving it to the transport position if necessary to access the fasteners. Unscrew the bolts that lock the wing above the wheel so that it does not interfere with the manipulation of the tire.
Then you have to release the wheel axis. On the front wheel, you usually just have to twist the bolts on one side and knock out the axle. With the rear wheel, which is part of the motor wheel, it's more complicated. You have to remove the plastic plug from the end of the engine to get to the nut. Use the key extension cord, because the nut is tightened with great effort and often fits.
When you unscrew the engine nut, hold the motor so it doesn't fall off after you remove the mount. Carefully pull the axle out, trying not to damage the wiring that goes inside the hollow axis to the engine. If the wiring gets in the way, you need to gently disconnect it from the controller by remembering or photographing the color marking of the connectors. The engine plume is a sensitive element that requires careful handling.
What to do if the engine nut does not unscrew?
Removal of old tire and camera
Once you have the wheel in your hands, the most time-consuming process is to remove the old rubber. The Xiaomi tire board sits very tightly on the disc. First, completely flush the air out of the camera by twisting the nipple or clamping it. If you change a tubeless tire, make sure that there is no pressure left inside, otherwise it can burst out sharply when you remove it.
With the mounting blades, start bending the tire side over the edge of the disk. Insert the first blade, then, retreat 5-7 cm, the second. With the third blade, continue moving in a circle, gradually pushing the side out. This process requires physical strength. The main thing is not to damage the metal rim, as any burrs or dents in the future will interfere with the tight fit of the new rubber.
When one side is removed, pull out the camera (if any) or completely remove the tubeless tire. Clean the inner surface of the disc of dirt, old lubricant and sealant residue. Carefully inspect the disk for cracks. If you install a new camera, it is recommended to sprinkle it slightly with talc so that it does not stick to the tire from the inside and is not rubbed during operation.
The table below will help you navigate the types of rubber for different models:
| Model scooter | Typical size | Type of design | Features of installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi M365 | 8.5 x 2 | Chamber/Chamberless | Very tight board, need 3-4 installations |
| Xiaomi Pro / Pro 2 | 8.5 x 2 | Intemperate | Reinforced cord, lubrication of the side is required |
| Xiaomi 1S / Essential | 8.5 x 2 | Intemperate | Standard installation, attention to the nipple |
| Xiaomi Pro 3 / 4 | 10 x 2.125 | Intemperate | Larger diameter, easier to remove |
Installation of a new camera and tire
The new rubber is installed in reverse order, but with a lubricant. Wet the sides of the new tire and the edge of the disk with soapy solution. This is the key point: dry rubber is almost impossible to pull on the disk without risking damage to it. Start putting on the tire on the opposite side of the nipple, gradually bringing the board into the disc.
If you're putting a camera in, you're going to put it in the tyre first (slightly swing it to keep it in shape), then you're going to put the nipple in the disc hole. When you hold the nipple, you're going to fill the other side of the tyre inside. You're going to keep the camera from getting between the tyre side and the disc, otherwise it's going to bite you and it's going to get a new puncture. For tubeless tires, it's important to keep the sides tight right away.
Pump the wheel sharply and to high pressure (about 3.5-4 atmospheres) so that the sides of the tire "slam" and stand in place on the rim. After that, check the uniformity of the fit in a circle - a special strip on the sidewall of the tire should go parallel to the disc at the same distance. If you see a "hernia" or skew, lower the air, lubricate and try again.
⚠️ Attention: When pumping a tubeless tire, be prepared for loud cotton. Don't keep your face close to the wheel when the tire is suddenly straightened. Use a long hose pump for safety.
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Use baby oil or a special mounting paste instead of soap solution for better slipperiness.Soap can dry and create excess friction, and the oil stays elastic for a long time, making it easier to final fit the tire.
Assembly and installation of the wheel in place
After successfully installing the rubber and checking the pressure (the optimal value is usually indicated on the sidewall of the tire, most often 50 PSI or 3.5 Bar), you can start the assembly. Insert the axis of the wheel into the seat on the fork or pendulum. Make sure that the locking elements (plates, washers) are in their slots correctly. For the rear wheel, carefully extend the wiring through the hollow axle, trying not to pin it down.
Twisting the engine nut. It's important to balance this: the nut should be tightly tightened so that the wheel doesn't hang, but not pulled to a point where it won't be possible to unscrew the next time. Use the dynamometer key if you have one, or tighten it with the manufacturer's recommended force (usually 15-20 Nm). Lock the wing and plug the motor connectors if they're disconnected.
After assembly, make sure to do a test. Lift the scooter, spin the wheel, it should rotate freely, without hitting the brake disc or wing. Pull the trigger and make sure the engine reacts. Roll a few meters, checking for no wheelbeat and no outside noise. Stability is the main indicator of the work done correctly.
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A good axle puff and check the wheel before your first trip is a guarantee of your safety.
Frequent errors and operating tips
Beginners often make mistakes that negate all efforts. One of the most common is to try to save on the quality of rubber. Cheap Chinese counterparts can have uneven wall thicknesses or be made from too rigid material that will burst in the cold. Choose proven brands or original components Xiaomi.
Another mistake is to use tire pressure, and running flat tires causes the camera to wear out quickly (it rubs inside the tire) and increases the risk of rim failure when hitting an obstacle. Check the pressure with a pressure gauge at least once a week. For winter driving, the pressure can be slightly reduced for better grip, but not below 40 PSI.
Here is a list of things that will keep your new wheels alive:
- 🚫 Avoid sharp starts from a place on a fully charged battery - this rips the tire off the disk.
- 🛣️ Try to avoid sharp stones, glass chips and deep puddles with an unknown bottom.
- 🌡️ Keep the scooter in a warm room in winter, as the rubber in the cold swells and cracks.
- 🔍 Regularly inspect the tread for stuck small objects (nails, screws).
⚠️ Warning: If you feel the steering wheel vibrating at speeds above 20 km/h after the replacement, chances are the wheel is crooked or the camera inside is double folded. Stop immediately and re-shoot the knot, otherwise the vibration will destroy the bearings or the mounting of the fork.