Mainly known for its affordable smartphones, Xiaomi launched internationally in 2018 its M365 electric scooter which enjoyed tremendous success with the general public. The Chinese group rode the growing wave of eco-friendly transportation to establish itself as a leader with only 2 models.
It was at the end of 2020 that Xiaomi decided to update its range with not one, but a full 3 new models of Xiaomi electric scooters.
But what do these new features bring when competition is getting fiercer in the light electric scooter market?
Comparison of the 3 new Xiaomi models Essential - 1S - Pro 2
By expanding its range with three models of electric scooters, Xiaomi has updated its products to capture a larger market share. While the look has changed relatively little compared to the old models, the new Xiaomi models each have advantages over the previous generation.
What are the differences compared to the old models?
We can't really talk about a revolution with this new generation of Xiaomi electric scooters. The Chinese brand mainly just updated its scooters, in addition to offering an even cheaper model, to comply with the new July 2020 law on the use of these NVEI (new individual electric vehicles) in urban areas.
Note the addition of orange reflectors on the sides of the vehicle, which are more effective than the old red strips found on the M365, as well as a much brighter LED front light to provide better night visibility without dazzling other road users.
If Xiaomi has again chosen to skip physical suspensions, it entrusts vibration damping from the road to the 8.5-inch inflatable wheels. But Xiaomi learned from the mistake of previous models that were very sensitive to punctures by equipping its new electric scooters with much more durable inner tube tires.
It is still important when using your electric scooter to properly inflate the tires to further reduce the risk of tire blowouts. Remember to check the pressure regularly as we indicated in our electric scooter maintenance guide.
What are the differences between these three new models
On the surface, Xiaomi's 2021 models look identical, based on the same structure. But inside, they are slightly different to better meet user demands and get as close as possible to the most affordable price.
All new Xiaomi electric scooters feature an LCD display like the old M365 Pro, but this time with a slightly larger screen to provide more useful information (such as driving mode, remaining range, etc.) without having to use Xiaomi's mobile app.
Xiaomi Essential has everything to appeal to new users
Xiaomi's feat with this Essential model is to offer an electric scooter for under €300. To achieve this, some compromises were necessary, while keeping what made Xiaomi electric scooters successful.
Equipped with foam handles and a smaller battery (36V 5.1Ah), the Xiaomi Essential offers only 20 km of range with a top speed of 20 km/h, but in return, the charging time is shortened to just 3-4 hours. In addition, despite its low price, it features the new generation LCD display, as well as a rear disc brake and a new, brighter front light (2W instead of 1W).
Advantages of the Xiaomi Essential
- An extremely affordable price
- An LCD screen for display
- Rear disc brake
Disadvantages of the Xiaomi Essential
- Performance lagging behind the old M365 (only 20 km/h)
- Really doesn’t like slopes (only 10%)
The Xiaomi 1S corrects the old M365
Simply put, the Xiaomi 1S electric scooter directly succeeds the old M365. Like the Xiaomi Essential, it features the addition of a rear disc brake to reduce braking distances, as well as a handlebar display showing, among other things, the operating speed.
Apart from that, it offers the same power characteristics as its predecessor the Xiaomi M365, with its 250W brushless motor providing a 25 km/h maximum speed. The higher capacity battery (36V 7.6Ah) offers a usage range of about thirty kilometers.
Advantages of the Xiaomi 1S
- Braking much more reassuring than the M365
- Build quality
- Comfortable ride
Disadvantages of the Xiaomi 1S
- The app to improve
Xiaomi Pro 2, the new high-end model
Just like the Xiaomi 1S with the M365, the new Xiaomi Pro 2 electric scooter model takes over from the M365 Pro. Ultimately, very few differences with the previous generation, except for the front headlight with doubled power to better illuminate your route at night.
Compared to the 1S and Essential models, which are slightly smaller in overall structure dimensions, it is possible with the Pro 2 to climb slopes up to 20% on its route thanks to its motor delivering up to 600W of power, which is significant even in extra-urban areas.
Advantage of the Xiaomi Pro 2
- Brighter front headlight (2W instead of 1)
Disadvantages of the Xiaomi Pro 2
- Very few changes compared to the old M365 Pro
- App to improve
A success as great as the old M365s?
Xiaomi's goal has been the same for several years: to make cutting-edge technology products accessible to as many people as possible at an affordable price. Initially reserved for the Chinese market, it was in 2018 that Xiaomi began distributing the Xiaomi M365 electric scooter beyond its borders.
Advantages of the Xiaomi M365
Disadvantages of the Xiaomi M365
While the Xiaomi M365 has many advantages, the repeated puncture problems experienced by many users have put some off. That is why the Chinese company revised its design on the new generation Essential, 1S and Pro 2.
The braking system was also an area of improvement once again addressed by these new models. Equipped only with a single electromagnetic brake integrated into the motor, the braking distance was not very effective at high speed. A problem that no longer exists, even on the entry-level Xiaomi Essential model which has an additional disc brake on the rear wheel.
The M365 Pro released a year later already filled some gaps
Taking advantage of its immediate success, the Xiaomi brand subsequently released a slightly more powerful model with the M365 Pro electric scooter. This one had a larger capacity battery (12v, 8 Ah like the Xiaomi Pro 2) allowing it to reach 45 km of range as well as already featuring a rear disc brake.
This time, starting with the Xiaomi Essential, we find a full LCD display; the old M365 Pro also had a screen to show riding information.
Comparison table of Xiaomi electric scooters 2021
FAQ:
Why replace my M365 Pro with the new Xiaomi Pro 2?
Very few differences between the Xiaomi M365 Pro and the Pro 2 except for the compliance with the law with reflectors on the sides of the electric scooter that make it more visible in low light conditions. However, if your M365 Pro has many kilometers on the clock, it might be useful to switch to the recent model with a brand new battery at 100% capacity.
How to know if my Xiaomi is an original model?
Indeed, a victim of its success, the Xiaomi M365 saw many clones emerge to capitalize on its popularity. Unfortunately, the level of quality demanded by Xiaomi was not always met, especially regarding the batteries. By ordering from Weebot, you ensure you get an original model and not a counterfeit.
Which mobile app for the Xiaomi electric scooter?
The Xiaomi Home app available on Android and iOS manages all connected products from Xiaomi.
Conclusion
So there is no chance of getting lost when switching from the old to the new models of Xiaomi electric scooters. With a previous generation already very well designed, Xiaomi only needed to make slight tweaks to offer interesting products with an unbeatable quality/price ratio.
The Chinese brand has wisely introduced a new entry-level model at a record price for an electric scooter with the Xiaomi Essential to attract new users. The other two models, Xiaomi 1S and Xiaomi Pro 2, update the previous generation M365 without changing the performance features that were already very good.
If you haven't yet succumbed to urban gliding, this new generation might make you change your mind. Although they are not entirely revolutionary, the 2020 edition Xiaomi electric scooters seem to us to be excellent, mature products for getting around the city with ease.
