Xiaomi Mi Scooter 3 Review: The Perfect Balance
New year, new Xiaomi electric scooter. Introduced in the summer of 2021, the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 3 positions itself as an evolution of the Xiaomi Mi Scooter 1S, incorporating some features of the Mi Scooter Pro 2. But is the combination successful? Let’s find out in this comprehensive review.
Xiaomi Mi Scooter 3 Design: A Familiar Look
After a few attempts, Xiaomi seems to apply the same strategy to its electric scooters as it does to its smartphones: endlessly iterating its models, potentially causing confusion among consumers. Unsurprisingly, the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 3 closely resembles the Mi Scooter 1S. While it’s true that you don’t change a winning team, some minor improvements wouldn’t have hurt.
At first glance, almost nothing sets the Xiaomi Mi Scooter 3 apart from its predecessors, except for the color of the cables. Previously red, they are now blue to indicate that it is indeed a new model. Apart from that, it retains all the hallmarks of Xiaomi electric scooters, including its IP54 certification, ensuring splash resistance for your rides in the rain.
Still Lightweight
Another small detail of importance is the folding stem system. Previously a simple lever, it now features a new safety mechanism requiring a trigger to be activated in either direction. This offers additional security to prevent the scooter from folding mid-ride, but it also makes folding slightly more complicated, especially since the lever is quite sturdy and requires some force to activate the stem movement.
This feature is both an advantage and a disadvantage. The hook mechanism remains simple and efficient: a hook on the mudguard slips into a link near the handlebars, allowing the scooter to fold and be lifted in one smooth motion.
Compared to the Mi 1S, the Mi Scooter 3 is slightly heavier, going from 12.5 to 13.2 kg. However, it is still easily transportable and did not bother me when climbing four flights of stairs, especially since its compact size makes it simple to fit in a car trunk or a small apartment corner. It would be nice if the handlebars could fold as well, but Xiaomi doesn’t seem to have that in mind yet.
When outdoors, however, you’ll need to keep it close to you, as the only secure spot for a lock is the rear wheel.
A Small Deck, Well-Positioned Handlebars
As for the deck, there’s nothing new either. Expect a width of 14.5 cm and a length of 56.5 cm, with 46 cm of actual usable space. This is the trade-off for a compact scooter: to ride comfortably, you’ll need to position your feet at right angles or place one on the mudguard, which is fixed and does not act as a mechanical brake.
Handlebars and Controls
The handlebars are positioned 110 cm from the ground and 95 cm from the deck, making the Mi Scooter 3 accessible to everyone. At my height of 1.75 meters, I found the handlebars correctly positioned, although a bit low after testing the Himo L2. An adjustable height system would be a plus. Nevertheless, I quickly got used to it, and it didn’t bother me.
The same textured rubber grips are used, ideal for preventing slipping even with wet hands and generally quite comfortable, even if you don’t necessarily want to hold them for hours.
With the handlebars in hand, you’ll find the rear disc brake on the left handle, along with the bell and accelerator on the right handle. The layout is very standard, with a well-adjusted accelerator to avoid uncomfortable positions on long distances. However, the bell is a bit far away, and you need to stretch your thumb to reach it.
An Unchanged Display
In terms of controls, nothing has changed. The stem is connected to the handlebars by a display and a single multi-function button. A short press turns on the headlight – very bright and well-angled to illuminate the road and possible obstacles – while a long press turns off the scooter, and a double-tap switches between driving modes, even while on the move.
The display shows the bare minimum: real-time speed, battery status indicated by a 5-segment gauge, and driving mode (pedestrian, D, or S). Indicator lights also show if the scooter is locked, in Bluetooth pairing, or suffering from a technical issue. Hopefully, you won’t see the latter symbol too often.
We would have appreciated a small clock and a more precise battery or distance-traveled indicator, but these are criticisms we make in each of our scooter reviews.
Xiaomi Mi Scooter 3: A Responsive Ride
While the Mi Scooter 3 reuses the design of the 1S, it primarily adopts the Pro 2’s motor. The nominal power increases from 250 to 300 W (and maximum power from 500 to 600 W). In terms of top speed, you won’t notice the difference, as French legislation requires a motor speed limit of 25 km/h, but the increased power is noticeable in acceleration and uphill climbs.
Climbing Ability
According to Xiaomi, the Mi Scooter 3 can climb slopes up to 16%. On such steep roads, don’t expect to maintain 25 km/h, but it’s quite impressive to hold 10 km/h on a steep section of Ménilmontant Street (14%). For other slopes, the Mi Scooter 3 barely flinches and easily maintains speeds above 23 km/h.
Acceleration and Performance
The most enjoyable aspect of the Mi Scooter 3 is its acceleration. Without being abrupt, it allows you to quickly reach the maximum allowed speed, which is particularly effective for getting out of congested intersections, getting ahead at green lights, or overtaking multiple cyclists at once. I was able to overtake five cyclists in just a few meters during one of my trips before merging back.
Stability, but Still No Shock Absorbers
Light and medium-sized, the Mi Scooter 3 offers excellent maneuverability and overall driving stability. You can easily weave between cars at red lights or slalom at walking pace, and even let go of one hand while keeping the scooter on course without any effort. This is handy if you need to scratch your nose or point in the direction you want to turn since Xiaomi does not offer standard turn signals on its models.
Although very enjoyable to ride, the Mi Scooter 3 suffers from a problem seen in previous generations and many other competing scooters: its small 8.5-inch pneumatic tires alone are not enough to absorb road shocks. In the absence of shock absorbers, cobblestone roads may shake you quite a bit. It’s far from the comfort of heavier scooters.
Braking and Road Holding: Reassuring
Regarding safety and road holding, Xiaomi has improved its design since the first M365 in 2017. The braking system consists of an adjustable regenerative brake and a rear disc brake. It is both progressive on the lever’s travel and biting when pressed to the maximum.
This is precisely the behavior you’d expect from a personal transportation device: it doesn’t send you flying over the handlebars when you want to stop gently but can react quickly in case of emergency to avoid an accident.
It’s worth noting that the road holding is good, and even in case of emergency braking, the Mi Scooter 3 doesn’t skid too much on dry roads. On wet roads, we always advise reducing your speed to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Xiaomi Mi Scooter 3: Same Battery, (Almost) Increased Range
Regarding the battery, Xiaomi has kept the same NE1003-H accumulator as on the Mi Scooter 1S with a capacity of 7650 mAh for 275 Wh. Slightly heavier and more powerful, it should logically offer a lower range. Yet, Xiaomi still claims 30 km, just like last year.
However, this figure is entirely biased since it’s obtained under very specific conditions that are hard to reproduce: with a 75 kg load at 25°C, no wind, on a flat road, and especially at 15 km/h.
In practice, if you enjoy your scooter in sport mode, it will be tough to reach the 30 km range on a single charge. However, the Xiaomi Mi Scooter 3 proves to be more enduring than the model it replaces. With the 1S, I recorded an average trip of 20 km before running out of battery.
Here, it’s between 20 and 22 km on the same route. The 20 km was achieved on the charge where I performed my uphill tests on Ménilmontant Street.
Battery Life and Charging
Don’t expect a significant increase in battery life. Also, since the battery indicator is not very precise, it’s advisable to remember your trips and/or always carry the charger with you.
For charging, there’s no change either. It still takes around 5.5 hours to charge from 0 to 100%. The charging port is located on the lower part of the deck, covered with a rubber cap to prevent it from getting wet when riding through puddles.
Xiaomi Mi Scooter 3: Still an Imperfect App
Regarding the app, Xiaomi hasn’t made any improvements. The same Xiaomi Home app from last year is available on Google Play Store or the App Store. In general, the app allows you to adjust some scooter settings, such as speed control, always-on rear light, and regenerative braking strength.
You’ll also find useful information, such as the total mileage of your Mi Scooter 3, its serial number, battery status, percentage, and estimated mileage.
Unfortunately, the flaws haven’t been fixed. It’s still necessary to link your scooter to a room in your house (which is odd but only needed once), and you can’t access your information when the scooter is off, as the app doesn’t save the latest data for consultation.
Wondering if your scooter has enough juice for your daily commute tomorrow? You won’t know without getting up from your couch. Too bad.
Xiaomi Mi Scooter 3: Price and Availability
The Xiaomi Mi Scooter 3 is available at a recommended price of 399 on Xiaomi’s website and various retailers like Walmart.
It completely replaces the Mi Scooter 1S at this price point. It might even overshadow the Xiaomi Mi Scooter Electric Pro 2, which only offers 5 km of additional real autonomy.
Editor’s Verdict
The Mi Scooter 3 aims to replace the 1S but can easily overshadow the Pro 2 as well. Powerful, maneuverable, enjoyable to ride, and well-equipped for safety, it has all the necessary features for a device you’ll take on the road among bikes, cars, buses, and trucks. It’s a clear, welcome improvement, making it one of the most balanced electric scooters on the market.
With a range of just over 20 km, it remains somewhat limited for daily commutes and often requires recharging. This is its only remaining drawback compared to the Mi Pro 2 (which offers an additional 10 km of range for over a kilogram and 50 extra). In return, it’s slightly lighter, more easily maneuverable in tight spaces, and a bit cheaper.
Mechanically, Xiaomi has found the right balance for a daily or leisure electric scooter. However, the software aspect, both on the smartphone and the scooter’s screen, could be improved.
Pros of the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 3
- Excellent acceleration
- Responsive brakes and good overall grip
- Powerful and efficient headlight
- Easy to store and transport
Cons of the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 3
- No shock absorbers small wheels = average comfort
- Basic app and interface
- Range still somewhat limited
Xiaomi scooter 3
EXTRA £20 OFF ALL KIDS SCOOTERS!
BRANDS
The brand new Xiaomi Mi 3 electric scooter is the latest addition to the Xiaomi collection. It has been upgraded with a maximum power of 600W, which makes riding easier and more comfortable. This also allows for a 16% climb angle, this model is everything!
With the new Mi 3 updates, this emphasises practicality, refinement and durability.
Much like it’s predecessors, the three speed mode is perfect when on the go. The sensitive hand throttle allows for an easy riding experience and smoother control. Being a low-density model, the aluminium alloy material makes this easy to carry weighing only 13kg and can take a load of up to 100 kg.
The Battery sleep mode works when the battery is lower than 30% for 10-15 days, it will enter sleep mode, which will protect the battery and prolong its life. All of which can be monitored via the sleek Mi Home App any problems, the app will notify you immediately.
This is a model not to be missed !
As per manufacturers manual
The recommended scooter age for this Electric Scooter is 16 KL Scooters will not be held liable for any injury or harm caused as a result of the miss-use of the product.
Smarter and more endurable battery
When the battery level is under 30% and the scooter is not powered on for about 10 consecutive days, the battery will enter into sleep mode to extend its life. In addition, the BMS 5th Generation Intelligent Battery Management System will keep your battery safe.
Short circuit protection
Overcurrent protection
Double protection from overcharging
Double protection from over-discharging
Temperature protection
Under voltage autosleep protection
RIDE IN THE WET
The Pure Air Go can be used in wet conditions. The chassis and frame are protected from puddles and rainfall, and our manufacturer warranty covers water ingress too.
New low-profile and personalized color scheme
This VT1 lithium scooter operates with a push and go motion and gives children an exciting new way to scoot and play. The lightweight, durable frame makes it much easier to transport with an easy folding mechanism. With a maximum speed of 8kmph and a maximum range of 4-6km this kids scooter is safe and enjoyable
A Move Forward
The VT1’s 100-Watt motor allows riders to hit a top speed of 8kmph or a safe 5mph. It has a push go start motion making it a new exciting way to scoot.
Quick Charging
The VT1’s 100-Watt motor allows riders to hit a top speed of 8kmph or a safe 5mph. It has a push go start motion making it a new exciting way to scoot.
Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 3 Black
Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 3. powerful motor with up to 600W, speed up to 25km/h, range up to 30km, three riding modes, LCD display showing speed, battery status etc, E-ABS, stronger rear disc brake, energy recovery KERS, front and rear lights, Bluetooth connectivity with Mi Home app, cruise control. Weight 13.2 kg.
Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 3
The third generation of the Mi Scooter is the golden standard in Xiaomi’s portfolio. It has already acquired virtually all the features of the Pro 2 model, but retains slightly more compact dimensions and lower weight. So if you don’t necessarily need a high range of up to 45km, but you can get by with 30km, this scooter is for you. After all, it’s perfect for the last mile. You can leave the vehicle parked in a parking lot outside the city and you are moving around the city nimbly, silently, without emissions.
Transporting from meeting to meeting? To the dentist? To pick up something from the store? No problem. You don’t need a licence to ride a scooter, anyone who is not afraid and respects the law and road safety can ride one. It has a top speed of 25km/h, is equipped with a clever E-ABS system and energy recovery and can be folded in three seconds. It fits in almost any luggage compartment, or you can carry it on the subway.
What’s new between the generations?
You may feel that the scooter is actually the same as all predecessors. The fundamental changes are usually hidden under the bonnet. First of all, the scooter got a more powerful motor, which in normal operation has a power of 300W, but can increase the power up to 600W if necessary. It can handle climbs of up to 16% and can carry up to 100kg of rider.
Also new is the scooter’s folding mechanism, which is now more durable and dispenses with plastic parts. The more powerful motor also includes a more powerful brake, which now has two brake pads. The integrated LCD display has also been upgraded and is no longer divided into segments, but displays all the information better together.
The battery, or rather its protection, has been revised. The capacity of 7650mAh is enough for up to 30km of driving in Eco mode, however, we expect a slightly lower endurance during normal operation in D or S mode. However, if you shut the scooter down, say for the winter, and the battery charge level gets below 30%, it will switch to a special sleep mode to protect the battery as much as possible and extend its life. Incidentally, the manufacturer guarantees a minimum of 500 charging cycles, after which the maximum battery capacity will not fall below 70%.
The scooter is again made of aerospace grade 6 aluminium and is equipped with more comfortable tyres than before. The total weight has stopped at 13.2kg this time, up about 0.8kg generation-on-generation.
Not to be missed are the cool new colours. Black with blue accents and grey with orange accents are now on offer.
Cruise control, regenerative braking and handling in practice
We have a lot of experience with scooters and have put many miles on them. With the Pro 2, you can look forward to useful features such as cruise control, recuperation and the ability to connect to your phone. You can use it to set up the scooter in various ways. Whether to turn cruise control on or off, set the scooter lock, or adjust the level of recuperation.
Cruise control comes in handy on longer routes, for example on the cycle path. If you have it activated in the app, just hold the throttle for a few seconds and it will turn itself on. The scooter then rides all by itself, you don’t have to hold the throttle, just the handlebars. Just tap the brake lever and the cruise control switches off.
By recuperation, you can think of engine braking where the energy generated is stored back in the battery. So if you let off the throttle at the handle, the scooter automatically starts to slow down and recuperate. You can adjust the intensity of the recuperation directly in the app, with three levels to choose from. than recharging the battery, a change in the scooter‘s controls comes in handy. With stronger recuperation, you can control the scooter practically only with the throttle and there is no need to use the brake lever at all. All you have to do is let off the throttle.
The scooter is otherwise very easy to control and comfortable. Even a child can operate it, provided all safety precautions are taken. Where the scooter loses out, however, is on roads in historic cities, made up of cobbles with large joints. Here, in short, you run into the limits of small 8.5″ wheels and regular travel on such surfaces is not very comfortable.
Specs:
- Load capacity: 100kg
- Max speed: 25 km/h
- Max. range: 30 km
- Max. gradient: 16%
- Power: 300W (max 600W short term)
- Weight: 13.2 kg
- Degree of protection: IP54
- Battery capacity: 7650mAh / 275 Wh
- Charging time: 5,5 hours
- Dimensions (unfolded): 114 x 108 x 43 cm (h x d x w)
- Dimensions (folded): 49 x 108 x 43 cm (h x d x w)
Additional parameters
| Scooters |
| 24 months (Company 12) |
| Black |
| Bluetooth, propojení s aplikací Mi Home, podpora iOS / Android |
| Max. rychlost 25km/h, max. dojezd 30km, Výkon: 300W (max 600W), max. stoupání: 16% |
| složená 49 x 108 x 43 cm, rozložená 114 x 108 x 43 cm |
| 13,2kg |
| 2086 |
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Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 3 Review
Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 3 is a successor of its hugely popular first electric scooter M365. It’s been almost 5 years in between the release of these two electric scooters.
In this Xiaomi Electric Scooter 3 review, we take a closer look at what Xiaomi has decided to upgrade and what has been remained the same.
So which one is better – an old good M365 or the new Mi Electric Scooter 3 ? Let’s find out!
- Overview
- To Whom?
- Xiaomi Electric Scooter 3 Specs
- Pros
- Cons
- Speed and Acceleration
- Hill Climbing
- Battery and Range
- Brakes
- Build Quality
- Portability
- Cockpit
- Wheels and Tires
- Does Xiaomi Mi 3 Have an App?
- Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 3 vs Xiaomi Mi M365
- Xiaomi Mi 3 vs Pro 2
- Xiaomi Electric Scooter 3 vs 1S
Overview
To Whom?
The Mi 3 fits nicely in the market of affordable budget e-scooters.
It is built for people who are looking for a lightweight simple scooter to run short errands and for basic commuting.
Xiaomi Mi electric scooter 3 is for sensible riding where minimalism is a feature, not a drawback.
It is definitely not a powerhouse and you can not go offroading with it.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Pneumatic tires
- Durable construction
- IP54 water-resistance rating
- Improved braking system
Xiaomi Electric Scooter 3 Performance
Speed and Acceleration
The new Mi electric scooter 3 is more powerful than the old M365. Also, the acceleration is much better. It’s simply because of the more powerful hub motor, which has a peak power of 600 watts.
You can’t compare this motor with larger scooters. But for a budget scooter, there is not much to complain about in the acceleration department.
However, I would like to complain about the top speed. Although the motor is a bit more powerful than the one in the last version, the top speed is even less.
The maximum speed of Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 3 is just 15.5 mph. But we must admit that this scooter is not meant for racing. So we really can’t complain about low top speed.
Hill Climbing
In the hill-climbing area, the new scooter performs about the same as the old M365.
The motor has enough power to handle some decently sized hills. Xiaomi claims that electric scooter 3 is capable to climb a slope up to 16%. It means that the max incline this scooter can handle is about 9 degrees.
The braking system has got some nice upgrades.
Mi Scooter 3 now uses a dual-pad disc brake, which is much more efficient than a regular disc brake. Combined with the regenerative braking upfront they work pretty effectively.
Pro Tip: Micah Toll from Electrek suggests using regenerative braking if possible. This way you recharge the battery at the same time. Also, you don’t have to change the brake pads so often.
Design and Features
Build Quality
Xiaomi Mi electric scooter 3 is a lightweight commuter scooter. Despite the light weight, it is still strong enough to support a payload of up to 220 lbs.
The frame of the scooter is made from aerospace-grade aluminum. That’s why it’s so lightweight, yet sturdy.
Xiaomi is known for building cheap but durable electric scooters and this here is no exception.
5 years old Xiaomi M365 electric scooters still ride around. The new Mi 3 has basically the same frame, so you can rest assured that it will last.
Is Mi Scooter 3 Waterproof?
Xiaomi Mi 3 isn’t waterproof. However, it can withstand water from all angels.
It has a water-resistance rating of IP54, which means that it can withstand some water droplets and light showers without any problem.
Pro Tip: Dry it off as soon as you get to the shelter. By that, you can avoid damaging its electrical components.
Portability
On the scale of portability, Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 3 is definitely on the top side.
It weighs just 28 pounds, so it’s light enough to carry up the stairs or on public transport. It’s one of the most lightweight and easy-to-carry scooters I know.
The folding mechanism is also been improved. 3-step folding is easy, quick, and sturdy. The bell on the handlebar has a hook that you can use to lock the handlebar when the scooter is folded. Very simple, yet Smart feature.
Cockpit
The cockpit of Mi 3 is really minimalistic.
The LED screen is located exactly in the middle of the handlebars. It shows you the speed, driving mode, and remaining battery.
On the right side, you can find a thumb throttle. On the left, there is a brake lever and a bell. That’s it. Very minimalistic design.
Wheels and Tires
The Mi 3 comes with 8.5-inch pneumatic tires. Although 8.5″ wheels are not big, the pneumatic tires on it make the ride quite smooth.
If I could choose between large solid tires or small pneumatic tires, I would pick pneumatic tires at any time.
Pneumatic tires provide so much better ride comfort than solid tires. Also, if you could get a puncture, there is a spare tire with an inner tube included with the scooter.
Of course, Mi 3 is not an off-roading scooter but you don’t have to necessarily only ride on smooth asphalt with it. It can perfectly handle some occasional bumps and dirt roads.
Does Xiaomi Mi 3 Have an App?
Since this is a Xiaomi product, you can pair it with Xiaomi’s Mi Home app.
You can use the app to lock your scooter remotely. If you leave the scooter unattended, someone still can just take it away. But still, it’s a nice safety feature.
Also, you can see different stats like current battery level, average speed, and more from the app. Although, you can see those stats from the scooter’s screen too.
Comparisons
Xiaomi Mi 3 vs Pro 2
Xiaomi Mi electric scooter 3 has a lot less power than Pro 2. The acceleration of Xiaomi Pro 2 is much better. If we compare the mileage, it is clear that Xiaomi Pro 2 wins this battle too.
The advantage of the Mi 3 is an improved braking system.
Xiaomi Electric Scooter 3 vs 1S
Some say that Mi 3 scooter is a slightly improved 1S. We can’t argue if we compare their specs.
Xiaomi Electric Scooter 3 Review Conclusions
If you are familiar with previous Xiaomi electric scooters, you can be sure that most of the features you loved are still here. Xiaomi knows well how to build good electric scooters. How else the Mi M365 can be still one of the most popular electric scooters.
Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 3 has just some minor upgrades to improve the user experience even more.