July was once again the time of Xiaomi’s annual product launch. Exactly a year after the appearance of the Xiaomi Pro 2, this time the Chinese company presented the Xiaomi Scooter 3. Despite its assigned name, the scooter was quickly renamed the Xiaomi Pro 3 by users.
The Xiaomi Scooter 3 did not immediately throw up high hopes after its presentation. While many e-scooter fans were hoping for a long range, the tech producer has focused on other points. What sets this scooter apart from its predecessors? With this question in our pockets, we took the Xiaomi Scooter 3 to the streets of Amsterdam for an in-depth test.
Long story short
The Xiaomi Scooter 3 is the latest released scooter from Xiaomi in 2021. For riders looking for a lightweight, foldable, e-scooter for everyday use, this model is an interesting choice. In terms of appearance, the scooter is very similar to its predecessors. Notable are the new blue accents at the brake system and brake cables.
At 25 km/h, the maximum speed is in line with the average European speed standard. A full battery gives you a maximum range of 30 kilometres. With a price tag of just under €500, the scooter (along with the Xiaomi 1S) is the cheapest e-scooter with a 30-kilometre range.
The main pluses and minuses
| Plus points | Minuses |
| + Weighing 13.2 kg, the scooter is easy to lift | – The hinge that folds and locks the scooter feels fragile |
| + Stores compactly in the boot or on public transport | – Despite 30-kilometre range, no improvement over previous models |
| + Decent range of 30 kilometres | |
| + Short braking distance from top speed | |
| + Periodic firmware updates via the Mi Home app |
Unboxing
The moment was there: the unboxing of the Xiaomi Scooter 3. It was no surprise that we found a scooter in the box. Besides the scooter, the following items are included:
- 1x charger
- 1x extension piece for valve
- 1x spare tyre
- 1x T-hand screwdriver
- 4x screws
- 1x manual
The design
Since the launch of the M365, Xiaomi has hardly experimented with the design when designing new e-scooters. The Xiaomi M365 is no longer produced, but it is still the most sought-after e-scooter on the internet. Not surprising, then, that Xiaomi is sticking to this design. Never change a winning team shall we say.
As an innovation, blue accents have been added to the scooter. These can be seen in the braking system at the rear wheel, the brake cables and the throttle. All in all, it is another classic Xiaomi design without any frills.
The first ride
Before you hit the road for the first time, you need to make the scooter roadworthy. You do this with the screwdriver and screws provided. Upon delivery, the upper part of the handlebar is disconnected from the steering tube. You attach it by tightening two screws at the front and back of the steering tube.
If you turn the scooter on for the first time, it will start beeping and the display will flash. Don’t panic, as this is the second and final step you need to go through before you can ride. Download the Mi Home app and connect to the scooter via bluetooth. After a few configurations, you are ready to ride.
Acceleration and top speed
The Mi Scooter 3 has a top speed of 25 km/h. As with all other e-scooters, the actual top speed depends on several factors, including the weight of the driver. For example, a driver with a body weight of 82kg achieved a maximum speed of 21 km/h during our tests.
Another rider (65 kg) did get the scooter up to the maximum speed of 25 km/h. After the well-known kick-start*, it took 6.3 seconds to reach this speed.
*This means that the scooter does not provide electric assistance from standstill. Before you can accelerate, push off with the foot.
Three gears
Via the display on the handlebar, you can switch between three different gear
- Pedestrian mode: up to a maximum of 5 km/h
- Drive mode: up to a maximum of 20 km/h
- Sport mode: up to a maximum of 25 km/h
Tyres and ride comfort
The Xiaomi Scooter 3 features two 8.5″ wheels. While other brands still sometimes switch between solid and pneumatic tyres, Xiaomi sticks to air-filled tyres. And we’re happy about that. Although you run the risk of a puncture with air tyres, this type of tyre undoubtedly has more ride comfort than a solid tyre.
The scooter does not have suspension, but the tyres have shock-absorbing capability. This should reduce vibrations in the handlebars while riding.
Both tyres have a small valve to which you can connect a bicycle or electric pump. When the scooter is delivered, you will also receive an extension piece which you can put on the valve to make inflating easier.
As tyre pressure also affects driving comfort, maximum speed and range, it is advisable to keep it at the right level at all times. Xiaomi recommends always keeping the tyre pressure between 3-3.5 bar.
The deck
The deck is 14 centimetres wide and 56 centimetres long. An excellent size. Indeed, the compactness of the deck in this case contributes positively to the ease with which you can take the scooter anywhere.
The deck is connected to the rear wing at the back. Incidentally, this is not meant to put your foot on it, nor does it serve as a foot brake.
The braking system
You brake using the handbrake on the left side of the handlebars. This controls the (updated) dual-pad disc brake at the rear wheel.
In our brake test, we came to a stop in 1.42 seconds from a speed of 20 km/h. When you apply the brake properly, you come to a dosed stop. We did not experience any tyre slippage during this.
For the rider’s sense of safety, an extra hand-electric or foot brake can’t hurt. But, fair is fair, for a price of less than €500, you cannot experience the luxury of a high-end electric scooter.
The range
A range of ‘only’ 30 kilometres was one of the criticisms from fans after the announcement in July. Xiaomi is still waiting for a kilometre stunner like the Ninebot Max G30 from the Segway Ninebot collection.
How does the Xiaomi Scooter 3 perform against other models in the Xiaomi range when it comes to range? Here are the differences:
| Model | Range | Price |
| Xiaomi Pro 2 | 45 kilometres | £464,20 |
| Xiaomi 1S | 30 kilometres | £371,00 |
| Xiaomi Scooter 3 | 30 kilometres | £438,46 |
| Xiaomi Essential | 20 kilometres | £292,01 |
The Xiaomi Scooter 3 does not stand out for its range. For instance, the Xiaomi 1S (with the same range) is just under €80 cheaper than this new model. In contrast, the Xiaomi 3 does have greater power and output, allowing you to tackle slopes of up to 16%.
Charging
An empty battery is fully recharged in 5.5 hours. The scooter features the same NE1003-H Lithium ion battery as the 1S. Xiaomi guarantees 500 charges with more than 70% power retention.
The charging point is on the front left side of the deck. It is covered with a magnetic blue rubber which should prevent dirt from entering the contact.
One of the improvements to the Mi 3’s battery is sleep mode. This functionality allows the scooter to store energy in the battery when not in use and less than 30% full. This preserves the full capacity in the battery for a period of 15 days.
Portability and weight
One of the big advantages of this scooter is its weight. With a total weight of 13.2 kg, you can easily lift it anywhere. To lift it along, you fold the frame with a few actions. This works as follows:
- Pull up the little lever at the bottom of the steering tube and fold it back;
- Fold back the handlebars until they lock onto the rear wheel
- Lift the scooter by the handlebar tube
These actions should take no longer than 10 seconds. However, we did notice that the hinge does not always cooperate well and feels somewhat fragile.
When folded, the scooter has dimensions of 108 x 43 x 49 cm. Unfolded, it measures 108 x 43 x 114 cm.
The steering wheel and dashboard
The steering wheel and dashboard leave little to the imagination. The grips sit well in the hand and the handlebars feel sturdy. The handlebar is 43 centimetres wide and is fixed at a height of 114 centimetres (not adjustable).
In the centre of the display is the button you use to switch on the scooter and adjust functions. It controls the following functions:
| Operation | Function |
| 1x click | Switch on the scooter |
| 1x click when the scooter is switched on | Lighting on / off |
| 2x click when the scooter is switched on | Changing gears |
| Press and hold for 3 seconds | Switch off the scooter |
Mi Home app
With the Mi Home app, you can connect the Xiaomi Scooter 3 to your smartphone via bluetooth. Through the app, you can view data such as battery level, mileage and current range.
You also get to see maintenance notifications and firmware updates via the app. When using it for the first time, you will also be shown a compulsory instruction video here.
In addition, you also have the option to lock the scooter via the app. With this, you lock the bike. While this is a nice functionality, you still need a lock to secure your scooter against theft.
The app can be downloaded for Android and IOS here:
The lighting
You can also go out in the dark with this two-wheeler. The scooter features LED lights at the front and back. The rear light also works as a brake light. As soon as you press the hand brake, the rear light starts flashing.
As an addition for good visibility in traffic, Xiaomi has fitted the wheels with yellow reflectors on both sides.
Technical specifications
| Xiaomi Scooter 3 | Specs |
| Maximum speed | 25 km/h |
| Range | 30 km |
| Weight | 13.2 kg |
| Bearing weight | 100 kg |
| Loading time | 5.5 hours |
| Wheel size | 8,5″ |
| Tyre type | Pneumatic tyres |
| Power | 300W (600W max output) |
| Dimensions unfolded | 108 x 43 x 114 cm |
| Dimensions folded | 108 x 43 x 49 cm |
| Maximum slope | 16° |
| Braking system | Handbrake (dual-pad disc brake, rear) |
| Standard | Yes |
| Lighting | Yes |
| Brake light | Yes |
| Reflectors | Yes |
| Waterproof | IP54 |
The final verdict
The moment of truth: do we recommend the Xiaomi Scooter 3 or not? You can somewhat compare this new Xiaomi scooter to the annual release of a new iPhone. Does it change much? No. But do you want the latest of the latest? Yes.
If you are looking for a lightweight e-scooter for adults without too much fuss, you are definitely going to be satisfied with this model. Moreover, the price means that you don’t need deep pockets for this e-scooter.
