Xiaomi Mijia M365 Electric Scooter Review

Getting my hands on the Xiaomi Mijia M365 Electric Scooter, I felt a mixture of excitement and skepticism—could a scooter really serve as a viable mode of urban transportation, or was it just a toy? Spoiler alert: I was pleasantly surprised.

Design and Portability

The scooter sports a minimalist, sleek design that inherits the best of Xiaomi's aesthetic—functional, yet stylish. Built from aerospace-grade aluminum, it feels robust but not cumbersome. The M365 weighs in at about 12.5 kg (27.5 lbs), which is manageable for short distances when folded. And speaking of folding, the process is a snap—it's as easy as flipping a latch and clicking it into place.

Its lack of handlebar folding does mean a larger footprint when collapsed, but it's still compact enough to slide into the back of a car or under a desk. The handle grips are non-adjustable, a trade-off for sturdiness, so be sure you're comfortable with their fixed height.

Performance

Booting up the M365 with the power button, I was off to a smooth start. The throttle's response is curvilinear—it starts off gentle but picks up swiftly. Its top cruising speed of approximately 26 km/h (16 mph) is on par for city commuting, and the acceleration is satisfying without being overwhelming. The 250-watt motor punches above its weight, meaning small inclines are handled with ease, though steep hills will likely require a little kick help.

What genuinely impressed me was the range. On a full charge, the claimed 30 km (18 mi) is optimistic, but not by much. I comfortably got anywhere between 25-28 km (15.5-17.4 mi), depending on my usage intensity and weight. It's a dependable figure that should get you through most daily commutes.

Ride Quality

Despite lacking in suspension, the 8.5-inch pneumatic tires offer a commendable level of comfort. They absorb most road vibrations effectively, although adversities such as potholes or cobblestone streets are felt. The scooter's balanced weight distribution provides a confident riding experience, never feeling too front-heavy or light in the back.

However, it's not an off-road scooter, and frankly, it's not pretending to be. For urban landscapes with reasonable roads, it's a delight but take it onto a gravel path, and the limitations of its design come to light.

Braking

The regenerative front brake partnered with the disc rear brake offers reliability when it comes to quick stops. Even when darting through busy streets, I found the braking system to be effective and assured. Notably, it requires a little adjustment period to get the brake sensitivity to your personal liking, but once dialed in, it's an intuitive system.

Features and Extras

The simple LED battery life indicator on the handlebar dash is a bit rudimentary, but it does the job, leaving your smartphone via Bluetooth and the companion app to fill in the details like speed and distance. There's a certain appeal to the uncomplicated interface that gives you what you need—a quick battery check—and nothing more.

Front and rear lights are integrated, ensuring you're well-seen at night, though I'd consider additional lighting for particularly dark environments. The rear light's incorporation as a brake light is a thoughtful touch.

Build Quality and Durability

After extensive use, the Xiaomi Mijia M365 had minimal rattles or squeaks and handled the rigors of daily use with grace. It's IP54 rated for water resistance, offering peace of mind against rain or wet roads. User reports suggest a decent degree of longevity, so long as you maintain proper tire pressure and care for it reasonably well.

Final Thoughts

The Xiaomi Mijia M365 electric scooter stands out as a cost-effective, reliable, and fun way to get around town. It has won awards for good reason—it's a balance of design, functionality, and price, which makes it a great pick for anyone looking to dip their toes into electric scooters. Whether you're making the leap from public transit or just want a more efficient way to handle those last kilometers to the office, the M365 offers a compelling argument that scooters are more than just a playful ride—they're a genuinely functional mode of transport for the urban commuter.

Six-Month Update on Experience

After more than six months of regular use, my experience with the Xiaomi Mijia M365 continues to be largely positive, with a few caveats that have surfaced.

Positives

• Reliability: The M365 has proven exceptionally reliable for daily commutes. Battery life remains strong, consistently providing close to its claimed range.


• Maintenance: Basic maintenance has been straightforward. Regular checking and pumping of tires, periodic brake adjustments, and keeping it clean have sufficed.


• Adaptability: It's been adaptable to multiple types of urban terrain, though best on smooth pavement.

Negatives

• Wear and Tear: The rear tire has needed replacement due to wear and punctures. This seems to be a common issue possibly linked to the weight distribution and regular commuting use.


• Brake Adjustments: As mentioned, the brakes are effective but require regular adjustments, more so than initially anticipated, to maintain optimal performance.


• Noise: A minor increase in creaks from the folding mechanism has developed. While not a deal-breaker, it suggests that long-term use might require more in-depth maintenance.

All things considered, the M365 still offers significant value and efficiency for its price. Its usability over the long term matches most of the initial impressions, though it’s clear that regular care and occasional component replacements are part of the ownership experience. Its performance and functionality continue to justify it as a worthwhile investment for the urban commuter.