Category: e-Scooter

Ninebot by Segway released their new e-scooter. There have been rumours about a “Segway MAX” scooter but apparently the naming changed and the new model will be called Ninebot KickScooter MAX G30. Their Indiegogo campaign is live! The main question is: How does it compare to Xiaomi’s latest e-scooter the Xiaomi Scooter Pro?

Ninebot MAX vs Xiaomi Scooter Pro

Basically both e-scooters are manufactured by the same company, which is Ninebot. Ninebot bought Segway a few years ago and Xiaomi invested in Ninebot when buying shares. But still there are two models to compare and Ninebot already announced: “We bring the perfect combination of upgrades from the M365 and the ES4.” (Ninebot ES4 is the Ninebot ES2 scooter with extra battery attached).

[pricing_table separate_columns=”no”]
[pricing_column title=”Xiaomi Scooter Pro” subtitle=”” featured=”no”]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]max. speed: 25 km/h[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]range*: 45 km[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]weight: 14,2 kg[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]carrying capacity: 100 kg[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]battery: 474 Wh[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]charging time: 8,5 h
external charger[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]motor power: 300W (600W peak)
(front wheel drive)[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]tires: 8,5″ air tube tires[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]suspension: no[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]brake front: electrical
brake rear: mechanical (disc)[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]display: yes[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]max. gradient: 20%[/pricing_row]
[pricing_footer]EU: 519 USD
Coupon Code:BGXMP365PCZ
[/pricing_footer]

[/pricing_column]
[pricing_column title=”Ninebot MAX G30” subtitle=”” featured=”no”]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]max. speed: 30 km/h[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]range*: 64 km[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]weight: 18,7 kg[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]carrying capacity: 100 kg[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]battery: 551 Wh[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]charging time: 6 h
built in charging port[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]motor power: 350 W (700W peak)
(rear wheel drive)[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]tires: 10″ tubeless air tires[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]suspension: no[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]brake front: mechanical (drum)
brake rear: electrical[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]display: yes[/pricing_row]
[pricing_row strikethrough=”false” bold=”false” italics=”false”]max. gradient: 15%[/pricing_row]
[pricing_footer]Price: 699 USD
.[/pricing_footer]
[/pricing_column]
[/pricing_table]

* manufacturer’s data
Xiaomi Pro data is calculated as follows: 15km/h speed, 75kg driver, flat road, 25°C temperature.
Ninebot MAX data is calculated as follows: 15 km/h speed, 75kg driver, average pavement, 25°C temperature.

German Version: Ninebot MAX G30D

Since both e-scooter are not allowed in Germany, as they need registration and max. allowed speed is 20 km/h, there will is a special edition for Germany: Ninebot MAX G30D

Body & Design

Frame

It seems Ninebot MAX inherited more DNA from the Xiaomi series rather than Ninebot ES series in terms of body design. As you can see on the pictures the folding mechanism of Ninebot MAX is similar to Xiaomi Scooter Pro as both fold above the front wheel. Compared to previous Ninebot models the battery now sits under the footstep, similar to Xiaomi Scooter Pro. I prefer this design as the driving experience is way better with the center of gravity being lower. A fact that convinced me during my Ninebot ES2 vs Xiaomi M365 comparison review. The footstep of Xiaomi Scooter Pro is a bit larger than the one of Xiaomi M365 (see Pro vs M365 comparison), which is convenient for a more comfortable ride. Now the footstep of Ninebot MAX looks massive, that’s due to the larger battery, but more on that later. Both feature a foldout stand to conveniently park the scooter and carrying capacity is about 100kg. Ninebot MAX features a built in charger, so you can charge it on the go and only need to carry a power cable.

Motor

Ninebot MAX will offer a max. speed of 30 km/h while it is stated that top speed is limited within certain areas to meet the requirement from local authority. Therefore in some areas (countries?) the top speed will be 25km/h, similar to Xiaomi Scooter Pro. The max. climbing angle is stated with 15% on MAX while Xiaomi Pro offers 20%. I’m not sure why Ninebot MAX states a lower climbing angle even though it has more power. While Xiaomi Scooter Pro offers a 300W motor (600W peak), the new Ninebot MAX offers 350 W (700W peak). So maybe the climbing angle on MAX is lower due to being heavier or Xiaomi Pro is overestimating.

There is another significant difference: While Xiaomi Scooter Pro is powered on the front wheel, Ninebot MAX is back wheel powered. According to Ninebot rear wheel drive offers you a better solution to acceleration, stability, and brake.

Battery & Range

The announced range for Ninebot KickScooter MAX is massive: 64 km / 40 miles. That’s almost half as much again compared to Xiaomi Scooter Pro. The enormous range will take its toll resulting in more weight on MAX (4,5kg overall). Guess you will need to decide if you are just riding your e-scooter or if you have to carry it as well – e.g. when carrying it in public transport. Xiaomi Scooter Pro has a 474 Wh battery built in, while Ninebot Max offers 551 Wh. Btw. Ninebot Max also has the power port built in and features 6h fast charging compared to 8,5 h for a full charge on Xiaomi Scooter Pro.

LEDs & Display

Compared to Xiaomi M365 the newer Xiaomi Scooter Pro holds a LCD display. To Ninebot series the LCD display is not a new addition since Ninebot ES2 & ES1 already offered that to conveniently check speed, battery status and settings. Xiaomi Scooter Pro offers 3 driving modes indicated on the display: ECO for energy saving mode (15km/h), D for standard mode (20 km/h) and S for sports mode (25 km/h). Ninebot Max offers the same modes, even with the same names. There is a 4th mode, a power assist when pushing MAX by hand. When comparing the pictures the display looks exactly the same:

Tires & Brakes

Ninebot ES series features solid rubber tires, their benefit on one side: you can’t get a flat tire. Xiaomi M365 and Scooter Pro use air tube tires, their benefit: better shock absorption resulting in a more comfortable ride. Ninebot MAX features a new system: tubeless air tires. The 10″ shock absorbing tires will offer a smooth ride while reducing the risk of getting a flat tire because of a damaged tube. I guess only long time tests will show how good the driving experience will be compared the risk of a damaged tire.

Both e-scooter are equipped with a brake handle and a dual brake system. Xiaomi Scooter Pro offers an eABS, regenerative braking system integrated in the front wheel which is activated when releasing the throttle. When you release the accelerator lever the front wheel slowly brakes and the generated energy flows back into battery. The strength can only be predefined within the app. The back wheel holds a 120mm disk brake which is activated with the brake handle on the steering bar.
Ninebot MAX is using a mechanical drum brake integrated in the front wheel that is controlled with the brake handle. On the back wheel there is a regenerative brake system, but I’m currently not sure if the strength will be set within the app like on Xiaomi Scooter Pro or if the brake handle influences strength as well.

Ninebot MAX vs Xiaomi Scooter Pro – in a nutshell

It seems that Ninebot MAX is superior in every aspect: higher top speed, longer range, more powerful motor, air tyres (but without tubes that might need to be changed in case of a flat tyre), better break system, better shock absorption,…

There are only two aspects to consider Xiaomi Scooter Pro: it is way cheaper, it is way lighter (in case you need to carry it).

15 km more range
5 km/h higher top speed
50W higher motor power
tubeless tires

Video Review of Ninebot MAX with Range test

Price & Retailer Comparison / Availability

Ninebot MAX

• Ninebot MAX is available on Amazon:
  • in Germany the version G30D is sold

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Note: The German offer from Amazon DE is for Ninebot MAX G30D – a special version adapted to German law (max speed is 20 km/h)

• Gearbest: 
  • Chinese Warehouse: 699 USD – visit store
    • Free Shipping!
    • EU Priority Line shipping available!
    • in stock
  • Poland Warehouse: 639 USD – visit store
    • Coupon Code: Q44A2EF862E27001
    • no customs & taxes within Europe
    • 5 day delivery
    • in stock
• Banggood:
  • Chinese Warehouse: 639 USD – visit store
  • Coupon Code: BGNBMAXCN
  • Free Shipping!
  • in stock

What’s the best deal for Europe? Gearbest is currently offering the best deal: 639 USD that’s even lower than the initial campaign price! You need to enter the Coupon Code: Q44A2EF862E27001 when you check out.

What’s the best deal for US & Asia? Banggood is currently offering the best deal: 639 USD that’s even lower than the initial campaign price! You need to enter the Coupon Code: BGNBMAXCN when you check out.

Xiaomi M365 PRO

• Amazon: US: not available

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• Banggood
  • Europe Warehouse (Czech): 519 USD – visit store   [fontawesome icon=”thumbs-o-up” size=”14px” color=””] best EU offer
    • Coupon  Code: BGXMP365PCZ
    • 7 day shipping within EU
    • no taxes & customs within EU
    • in stock
• Aliexpress
  • Chinese Warehouse: 538 USD – visit store
    • no taxes to EU & USA (see offer for details)
    • in stock
• Geekbuying:
  • Chinese Warehouse: 599 USD – visit store
    • tax included
    • 4 weeks free shipping
    • out of stock
  • Europe Warehouse (Poland): 539 USD – visit store
    • 3-10 days week shipping within Europe
    • no taxes & customs within Europe
    • out of stock
• Gearbest:
  • Chinese Warehouse: 549 USD – visit store
    • 4 weeks shipping to EU, no US shipping
    • out of stock
  • Europe Warehouse (Poland or Germany): 659 USD – visit store
    • no taxes & customs within Europe
    • ships within Europe within 5 days
    • in stock
• TomTop:
  • Europe Warehouse (Germany): 582 USD
    • 2-5 days free shipping within Europe
    • no taxes & customs within Europe
    • out of stock

Need help? I have contacts at Banggood, Gearbest & TomTop who provide me with coupon codes and stock information. If you have troubles with your order, contact me.

Shipping times
I ordered my Xiaomi M365 from Gearbest in China and I got it within 3 weeks to Europe. I ordered my Xiaomi Pro from Gearbest EU Warehouse and it received it within 5 days.

[fontawesome icon=”facebook-square” size=”14px” color=”coral”] Checkout the Ninebot Fan Facebook Group for the latest infos and user reports

Xiaomi released its new e-scooter Xiaomi Scooter PRO, it’s an addition to the product line supplementing Xiaomi M365. The new e-scooter PRO got a lot of interesting new features, for example a display, which was one of the items where M365 lost against Ninebot ES2 in my Xiaomi M365 vs Ninebot ES2 comparison. But more important: It got a larger capacity battery for increased range & a more powerful motor for faster acceleration and better uphill performance. First I want to highlight the spec differences, below the items please notice my comments marked , based on my experiences from testing both of the e-scooters:

Xiaomi M365 Pro vs Xiaomi M365 – Main Specs

Box Contents

The box content of Xiaomi Scooter Pro is comparable to the Xiaomi M365. It comes almost fully assembled you only have to attach the handle bar, screws and wrench are included. You’ll receive charger, an adapter to inflate the tires and a manual.
Versions (EU vs CN Version):
You can often find the description “EU Version” or “CN Version”. As for Xiaomi Pro this refers to the power plug on the charger. It is either a standard European plug or a Chinese plug. But the power cable that leads to the charger is a standard 2 pin cable used for many devices and can easily be changed. Both chargers are good for 100 – 240V, no need to worry about that. Another difference is the Logo on the scooter: EU Version is using the “mi” logo, CN Version is using the “Mijia” logo.
Only the EU Version of Xiaomi M365 comes with a set of extra tires, all other versions of M365 and Pro don’t have them included!
Officially the new e-scooter is called Xiaomi Scooter Pro, sometimes it is referred to as “Xiaomi M365 Pro”.

  No need to worry about the version. If you can get a CN version way cheaper the only difference for Pro is that you get a power plug you might not be able to use. The cable is cheap, you might have some of them laying around at home or you can get one for a few bucks. In terms of M365 it is convenient to get the EU version with extra tires, think about them when comparing prices!

Design & Parts

Frame

Xiaomi Scooter Pro is a bit larger than Xiaomi M365 and 1.5 kg heavier. One reason being the larger capacity battery. It is stored under the footstep, what I prefer, as it offers a better driving experience with its lower center of gravity compared to Ninebot ES2 where the battery sits in the handle bar. Below the footstep there’s a foldout stand to sturdy park your scooter. The footstep of Xiaomi Scooter Pro is 5 cm longer and 1 cm wider than M365 allowing a more comfortable ride.

Xiaomi M365 folds within seconds, the mechanism sits between steering bar and footstep. The crossbar connects to the cover of the back wheel to easily carry your scooter which feels well balanced. It was advertised that there is an improvement with the folding mechanism although it seems to be the same as on Xiaomi M365. I guess only long term tests will show if this weak spot from Xiaomi M365 really improved!

  The differences between Xiaomi Pro and Xiaomi M365 seem small, but the impact is bigger than I expected. Having a little more space on the footrest makes it way more comfortable to ride. I enjoy a better position while driving Xiaomi Pro (my shoe size if that matters: US 10 / EU 44). Also the extra centimetre on the rod in height are noticeable and comfy. On the other hand you clearly notice the 1.5kg of Xiaomi Pro being heavier when you need to carry your scooter (e.g. when combining it with public transport).

Motor

The front wheel holds a 300W (600W peak) motor which is a plus of 50 W compared to the 250W motor of Xiaomi M365 (550W peak). Max. speed is stated with 25km/h which is the same as for the the non-Pro version. But it is stated that the new Pro model is capable of climbing steeper hills with 20% gradient. While there were 2 modes offered on Xiaomi M365 (25 km/h normal and 18 km/h Eco mode), the new Xiaomi M365 Pro will offer 3 modes: Energy Saver mode ECO: 15km/h, Standard mode D: 20km/h, Sports mode S: 25km/h.

  The 50W extra power, or in other words 20% more power, make itself felt. You accelerate faster and reach the max. speed quicker. The extra power becomes most noticeable when going uphill as you can achieve a higher constant speed compared to M365. Overall I clearly have the feeling that Pro is more powerful – more than I expected!

Battery

The built in battery of Xiaomi M365 Pro offers a capacity of 474 Wh compared to the 280 Wh capacity of Xiaomi M365. As mentioned the battery sits below the footstep of the scooter. With this upgrade the max. range of the Pro model should be 45km (compared to 30km of M365). Xiaomi states the tested range as follows: 75kg driver with fully charged scooter going constantly 15 km/h on a flat surface with no wind at 25°C temperature.

 I wanted to upgrade from M365 since my drive to work is about 12km one way. With M365 I arrived at work with about 39% of the battery left. Towards the end of the ride I noticed a decrease in performance. It was not possible to do a roundtrip (24km) with full speed (25 km/h mode). For me the tested max. range with M365 was 18km with full speed (as long as possible) on an average road with some “normal” hills and stop & go drive due to traffic lights. With Xiaomi Scooter Pro I can do the 24km roundtrip without significant decrease in performance. There’s only a slight power loss after 20km when going uphill as it takes a bit longer to reach max. speed.

LEDs & Display

Xiaomi M365 Pro holds a display which shows all the scooter’s parameters. After testing Ninebot ES2 the display seemed to be very convenient and I was missing this item on my Xiaomi M365. The display shows current speed and the selected mode: ECO for energy saving mode (15km/h), D for standard mode (20 km/h) and S for sports mode (25 km/h). The Pro’s display also indicates if lights are turned on and Bluetooth connection is active. Below there are warning infos if maintenance is needed and on the bottom the battery status.
Xiaomi M365 only offers two driving modes Standard (25 km/h) and ECO Mode (18 km/h). When in ECO Mode the lowest of the 4 LED lights, indicating battery status, is green instead of white.
Both Scooter offer a bright, white LED headlight and a red rear-light which is flashing while using the brake. There is no noticeable difference between the lights on both e-scooters.

  The display is nice to have and very convenient. You can check the performance when going uphill, in case of Xiaomi Pro you can see that there is not much reduction in max. speed. With M365 you notice a decrease but it is not measurable. It would have been nice to see milage on the screen as well or remaining range.

Note: Xiaomi released Xiaomi Electric Scooter 1S – which seems to be the successor of M365 with the display from the Pro version!

PRO Display on  a Xiaomi M365?

I got a lot of questions if the display used on Xiaomi Pro can be fitted on Xiaomi M365. Yes it is, the display parts are available online, and there are many YouTube videos on how to change it: check out this video.

Tires & Brakes

Xiaomi Scooter Pro and Xiaomi M365 are fitted with tube air tires instead of solid rubber tires, e.g. found on Ninebot ES2. This offers advantages and disadvantages. I prefer tube air tires as they offer a smoother ride compared to the solid tires of Ninebot ES2 (which even has suspension). Of course they can deflate or puncture, but still I think the experience is better. Both Xiaomi Pro and M365 are fitted with 8,5″ tires; recommended pressure is 50 psi (3.4 bar).

Xiaomi Scooter Pro offers the same two separated brake systems as Xiaomi M365: Integrated in the front wheel there is an eABS, regenerative anti-lock braking system. When you release the accelerator lever, the front wheel slowly brakes and the generated energy flows back into battery. Brake strength can be defined within the app. The back wheel holds a 120mm disk brake which is activated with the brake handle on the steering bar.

   The tires are the same for both scooters. Even though you can get a puncture the air tires provide great shock absorption. Many user replace them with solid rubber tires but that might not be a good idea. Some users report that the lack of shock absorption can cause damage to the solder joints of the battery. I noticed that when the electric front brake is set to “medium”, it feels stronger on M365 than on Pro. Regarding the rear-brakes, the disk used for Xiaomi Pro is a bit firmer compared to M365. Some users reported that the M365 disc brakes can bend. It seems that issue was tackled with the Pro version.

Review

Xiaomi Scooter Pro in a nutshell

Do I feel a difference riding Pro or M365? Yes I do! Xiaomi Pro is more powerful and comfortable.

• Is it worth to upgrade? It depends: as there might not enough or relevant improvements, I’d say no. If you need more range without charging or if you need to travel steeper hills, I’d say yes.
• Is it worth to buy Xiaomi Pro instead of M365? I think yes. If the price is right and you are willing to pay a bit more you get upgraded features and better performance:

Xiaomi Scooter Pro compared to M365:

Longer Range (increased battery capacity)

Better Acceleration (stronger motor)

Better Uphill Performance (stronger motor)

Comfier Driving Position (larger footrest)

LCD Display

Price (higher than M365)

Weight (heavier than M365)

Field Test & Experiences

It’s no surprise that Xiaomi Pro is now my most favourite e-scooter and replaces my M365. It is more powerful which is clearly noticeable during acceleration and even more when going uphill. With the integrated display it is also easier to check. Even on steeper hills the max speed goes back to about 22 km/h, so only a little difference compared to going on flat roads. With M365 I often had the feeling that the scooter is way slower on the same passages. Driving position is more comfortable on Xiaomi Pro as the footstep is a little longer and the pole is a bit taller. It seems that Xiaomi tackled some issues that were reported on M365: The plastic cover of the power port that almost never kept in place is now magnetic. Many issues regarding the lock system of the folding system were reported (I never had an issue) but it seems to be the same system. Maybe higher quality material is used which I can’t check. The only downsides I noticed: I had to pay more for Pro compared to M365 and Pro is a bit heavier. That’s clearly noticeable when I carry it upstairs to my office. But still, when I choose which one to pick in the morning, I go for Xiaomi Pro.

Other opinions / reviews

Here’s a review video from my friend Sami Luo, I had a chat with Sami on the new Xiaomi Scooter Pro after his test: What he likes most is the refined workmanship. The new scooter not only looks premium and sleek it offers super stable riding experience on different roads. Sami is impressed with the long battery life, for now he hasn’t tested the advertised 45km range. Tires and brake system seem to be the same as on the older Xiaomi M365, he couldn’t notice any difference. Also the closing mechanism hasn’t changed much, although it seems they are now using a new, stronger bolt. My assumption is that they adapted the lock which showed a deficit. The display is a great feature they added. For the cons Sami stated the weight, since the Pro version is 2kg heavier than the previous generation, but I guess that’s compromising for the larger battery.

Connect with other users to hear from them and find the latest Xiaomi Scooter news on the Xiaomi Scooter Facebook Group

Accessories for Xiaomi Scooter Pro & Xiaomi M365

There is the portable, electric Xiaomi Air Pump available, it’s not cheap, but looks stylish and well made.
I’m not a big fan of solid rubber tires for Xiaomi Scooters. As mentioned the the air tires provide great shock absorption which you will loose as there is no other other form of suspension. Many Xiaomi rider use tire slime to prevent puncture, but I also don’t use it. It can prevent small punctures, but if you need to change the tire it’s a mess.
If you need to store your Scooter there is a waterproof storage bag. Another nice item for both of them is the EVA Front Handle Bag. If you need to carry your scooter within public transport, there’s a 6 USD strap. There are hundreds of Scooter Accessories and Replacement Parts available, if you have anything to recommend, let me know in the comments below.

Quick Review of the Xiaomi Air Pump

I got the Xiaomi Air Pump as it looks stylish and I wanted to try it. I didn’t had a good pump at home and you can also use it for footballs, bikes and car tires. I got it from Aliexpress for around 40 USD. What I like a lot:

• it shows current tire pressure
• you can preset desired pressure
• built-in battery
• built in LED light (in case you are looking for the valve at night)
• no adapter needed to inflate Xiaomi M365 or Xiaomi Pro

Price / Retailer Comparison

I think by now the best source is Amazon, where you can buy your local version.
In Germany you need a special version due to regulations.
If you don’t like the scooter, return it easily

Xiaomi M365 Scooter or Ninebot Segway ES2 – which one is better? I asked this question myself as I didn’t know which one to go for. So I tested both of them to find out.

Xiaomi M365 Scooter vs Ninebot ES2 (ES4)

Basically, these two e-scooters are siblings. Both of them are produced by Ninebot, which is stated on manufacturer plate on Xiaomi M365. Although they look pretty similar there are some major differences. One important difference upfront: You can hook up an extra battery on Ninebot ES2, you can get it as a package as well (scooter incl. extra battery) which is sold as Ninebot ES4. Let’s quickly take a look at the different versions:

There are different versions of Ninebot ES scooter – Ninebot ES1 has no rear tire suspension, compared to ES2. Ninebot ES1 sold with included extra battery is called Ninebot ES3 (the scooter is the same). Ninebot ES2 sold with the external battery is called Ninebot ES4, the scooter itself is the same. So you can either get Ninebot ES4 straight away or go for Ninebot ES2 with the option to upgrade with the extra battery.

There are different versions of Xiaomi M365 scooter – Europe Version and International Version. The EU version comes with 2 extra wheels and inner tubes. If you are curious about charger type and plug: the charger is made for 100-240 V input and you can easily replace the 2-pol cable with the plug you need. So, go for the cheaper version! There is also a Xiaomi Scooter Pro, sometimes referred to Xiaomi M365 Pro. It looks wimilar to Xiaomi M365, but the Pro version is a bit larger with better battery and motor. check out my Xiaomi M365 vs Xiaomi Scooter Pro comparison.

Xiaomi M365 Scooter vs Ninebot ES2 – Main Specs

* with additional battery pack. ES2 with additional battery pack is sold as Ninebot ES4.

Box Contents

Both Xiaomi M365 and Ninebot ES2 come almost fully assembled. You just need to attach the handle bar with 4 screws on each e-scooter, as they are detached to achieve a smaller package. Both boxes hold the required tools as well as charger and cables to charge the built-in batteries. Ninebot ES2 is missing a bell, which is legally required in some countries.

Body & Design

Both Ninebot Segway ES2 and Xiaomi M365 are made of a sturdy metal frame and weight about the same – around 12.5 kg. They are also about the same height. The footsteps also have similar dimensions, 55cm long and 15 cm wide with a rubberised finish to keep a strong and non-slippy position while standing. The maximum weight of the driver shouldn’t exceed 100 kg on both of them. Below the footstep both hold a foldout stand to sturdy park your scooter.

Xiaomi M365 and Ninebot ES2 fold within seconds, the mechanism sits between steering bar and footstep. When folded Xiaomi M365 is shorter (106cm) than Ninebot ES2 (113cm). Actually that was an issue for me as I tried to fit them in my trunk. On the other side Xiaomi M365 is higher (48 cm) vs Ninebot ES2 (40cm).

  I prefer the design of Xiaomi M365 – but that’s personal taste. The bar of Ninebot ES is thicker and holds the battery whereas Xiaomi M365 has a thinner bar and the battery is placed below the footstep. That’s why I think Xiaomi Mijia is more convenient to drive as the center of gravity is lower. Xiaomi also is better to carry as it feels better balanced. I also prefer the folding mechanism on Xiaomi. So overall for me this category is a Xiaomi M365 win.

Motor & Battery

The motor power of Segway Ninebot ES2 is stated with 300W, while Xiaomi Mi Scooter states 250W motor rated power. Nevertheless, both sit in the front wheel and power the scooter up to 25 km/h max. According to respective manuals, Xiaomi M365 Scooter holds a 280Wh battery that gives you 30km range, while Segway Ninebot ES2 holds a 187Wh battery for 25km range. In my comparison tests Xiaomi M365 reached about 18km while Ninbeot ES2 provided 16km range. More on that in my conclusion at the end of this article. In terms of acceleration and uphill performace booth seem to be equal in that category. Also charging time differs a bit from the manual. While 3,5 hrs. are stated for ES2 it is closer to 4 hrs but still a bit shorter than the stated 5,5 hrs. for Xiaomi M365.-
But there is another major difference: You can hook up an additional battery pack (available for around 190 USD) to Ninebot ES2 which increases the max. speed to 30 km/h and extends the range to 45 km. (A Ninebot ES2 with additional battery pack is called Ninebot ES4. You can either get ES4 straight away or go for ES2 with the option to upgrade – the scooter is the same).

  Despite having different motor power and battery capacity the performance seems equal. Due to the fact that you can increase speed and extend range with an extra battery Ninebot ES2 (actually then called Ninebot ES4) wins. If you don’t go for the extra batterie (at a higher cost), I’ll call it a tie.

LED Lights & Display

Both e-scooter provide a white front LED headlight and a red rear-light. Additionally, Ninebot ES2 offers an underbody light. 16 LEDs can be controlled via the app and offer several effects and colors. The headlight of Xiaomi M365 is a bit brighter than the one from Ninebot ES2. When you hit the brakes, both rear LEDs flash.

Xiaomi Scooter M365 only provides 4 LEDs to indicate the battery status. When switched to Eco Mode it is indicated with a different color on the bottom LED. If you want to check the speed, you need to monitor via app. Ninebot ES2 provides more information on a display. In addition to battery level and indication of one of the 3 modes you can see a speedometer and Bluetooth status.

  I think the display is a “nice to have” rather than a “must have” but you get used to it once you have it. Both provide the most important info and that’s battery status. Nevertheless, Ninebot not only offers a display, it also has underbody lights, and therefore clearly Ninebot ES2 wins.

Tires & Suspension

Xiaomi M365 Scooter and Ninebot ES2 provide a different solution. Xiaomi M365 is using tube air tires, you can see the valve in the top left image. It is super tricky to inflate them without the included adapter. On the other side Ninebot ES2 uses solid rubber tires, but therefore ES2 offers suspension on front & back wheel.

  Air tires can deflate or puncture. Changing the tubes on Xiaomi M365 can be bothersome, especially on the front wheel where the motor is integrated. You don’t have these problems with Ninebot ES2 and the solid tires. Although having suspension the ride is not as smooth on uneven grounds, course asphalt or cobblestone compared to the air tires. I also think the suspension provides a shaky stand on the Ninebot ES2. Xiaomi feels more compact and sturdier. So even if there can be problems with the air tubes, I think it gives a better ride comfort and therefore Xiaomi M365 wins (at least for me). If you prefer hassle free solid tires you will judge differently.

On a side note: There are solid rubber tires for Xiaomi M365 available, but as stated above I prefer the air tires. Remember, with solid tires you don’t have suspension at all. I also heard reports that solid tires on the M365 could cause problems with electronic parts as there is no shock absorbtion.

Brakes

Both Ninebot Segway ES2 and Xiaomi M365 scooter feature two separated brakes. Each of them offers a mechanical brake on the back wheel and an electrical brake on the front wheel. The electrical brake on both of them is an eABS regenerative braking system. Which means the energy produced during deceleration flows back into the battery and it provides anti-lock security while braking. But the handling and priority is different:

It seems the mechanical disk brake on Xiaomi M365 is meant to be the primary brake while the electrical brake in the front wheel is auxiliary. When you let go the gas lever M365 decelerates. You can set the strength within the app. On the left side of the handle bar you got a brake handle for the disk brake. Ex-factory it is a bit weak, but you can fix that with a screw.

On the Handlebar of Segway Ninebot ES2 there are two levers. Electronic brake on the left side and throttle on the right side. With ES2 it the electronic brake is the primary brake while the mechanical brake is auxiliary, which is a simple design: a step-on brake, you need to step on the wheel cover, known from early days kickscooter.

  It’s arguable which system is better. Maybe the disk brake of Xiaomi M365 provides a faster emergency stop with more control, but you can’t quickly change the strength of the front brake, so basically you have just one brake you can control. On Ninebot ES2 you can control both brakes in an emergency situation: brake electronically and step on the mechanical brake. I think the solution of Ninebot is also smarter as you are using the electronic brake primarily which regenerates battery life and therefore Ninebot ES2 wins.

Xiaomi M365 vs Ninebot ES2 – Handling

After the first categories in my “Body & Specs” section it seems to be a tie between Xiaomi M365 Scooter and Segway Ninebot ES2. So, let’s check out handling who can take the lead:

The handling bar looks pretty similar. The brake lever is on the left and the accelerator on the right. In the middle there’s the power button. Xiaomi M365 features 2 modes: Eco (18 km/h) and Standard (25 km/s). You can switch by pressing the power button twice. In Eco mode the LED on the bottom turns green. Ninebot ES2 features 3 modes: Eco (5 km/h), Normal (15 km/h) and Sport mode (27 km/h) which is indicated on the display. You have to press 2 times to switch modes.

Both e-scooter are pedal assisted. That means you need to give it an initial push and then accelerate after reaching a basic speed. Afterwards you can cruise fully on electric power.

  Handling is pretty similar – One button controls it all. Ninebot ES2 needs less force to initiate electric cruise, a slight push is enough. Both of them offer cruise control which is set in the app and is activated when holding the gas lever for 5 seconds at the same position. The folding mechanism lock of Xiaomi M365 is easier to operate. I’ll call it a tie.

Xiaomi M365 vs Ninebot ES2 – App

As already mentioned, the EU version of Xiaomi M365 only connects to Mi Home app, while the international version also connects to Ninebot app!

Both apps are available for iOS & Android and offer pretty much the same features and settings. You can see actual speed, average speed and mileage. Turn on/off cruise control or change light settings. You can switch between metrical and imperial system display or upgrade the firmware if available. Both also offer an anti-theft function where you can lock your scooter. If someone tries to push it away the brakes block and the scooter sounds a warning tone.

  I couldn’t connect my EU version of Xiaomi M365 to Mi home app on iOS at all. It finally worked out with Android. There are some tricks how to connect Xiaomi M365 and Xiaomi Pro with the app, I did a separate article. The Segway-Ninebot app runs way smoother and I didn’t experience any problems. You don’t need the app for daily usage, but it is important to change some settings. Clearly one app is better than the other, so in this category Ninebot ES2 wins.

Price / Retailer Comparison

I think by now the best source is Amazon, where you can buy your local version.
In Germany you need a special version due to regulations.
If you don’t like the scooter, return it easily

Conclusion

At first, I thought Ninebot ES2 will be my winner when looking at the features. I got some sweet new details compared to the older Xiaomi M365. It’s nice to have a display on the handle bar as speedometer. Also, the underbody lighting is quite fancy. I really like the brake system of Ninebot compared to Xiaomi. This way the main brake is a regenerative one that gets power back into the battery. Speaking of batteries: I prefer them built-in under the footstep like on Xiaomi M365. This way a better center of gravity is achieved and that has a positive influence on driving experience. It’s also more convenient if you need to carry your scooter in public transport as Xiaomi feels better balanced. On the other hand, you can shift Ninebot around quicker as the footstep is light to move.

The main difference for me is the tire/suspension system. With air tube tires you can get a puncture and you need to change them. You also need to take a look at air pressure from time to time. Despite Ninebot ES2 offer suspension on front and back wheel, Xiaomi M365 feels way smoother to ride. So M365 is my clear winner in terms of driving experience. Not sure if this is only related to tires/suspension or also to center of gravity as already mentioned.

Range & Performance
As already mentioned, the stated 30km on M365 or 25km range on ES2 might be able to achieve when driving in ECO mode on a flat, paved road. under normal conditions (full speed with gradients) you won’t be even close to that values. I was able to achieve 17km on my Xiaomi M365 and about 15km on my Ninebot ES2. On Ninebot ES2 a sudden decrease in performance can be noticed when reaching about 15% battery. Since I ride my scooter of choice, the Xioami M365, more often I can give you a more detailed description:
Until 50% of your battery and about 10 km of your ride there is no noticeable decrease in performance. After that a max. speed of 10 km/h can be reached and it takes a little longer to do so. But when you reach top speed, M365 maintains it without problems. Uphill performance on the other hand is noticeable poorer. Below 20% battery the performance is getting poorer. It’s getting bothersome to ride M365 and you move forward very slowly. After 18km the ride was over and I had to push my Xiaomi. Despite showing some % battery left, I had to push the scooter.
My lesson is clear: up to 10km you can ride both of them with full power and without any problems. Up to 13km are possible if you accept a decrease in performance towards the end. It’s still convenient to ride. When going further it’s getting painstaking abd it sees you have to fight to move on. Therefore I recommend both of them for 10km rides without charge; 13km with restrictions. If you need to go further I highly recommend getting the additional battery for ES2 or take a look at the newer Ninebot MAX or Xiaomi Pro that offer an extended range!

The app is not constantly needed, but essential if you need to change some settings or activate the anti theft system. It was really bothersome to try and fail connecting Xiaomi M365 over and over again on my iPhone. In the end I managed to do so, but having a stabile app is definitely a plus.

Even though I really, really like the superior Ninebot ES2 features such as: brake system, solid tires, display, LED underbody lights, better app & the option for an extra battery. When it comes to the quality of riding pleasure, I go with Xiaomi M365.

Also, check out the new models: Xiaomi Scooter Pro vs Ninebot Max!

For more and current info check out the Xiaomi Scooter Facebook Group!