Xiaomi M365 Review: Still the Best Budget E-Scooter?

The Xiaomi M365: The Electric Scooter That Changed Everything

Ever since it dropped way back in December 2016, the Xiaomi M365 has pretty much cemented itself as the iconic electric scooter. Seriously, this thing blew up. With its slick design, killer price point, and solid performance, it totally revamped urban mobility and became the go-to choice for millions worldwide. You even saw it everywhere with rental companies like Bird, Lyft, and Spin! Today, we’re going to get into all the nitty-gritty: its features, the good, the bad, and why, even in 2025, it’s still a seriously compelling option.

Design & Build: Where Style Meets Smarts

Right off the bat, the M365 screams minimalist and functional. It’s built using aerospace-grade aluminum, which means it’s both lightweight (just 12.2 kg or 26.9 lbs) and tough enough to resist corrosion. The best part? It folds up! This makes hopping on public transport or chucking it in your car trunk super easy, thanks to a quick and secure folding mechanism that takes mere seconds. This isn’t just about looking good, either; its smart design actually snagged it the Red Dot Award 2017 for innovation.

The scooter boasts a smooth finish with all the wires neatly tucked away, and the handlebars are designed for comfort. You’ve got a non-slip deck for a secure footing, and front and rear fenders to keep you (mostly) clean from splashes. Plus, it’s got built-in LED lights – a front one for illumination and a rear one that flashes when you brake, making you more visible day and night. Still, if you’re doing a lot of night riding, adding extra lights is always a smart move for maximum safety.

Performance & Power: Getting You There Smoothly

Under the hood (or rather, in the front wheel), the M365 packs a 250W brushless motor, capable of hitting peaks of up to 500W. This beast lets you cruise at a top speed of 25 km/h (15.5 mph). Now, it might not be the fastest scooter on the block, but this speed is perfect for sticking to most city regulations and offers a really zippy ride. It’ll get you from zero to 15 mph in about 6.3 seconds. Climbing hills is decent, though for steeper inclines, you might find yourself giving it a little push.

The braking system is another standout feature. It smartly combines a regenerative braking system (KERS) on the front wheel with a trusty mechanical disc brake on the rear. This dual setup means you can stop quickly and safely, usually within about 5 meters from 24 km/h, which is crucial when you’re navigating busy city streets.

Range & Battery Life: Your Daily Commute Companion

The M365 is juiced up by a 280 Wh (36V) lithium-ion battery. On paper, it promises a range of up to 30 km (18.6 miles). In real-world use, though, you’re more likely looking at around 20-25 km (12.4-15.5 miles). This can vary a bit depending on your weight, the terrain you’re riding on, and how fast you’re going. Charging it up fully takes about 4 to 5 hours, so you can easily juice it up overnight or during your workday. And hey, that regenerative braking we talked about? It actually helps claw back a bit of energy, giving you a tiny bit more range.

One of the coolest things is how it integrates with the Xiaomi Mi Home app. You can keep tabs on your ride stats, check your battery level, and even turn on features like cruise control or remotely lock the wheels. That said, some users on older models have mentioned occasional connection hiccups with the app, so keep that in mind.

Comfort & Ride Quality: Bumps and All

The M365 rolls on 8.5-inch inflatable tires. These are pretty good at soaking up typical city bumps, making for a smoother ride overall. However, since it doesn’t have a full suspension system, you’ll definitely feel bigger potholes or rougher patches more than you would on more advanced scooters. Also, these tires can be a bit prone to flats, so keeping up with maintenance or popping some tire sealant like Slime in there is a solid preventative measure.

The handlebars are comfy enough for short to medium rides, though some folks with bigger hands might find them a tad narrow. The controls are super intuitive: a thumb throttle on the right and a brake lever on the left, which also doubles as a bell. The display is pretty minimalist, just showing you the battery level, but the app gives you all the extra details you might want.

The Good Stuff: Why We Love the M365

Easy on the Wallet: For around $350-$500, you get an incredible amount of bang for your buck. It’s the perfect entry-level scooter without skimping on quality.
Super Portable: Its lightweight design and folding mechanism make it a dream for combining with public transport.
Huge Community & Customization: The M365’s popularity means there’s a massive community out there, plus tons of aftermarket parts and accessories to make it your own.
Safety First: The dual braking system and integrated lights offer peace of mind while you ride.
Award-Winning Looks: Even years later, its sleek, modern design still turns heads.

The Not-So-Good Stuff: Where It Falls Short

Range Isn’t Massive: Compared to newer models, like the Xiaomi M365 Pro, its range might not cut it for longer commutes.
Pinch-Prone Tires: Those comfy pneumatic tires can be a pain if they get a flat. Regular checks are a must.
No Fancy Suspension: If you hit rough terrain a lot, you’ll notice the lack of advanced suspension.
Past Issues: Some early models had recalls for folding mechanism problems and electronic glitches. Thankfully, these have mostly been ironed out in newer versions.
Power Dip: A common user report is that acceleration seems to drop off noticeably once the battery dips below 50%.

A Quick Look: M365 vs. M365 Pro

When the Xiaomi M365 Pro came out, it was clear Xiaomi wanted to address some of the original’s limitations. The Pro boasts a beefier 300W motor (600W peak), a bigger battery offering up to 45 km (28 miles) of range, and a snazzy color display showing speed and other real-time data. The trade-off? It’s heavier (14.2 kg or 31.3 lbs) and a bit pricier. For most urban commuters prioritizing portability and value, the original M365 still makes a lot of sense. The Pro is better if you need that extra range or a bit more grunt for longer, tougher rides.

Riding in the City & Staying Legal

The Xiaomi M365 is a fantastic city cruiser, but it’s super important to know your local laws. In many places, electric scooters are classified as Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs), which often means restrictions on where you can ride – usually on bike paths or specific lanes, and not on sidewalks to keep pedestrians safe. Also, while the M365 has an IP54 rating, meaning it can handle light splashes and rain, it’s not waterproof. So, avoid riding in heavy downpours.

The Verdict: Is the Xiaomi M365 Still a Go in 2025?

Honestly, even though it’s been around for almost a decade, the Xiaomi M365 remains a seriously good option if you’re after an electric scooter that’s affordable, reliable, and easy to carry around. Its award-winning design, balanced performance, and the massive user community make it a great choice for beginners and everyday city riders. If you need a longer range, better suspension, or more power, you might want to check out newer models like the M365 Pro or competitors such as the Cecotec Bongo Serie Z.

So, to wrap it up, the Xiaomi M365 didn’t just make waves in electric mobility; it set a standard. It’s still a top contender thanks to its killer combo of price, design, and everyday usability. If you need a dependable partner for your daily urban commutes, this scooter is still a solid bet.

Thinking of snagging an M365? Make sure you check the exact specs of the model you’re looking at (some might be refurbished or second-hand), and always double-check your local regulations to ride safe and legal. Got any burning questions about the M365? Drop them in the comments below!