Xiaomi Pro 2 Scooter

Hey there! Let’s have a chit-chat about the new kid on the block, Xiaomi’s Pro 2 electric scooter. Have you heard about it? Oh, it’s quite the update from their previous M365 Pro. They’ve even ditched the “M365” name, and now it’s simply the Xiaomi Pro 2. Neat, right?

Now, I know you might be curious about what’s changed from the old model to this new shiny scooter. So, let’s dive in together and explore the Pro 2, and hey, why not throw in a comparison with the 1S while we’re at it?

A Little Trip Down Memory Lane: Back in 2019, Xiaomi rolled out the M365 Pro as a beefed-up sibling to the original M365, which hit the streets in late 2016. The M365 got really popular in Europe around 2018 when Bird, the scooter rental company, flooded city streets with them. Fast forward to April 2020, Xiaomi decided it was time for a refresh and introduced a new lineup including the Essential, 1S, and of course, the Pro 2. After a bit of a scramble thanks to the world pausing for COVID-19, these scooters finally made their way to the UK in August 2020.

Back to Basics: Xiaomi’s Pro 2 is a foldable electric scooter, crafted with care by the Chinese tech wizards at Xiaomi (pronounced “show-me”). The manufacturing magic happens at Ninebot, the same folks behind those Segway scooters. Much like its predecessor, the Pro 2 flaunts a simple fold-and-go design, a 28-mile range, and a top speed of 16 mph. It’s packed with features like cruise control, lights in the front and back, E-ABS brakes, a handy phone app (Mi Home app), and pneumatic tires for a smooth ride.

The frame is pretty much the same deal as the M365 Pro, though it has a wider base to accommodate a bigger battery. And just a heads-up, some folks might tell you it’s for extra comfort, but I’d take that with a grain of salt.

However, the handlebar height stays put due to the folding mechanism. Out of the box, there’s a bit of DIY needed – just pop in the handlebars and screw them in place. And hey, they even toss in a spare tire for good measure.

Sleek Design and Smooth Rides: Diving into design, the battery nestles in the base, and the whole frame is crafted from sturdy aluminum. It’s strong, and you can fold it or unfold it in a flash – Xiaomi says three seconds flat. Now, it does have a bit of weight to it at 14.2 kg, but that’s the trade-off for its impressive range and wallet-friendly price.

The Pro 2’s display keeps you in the loop with your speed, battery life, and riding mode, just like the M365 Pro did. And speaking of modes, there’s Pedestrian for those slow-roll moments, Standard to keep things chill at 20 km/h, and Sport when you need to hit the top speed.

On the handlebars, you’ve got a button for the throttle on the right, and on the left, there’s a bike-like brake and a bell, though it’s a bit extra since you can’t get rid of it if you want to fold the scooter.

For night riders, there’s a powerful LED light up front. And while some folks think it’s a bit too bright, I beg to differ.

And a fun little tidbit – the Pro 2 sets itself apart with a red ring on the front wheel and those new yellow reflectors, which seem to be a thing for the new Xiaomi range.

Riding Experience: Hopping on the Pro 2 feels just right – it’s balanced and a breeze to control, even if tight turns aren’t its forte. Now, if it’s your first time on an e-scooter, it might take a sec to find your balance, but trust me, it gets easier. With its low center of gravity, accelerating and braking feel natural. Just watch out for that throttle if you’re riding an M365 – I’ve noticed the grip can sometimes slide up to it.

The 8.5-inch pneumatic tires aim to make your ride as smooth as butter, but remember, there’s no suspension. So, while it handles well on even ground, cobblestones and the like are a whole different ballgame.

Oh, and watch out for those sneaky pavement edges – the Pro 2 can scrape its belly if you’re not careful. It’s a bit like driving a limo; you’ve got to be mindful of its length.

Of course, safety first, right? Helmets are a must, and keep in mind that small wheels can be tricky with potholes. And just a heads up, as of my last update in May 2022, it’s technically not legal to ride privately owned electric scooters on public roads in Britain, though enforcement seems to vary.

Battery Talk: The Pro 2’s battery keeps pace with the M365 Pro in capacity, top speed, and range. Now, while the top speed and range are mostly accurate, the real improvement is in the faster charge time and longer battery life.

Pros of the Xiaomi Pro 2:

1. Affordability: Compared to many other scooters on the market, the Pro 2 offers a lot of bang for your buck.
2. Simplicity in Design: Its foldable design makes it user-friendly, and it’s easy to handle whether you’re on the road or carrying it.
3. Impressive Battery Life: With a range of 28 miles, it’s got enough juice for most commutes or leisure rides.
4. Solid Build: The sturdy aluminum frame gives it durability and a feel of quality.
5. User-Friendly App Integration: The Mi Home app adds an extra layer of convenience, allowing you to monitor your ride.
6. Safety Features: Front and rear lights, along with E-ABS brakes, contribute to a safer ride.
7. Decent Speed and Range: A top speed of 16 mph and a 28-mile range puts it on par with, or ahead of, many competitors.
8. Quick Folding Mechanism: It’s easy and quick to fold down, making it convenient for storage or transport.

Cons of the Xiaomi Pro 2:

1. Weight: At 14.2 kg, it’s on the heavier side, which might be a drawback if you need to carry it frequently.
2. Non-adjustable Handlebar Height: This could be a drawback for riders who prefer a customizable handlebar height.
3. Lack of Suspension: While the pneumatic tires offer a smooth ride, the lack of suspension could make rough terrains challenging.
4. Vulnerable to Scrapes: The scooter’s underside can scrape on pavement edges, potentially leading to damage over time.
5. Bright Front Light: Some users have found the front LED light to be overly bright, which could be a con for some (although others may see this as a pro for visibility).
6. Limited Upgrades from Previous Model: If you’re upgrading from the M365 Pro, you might not find a huge difference in performance.

Wrapping It Up:

The Xiaomi Pro 2 electric scooter definitely has its highlights, especially when it comes to providing a reliable and affordable option for city commuting or leisurely rides. Its user-friendly design and robust features make it a solid choice, though the weight and a few other potential drawbacks are worth considering. Ultimately, it’s all about finding the scooter that best fits your personal needs and preferences!