Xiaomi Electric Bikes: Model Features, Selection and Care Tips

The electric bicycle is a modern, environmentally friendly form of urban transport. This is a “smart” vehicle on which it is pleasant to surf the city space for riders of all age categories. In this article, we will consider Xiaomi electric bicycles, since they are the indisputable leaders in this market segment today.

Xiaomi is a Chinese company that was founded in 2010. Fame was brought to her by inexpensive, but very high-quality smartphones and tablets. But on the achieved manufacturers decided not to stop and expanded the scope of activity with intelligent software.

Next came the idea to go beyond the gadgets. So there was a sub-brand MiJia, which was engaged in the development of “smart” technical devices for various purposes: from home control programs to household appliances. There was a place for vehicles, such as electric cars and electric bicycles.

Manufacturers of electric bicycles put in the first place the thoughtfulness and rationality of solutions that help make human communication with equipment easier and more efficient. Just imagine - You can control the bike from your smartphone!

All models of electric bicycles Xiaomi has a bright and very noticeable design, they do not remain without attention from the first minutes of appearing in a public place. At the same time, manufacturers do not offer any bright, flashy ornaments and color schemes - everything is modest, simple and tasteful. The main distinguishing features of an electric bike from the Middle Kingdom are a direct and very massive frame, spoke wheels and a vertically located handlebar.

The build and painting quality is high, nothing falls off, is not covered with bumps and “bubbles”, and therefore it’s quite easy to take care of the electric bike - its body is already sufficiently protected from moisture, dirt, direct sunlight and other factors. The design provides a comfortable fit for the rider, regardless of how tall he is. With all the advantages and numerous possibilities, such a transport is very compact. Folding models can be stored even on a cramped balcony or carried with you in the trunk of a car.

The spoke wheels are not very convenient from the point of view of care, because debris can accumulate in them, but they perfectly soften the sensations of driving on rough roads, which is important because the electric bike does not have shock absorbers.

The seat and pedals have standard sizes that are comfortable for most riders. The frame is made of high strength and at the same time very lightweight aluminum alloy. The lightweight construction that this frame provides contributes to a more comfortable ride. Inside the frame are batteries.

The ergonomic body makes the vehicle a convenient option even for riders with a large weight (more than a hundred kilograms). It is resistant to chips and cracks, does not rust, does not react with detergents.

The main advantage of eco-transport is the presence of a motor wheel, which will allow to develop decent speed on any road. Powered transport on electric traction. The engine itself is located in the front wheel. Its power is 250 watts.

But even with this arrangement of the engine, the bike is all-wheel drive, since the rear wheels are controlled by pedals. This increases all-terrain capabilities and on such vehicles it is easier to move on roads with different conditions.

Xiaomi does not apply to racing and sports models, but it’s capable of much - Some models reach speeds of up to 30 km / h or more. Fast driving is facilitated by the presence of a planetary hub in the rear wheel.

The company does not create its electric transport for mountain slopes and tracks, but for pleasant city walks, preferably on a flat road. The engine turns on automatically as soon as pedal rotation begins. But you can ride such a bike with the engine turned off. The sensor system determines the force with which the rider presses on the pedals, and this helps to regulate the power supplied to the motor-wheel.

To better understand how this works, imagine that you need to climb a hill. You begin to press the pedals harder, the corresponding command increases the power, and the wheel begins to spin faster, making it easier for you to lift.

Xiaomi bicycles are equipped with an on-board computer on which you can set a specific operating mode. Mode "Turbo" needed when the rider is tired and does not want to make an effort, mode "Standard" provides normal operation of the motor wheel with certain efforts on the part of the cyclist.

Mode "Economy" it only turns on the engine by a quarter of the force, a person does the rest himself, and this mode is suitable for a long trip if you need to save battery power. The last mode is "Fitness", it completely cuts off the electric motor and can be transported in the most usual way in transport.

The undoubted advantages of Xiaomi e-bikes include the pleasure that you get from skiing and city trips. Experienced cyclists in love with this type of transport, note that the advantages are not limited to:

• reliable design, suitable for people of different weights;
• the motor is quite powerful to develop high speeds;
• intellectual assistance in management;
• quite capacious battery;
• comfortable fit;
• simple gear shifting system;
• convenient and simple on-board computer.

Xiaomi e-bikes do not have significant disadvantages. The inconvenience, which theoretically should be due to the lack of shock absorbers, when driving on uneven road surfaces is more than compensated by spoke wheels. But anyway Electric vehicles are not suitable for cross-country driving. If the plans are aggressive riding and performing stunts, then this type of bike will not suit you.

The disadvantages include the relatively difficult purchase task - without problems, an electric bike is bought only in China itself, in Russia it still needs to be found. Among the existing proposals, you need to find a reliable and responsible importer who will offer goods certified in Russia. If there is no such certificate, this indicates the “gray” origin of the equipment and you will not have to rely on warranty service and software updates from the manufacturer.

The lineup of electric bicycles is represented by several copies, each of which deserves special attention.

Foldable and very compact transport for urban travel. The bike weighs just over 14 kg. Pneumatic wheels, diameter - 16 inches. The battery capacity is 5.8 Ah *. The frame is aluminum, sturdy, reliable. Handlebars have grips that make it easier to grip even in rain and damp conditions.

An LED headlight is built in on the frame in front of it, its light is directed strictly forward, which is not very convenient when cornering in the dark. The motor wheel is located in front. Normal, urban rubber, designed for driving on asphalt. If desired, you can order a wider rubber, manufacturers have provided the ability to install one.

Italian-made saddle, height adjustable. Unlike most other electric bicycles, this option is equipped with an intelligent pedal sensor.

Another folding model with a very strong and reliable aluminum frame. The saddle is height-adjustable, while it not only serves as a seat, but also serves as a pump for pumping wheels. The steering wheel is equipped with an on-board computer, a very loud call and a brake lever. If necessary, lay down the transport pedals are removed completely.

The bike weighs about 21 kilograms. The on-board computer, like the previous model, allows you to choose an individual driving mode. The display is additionally protected from moisture. In economy mode, the battery will allow you to travel up to 80 km, in intensive mode - more than 50 km. Battery capacity - 10 A * h.

The total charge time from the home network is about 5.5 hours. A smart power management system protects the battery during charging from power surges or the harmful effects of overcharging.

Xiaomi electric bikes are more suitable for riding in quiet places - parks, squares, since the engine power is not enough to move in heavy traffic. If you need a faster bike, for example, for out-of-town trips, it is better to opt for devices whose motor power ranges from 500 to 1000 watts. Such are able to reach speeds of up to 45 kilometers per hour.

When choosing an electric bike, you need to pay attention to the following points:

• weight - the smaller it is, the easier it will be to control the transport and carry it when folded;
• battery capacity - if it seems to you that this is not enough, you need to immediately order an additional battery;
• the quality of the case and parts - it should not be in doubt;
• factory packaging and warranty card.

Having received your purchase, you may be surprised - the whole vehicle fits in a small box. It is folded, and therefore, before you sit down and go, you will have to familiarize yourself with the instructions.

Proper assembly provides for the initial installation of the steering pipe. When it is inserted vertically into the hole in the frame, a special lock will press it firmly. After that, it is already possible to adjust the steering wheel according to the slope. To do this, you need to tighten the two screws.

Then you can proceed to install the pedals. If they seem unreliable to you, they can easily be replaced with any others - many do just that.

As soon as your eco-transport is assembled, you need to fully charge the battery. The exact time for a full charge is indicated in the instructions. Then the battery is installed in its regular place.

The product is turned on by pressing and holding the start button on the panel at the top of the display for 3-5 seconds. Do not rush, wait a dozen seconds, this time is necessary for the torque sensor to switch to its original position.

Then you can set up your bike from the on-board computer, but it’s much easier and more interesting to use a special application for your smartphone. You need to download and install it on your gadget for free. If you don’t feel like looking for an application, just scan the QR code, it is available in the instruction manual.

After you launch the application on your mobile device, turn on Bluetooth. This will help to synchronize the bike with your phone. Then you can set the settings that are convenient for you. Please note that new bikes often come with a maximum speed limit - this is a safety requirement. This restriction can be removed by flashing.

Once all the settings are ready, you can sit on your bike and try it out.

Caring for an electric bike involves wiping the frame with a dry and clean rag after walking, cleaning the wheel spokes, and recharging regularly. Even if you are not temporarily using the purchase, recharge the battery at least once a week, it is important to maintain its capacity and performance.

Many experienced cyclists can do the repair themselves. but if the breakdown touches the engine, the motor-wheel or the battery, you should refrain from self-repair - contact a specialist service center.

An overview of the Xiaomi Himo V1 Foldable Electric Bicycle is presented below.