Impossible to miss them, as they are numerous and recognizable among a thousand. In a few years, Xiaomi’s electric scooters have managed to establish themselves on the French market. There are good reasons for this, and there are many.
With 908,000 units sold in 2021 in France, the electric scooter market is doing very well. And this enthusiasm is logical. Electric scooters are generally less expensive than bicycles, but they too benefit from the proliferation of cycle paths in urban areas. Not to mention that they are easier to transport and fit into small spaces.
It is enough to take a walk in the boulevards of the big cities to realize that a manufacturer of electric scooters seems to be acclaimed. Xiaomi brand models are legion. The brand even claims that one in three models in France comes from its factories. But what is the reason for this success? Convenience of use, value for money and impression of security, we take stock of the advantages of Xiaomi two-wheelers.
Designed for urban environments
The electric scooter is above all a means of transport, which has no trouble replacing a bicycle or a car in an urban environment. And this thanks to an autonomy generally able to cash all the journeys of a normal day. In Paris, the average journey between home and work is 10.7 km according to INSEE, or 21.4 km round trip. A distance that the Xiaomi Mi Scooter 3 is able to cover without going through the charging box.
Above all, Xiaomi’s scooters are among the good students in terms of weight and size. With 13 kg on the scale, the Xiaomi Mi Scooter 3 can be easily hoisted up stairs or taken on a subway. An important asset for fans of multimodal travel. Especially since its foldable design greatly limits the size. By operating a simple lever, it is possible to bring the stem closer to the deck. Enough to lug it around during rush hour on the metro.
Security at the heart of the device
Convenience of use does not, however, come at the expense of safety. Xiaomi electric scooters are all equipped with front and rear lights by default. The one at the back allows you to be seen by other road users, while the one at the front allows you to see more clearly on your way. And this even in the rain, since Xiaomi scooters are IP54 certified and therefore resistant to splashing water.
On the Xiaomi Mi Scooter 3, this impression of security is reinforced by the efficiency of the machine. Measured at 600 watts, the maximum power allows you to start at top speed, and thus start in the lead when a light turns green. Traffic is always calmer when you are in front of the traffic. Nevertheless, the rear disc brake proves strong enough to carry out emergency braking when necessary.
Simplicity above all
No license is needed to ride an electric scooter, but that doesn’t mean riding one comes naturally. You have to know how to manage your balance, observe the surrounding traffic, while keeping control of acceleration and braking. Piloting must then be as simple as possible in order to guarantee better accessibility. It is for this reason that Xiaomi has played the card of minimalism on its two wheels.
On the handlebars of the Xiaomi Mi Scooter 3, there are only essential controls, which fall naturally under the fingers: the accelerator, the brake lever, a bell and an on off button. It is also the latter that allows the lights to be switched on or the driving mode to be changed. In short, everything is thought out so that you can drive without ever taking your eyes off the road.
The ultimate asset: the price-quality ratio
Contacted, the Federation of Micro-Mobility Professionals (FPMM) reveals to us that such success is partly explained by the price positioning of Xiaomi scooters. The models of other brands that are the most accessible at less than 200 euros are generally gateways to the world of new mobility. But they are quickly replaced when a repair is necessary. And that makes sense when the cost of an overhaul is a big part of the purchase price.
These users then turn to slightly more expensive models, between 300 and 500 euros, where Xiaomi is positioned with three different models. Models that enjoy a reputation for robustness and reliability, and with very few competing products capable of overshadowing them. Above all, Xiaomi electric scooter users have a real interest in extending the life of their scooter during an incident. They are widely used, so spare parts are readily available and affordable.
Here are the three models of electric scooter currently marketed by Xiaomi:
- The Xiaomi Mi Scooter 3, which is currently displayed at a price of 449 euros. This is the manufacturer’s most balanced model which is suitable for the vast majority of users.
- The Essential version, which makes some concessions on autonomy and engine power, trades around 329 euros. At that price, it’s hard to find such a neat competing model.
- Finally, the Xiaomi Mi Scooter Pro 2 emphasizes performance. Autonomy is more generous and the engine faster. Displayed at around 549 euros, this is a model intended for large riders.