The fourth generation of Xiaomi electric scooter was still missing an entry-level model. Marketed at 399 euros, the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 Lite is intended to be a new reference, but does not seem to have changed much compared to the previous generation. We give you our first impressions after a quick introduction.
Xiaomi has always been very present in the electric scooter market. With its Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 Ultra, the manufacturer is targeting the very high-end market. The Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 Pro brings great endurance and the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4, announced in April in the mid-range segment, should finally be available in France.
With the latest addition to the family, made official on May 22, 2023 in Milan, the Chinese manufacturer is finally completing its offer with an entry-level product, the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 Lite marketed at 399 euros. Which makes us 50 euros less than its predecessor. A price drop that is always good to take, especially if we don’t lose quality, which we hastened to check during a quick start.
Design and build quality: classic and efficient
The Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 Lite takes up the stylistic codes of the scooters of the house. If we don’t have an ounce of novelty here, we must admit that the design of the beast is as pleasant as it is practical. With dimensions of 111 x 49 x 113 cm for 15.9 kg, its size is in the right average and its weight is not insignificant.
It therefore displays a look and dimensions almost identical to those of the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 3 (110.5 × 43 × 113.7 cm), except for a tray a few centimeters wider.
It uses the mechanics already present on the other Xiaomi scooters, which makes it an easy product to fold. The set seems solid, we shook it a little in all directions and nothing moves. The aluminum and plastic design is therefore of a good standard, without being exceptional.
Note the IP54 certification for use even in rainy weather.
Controls and lighting: sufficient but minimalist
The handlebar is characteristic of the brand, rigid, straight and not foldable. The handles are covered in a nice-to-the-touch rubber coating, which should provide a secure grip, but maybe not on hot days.
Attention, the indicators that you can notice at the ends of the handles will not be present on the French version. This is an obligation of Italian legislation that we would like to see transposed in France.
Source: Yazid Amer – Frandroid
Source: Yazid Amer – Frandroid
Source: Yazid Amer – Frandroid
The central screen displays basic information (speed, battery level), but the glass surface that protects it is so reflective that the screen was difficult to read in direct sunlight. The display is optimal only in the shade or indoors.
Just below the screen we have a front headlight which doesn’t seem very powerful. The rear brake light does the job, but nothing more.
Note that this model is equipped with Bluetooth and therefore links with the Xiaomi Home app which provides information on the activity of the machine (distance traveled, speed, etc.). Above all, it allows you to lock the front wheel of the scooter for more security.
First impressions on the handlebars: efficient and without surprises
The Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 Lite has a 300W motor, capable of reaching a maximum speed of 20 km/h, with a range of 20 km. It is powered by a 5200 mAh (187 Wh) battery. Like the previous version, it is therefore designed for short daily journeys.
According to Xiaomi, the vehicle can tackle climbs of up to 14% incline, which we were unable to test. But experience has taught us that the reality is often very sluggish with this type of product.
We had at our disposal a perfectly flat indoor mini circuit with a short area of one meter covered with gravel. We drove a short mile and found that the battery was down about 3%. In any case, a life-size test will be necessary to calculate the exact radius of action of the machine.
The top is not very wide, but is comfortable if you roll your feet one behind the other. Otherwise, it is a bit narrow, especially if you wear a 45. The rubber surface that covers it is not very textured and its surface could become slippery on rainy days. To be checked, once again, in real conditions.
In use, we had good sensations, but at 20 km/h we still had the impression of “dragging”. Reactive, the scooter responds well to our commands, the accelerator is quite progressive, but could be much more. The motor integrated into the front wheel therefore does its job well.
Nevertheless, when we pass on the section of track with gravel, we immediately feel vibrations. After insisting, we were able to try it “very” quickly on bitumen. Once again, the absence of front and rear suspension is felt, but remains standard for an entry-level product. The 8.5-inch pneumatic wheels don’t help dampen vibrations either.
Source: Yazid Amer – Frandroid
Source: Yazid Amer – Frandroid
Xiaomi puts a lot of emphasis on its braking system which combines a disc brake on the rear wheel and an E-ABS on the front wheel, which should reduce the distance of the braking distance and guarantee greater safety. In the limited conditions of the grip, we could not see the validity of these arguments and in practice, we did not note particularly remarkable performances.
Opinion: a positive first impression
The Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 Lite might seem disappointing at first glance with very limited developments compared to the Scooter 3 Lite. However, we have here a quality entry-level scooter, which offers services equivalent to the previous model, but charged 50 euros less. Which is not a negligible argument.
The Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 Lite is available at a price of 399 euros on the manufacturer’s website and partner resellers. Be careful, however, not to be overtaken by the competition. Opposite, Segway offers a Ninebot KickScooter F25E 60 euros more expensive… but capable of spinning at a speed of 25 km / h while claiming a theoretical autonomy of 25 km.