Xiaomi M365 Alternatives: 9 Scooters Better than the Budget King

The Xiaomi Mi M365 Is No Longer Available in North America! 

Chances are, you already know something about the Xiaomi Mi M365.

It's the electric scooter that started taking over U.S. city streets after its introduction by Chinese electronics company Xiaomi (pronounced "Shau-mee") in 2016.

The M365 became a base model for shared scooter fleets from companies like Bird, who launched the first shared "dockless" electric scooters in Santa Monica in 2017 and rebranded the Xiaomi M365 as the now-extinct Bird One (or as it came to be called, "the Bird scooter").

Also in 2017, the M365 won two prestigious design awards, and many would still argue that it retains top honors as an ideal entry-level portable electric scooter. 

Dozens of copycats appeared almost as quickly. Most of them were and are inferior to the original. Why? Because the M365 set the bar high for an adult electric scooter that could handle the rigors of the daily commute and also feel comfortable, safe, and fun to ride.
The ingenious simplicity of the Xiaomi M365's cockpit

What Made the Xiaomi Mi M365 So Popular?

When Xiaomi first launched the Mi M365, there was little else that could compete with the scooter's design, a practical balance of speed and range, ease of use, reliability, comfort and portability. 

In 2021, six years after its release, Electric Scooter Guide proclaimed the M365 “still the reigning king of electric scooters" for its continued relevance as the world's number one electric scooter. 

No wonder so many entry-level e scooters today still look like Xiaomi clones. For under Error: Invalid value "500". the M365 could do it all, mostly.
A low, grippy deck makes it easy for anyone to ride this e scooter
- Speed No, it’s not a high performance racer, but it’s plenty fast at around 17 mph average top speed for every iteration of the Xiaomi Mi M365 (and closer to 20 mph for unlocked versions).

These speeds still define the entry-level end of the e scooter market, and the M365 still ranks highly for its impressive acceleration, something many similar-looking electric scooters lack even when they have similar specs. 

- Solid Braking The M365's combination of electric brakes and a rear disc brake, both operated by a single lever, proved reliable, safe, and popular.

- Longish Range The M365’s tested 14.6 mi still tops lists of budget scooters when it comes to range and beats many of the more expensive commuter scooters on this list.

- Ease of Use! Anyone can operate the Xiaomi scooter’s simple-to-use controls, from its ergonomic thumb throttle and minimalist display options to its well-placed mechanical bell. 

- Comfort The M365 remains a surprisingly smooth ride despite its lack of suspension thanks to its pneumatic 8.5 in tires, wide stable deck, and low center of gravity. 

- Great Lighting! Too many electric scooters at every price point bury their headlights in the scooter’s deck where they’re too low for many drivers to see at night.

The M365’s high-mounted LED headlight and rear fender mounted brake light set a standard for a safe lighting profile. 

- So Portable! 27 lbs and easy to fold and carry virtually anywhere.

Xiaomi M365 Mods, Repairs and Replacement Parts

Another reason the M365 gained widespread popularity has to do with the availability of replacement parts and the easy repairs and mods for the electric scooter

Owners don’t really need much mechanical and technical know-how, and they can upgrade the scooter with new parts, such as a more powerful 500W motor, that enhance its already great qualities.

As time goes on, however, the M365 will become harder and more expensive to maintain as parts become harder to find.

The Best Xiaomi Mi M365 Alternatives

What's changed since the M365 went off the market? Maybe not a huge amount when it comes to electric scooters at the under-$500 price point, which explains the enduring popularity of the M365.

Shock absorption is still a rarity, since these are scooters built for short distances. Pneumatic tires often come standard, but solid tires can be the better option if you're riding city streets which tend to have mostly paved roads (even if most are not well-maintained).

The M365 has become a legend, a seriously nicely designed scooter that seems to get more attention every year, even as it gets harder to find. In a shocking twist to the demand and supply principles, the M365 has, however, disappeared as a new product and can only be purchased in various states of preowned. 

Otherwise, the features of the M365 at around $500 or less still represent a great value. While many of the scooters listed below have better performance on hills and rough terrain, thanks to more power or larger pneumatic tires, they are all solidly built alternatives to the bygone Xiaomi scooter.

Summary

Unagi Model One Classic
Pre-Mentions
$60/month
Design-Forward, Short-Commute King
Fluid Freeride CityRider
Pre-Mentions
$499
All-Arounder with a Unique Look
TurboAnt X7 Max
Pre-Mentions
$599
Best Swappable Battery Option
ANYHILL UM-1
Pre-Mentions
$699
Zippy, Fun, and Charming
ANYHILL UM-2
Pre-Mentions
$999
Zippy, Fun, and Charming
Hiboy S2
Pre-Mentions
$469
The Best Xiaomi M365 Clone in the World
GOTRAX G4
Pre-Mentions
$499
Picking up the Budget Scooter Baton
NIU KQi2 Pro
Pre-Mentions
$599
Built like a Lexus at a Budget Price
Apollo Air 2022
Pre-Mentions
$999
Honorable Mention
EMOVE Touring
Pre-Mentions
$899
Honorable Mention

9 Electric Scooters Better than the Original Budget King

Design-Forward, Short-Commute King

Model One Classic - $59/month
Air 2022Air 2023
PROS
Totally Unique Monthly Rental Option
Excellent Speed and Power for its Lightweight Design
Highly Maneuverable in Dense Urban Environments
Beautiful and Sleek
Premium Materials & Ergonomics
CONS
Definitely for Short-Range Commutes (though you can get the more expensive new Voyager which greatly improves range)
Focused Far More on Portability Than Suspension
Technical Specifications
Tested Top Speed:
20.0 mph**
Tested Range:
8.5 mi**
Weight:
29 lb**
Max Rider Weight:
220 lb
Water Resistance:
IP54
Acceleration:
4.4 s
**Based on our independent performance tests which may differ from manufacturer’s claims.
The Unagi Model One (E500) is available in United States from Unagi.
Our content is indepedent, but buying through our links may earn us a comission.

Unagi Model One

Since Unagi has slashed prices on their 2022 Model One scooters, they might represent one of the best Xiaomi M365 alternatives that would never otherwise appear on this list. They’re also the only electric scooter with a subscription model. Pay monthly, no contract.

Despite a rougher ride due to vented solid tires, the Unagi Model One is a great short distance commuter scooter with excellent climbing ability because of its dual 250W motors, and a tested top speed of 20 mph.

And the Model One is one of the most beautifully designed and portable electric scooters you can buy.

Full Model One Classic Review

Best All-Arounder with a Unique Look

City Rider - $499
PROS
Solid top speed
Great ride quality despite solid tires
Stiff steel frame
CONS
Not great on hills over 10% grade
Lackluster starting acceleration
No IP rating
Air 2022Air 2023
Technical Specifications
Tested Top Speed:
16.8 mph**
Tested Range:
13.1 mi**
Weight:
28 lb**
Max Rider Weight:
220 lb
Water Resistance:
None
Acceleration:
11.4 s
**Based on our independent performance tests which may differ from manufacturer’s claims.
The Fluid Freeride CityRider is available in United States from Fluid Freeride.
Our content is indepedent, but buying through our links may earn us a comission.

Fluid Freeride City Rider

Looking nothing like a Xiaomi clone, Fluid Freeride’s CityRider is an excellent low-cost M365 alternative notable for its portability and speed.

Its solid, honeycomb tires are surprisingly comfortable, even without suspension, and will never get a flat and leave you walking.

Granted, the CityRider’s solid wheels, grippy, skateboard-style wooden deck and lack of an IP-rating suit this scooter for drier climates. (If you need a scooter to ride in the rain, look at several of the options below.)

But otherwise, the CityRider’s light, 28-pound weight, solid steel frame, and impressive lighting package for its price (turn signals!) make it an ideal choice for a lightweight urban commuter.

Full CityRider Review

Best Swappable Battery Option

X7 Max - $599
Air 2022Air 2023
PROS
Long Range from the Swappable Battery
Ultra-smooth Ride
Quick Acceleration
Good Braking Power
Excellent Range Per Dollar
CONS
Battery In Stem Makes It Top Heavy
If You Opt For Two Batteries You’ll Need Somewhere To Carry The Spare
Technical Specifications
Tested Top Speed:
18.6 mph**
Tested Range:
18.0 mi**
Weight:
34 lb**
Max Rider Weight:
275 lb
Water Resistance:
IPX4
Acceleration:
7.2 s
**Based on our independent performance tests which may differ from manufacturer’s claims.
The Turboant X7 Max is available in United States from Turboant.
Our content is indepedent, but buying through our links may earn us a comission.

Turboant X7 Max

The TurboAnt X7 Max is a budget champ that made our list of 12 longest range electric scooters of 2022 and matches or beats the M365 in most performance categories while incorporating some of its best design ideas.

The X7 Max has an ESG tested maximum range of 18 miles (the manufacturer claims 32), and a swappable stem-mounted battery for potentially twice the range. It’s also got a tested top speed of 18.6 mph and a water resistance rating of IPX4.

Unfortunately, it’s not the most portable Xiaomi alternative, since at 35 pounds the TurboAnt is almost ten pounds heavier, but the X7 Max is one of the best electric scooters you can purchase in this class.

Zippy, Fun, and Charming

UM-1 - $699
Air 2022Air 2023
PROS
Lightweight
Portable with the shortest overall length on this list
Excellent Hill climber
Three Color Options
Above-Average Looks
CONS
Stem Latch Rattles {though it’s an easy fix}
Only One Riding Mode
A little Expensive (relative to the battery size)
Technical Specifications
Tested Top Speed:
15.5 mph**
Tested Range:
11.8 mi**
Weight:
29 lb**
Max Rider Weight:
250 lb
Water Resistance:
IP54
Acceleration:
7.0 s
**Based on our independent performance tests which may differ from manufacturer’s claims.
The ANYHILL UM-1 is available in United States from ANYHILL.
Our content is indepedent, but buying through our links may earn us a comission.

ANYHILL UM-1

AnyHill’s UM-1 is an excellent commuter electric scooter for a number of reasons, not least of which are ease of use, light weight, good acceleration and climbing ability, and great ride quality.

With a water resistance rating of IP54, comfortable pneumatic tires, and a maximum weight rating of 250 pounds, the scooter is a good choice both for light rain and for heavier riders. And it only weighs 31 pounds!

Full UM-2 Review
UM-2 - $999
Air 2022Air 2023
PROS
Ultra-Light Removable Battery
Best-in-Class Braking
High Rider Weight Limit
Ultra-Stable (Confidence-Inspiring Ride)
CONS
A Few Pounds Heavier Than Comparable Scooters
Display Could be Brighter
Stem Shape Not Ideal for Carrying
Technical Specifications
Tested Top Speed:
17.9 mph**
Tested Range:
17.0 mi**
Weight:
44 lb**
Max Rider Weight:
300 lb
Water Resistance:
IP54
Acceleration:
5.9 s
**Based on our independent performance tests which may differ from manufacturer’s claims.
The Anyhill UM-2 is available in United States from ANYHILL.
Our content is indepedent, but buying through our links may earn us a comission.

ANYHILL UM-2

Larger riders will probably want to step it up to the UM-2, a great scooter with a max rider weight of 300 lbs and a small removable battery for twice the range.

Full UM-2 Review

The Best Xiaomi M365 Clone in the World

S2 - $469
Air 2022Air 2023
PROS
Strong Acceleration
Effective Dual Braking System
Great Performance for Dollar
CONS
You Get More Than What You Pay for
but You Can't Expect Much
Maintenance Free Tires Don't Absorb Much
Technical Specifications
Tested Top Speed:
19.0 mph**
Tested Range:
12.7 mi**
Weight:
29 lb**
Max Rider Weight:
265 lb
Water Resistance:
IP54
Acceleration:
6.2 s
**Based on our independent performance tests which may differ from manufacturer’s claims.
The Hiboy s2 is available in United States from Amazon.
Our content is indepedent, but buying through our links may earn us a comission.

Hiboy S2

The Hiboy S2 is definitely the most Xiaomi-looking of the bunch, but it looks great next to the M365 for several other reasons: It’s got some very notable torque and a tested top speed of 19 mph.

The S2 is fairly light at only 32 pounds and has a max rider weight of 270 pounds, but larger riders beware: the S2’s narrow, solid tires do not make for the most comfortable ride. 

Solid tires aside, the Hiboy remains a serious competitor as a reliable, lightweight budget electric scooter with solid dual braking, good power, and an IP54 water resistance rating. 

Full S2 Review

Picking up the Budget Scooter Baton

G4 - $499
Air 2022Air 2023
PROS
Best-in-class top speed
Best-in-class battery capacity
Biggest tires in class
CONS
Frustrating throttle start
Technical Specifications
Tested Top Speed:
20.0 mph**
Tested Range:
14.6 mi**
Weight:
36 lb**
Max Rider Weight:
220 lb
Water Resistance:
IP54
Acceleration:
6.3 s
**Based on our independent performance tests which may differ from manufacturer’s claims.
The GOTRAX G4 is available in United States from Gotrax.
Our content is indepedent, but buying through our links may earn us a comission.

GOTRAX G4

GoTrax is truly the highly-affordable brand that has carried the baton for Xiaomi in their many absences over the years, with several excellent alternatives to the Xiaomi M365. 

At this point, Gotrax is probably the most famous and high-volume brand that sells extremely budget-friendly models, even edging out household name brand Segway.

The G4 is one of our favorite budget scooters of all time. It’s got:

  • A tested top speed of 20 mph, 
  • Tested range of almost 15 miles, around the same range as the M365
  • Good ride quality with 10 inch pneumatic tires. 

You can’t go wrong with the G4 today, and if you’re looking to spend even less, the G3 Plus is also a great option at $399.

Full G4 Review

Built like a Lexus at a Budget Price

KQi2 Pro - $599
Air 2022Air 2023
PROS
Excellent Range Per Dollar
Easy To Ride
Outstanding Ride Quality
Leading Build Quality
CONS
Doesn’t Have Zero Start
Technical Specifications
Tested Top Speed:
16.3 mph**
Tested Range:
15.7 mi**
Weight:
41 lb**
Max Rider Weight:
220 lb
Water Resistance:
IP54
Acceleration:
7.6 s
**Based on our independent performance tests which may differ from manufacturer’s claims.
The NIU KQi2 Pro is available in United States from Amazon.
Our content is indepedent, but buying through our links may earn us a comission.

NIU KQi2 Pro

At 40 pounds, the NIU KQi2 Pro is much heavier than the Xiaomi and thus not nearly as portable. It’s also more expensive. But it’s otherwise an exceptional budget alternative with its 10-inch pneumatic tires and excellent build quality.

NIU’s simple, easy-to-read dash recalls the M365 but it has many other touches the Xiaomi lacks.

Full KQi2 Pro Review
Honorable Mentions 
Larger riders or those with more to spend may prefer the comfort and ride quality of the Apollo Air or EMOVE Touring, two excellent, dependable under-$1000 scooters for commuting.

Honorable Mention

Air 2022 - $699
Air 2022Air 2023
PROS
Ride Is Quite Smooth.
Lightest Scooter on The List
Excellent Braking System
Easy To Read Display
Functional Accompanying App With Lots Of Features
CONS
Wider Handles Affect Portability
Relatively Expensive Than Other Scooters on The List
Kickstand is hard to deploy
Technical Specifications
Tested Top Speed:
15.6 mph**
Tested Range:
13.9 mi**
Weight:
35 lb**
Max Rider Weight:
220 lb
Water Resistance:
IPX4
Acceleration:
7.1 s
**Based on our independent performance tests which may differ from manufacturer’s claims.
The Apollo Air 2022 is available in United States from Apollo.
Our content is indepedent, but buying through our links may earn us a comission.

Apollo Air 2022

  • Front suspension and pneumatic tires for best-in-class ride quality
  • Compatible with Apollo’s awesome app
Full Air 2022 Review

Honorable Mention

Touring - $899
Air 2022Air 2023
PROS
Great Hill Climber
Spacious Deck And Tall Handlebars For Taller and Bigger Riders
Great Speed and Acceleration
High Rider Weight Limit
CONS
Equipped With Small Tires And A Single Braking System
Technical Specifications
Tested Top Speed:
21.5 mph**
Tested Range:
18.7 mi**
Weight:
40 lb**
Max Rider Weight:
308 lb
Water Resistance:
IP54
Acceleration:
3.9 s
**Based on our independent performance tests which may differ from manufacturer’s claims.
The EMOVE Touring is available in United States from VORO Motors.
Our content is indepedent, but buying through our links may earn us a comission.

EMOVE Touring

  • Front suspension and pneumatic tires for best-in-class ride quality
  • Compatible with Apollo’s awesome app
Full EMOVE Touring Review

Conclusions

Can You Still Get a Xiaomi Mi M365?

As we’ve seen, there are several M365 alternatives that can do all, or most, of what the Xiaomi does, with their own award-worthy innovations and standards of quality. There is a significant difference between imitations of one of the best entry-level electric scooters and quality alternatives.

But can you still buy an original M365? You might get lucky and find one in excellent or almost new condition for around half the full retail price, whether branded by Xiaomi or Bird. But you might want to think twice before ordering.

Can You Still Get a Xiaomi Mi M365?

Despite its pros (and a few cons) the M365 might now be considered an obsolete, though iconic, build of the early electric scooter days.

Now that the company is no longer invested in maintaining inventory or innovating the product, we wouldn’t expect much in the way of customer service (although Xiaomi is offering repairs for scooters made with a faulty aluminum hook as part of its folding mechanism). 

Not every rider is mechanically inclined or prepared to assume the risk of making repairs to their own electric scooter. Whether you spend a few hundred or a few thousand dollars on your scooter, it’s important to have warranty options and a relationship with a retailer or service center who can help diagnose and fix potential issues.

Rather than buying a used M365, we recommend choosing one of the alternatives above, or another high quality electric scooter from a reputable seller. See our post here on the best places to buy an electric scooter to find a quality distributor with great warranties and service policies.

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