Xiaomi M365 Alternatives: 9 Scooters Better than the Budget King
The Xiaomi Mi M365 Is No Longer Available in North America!
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
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.
What Made the Xiaomi Mi M365 So Popular?
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.
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
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
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
9 Electric Scooters Better than the Original Budget King
Design-Forward, Short-Commute King
Technical Specifications
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.
Best All-Arounder with a Unique Look
Technical Specifications
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.
Best Swappable Battery Option
Technical Specifications
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
Technical Specifications
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!
Technical Specifications
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.
The Best Xiaomi M365 Clone in the World
Technical Specifications
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.
Picking up the Budget Scooter Baton
Technical Specifications
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.
Built like a Lexus at a Budget Price
Technical Specifications
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.
Honorable Mentions
Honorable Mention
Technical Specifications
Apollo Air 2022
- Front suspension and pneumatic tires for best-in-class ride quality
- Compatible with Apollo’s awesome app
Honorable Mention
Technical Specifications
EMOVE Touring
- Front suspension and pneumatic tires for best-in-class ride quality
- Compatible with Apollo’s awesome app
Conclusions
Can You Still Get a Xiaomi Mi M365?
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?
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
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