We rode with the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4: promising, but already threatened

We were able to take control, for a short morning in Paris, of the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 electric scooter. Here are our first impressions.

Officialized to everyone’s surprise on April 20, 2023, the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 is one of the four models of this fourth generation of electric scooter, alongside the Ultra, Pro and Lite. At 549 euros, it is an alternative positioned in the mid-range and faces the Ninebot KickScooter F2 and F30.

Xiaomi invited us to try out its model for a short morning in the streets of Paris, on a route specially designed for the occasion. An opportunity for us to take the Scooter 4 in hand for a nice ride and give you our first impressions while waiting for a full test.

Xiaomi-style design

When you discover the Xiaomi Scooter 4, you are in no way upset: its look is in line with previous generations. At the same time, why change a winning team, especially since Xiaomi scooters are now well identified by the general public.

Two small changes compared to the Scooter 4 Pro took me aback: the hook and the bell. The first, which is used to fix the system when folding it, is now placed to the right of the doorbell and no longer at its base. Above all, it has a much more metallic appearance, which tends to make it much more robust at first glance.

For its part, the bell trades its small lever used to strike the body of the bell, for a push button which falls perfectly under the thumb. Small changes that I personally greatly appreciated, although they do not transform the overall experience either.

The visibility of the screen and the crutch are the two weaknesses identified during our handling. In broad daylight and without the headlights on – when they are, the screen is suddenly brighter – the panel displaying the main driving information is difficult to read. The crutch, it seemed a bit frail to me. I felt that the scooter was not very stable when stationary.

On the road

Unsurprisingly, the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 brings satisfaction once on its handlebars: acceleration, recovery, stability and maneuverability, this model does the job and is easy to handle. To get around town, go to work or go home, it remains an interesting solution for neophytes.

Our route took us to climb Avenue Gambetta, whose 4.4% incline is a good test to test the maximum power of 600 W (300 W in rated power). As a reminder, Xiaomi ensures that its machine is capable of climbing elevations of 16%.

In our case, 25 km/h was difficult to reach at the end of a straight line. We stagnated at 22, even 23 km/h. Let’s say that on a 16% grade, the Scooter 4 will probably be able to move forward… but clearly not at its maximum speed. You have been warned.

At the rear, the dual-disc brakes give you safe stops, without the wheel locking up too much when you slam on the brake lever. We always appreciate the brake light, which starts flashing to warn users behind you.

On the other hand, the absence of turn signals can be detrimental. Its main competitor, the Ninebot Kickscooter F2E sold at the same price (549 euros), comes as standard. This type of equipment is also very practical on a scooter, since removing a hand to indicate a direction generally tends to make everything handlebar (in addition to preventing acceleration for right turns).

Xiaomi must be on guard

Xiaomi no longer really has to prove its ability to design good electric scooters. Its goal now is to stand out from Segway, its main competitor. And, at this little game, Xiaomi is starting to lag a little behind.

On the ultra high end already, the Segway KickScooter Max G2 (899 euros) has taken over the Scooter 4 Ultra (999 euros), as we have seen in our tests. For its part, the Scooter 4 has a lot to do with the Ninebot Kickscooter F2, which claims greater theoretical autonomy, as well as better maximum and nominal power (800 W and 400 W).

Another strong point of the latest Segways is the integration of Apple Find My. This location system via Bluetooth signals – only available to owners of iOS devices – remains a very interesting idea for tracking and geolocating your vehicle. As already specified, the absence of turn signals is also a shortcoming.

From our more complete test, a good electric scooter will probably emerge. But will it be the best electric scooter in its price segment? Doubt is allowed… unless attractive promotions quickly change the situation. In this case, she should clearly have a say.

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