Xiaomi electric bicycles: model characteristics, tips for choosing and caring for
An electric bike is a modern, environmentally friendly form of urban transport. This is a “smart” vehicle, which is a pleasure for riders of all ages to surf the city space. In this article, we will consider Xiaomi electric bicycles, since they are the undisputed leaders in this market segment today.
About the brand
Xiaomi is a Chinese company that was founded in 2010. Fame was brought to her by inexpensive, but very high-quality smartphones and tablets. But the manufacturers decided not to stop there and expanded the scope of their activities with intelligent software.
Next came the idea to go beyond gadgets. This is how the MiJia sub-brand appeared, which was engaged in the development of "smart" technical devices for various purposes: from home control programs to household appliances. There was also a place for vehicles such as electric cars and electric bicycles.
E-bike manufacturers prioritize thoughtful and rational solutions that help make human communication with equipment easier and more efficient. Just imagine - you can control the bike from your smartphone!
You set the bike to the desired operating mode, and in response you receive a detailed report on the battery status, mileage and other indicators of the device's health. For the production of such vehicles, exclusively environmentally friendly and high-quality materials are used.
Description
All electric bike models Xiaomi has a bright and very noticeable design, they are not left without attention from the first minutes of their appearance in a public place. At the same time, manufacturers do not offer any bright, flashy ornaments and color solutions - everything is modest, simple and tasteful. The main distinguishing features of an electric bike from the Middle Kingdom are a straight and very massive frame, spoke wheels and an upright handlebar.
The build and paint quality is high, nothing falls off, does not become covered with irregularities and "bubbles", and therefore it is quite simple to take care of an electric bike - its body is already sufficiently protected from moisture, dirt, direct sunlight and other factors. The design provides a comfortable fit for the rider, no matter how tall he is. With all the advantages and numerous possibilities, such transport is very compact. Folding models can be stored even on a cramped balcony or carried with you in the trunk of your car.
The steering wheel, the frame and the pedals are foldable. After folding, the bike turns into something so compact that it can be easily carried even in the hands. The folding and unfolding procedure is very simple, it takes no more than a couple of minutes, and even children can easily cope with this task.
Spoke wheels are not very easy to care for, as they can pick up debris, but they do a great job of softening the feeling of driving on uneven roads.which is important since the e-bike has no shock absorbers.
The seat and pedals are standard sizes for most riders. The frame is made of high strength and at the same time very lightweight aluminum alloy. The lightweight construction that such a frame provides contributes to a more comfortable ride. There are batteries inside the frame.
The ergonomic body makes the vehicle a convenient option even for riders with a large weight (over a hundred kilograms). It is resistant to chips and cracks, does not rust, does not react with detergents.
The main advantage of eco-transport is the presence of a motor-wheel, which will allow you to develop a decent speed on any road. The transport is powered by electric traction. The engine itself is located in the front wheel. Its power is 250 watts.
But even with this arrangement of the engine, the bicycle is all-wheel drive, since the rear wheels are controlled by means of pedals. This increases all-terrain capabilities and it is easier to move on such vehicles on roads with different conditions.
Xiaomi's electric vehicle does not belong to racing and sports models, but it is capable of a lot - some models reach speeds of up to 30 km / h or more. Fast driving is facilitated by the presence of a planetary hub in the rear wheel.
The company creates its electric vehicles not for mountain slopes and tracks, but for pleasant city walks, preferably on a flat road. The engine turns on automatically as soon as pedaling starts. But you can ride such a bike with the engine off. A sensor system detects the amount of effort the rider is applying to the pedals and this helps to regulate the power to the wheel motor.
To better understand how this works, imagine that you need to climb a hill. You start to pedal harder, the command increases the power, and the wheel spins faster, making it easier for you to lift.
Xiaomi bicycles are equipped with an on-board computer on which you can set a specific operating mode. Mode "Turbo" needed when the rider is tired and does not want to make efforts, the mode "Standard" ensures the normal operation of the motor-wheel with a certain effort on the part of the cyclist.
Mode "Economy" turns on the engine only a quarter of the power, the person does everything else himself, and this mode is suitable for a long trip if you need to save battery power. The last mode is "Fitness", it completely turns off the electric motor and the transport can be driven in the most usual way.
The rechargeable battery, which the models are equipped with, is enough for 45-55 kilometers in the "Turbo" mode. A full charge from home network takes up to 3.5 hours. If you buy a spare battery, you can easily change it on the way and continue your journey.
Advantages and disadvantages
The undoubted advantages of Xiaomi electric bicycles include the pleasure that you get from riding and city trips. Experienced cyclists who are in love with this type of transport note that the advantages are not limited to:
- reliable design, suitable for people of different weights;
- the motor is powerful enough to develop high speeds;
- intellectual assistance in management;
- quite capacious battery;
- comfortable fit;
- simple gearshift system;
- convenient and simple on-board computer.
Xiaomi electric bicycles have no significant disadvantages. The inconveniences, which theoretically should be due to the lack of shock absorbers, when driving on uneven road surfaces are more than compensated for by spoke wheels. But anyway electric vehicles are not suitable for cross-country driving. If you are planning aggressive riding and performing tricks, then this type of bike will not work for you.
The disadvantages include the relatively difficult task of buying - without any problems, an electric bike is bought only in China itself, in Russia it still needs to be found. Among the existing proposals, you need to find a reliable and responsible importer who will offer goods certified in Russia. If there is no such certificate, this indicates the "gray" origin of the equipment and you will not have to rely on warranty service and software updates from the manufacturer.
Review of the best models
The range of electric bicycles is represented by several copies, each of which deserves special attention.
Xiaomi MiJia QiCycle
Foldable and very compact transport for urban movement. The bike weighs just over 14 kg. Pneumatic wheels, diameter - 16 inches. The capacity of the rechargeable battery is 5.8 A * h. The frame is aluminum, solid, reliable. The handlebars have grips that make it easy to grip, even in rain and damp conditions.
An LED headlight is built into the frame at the front, its light is directed straight ahead, which is not very convenient when cornering in the dark. The motor-wheel is located at the front. Ordinary tires, city tires, designed for driving on asphalt. If desired, you can order a wider rubber, the manufacturers have provided for the possibility of installing one.
Saddle made in Italy, height adjustable. Unlike most other e-bikes, this variant is equipped with an intelligent pedaling sensor.
The on-board computer will allow you to customize the operating mode for yourself, and will also show the residual battery charge, mileage, presumably burned calories, speed, travel statistics.
Himo C20 Electric Power Bicycle
Another foldable model with a very robust and reliable aluminum frame. The saddle is adjustable in height, while it serves not only as a seat, but also as a pump for pumping up the wheels. The steering wheel is equipped with an on-board computer, a very loud bell and a brake lever. If it is necessary to fold the transport, the pedals are removed completely.
The bike weighs about 21 kilograms. The on-board computer, like the previous model, allows you to select an individual driving mode. The display is additionally protected from moisture. In economy mode, the battery will allow you to travel up to 80 km, in intensive mode - more than 50 km. Battery capacity - 10 A * h.
Full charging time from home network is approximately 5.5 hours. A smart power management system protects the battery while charging from power surges or the harmful effects of overcharging.
Technical characteristics allow you to accelerate to 25 km / h.
Criterias of choice
Xiaomi electric bicycles are more suitable for riding in quiet places - parks, squares, since the engine power is not enough to move in heavy traffic. If you need a faster bike, for example, for country trips, it is better to opt for devices with motor power ranging from 500 to 1000 watts. These are capable of speeds up to 45 kilometers per hour.
When choosing an e-bike, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- weight - the less it is, the easier it will be to manage transport and carry it when folded;
- battery capacity - if it seems to you that this is not enough, you need to immediately order an additional battery;
- the quality of the case and parts - it should not be in doubt;
- availability of factory packaging and a warranty card.
Exploitation
Upon receiving your purchase, you may be surprised - the whole vehicle fits in a small box. It is folded, and therefore, before you sit down and go, you will have to read the instructions.
Correct assembly involves initial head tube installation... When it is inserted vertically into the hole in the frame, it will be firmly pressed by a special retainer. After that, you can already adjust the steering wheel tilt. This step requires tightening two screws.
Then you can move on to installing the pedals. If they seem unreliable to you, you can easily replace them with any others - many do just that.
The pedals are fixed with a 15 mm wrench, and on the left side you need to turn it counterclockwise, and on the right - clockwise.
Once your ecotransport is assembled, you need to fully charge the battery. The exact time for a full charge is indicated in the instructions. Then the battery is installed in its regular place.
The product is turned on by pressing and holding for 3-5 seconds the start button on the panel in the upper part of the display. Do not rush, wait a dozen seconds, this time is needed for the torque sensor to switch to its original position.
Then you can configure the bike from the on-board computer, but it is much easier and more interesting to use a special application for a smartphone. You need to download it for free and install it on your gadget. If you don't want to search for an application, just scan the QR code, it is available in the instruction manual.
After you launch the app on your mobile device, turn on Bluetooth. This will help keep the bike in sync with your phone. Then you can set the settings that are convenient for you. Please note that new bicycles often come with a maximum speed limit - this is a safety requirement. You can remove this limitation by flashing it.
Once all the settings are ready, you can get on your bike and try it out.
Taking care of your electric bike means wiping the frame with a dry and clean rag after walking, cleaning the wheel spokes, and recharging regularly. Even if you are temporarily not using your purchase, recharge the battery at least once a week, it is important to maintain its capacity and performance.
Many experienced cyclists can make repairs with their own hands, but if the breakdown has touched the engine, wheel motor or battery, you should refrain from self-repair - contact the specialists at the service center.
An overview of the Xiaomi Himo V1 Foldable Electric Bicycle electric bike is presented below.