Electric scooters are a good alternative to folding bikes. They are more compact, lighter and often much cheaper. Electric-powered vehicles are therefore ideal for quick shopping trips to the harbour supermarket or the bakery. One of the latest models on the market is the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 Lite (2nd generation), which offers plenty of mobility at a fair price for 399.99 euros >> e.g. available at Otto.de.
If you want to know what the little speedster can do, you first have to take a closer look at the data sheet. The theoretical values of the Xiaomi Lite model sound promising:
- Weight: 15.4 kg
- Range: 20 km
- Rated power: 300 watts
- Battery capacity: 10400mAh
- Driving modes: 3
- Top speed: 20 km/h
- Wheel size (pneumatic tyres): 10 inch
- Charging time according to manufacturer: 9 h
- Battery: Lithium-ion 21.6 V 10.2 Ah 221 Wh
- Max. Load capacity: 100 kg
- Quickly ready for use
The test device was quickly assembled. Lift the front bar, insert the handlebars and tighten with six Allen screws. The Allen key and screws are of course included in the scope of delivery. The construction made of robust carbon steel and solid plastic parts makes a stable and well thought-out impression and the packing dimensions when folded are suitable for a back box: 1,140 x 440 x 1,219 millimetres.
Would you prefer an on-board wheel?
Intuitive operation
Even as an e-scooter novice, the first ride is easy and intuitive. Roll up with one leg, then operate the throttle on the right-hand side of the handlebar with your thumb and off you go. The rubberised standing surface offers plenty of grip, but is not very wide. On e-scooters, it is best to stand with your feet slightly turned in anyway, similar to the standing position on a skateboard.
Comfortable driving experience
Within just six seconds, the 300-watt motor accelerates the new Lite model to a maximum speed of 20 km/h at maximum throttle, which always feels safe thanks to the comfortable 10-inch pneumatic tyres. The tyres also absorb larger bumps efficiently. Acceleration is sporty, but smooth and controlled. The rider can switch between the three riding modes "Pedestrian" (very slow, 6 km/h), "Standard" (medium, 12 km/h) and "Sport" (fast, 20 km/h) by double-clicking the on/off button.
Not a mountain goat
The e-scooter can also manage smaller inclines without sporty roll-on support from the rider, but it stops at 14 per cent. Downhill, the motor usually throttles down successfully to 20 km/h. On steeper gradients, the maximum permitted speed may still be exceeded by up to 2 km/h for a short time, but this still feels safe. Especially as the brake on the left-hand side of the handlebars responds very well; it is advisable to operate the lever tentatively here.
Exemplary safety equipment
The bright front and rear lights and indicators are particularly impressive. A package that also enables safe driving at night. The indicator switch is located on the left handlebar grip and can be easily operated with the left thumb, even while riding in sport mode. The loud bell is also within easy reach, an indispensable feature, especially in city traffic. Thanks to IPX4 protection class certification, you can even ride to the nearest supermarket in wet and slippery weather.
You get that far
According to the engineers of the Chinese technology giant, founded in 2010, the range is 20 kilometres, which should roughly correspond to reality. We drove the test scooter in temperatures of around 7 degrees Celsius and covered a not entirely flat five-kilometre test route three and a half times on one battery charge, i.e. 17.5 kilometres. It is now well known that the battery capacity and therefore the range of electric vehicles suffers in colder temperatures.
Cruise control, please!
What is missing on long journeys in a straight line is cruise control. If you drive three or more kilometres without traffic lights, you notice the pressure on the throttle. A cruise control system like the one in a car would be desirable here.
Long charge
To charge the battery from zero to 100 per cent, the e-scooter has to be plugged in for around nine hours. This means that the bread roll shuttle's journeys need to be well planned. How full the battery is can only be seen approximately on the handlebar display in the centre. Five bars, each representing 20 per cent charge, show how much power is left in the battery. If you want to know more precisely, you need to install the Xiaomi app and pair the electric scooter with your smartphone via Bluetooth. The app can not only be used to read out vehicle data, but also to activate the in-built anti-theft protection. This is an electronic motor lock. Very clever, in our opinion.
Test summary
If you are looking for an affordable and high-quality e-scooter for shorter distances, you can't go wrong with the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 Lite (2nd generation). The riding experience is comfortable, operation is intuitive and the installed safety package is exemplary.
