Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 vs. 3 – Two scooters with few differences between them

If you live in a big city, you probably have the feeling that more and more people are getting around on electric scooters. It is not surprising, since it is a more sustainable vehicle, with which it is very easy to go from one place to another and cheaper. In fact, many of the people who start out by renting a few scooters to try end up buying one, since it is more profitable in the long run. If you are considering it, you may be interested in this comparison, in which we talk about the differences between two of the electric scooters with the best value for money on the market. And of course they are Xiaomi. We refer to the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 vs 3. 

It is important that you know that the two models have several versions, among which there are some variations in size or level of benefits. The Xiaomi Electric Scooter 3, for example, is available in the standard version and in the Lite version, which is somewhat smaller. Instead, the Electric Scooter 4 can be purchased in 4, 4 Pro, and 4 Ultra versions. In this case, what changes is the level of functionalities, such as power, speed modes or autonomy.

Returning to our comparison, we are going to focus on the two electric scooters that we call standard, to make it more equitable. The first thing that strikes us is that there is hardly any difference in price, but we suspect that if they are different models and series, there will be aspects that vary. Well, there are, although we recognize that the similarities are more numerous. However, there are two key factors that will drive your decision: tire size and battery life. You want to know why? Here we go!

Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 vs 3 – Comparison Table

Do you want to take a look at the most outstanding differences and similarities between the two Xiaomi electric scooters? We show them to you in the following table!

A design that lasts

You already know that the first thing we usually look at, almost inevitably, is the aesthetics that each scooter has. And, the truth is that there are no major important changes, since Xiaomi maintains a fairly similar design on both scooters. Perhaps the most striking thing is that the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 3 is available in gray and black, while the Electric Scooter 4 is only found in black. And we particularly love how light gray looks.

The other big difference that is obvious is that the Xiaomi logo appears on the front tube of the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4, but not on the model 3. It seems that the brand wants to make it clear that this scooter is theirs, and that it is know at a glance. On the other hand, in the Scooter 4 we see that the hinge to fold the scooter is in the front, instead of being located just behind the tube, as in the Scooter 3.

Xiaomi also maintains in the Electric Scooter 4 some elements that we already see in the 3, such as the LED screen or the set of reflectors on the wheels, in addition to the rear and front LED lights. The truth is that the design of both scooters seems to us to be a success, very robust and attractive.

No change in power or slope

We now turn to one of the most important aspects to intuit the performance of each scooter, power. However, we verified that there are no big changes between the Electric Scooter 3 and 4, since both have a brushless motor capable of reaching 600 watts of maximum nominal power, with a typical power of 300 watts. To tell the truth, it is a power that is not bad, but we must not forget that Xiaomi has already developed models that far exceed this power, such as the Xiaomi Electric 4 Pro and 4 Ultra.

In this same line, we are talking about the maximum level of slope in which they can circulate, which is 16%. To contextualize and be fair, keep in mind that electric scooters are usually used in urban areas, many of which do not have many slopes that exceed this level. They may not be the most suitable electric scooters if you visit cities like Toledo, where everything is uphill, but, in general, it is a sufficient slope for most cities.

Slight improvement in autonomy

Let’s go with one of the changes that we have identified between the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 and 3, although it is by no means the biggest. The Xiaomi Electric Scooter 3 has a maximum autonomy of 30 kilometers, as long as you maintain a stable speed without much braking. Instead, the Electric Scooter 4 can increase this autonomy up to 35 kilometers.

And, although it seems that 5 kilometers are not many, the truth is that in urban mobility it is noticeable, because distances are usually shorter. Now, the battery of both electric scooters has the same capacity, 7650 mAh, and it takes the same time to recharge, between 5 and 6 hours, approximately.

Something very interesting is that when the battery level is below 30% and the scooter has not been charged for about 10 consecutive days, the battery will go into sleep mode.

How is the braking system?

Although the nomenclature is somewhat different, the truth is that they have the same type of brakes. Specifically, a double eABS brake system that provides more stability. In this case, the evolution is noticeable, above all, the model 2 to 3, where there is a change in the braking system that is very clear. But, between the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 3 and 4, we did not notice big differences. Perhaps the 4 has a little more stability, but this may be due to the chassis itself and the width of the base.

Tire size does change

We come to the other big change between the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 and 3, which is the size of the diameter of the wheels. In fact, the material with which the two tires are made is the same, with natural and synthetic rubber predominating, but the wheels of the Electric Scooter 4 are thicker. Specifically, they have a size of 10 inches, compared to 8.5 inches in diameter of the Electric Scooter 3. This difference is very noticeable when driving, because the greater thickness of the wheels also makes the Electric Scooter 4 offer a feeling of greater stability.

Folding mechanism and portability

As you know, the two Xiaomi electric scooters can be folded to make it easier to transport them. In fact, the folding system was already a big change from the model 2 to the 3, because the 3 is the first Xiaomi electric scooter to have the folding buckle on the handlebars. This small piece greatly facilitates the folding process, and makes transporting it more comfortable even for people with more mobility problems.

The Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 maintains the same folding mechanism, with the difference that the buckle is located in front of the handlebar, instead of behind.

How much weight do they support?

To be honest, this is more of a theoretical difference than a practical one. If we check the specifications to the letter, the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 can support up to 110 kg of load, 10 more than the Electric Scooter 3. But, if we are honest, in practice this is not relevant. First, because it is rare for someone to carry so much weight together. And, second, because ten kilos above or below are not very noticeable either.

Screen and app on both scooters

In the more technological section, it should be noted that the two Xiaomi electric scooters have an LED screen located on the upper part of the handlebar. On this screen you can see which speed mode is selected (which, by the way, is 3 in both cases), or how much autonomy is left. And another thing they have in common is that both can be synchronized with Xiaomi’s Mi Home app to incorporate updates or check the statistics of the trips they make.

Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 vs 3: Which scooter do we keep?

If you remember, we started the article by saying that we were surprised that there was hardly any difference in price between the two Xiaomi electric scooters. After having analyzed and compared them in depth, we understand why. Really, the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 is a very continuous version of the 3, in which there are hardly any changes. And, to tell the truth, these are not very relevant either. What is most noticeable is the thickness of the tires, and, as we say, it is not a huge difference.

Therefore, taking into account that, paying a little more, you can have an electric scooter with a little more stability for this matter, and that it reaches a few more kilometers of autonomy, it is worth betting on the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4. Now, If you prefer to stick with the cheapest option because you don’t think the differences are enough to upgrade, the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 3 is also a good value for money alternative. In fact, it marks a before and after in the manufacture of Xiaomi electric scooters, whose improvement from model 2 to 3 is more than evident.