Today, I’m reviewing the Xiaomi QiCycle Smart Electric Folding Bike (yes, that’s its real name!!! LOL). This folding electric bike features a sleek design and focuses on comfort, resembling the electric Brompton Model S but at a fraction of the price… Is it a good deal? Let me tell you all about it here.
My Review of the Xiaomi Mi Smart Electric Folding Bike
Xiaomi Smart (250W)
Same battery as Tesla (Samsung Li-ion). Removable battery. For everyday use. 4 pedaling assistance modes. Shimano derailleur.
Budget: $ | Speed: 15 mph | Range: 28 miles
IN SHORT: WHAT’S THE XIAOMI SMART WORTH?
✅ The pros
- Compact and foldable design
- Lightweight and portable
- Integrated lights
- Three power levels
- Maximum speed of 15 mph
- Affordable price
❌ The cons
- Average riding comfort
- Difficulty climbing curbs
- Lack of mudguards
- Low-positioned lights
- Power fluctuations independent of pedaling
- Difficulty moving folded bike
- Calliper brakes less effective than disc brakes
Why Choose the Xiaomi Mi Smart Electric Folding Bike?
Battery and Motor
The Xiaomi Mi Smart Electric Folding Bike, also known as the Xiaomi QiCycle, features a 36V brushless motor providing smooth and consistent assistance during rides. It provides a pleasant and smooth riding experience, with the motor seamlessly following our movements without any jerking. This is exactly what we expect from this type of bike: seamless assistance! A torque sensor on the rear wheel monitors the rider’s pedaling cadence and adjusts accordingly.
I reached speeds of up to 15 mph, which is ideal for American regulations. Additionally, the 250W motor is approved for road use without any issues.
The Xiaomi QiCycle features a high-quality battery, using the same battery cell found in Tesla vehicles: Samsung 18650 power Li-ion. This battery provides a range of up to 28 miles.
The battery is integrated into the bike’s frame, ensuring protection from moisture, dust, and impacts. Additionally, it is removable, allowing you to recharge the Xiaomi Mi Smart Electric Folding Bike using just the battery.
Minimalist Design
The Xiaomi Mi Smart folding electric bike is available in Black and designed for easy transport.
Its compact size and foldability make it easy to take with you wherever you go, a feature that many bulky, oversized bikes lack.
The Xiaomi Mi Smart folding electric bike features a minimalist design, which is appealing! I love it. It reminds me a lot of the Brompton Model S (with flat handlebars), but at Xiaomi, the QiCycle is priced around $1,100, which is much more affordable compared to Brompton’s price of over $4,000…😅
When folded, the bike occupies minimal space. The front and rear wheels are secured together, and the handlebars are lowered. This allows the bike to stand upright and occupy very little space, making it suitable for narrow areas such as corridors.
A Bike That Exceeds Most of Its Competitors In Comfort
Xiaomi emphasizes everywhere that the Xiaomi Mi Smart Electric Folding Bike (Xiaomi QiCycle) is one of the most comfortable bikes on the market, and it’s NOT just marketing! After spending several hours on the bike, you don’t feel like you’re on a “mini folding bike” at all. Every element of the frame and handlebars has been carefully designed to ensure an upright posture, thus avoiding back problems. Once again, you can feel the Brompton inspiration, and that’s a pleasure!
The saddle is quite sporty (I like it, but I know it’s not for everyone), but you can easily replace it with a Brooks B17 Saddle for even greater comfort. In any case, no matter how long your ride is, you won’t feel any body pain. It’s a real pleasure!
Regarding the wheels, you forget that you’re riding on 16-inch wheels, which is great! The rims are solid, and the standard tires are thick and grooved enough to absorb road roughness.
The Design of the Xiaomi Mi Smart Electric Folding Bike
I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the materials used throughout the bike. For a bike at this price point, you might expect low-end components, but that’s not the case here at all! The Xiaomi Mi Smart Electric Folding Bike is well constructed with all parts securely in place. There’s no movement or concern about potential damage, and you can clearly feel that the materials have been chosen to prevent breakage.
Despite the components used, the weight remains remarkably light (32 lbs), which is a significant advantage for a folding bike.
The Xiaomi Smart (Xiaomi QiCycle) is equipped with an onboard computer that tracks pedaling data, pedal assist level, speed, distance, and calorie consumption in real time.
The only criticism I have of the design of the Xiaomi Smart folding electric bike is the absence of a chain guard. I would prefer it to be integrated into a casing, allowing for easier transport in a car trunk, or ideally, for the bike to be equipped with a belt drive system.
Lights for Nighttime Visibility
The Xiaomi Mi Smart Electric Folding Bike is equipped with front and rear lights integrated into the frame, contributing to its minimalist design.
The rear light is a flashing red light that can be spotted from several dozen feet away, enhancing visibility.
The front light is not a headlamp, so it should not be relied upon to illuminate dark paths or unlit roads. Its purpose is to enhance visibility for other road users. Therefore, it’s recommended to use this electric bike primarily for daytime riding. Consider adding a separate headlight for nighttime commuting for safety.
Conclusion
If you’re seeking a practical, lightweight electric bike for enjoyable rides, don’t hesitate to seize this opportunity. You won’t be disappointed with the value at this price!
Xiaomi Smart (250W)
Same battery as Tesla (Samsung Li-ion). Removable battery. For everyday use. 4 pedaling assistance modes. Shimano derailleur.
Budget: $ | Speed: 15 mph | Range: 28 miles