Many e-scooter riders prefer lightweight electric scooters, especially for daily commutes. After all, they may need to bring it inside their offices or apartments and store it in small spaces.
However, one general disadvantage of using a lightweight e-scooter is that it doesn’t often carry enough power and battery capacity to ride at higher speeds and longer distances.
Fortunately, many portable electric scooters now offer better performance without sacrificing weight. Among these e-scooters, the EleKtro City and Xiaomi Electric Scooter 3 Lite stand out from the market.
However, which of these two is the best lightweight electric scooter?
Check out our EleKtro City and Xiaomi Electric Scooter 3 Lite review and comparison below.
Electric Scooter Specs Comparison
Let’s compare the EleKtro City and Xiaomi Electric Scooter 3 Lite specs.
|
EleKtro City |
Xiaomi Electric Scooter 3 Lite |
|
|
Weight |
13 kg |
13 kg |
|
Max Load |
100 kg |
100 kg |
|
Motor |
400 W |
300 W |
|
Battery |
36 V 10.4 Ah |
36 V 5.2 Ah |
|
Charging Time |
3-4 hours |
Approximately 4.5 hours |
|
Top Speed |
30 kph (restricted to 25 kph) |
25 kph |
|
Max Range |
40 km |
20 km |
|
Hill Grade |
15° |
14% |
|
Brakes |
Drum Brake |
Drum Brake, E-ABS |
|
Lights |
Front Light, Tail Light |
Front Light, Tail Light |
|
Suspension |
None |
None |
|
Tyres |
10-inch Pneumatic Tyres |
8.5-inch Pneumatic Tyres |
|
Folding Mechanism |
Easy-fold Mechanism |
Three-step folding mechanism |
|
App Connectivity |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Bell |
Yes |
Yes |
|
IP Rating |
IP54 |
IPX4 |
|
Price |
$899 |
$699 |
|
Warranty |
2 Years for Frame |
12-month Warranty |
|
Customer Service |
Responsive, Sells Parts, Offers Repairs |
Responsive |
Build Quality
Despite being light, both electric scooters have durable builds and components. Both rides weigh 13 kg and can carry a max load of 100 kg.
However, they differ in terms of IP rating. The EleKtro City has an IP54 rating. This lightweight electric scooter is dust-proof and can withstand water sprays from all directions.
Meanwhile, the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 3 Lite has an IPX4 rating, meaning it can only withstand light water splashes. The “X” on the rating indicates that it’s not tested for dust resistance.
Overall, both e-scooters have a solid and premium feel. But if you want a ride that can last in most weather conditions, the EleKtro City is resistant to dust and water, thanks to its IP rating.
Motor and Speed
Despite their compact builds, the EleKtro City and Xiaomi Electric Scooter 3 Lite offer decent performance compared to other entry-level rides. However, the EleKtro City has a bigger motor, delivering better speed.
The EleKtro City uses a 400 W motor that delivers up to 30 kph speed. Note that it has a default speed of 25 kph in compliance with electric scooter laws in Australia. EleKtro only recommends overriding the top speed when travelling on private property and in a safe environment.
Meanwhile, the Xiaomi e-scooter features a 300 W motor that produces a top speed of 25 kph. It has no restrictions since it’s within the speed limit for e-scooters.
Overall, if you prefer more speed when riding on private property, consider getting the EleKtro City. Otherwise, you may opt for Xiaomi Electric Scooter 3 Lite.
Battery and Range
When it comes to battery capacity, the EleKtro City electric scooter also has better specs. It uses a 36 V 10.4 Ah battery, producing up to 40 km per charge. Meanwhile, the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 3 Lite uses a 36 V 5.2 Ah battery that delivers a max range of 20 km.
If you’re looking for a city ride with a longer range, check out the EleKtro City. Note that the actual range depends on several factors, including rider weight, riding style, speed, and terrain.
Portability
Although both e-scooters have similar specs, the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 3 Lite is one of the best lightweight electric scooters because of its compact design.
The Xiaomi e-scooter has dimensions of 1,105 x 430 x 1,137 mm when unfolded and 1,104 x 429 x 484mm when folded. It’s generally slimmer than the EleKtro City, making it a better choice for people who want an ultra portable ride.
Also, this foldable electric scooter is lightweight, weighing only 13 kg. It also has a three-step folding mechanism to help you quickly and easily transport and store the e-scooter.
Meanwhile, the EleKtro City also weighs 13 kg and has an easy fold mechanism. It’s still a compact and slim e-scooter, but the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 3 Lite is just slimmer. Overall, while both e-scooters are very portable, the Xiaomi scooter is a more practical choice.
Safety
The basics of an entry-level lightweight electric scooter include safety features, specifically its braking and lighting system. The EleKtro City uses a drum brake, front light, and tail light.
Meanwhile, the Xiaomi e-scooter uses a rear drum brake, a front E-ABS system, front light, and a tail light. The E-ABS prevents the wheels from locking up while braking, avoiding the possibility of skidding.
Generally, drum brakes are responsive and provide strong braking power, ideal for emergencies on the road. Meanwhile, the front and tail lights help illuminate paths and make riders visible when riding at night.
While both e-scooters offer excellent safety features, the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 3 Lite includes more features, giving riders increased safety.
Ride Quality
Both electric scooters don’t have suspension, since they’re only entry-level electric scooters. Plus, both rides aren’t meant to be ridden off-road or on rough terrain.
However, these e-scooters use pneumatic tyres to help cushion your rides. The EleKtro City uses 10-inch pneumatic tyres, while the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 3 Lite uses 8.5-inch tyres.
Generally, bigger tyres offer better traction, cornering, and braking. As a result, the EleKtro City provides better handling than the Xiaomi electric scooter. While the Xiaomi e-scooter still offers great ride quality, these differences make a difference in your overall riding comfort.
App Connectivity
Despite being entry-level e-scooters, the EleKtro City and Xiaomi Electric Scooter 3 Lite feature app connectivity. You can connect your e-scooter to your smartphone via Bluetooth by downloading a specific app on your phone.
Xiaomi’s app lets you see your riding data, recent ride history, and error alerts. Meanwhile, the third-party app for the EleKtro City allows you to check your riding details, control your e-scooter lights, digitally lock and unlock your e-scooter, and activate cruise control, among other functions.
Both e-scooters offer an intuitive app with a simple and user-friendly interface. Either e-scooter will provide a good experience for tech-savvy riders.
Price and Warranty
As of writing, the EleKtro City costs $899 on the EleKtro website. It has a warranty of two years for the frame and a one-year warranty for the body, motor, battery, and controller.
On the other hand, the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 3 Lite has a regular retail price of $699 on Myer, as of writing. Xiaomi has general warranty coverage of 12 months for its e-scooters.
When it comes to price, Xiaomi is one of the best lightweight electric scooters to buy since it’s affordable and has decent quality. However, the EleKtro City doesn’t fall behind with its price since it’s still under $1,000. Either e-scooters offer great value for money since both are durable, practical, and reliable e-scooters.
Meanwhile, if you prefer longer warranty coverage, consider getting the EleKtro City. Most e-scooters have a 12-month warranty, but EleKtro offers a longer warranty period, indicating that the brand trusts the quality of its products.
Customer Service
Regarding customer service, both EleKtro and Xiaomi are easy to reach and responsive to enquiries and concerns.
However, EleKtro offers more services than Xiaomi. EleKtro also sells e-scooter parts and accessories for their e-scooters on their online shop. The brand also offers electric scooter repair services to EleKtro and non-EleKtro e-scooter models.
Meanwhile, Xiaomi Australia doesn’t seem to sell parts for their e-scooters since they’re not available on their website. Also, many of their official retailers in Australia don’t sell parts. Getting parts may be difficult since you might need to order them at Xiaomi’s headquarters or overseas.
Ultimately, Xiaomi’s overall customer service is decent and responsive, but EleKtro offers more services since they’re an Australian company. Consider getting EleKtro if you want to be sure you can get parts or repair your e-scooter.
EleKtro City Vs. Xiaomi Electric Scooter 3 Lite: Which Is the Best Lightweight Electric Scooter?
Between the EleKtro City and Xiaomi Electric Scooter 3 Lite, which is the best lightweight electric scooter for adults?
Although each e-scooter has pros and cons, buying an e-scooter is subjective. There’s no perfect e-scooter. So, the best one should include specs and features that answer your needs.
If you’re looking for a ride with good speed, long range, app connectivity, and a long warranty, get the EleKtro City.
On the other hand, choose the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 3 Lite if you prefer a portable and affordable ride with increased safety features and app connectivity.
If you plan on getting EleKtro City, consider joining EleKtro’s giveaway! Learn how to win a brand new EleKtro City! Winners will be announced on September 3, 2023.
Meanwhile, for more EleKtro-related content and e-scooter guides, check out the EleKtro blog page.
