The Xiaomi Electric Scooter 6 Essential is ten kilograms lighter than the base model. What's the trade-off?

The Xiaomi Electric Scooter 6 Essential targets urban riders who find regular electric scooters too heavy to carry. It weighs only about 16 kilograms. However, the lower weight required concessions, primarily half the range and missing suspension.

What does the lightest family member offer?

The Essential appeared on the manufacturer’s global website without a press conference or much fanfare. It is the simplest form of this year’s generation: a high-strength structural steel frame is complemented by ten-inch pneumatic tires, which, according to Xiaomi, can handle gravel, pavement, and speed bumps.

Power is provided by a motor with a peak output of 500 watts (nominal is 300 W), which can accelerate the scooter up to 25 km/h and climb a 15% incline. You can choose from three riding modes – pedestrian at 6 km/h, standard at 15 km/h, and sport at 25 km/h.

The 216 Wh battery capacity is said by the manufacturer’s measurements to be sufficient for a range of up to 25 kilometers. However, this figure applies to riding at a constant speed of 15 km/h; in sport mode, expect closer to 20 kilometers. Charging takes approximately eight hours.

Stopping power is shared by a front drum brake with a rear E-ABS electronic brake, and the rear warning light flashes during deceleration. The entire machine is resistant to splashing water according to IPX4, while the battery itself has two degrees higher resistance. After pairing with the Xiaomi Home app, you can monitor the remaining range or charge status and remotely lock the motor.

The scooter can carry riders up to 100 kilograms and folds in three steps. By the way, the brand dusted off the name Essential after years – it sold a similarly lightweight model of the same name back in 2020.

Where did the Essential have to compromise compared to the Scooter 6?

The base Scooter 6, whose March arrival in the Czech Republic we described along with the rest of the family, boasts significantly higher range and comfort. It has an advantage in these areas:

• range: 45 km thanks to a 360 Wh battery (Essential: 25 km and 216 Wh)
• tires: 12-inch tubeless with dual-wheel suspension (Essential: 10-inch without suspension)
• power: peak 800 W and 18% climbing ability (Essential: 500 W and 15%)
• load capacity: 120 kg (Essential: 100 kg)
• durability: IPX5 for the entire machine (Essential: IPX4)

However, the richer equipment comes at a cost in weight – the standard model weighs 26.3 kilograms, making it significantly less suitable for carrying up stairs or onto public transport. Conversely, both machines share the maximum speed of 25 km/h, three riding modes, brake concept, and approximately eight-hour charging time.

Price and availability

Xiaomi is keeping the most important information to itself – it has not yet announced how much the Essential will cost or when it will go on sale. The new product is currently only shown on the global website, and its Czech availability has not been confirmed by anyone.

The price list of the rest of the family provides some idea: the base Scooter 6 can be purchased on the official Czech e-shop for 8,999 crowns, the cheapest Lite for 8,199 crowns, and the top-tier Ultra model for less than 20,000. We expect that if the Essential model arrives in the Czech Republic, it could cost around 6,000 crowns.

Would you prioritize lower weight over longer range?

Source: Xiaomi