Xiaomi M365 vs SoFlow SO2 Zero - Which "Last-Mile" Scooter Actually Gets You Home?

Fast Answer for Busy Riders ⚡ (TL;DR)

The Xiaomi M365 takes the overall win here: it goes noticeably further, feels more sorted as a daily tool, and sits in a gigantic ecosystem of parts, guides and mods that keep it alive long after the warranty dies. It's the safer bet if you actually need your scooter to cover more than a couple of kilometres without sweating about the battery gauge.

The SoFlow SO2 Zero only really makes sense if you ride very short, flat hops in a strictly regulated country, absolutely need road certification and turn signals, and value light weight and legality over everything else - including range. If your commute is genuinely "station-to-office and back" on flat ground, it can be acceptable; stretch that distance and its tiny battery quickly shows its teeth.

If you want a scooter that behaves like a simple, reliable tool rather than a borderline experiment in minimal battery capacity, the M365 is the more rounded choice. But the details - especially where you live and how far you ride - matter a lot, so it's worth diving into the full comparison below.

Keep reading for the real-world story from the handlebars, not just the brochures.

Electric scooters have grown up fast. What used to be wobbly toys are now serious daily vehicles that replace buses, cars and - on a good day - the gym. In this crowded entry-level space, two models often end up eyeing each other across the bike lane: Xiaomi's now-classic M365 and SoFlow's SO2 Zero.

I've spent many kilometres on both - the Xiaomi in particular is basically urban street furniture at this point - and they represent two very different takes on the "last-mile" problem. One is the elder statesman of sensible commuting, the other a featherweight, regulation-friendly upstart with a battery that's... let's say "optimistic" on paper.

The M365 is for riders who actually need to get somewhere and back without playing battery roulette. The SO2 Zero is for short-hop, rule-abiding city dwellers who value portability and legal turn signals more than raw capability. If that sounds like a close fight, it isn't - but each scooter does have its niche. Let's unpack it.

Who Are These For, and Why Compare Them?

Both scooters live in the affordable, entry-level commuter bracket. They're pitched at people who want to connect public transport to home or office, roll around town for errands, or cross a campus without arriving drenched in sweat.

The Xiaomi M365 is the archetypal "first real scooter". Sensible power, genuinely usable range, light enough to carry, and backed by a massive community. It's the one you buy if you want something that just works and keeps working with a bit of DIY love.

The SoFlow SO2 Zero targets a more specific rider: someone in a country with tight road rules who needs a legally compliant, number-plate-ready scooter with proper lights and indicators, and whose daily riding distance is very, very modest. In other words: multi-modal commuters shuttling a few flat kilometres around German or Swiss cities.

They end up on the same shopping list because the prices overlap and, on the surface, both look like slim, foldable aluminium commuters with air tyres and similar speeds. Underneath, though, they make very different trade-offs.

Design & Build Quality

Pick up the Xiaomi M365 and it still feels surprisingly solid for its age and price. The frame is a clean aluminium spine with almost no visual clutter, cables tucked away, and that minimalist "just works" vibe. It's not fancy, but it doesn't pretend to be. Everything feels like it was designed to be made by the million and then fixed at home when it eventually wears out.

The SoFlow SO2 Zero goes for a slightly more extrovert look. The coloured accents and taller, straight stem give it a fresher, more gadget-like presence. The frame itself is also aluminium and feels reassuringly stiff; there's little of the rattly, hollow sensation you get on some cheap imports. The cockpit, with its integrated display and NFC zone, looks more modern than the M365's four battery dots and simple button.

In the hand, though, the Xiaomi somehow feels more "sorted". The tolerances on the folding mechanism, the way the bars sit, the rubber on the deck - it's all familiar and honest. Yes, the famous folding latch can develop play, and the rear fender is fragile if abused, but these are known issues with known fixes and cheap parts.

The SO2 Zero's hardware - frame, stem, deck - is actually one of its strong points. Where it feels less mature is in the electronics and ecosystem: the app is flaky, the controller has more reported failures, and there's far less of that "someone has already solved this" safety net when something does go wrong.

Ride Comfort & Handling

Both scooters roll on smallish air-filled tyres and have no mechanical suspension, so neither will turn cobblestones into velvet. The M365, with its low deck and very neutral geometry, feels immediately natural. On smooth bike paths, it glides; on broken city tarmac, your knees become the rear shocks. After a few kilometres of old paving stones, you'll know exactly where your joints are.

The SO2 Zero is similar in concept: no springs, just air in the tyres doing the hard work. Its advantage is a wider deck and a slightly roomier stance. You can move your feet around more, which matters when you're standing through rough patches. Taller riders also benefit from the higher handlebar, which allows a more upright posture and less hunching.

In tight city manoeuvring, the M365 has a very predictable, almost bicycle-like feel. The weight is low and centred, steering is calm, and you don't need to think about it. The SoFlow is stable enough at its moderate speeds, but with less torque in reserve you sometimes feel it bog down mid-turn on inclines, which isn't exactly confidence-inspiring when you want a smooth, flowing line through traffic.

On broken surfaces, neither is "comfortable" in the plush sense. The Xiaomi feels a touch more damped and less tinny, the SoFlow counters with the slightly better standing position. You'll still be using your legs as suspension on both.

Performance

Let's be clear: neither of these is a rocket. But one gives you a bit more breathing room.

The M365's front motor delivers a level of shove that's perfectly adequate for urban riding. From a standstill, you give it a small kick, thumb the throttle, and it pulls you up to its capped speed with a smooth, linear push. It's not thrilling, but it doesn't feel anaemic either. On slight inclines it holds its pace reasonably well, and only on steeper ramps do you feel it start to run out of courage, especially if you're closer to the weight limit.

The SO2 Zero's rear motor has a touch more nominal power on paper, but that doesn't translate into a night-and-day difference. Acceleration is gentle and friendly, which is nice for beginners but will feel a bit flat if you've ever tried anything sportier. Up to its regulated speed, it's fine on flat ground. Point it at a hill, though, and reality bites quickly: speeds drop, and on steeper bits you'll find yourself "scootering" in the old-fashioned sense, adding kicks to keep going.

Braking is one area where the Xiaomi feels more naturally tuned. The combination of rear disc and front regenerative braking, both on one lever, gives you a predictable, progressive slowdown when everything is adjusted properly. You can feather it into junctions without drama.

The SoFlow's mix of front electronic braking and rear drum sounds good in theory, but the front system often comes on a bit too sharply. If you're not ready for it - weight back, arms braced - the first emergency stop can be... educational. The rear drum is low-maintenance and nicely protected but doesn't offer much in the way of feel.

Battery & Range

This is where the story stops being subtle.

The Xiaomi M365's battery lives in the deck and, in real life, will carry an average-weight rider for a decent city loop at normal commuting speeds. Think there-and-back commutes of moderate length, or a day of errands with some juice to spare. If you're heavy or ride full throttle into headwinds and hills, you'll chip away at that margin, but it still feels like a genuine transport option rather than a toy you need to baby.

The SoFlow SO2 Zero, by contrast, has a very small pack. The spec sheet claims a generous range; the real world does not agree. In everyday city use - full legal speed, stop-and-go, a few gentle inclines - you're realistically looking at single-digit kilometres before the gauge drops alarmingly and the scooter starts to sag in power. Many riders talk about "after maybe 6-7 km, I'm done". You can get more if you're feather-light and crawl along in eco mode, but that's not how people actually ride to work.

The net effect is simple: on the M365 you plan your day around your schedule. On the SO2 Zero you plan your day around the next socket.

Charging times are comparable. The Xiaomi takes a bit longer to refill its larger tank; the SoFlow tops up faster, but then, it hasn't got much to fill. In terms of energy efficiency per kilometre, the Xiaomi makes far better use of every watt-hour - which you can see clearly in the math section later.

Portability & Practicality

Both scooters are much friendlier to staircases and train doors than the modern crop of 20+ kg "commuters", but they feel different in practice.

The Xiaomi M365 is on the lighter side and balances well when folded. The classic latch-to-bell system is still among the quickest folds out there: flip, drop, click onto the rear fender, and you can carry it in one hand. For a flight of stairs or a hop onto a tram, it's entirely manageable, though if you're slight of build and doing this ten times a day, you'll notice the weight.

The SO2 Zero is slightly heavier on paper, but still firmly in the "can be carried without swearing" class. Its fold is straightforward and solid, and the taller stem actually gives you a nice handle when it's down. For multi-modal commuting - off the train, onto the scooter, into the lift - it behaves like a large briefcase that happens to have wheels.

Where practicality diverges is daily range and maintenance. The Xiaomi's battery capacity means you can often skip a day of charging, and its parts are everywhere. Tyre changes are notoriously painful (you'll earn your DIY badge the first time you do one), but upgrades like puncture sealant and reinforced fenders are cheap and well documented.

With the SoFlow, you'll almost certainly be charging every day if you use it for real commuting, and sometimes at both ends. Flat tyres are just as annoying, the app is more temperamental, and sourcing parts or fixes tends to involve more back-and-forth with dealers or support rather than a quick dive into a giant user forum.

Safety

On the safety front, both scooters take their jobs seriously, but in different ways.

The Xiaomi M365 was ahead of its time when it launched: dual-action braking with regenerative front, a real rear disc, a bright front light, and a brake-linked tail light. The beam is perfectly adequate for lit cities; pitch-black country roads will still call for an extra bicycle light. The low deck and weight distribution make it stable when braking hard, provided you remember you're on relatively small wheels and treat potholes as mortal enemies.

The SoFlow SO2 Zero leans heavily into regulatory compliance. Its integrated front and rear lights are certified for road use, bright and properly aimed. The addition of turn signals is a big plus in dense traffic, where trying to indicate with a hand while balancing on a small scooter is not anyone's idea of fun. For visibility and legal peace of mind in Germany or Switzerland, this is a strong package.

However, braking feel counts as safety too, and here the M365 has the edge in predictability. The SoFlow's electronic front brake grabs more suddenly, which can unsettle less experienced riders. The wider deck does help with stability, but you have to learn the scooter's braking character quite carefully.

Both use air tyres, which is a win for grip on wet roads compared with hard rubber. Both, however, are limited by their wheel size: deep holes and tram tracks can ruin your day if you're not actively scanning the ground.

Community Feedback

Price & Value

On sticker price alone, the SO2 Zero is clearly cheaper. But value isn't just about the initial hit on your bank card; it's about what you actually get per charge, per kilometre, and per year of ownership.

The Xiaomi M365 asks more up front but gives you a significantly larger battery, a proven drive system, and a global supply of spare parts and how-to guides. It's the scooter equivalent of a sensible compact car: not glamorous, but it just keeps showing up, and when something breaks, there's a tutorial and a cheap part waiting.

The SoFlow SO2 Zero sells you legality, indicators and portability at a keen price, then quietly slips in one of the tiniest batteries you'll find on an adult scooter. If your rides are genuinely short, and the legal certification in your country would otherwise cost you in fines or hassle, that trade can make sense. But if you think you might ever want to ride more than a few kilometres in one go, you'll quickly find the limits.

Once you factor in cost per real-world kilometre, the M365 ends up looking like the more economical long-term choice, even though it's dearer at the checkout.

Service & Parts Availability

This is an area where the Xiaomi M365 plays on easy mode. Because so many have been sold and rented, every conceivable failure has been documented. You can buy everything from original batteries to replacement screws and 3D-printed hinge shims with a couple of clicks. Independent repair shops know the model by heart, and DIY fixes are a Saturday-afternoon affair, not a multi-week project.

SoFlow, to its credit, is an actual brand with a European presence rather than a nameless importer. That means real dealers, official spares, and customer support in the local language. But you are much more at the mercy of that official channel. If the controller goes or the app misbehaves, you won't find the same depth of community knowledge or cheap third-party solutions the Xiaomi enjoys.

For tinkerers and long-term keepers, the M365 ecosystem is on another level. The SoFlow is more of a "use it as intended, under warranty, then see" proposition.

Pros & Cons Summary

Parameters Comparison

Final Verdict - Which Should You Choose?

If your aim is to own one scooter that can reliably replace a chunk of your daily transport, the Xiaomi M365 is the clear choice. It offers enough range to be genuinely useful, braking that behaves the way you expect, and an almost absurd level of community support and spare-part availability. It may not be glamorous, and it certainly isn't cutting-edge anymore, but as a simple, dependable city tool it still does the job better than many of its newer rivals.

The SoFlow SO2 Zero only really wins in a narrow lane: short, flat, strictly legal commutes where portability and indicators matter more than distance. If your life fits neatly inside that box - think station to office a couple of kilometres away, with charging available at both ends - it can serve you well enough. Step outside that use case, and the tiny battery and modest performance start to feel like a constant compromise.

For most riders, most of the time, the M365 is the scooter that will actually keep you moving rather than watching the battery bars fall and doing mental maths. Unless you have a very specific legal or distance profile that favours the SoFlow, the Xiaomi remains the safer and more rounded bet.

Numbers Freaks Corner

These metrics look purely at how efficiently each scooter turns your money, weight and battery capacity into speed and distance. Lower "per Wh" or "per km" numbers mean better value or efficiency, while higher power-to-speed and charging figures indicate stronger performance for a given limit and quicker turnarounds at the plug. Unsurprisingly, the M365 dominates anything related to useful range and energy efficiency, while the SO2 Zero only edges ahead on a few narrow power-per-rating and initial cost metrics.

Author's Category Battle

Overall Winner Declaration

In the Numbers Freaks Corner, the XIAOMI M365 scores 6 points against the SOFLOW SO2 Zero's 4. In the Author's Category Battle, the XIAOMI M365 gets 29 ✅ versus 9 ✅ for SOFLOW SO2 Zero.

Totals: XIAOMI M365 scores 35, SOFLOW SO2 Zero scores 13.

Based on the scoring, the XIAOMI M365 is our overall winner. Between these two, the Xiaomi M365 simply feels like the more complete companion: it may be modest, but it actually carries you where you need to go without fuss, and it's backed by a world of riders who've already solved almost every problem you'll ever hit. The SoFlow SO2 Zero has its charms - light, legal and nicely lit - but its tiny battery and quirks make it feel more like a constrained gadget than a trustworthy everyday vehicle. If you want commuting to feel easy rather than like an exercise in range management, the M365 is the one that's more likely to put a relaxed grin on your face at the end of the ride.

That's our verdict when we try to stay objective – but hey, riding is mostly about emotions anyway, so pick the one that will make you look forward to your commute every single day.