Folding e-Bike or e-Scooter? Xiaomi Scooter Pro vs Himo C20

E-Scooter are currently very popular, therefore they also get a lot of bad press. Further they are illegal in some countries. So could folding e-bikes be an alternative to e-scooters? They are also more comfortable to ride as you can sit – so why are they not more popular? Or does it simply depend which one is better in which situation or the price?

I tried to come up with pros and cons using the example of Xiaomi Scooter Pro and Xiaomi Himo C20. I use my Xiaomi Scooter Pro for my daily commute to work. But standing on a scooter for 12km (each direction) is not very comfortable, even though I enjoyed not using public transport. So I got myself the Xiaomi Himo C20 folding e-bike and expected are more comfortable long distance ride. Each has its pros and cons which I wanted to share with you:

Xiaomi Scooter Pro vs Xiaomi Himo Z20

To me it seemed Himo C20 provides the best offer. It offers larger 20″ tires, which should contribute to a more comfortable ride. Being foldable is definitely a plus to store it within your flat or office. So that’s why I chose this one to compare it to my current choice of commute – the Xiaomi Scooter Pro.

Specs	Xiaomi Scooter Pro	HIMO Z20
max. Speed	25 km/h (15 mph)	25 km/h (15 mph)
Range (bike assisting)	45 km (28 mi)	80 km (50 mi)
Weight	14,2 kg (31.3 lbs)	21,6 kg (47 lbs)
Dimension (unfolded)	113 x 43 x 118 cm	147 × 61 × 109,5 cm
Dimension (folded)	113 x 43 x 49 cm	86 × 45 × 74 cm
Carrying Capacity	100 kg (220 lbs)	100 kg (220 lbs)
Motor Power	300W front wheel drive	250W rear wheel drive
Throttle	lever	twist
Tires	8,5″ air tube tires	20″ air tube
Suspension	no	no
Brake	front: electrical rear: mechanical (disc)	front: mechanical (disc) rear: mechanical (disc)
Transmission	n/a	6-speed (Shimano)
Display	yes	yes
Colors	black	grey, white

Comparison Review

There are a few similarities: you can ride at about the same max. speed (25km/h) for about the same range. This is of course only true for electric power. You can achieve a higher speed and wider range when you use drive Himo C20 fully electric and support with pedaling! There are is a seat available for Xiaomi M365, but I think sitting on the e-bike provides a better driving experience. If you are worried about the legal situation of a scooter, I think you are going “under the radar” if you are sitting on an e-bike. In some countries Himo C20 might also not be legal as you can drive fully electric. There is no real moped mode in Himo C20 as you have to give it an initial push, similar to the e-scooter.

Storage Space & Handling

My biggest concern was storage space as Himo C20 seems to be way larger than a scooter. But I was surprised that in my use case Himo C20 is actually more convenient to store. Himo C20 is longer and higher when folded, but thinner than the scooter! Besides retracting the pedals the handlebar of Himo C20 flips down while it is still the widest part of Xiaomi Scooter Pro. Therefore Himo C20 is thinner and takes less space when leant against a wall. The handle bar of the scooter still sticks out and you easily catch on when passing by.

This is of course only valid when going from A to B and storing it. When combineing your ride with public transport the handling of the e-scooter is a big plus. You can fold it and easily carry it over stairs. Also due to the lower height you can store it in trains under the seat.

Do you need a more compact bike – great news – Himo launched the Z20 that offers a folding frame: check out Himo Z20.

Driving experience

Xiaomi Scooter Pro accelerates faster and you reach the top speed quicker. But Himo C20 isn’t slow – in fact when standing at the traffic light, accelerating with full power and hitting the pedals you are faster than most of the cyclists around 🙂 (especially the sportive ones who cut the line to be the first one at the traffic light). Himo C20 is more comfortable when riding longer distances. You can also choose if you want to go fully electric or do some exercise and pedal as well.

Pros & Cons

Advantage Xiaomi Scooter Pro: The scooter is lighter and and easier to take with you. You can also easily carry the scooter when folded compared to the bike. Great when you combine it with public transport or you have to carry it over stairs to your flat or office.

Advantage Himo C20: It is much more comfortable to ride Himo C20 rather than a scooter for longer distances as you can sit down. Further it feels much safer as you have two large wheels and two brakes that give you a secure feeling. That is even more important when having to share a road rather than using a bike lane. Himo C20 has a wider range as you can also operate with with human power once the battery is empty.

Price & Retailer Comparison

• official HIMO Website: www.himobikes.com
  This site offers both ADO & HIMO bikes and is their official store.
  Both models ADO A20 and HIMO Z20 can be found here.

• official Fiido Website: www.fiido.com
  This is the official website of Fiido and their main distribution channel.
  You can benefit from buying directly from the manufacturer

• Geekbuying
  I got my Fiido D11 from Geekbuying
  check the website for coupon codes, sometimes they are cheaper than on the official site!

• Amazon
  ADO operates their own Amazon Store “A Dece Oasis-Store“
  Fiido doesn’t have an Amazon store
  where you can find all their current products and having the Amazon Prime shipping benefits:

• Aliexpress
  several reseller offer Fiido, ADO and HIMO on Aliexpress
  check the different warehouse options!