Are you ready to join the escooter revolution in Malaysia? As cities grow busier and commuting becomes more stressful, Malaysians are increasingly seeking smarter, greener, and more efficient ways to move around. Compact electric mobility solutions have emerged as a practical choice, offering convenience, flexibility, and environmental benefits. At Eko Life Malaysia, our mission is to empower bicycle, e-bike, and escooter enthusiasts through affordable pricing, high-quality products, professional servicing, and community-building efforts. This guide is designed to help riders make informed decisions in Malaysia’s growing personal mobility market.
In this comparison, we look closely at two popular choices on urban streets: Xiaomi electric scooters and Beam Rental units. Both fall under the umbrella of personal electric mobility, but they serve very different purposes. Xiaomi focuses on private ownership and long-term reliability, while Beam Rental emphasises convenience and shared access. By understanding their strengths and differences, you can choose the right escooter for your lifestyle.
The Rise of Escooter Usage in Malaysia
The popularity of escooters in Malaysia has risen steadily, especially in major cities. Traffic congestion, limited parking, and rising fuel costs have driven commuters to seek alternatives that are cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Many Malaysians now use an escooter for last-mile travel, connecting public transport hubs with offices, residential areas, or shopping districts. These vehicles are ideal for short to medium distances, offering an energy-efficient and emission-free way to navigate urban spaces. As city infrastructure adapts, escooters are becoming a more integrated part of Malaysian urban mobility.
Xiaomi Electric Scooter: Trusted Quality for Daily Riders
Xiaomi is a global technology brand known for producing reliable products at competitive prices. Its approach to the escooter market combines durable design with user-friendly features. The Xiaomi Mi M365 is one of the most recognised models worldwide, offering a balance of affordability, build quality, and practicality. Designed for personal ownership, this escooter appeals to regular riders who need consistent performance for daily commuting.
The frame is built from aerospace-grade aluminium alloy, keeping the escooter lightweight while maintaining structural strength. This makes it practical for Malaysians who need to carry or store the scooter in apartments, offices, or vehicles. Its foldable design is simple and dependable, enhancing daily usability and convenience.
Riding Experience and Everyday Performance
The Xiaomi Mi M365 prioritises stability and control over raw speed, with a top speed of 15 km/h. This makes the escooter suitable for beginners and those who prefer safe, predictable riding in urban environments. Smooth acceleration and a well-balanced frame allow riders to maintain confidence on busy sidewalks or shared paths. Pneumatic tyres help absorb vibrations from uneven pavements, providing a comfortable ride even on less-than-perfect roads. For regular commuters, the reliability and familiar feel of a personal escooter are major advantages.
Smart Technology and Rider Control
Xiaomi enhances its escooter experience with a mobile application that allows riders to monitor battery levels, track mileage, lock the unit remotely, and receive firmware updates. This smart technology ensures that users can maintain their scooter efficiently while keeping performance optimised. For tech-savvy riders, the integrated app adds a valuable layer of convenience and control over their daily commuting device.
Beam Rental: Escooter Access Without Ownership
Beam Rental offers a different approach by providing shared escooters that can be accessed on-demand through a mobile app. Users locate a nearby unit, unlock it, ride to their destination, and leave it at designated drop-off points. This model is ideal for casual riders, tourists, or those who need an escooter occasionally without worrying about storage, maintenance, or charging.
Beam Rental simplifies urban commuting by providing immediate access to a scooter whenever needed. Riders enjoy the benefits of electric mobility without the responsibilities of ownership, which makes it particularly appealing for spontaneous trips or short errands.
Speed, Efficiency, and Urban Suitability
Beam Rental units are designed for city travel and can reach speeds of up to 25 km/h. This allows riders to cover short distances quickly, making them ideal for time-sensitive urban trips. The scooters are constructed to withstand frequent use by different riders and are optimised for durability, safety, and ease of navigation through busy streets. The higher speed gives them an edge for those prioritising efficiency, while still remaining manageable for most city environments.
Comfort and Ease of Use
Comfort and stability are important for all riders. Beam scooters feature wide decks, upright handlebars, and intuitive controls, making it easy for first-time users to ride confidently. Built-in lighting and responsive brakes enhance visibility and safety, particularly during evening or low-light conditions. These design considerations ensure a comfortable and predictable riding experience, even for those unfamiliar with electric scooters.
Ownership Versus On-Demand Riding
A major distinction between Xiaomi and Beam lies in ownership. Xiaomi offers full control over a personal escooter, allowing riders to maintain consistent performance, customise usage, and rely on it daily. Beam Rental, on the other hand, is designed for on-demand usage, allowing riders to access an escooter only when needed. Each model caters to different lifestyles: Xiaomi suits frequent riders, while Beam suits occasional riders who prioritise convenience.
Maintenance and Long-Term Reliability
Maintenance is a crucial factor for long-term riders. The Xiaomi Mi M365 is known for its straightforward design and widely available spare parts. Components such as tyres, brakes, and batteries are easy to replace, and professional servicing from Eko Life Malaysia ensures the escooter remains reliable for years. Beam Rental removes all maintenance responsibilities from the rider, handling repairs, charging, and upkeep operationally. While this is convenient, it also means riders have no control over the condition of the scooter they pick up.
Battery Range and Daily Practicality
Battery life is essential for daily commuting. Xiaomi’s model provides up to 30 kilometres per charge, allowing riders to rely on their escooter for both short errands and longer trips without frequent recharging. Beam Rental units typically offer sufficient range for urban travel, but availability and battery levels depend on prior usage. Planning longer journeys on a rental escooter may require checking nearby availability in advance.
Charging Convenience
Charging can impact usability. Xiaomi requires about four hours for a full charge, making overnight charging practical. Beam Rental handles charging operations internally, making their escooter available without user involvement. For daily riders, personal ownership provides predictability, while rentals offer a hassle-free alternative for infrequent use.
Safety and Responsible Riding
Safety is a top priority in Malaysian cities. Xiaomi’s escooter features dual braking systems, front and rear lights, reflective surfaces, and stable weight distribution to enhance rider confidence. Beam Rental units also prioritise safety with wide decks, bright lighting, and reliable braking mechanisms designed for shared use. Both options are well suited to urban riding, though Xiaomi’s controlled speed and predictable performance may appeal more to cautious riders.
Regulations and Malaysian Urban Riding
As escooter adoption increases, riders must follow local regulations regarding speed limits and permitted riding zones. Personal ownership allows Xiaomi riders to adapt to city-specific guidelines more flexibly. Rental units may include built-in restrictions, such as speed limits or geo-fencing, depending on the city and operator.
Cost and Long-Term Value
Cost plays an important role in deciding between owning and renting. Xiaomi offers strong long-term value for regular escooter users, while Beam Rental is suitable for occasional trips. Frequent riders may find ownership more economical over time, whereas casual users benefit from the flexibility of rental units.
Sustainability and Community Impact
Both Xiaomi and Beam Rental contribute to cleaner, greener transport. By replacing short car trips with electric mobility, these escooter reduce emissions and traffic congestion. Xiaomi supports sustainability through durable design and long-term usage, while Beam promotes shared access, reducing the number of vehicles needed in urban areas. Both contribute to building a more environmentally responsible commuting culture in Malaysia.
Final Verdict: Xiaomi or Beam Rental Escooter?
In conclusion, both Xiaomi and Beam Rental provide strong advantages depending on your lifestyle. Xiaomi is ideal for daily commuters seeking reliability, long-range performance, and consistent ownership value. Beam Rental excels for those who value convenience, flexibility, and on-demand access to an escooter without maintenance worries. Choosing either option positions you within Malaysia’s growing personal mobility movement, helping you navigate the city efficiently while supporting greener transport solutions. With the right choice, the escooter can transform the way you travel in urban environments.
