Pure is a UK company founded by entrepreneur Adam Norris which designs its own and focused on electric bikes and scooters - the escooters here are all the upgraded second generation models.
Xiaomi is a Chinese designer and manufacturer of consumer electronics and home appliances. Behind Samsung, it is the second biggest manufacturer of smartphones in the world.
Each company has four models in its escooter range. Let’s put them head to head.
Standard models: Xiaomi 1s vs Pure Air
The Pure Air is the winner here - although the two models are pretty similar, the Air Electric 2nd generation is more water resistant than the 1s. Xiaomi say “we recommend to not drive the E-Scooter on rainy days, bad weather, snow or in general on wet surfaces due to the nature of the vehicle”.
Apart from that, it’s a matter of trade offs. The 1S is lighter, but the Air has bigger wheels and platform, takes a heavier load and has more rated power.
| Xiaomi | Pure | |
| Mi 1S | Air Electric 2nd Gen | |
| Price (£) | £449 | £449 |
| Range | 18.6m (30km) | 18.6m (30km) |
| Tyres (inch) | 8.5 | 10 |
| Weight (kg) | 12.5 | 17 |
| Folded height | 49cm | 51cm |
| Max Load (kg) | 100kg | 120kg |
| Rated power (W) | 250w | 500w |
| Height (mm) | 1140 | 1160 |
| Length (mm) | 1080 | 1190 |
| Width (mm) | 430 | 500 |
Light escooters: Xiaomi 3 Lite vs Pure Air Go 2nd gen
For a light model, the Xiaomi has the edge, but you’ll pay £80 for the privilege of smaller wheels, less weight and all round smaller size.
However, as is with the 1s the 3 Lite isn't fully waterproof so we make Pure the winner. Choose the 3 Lite if weight and size is a priority and you don't mind the compromise on water resistance, but the Air Go if budget is your main factor.
| Xiaomi | Pure | |
| Xiaomi 3 Lite | Air Go 2nd gen | |
| Price (£) | £430 | £349 |
| Range | 12.5m (20km) | 12.5m (20km) |
| Tyres (inch) | 8.5 | 10 |
| Weight (kg) | 13kg | 16kg |
| Folded height | 48cm | 51cm |
| Max Load (kg) | 100kg | 120kg |
| Rated power (W) | 300w | 350w |
| Height (mm) | 1105 | 1190 |
| Length (mm) | 1137 | 1160 |
| Width (mm) | 430 | 500 |
Pro electric scooters: Xiaomi's Mi Pro 2 vs Pure Air Pro
Similar price, similar range …. It would be another draw except again the Pure model is more water resistant. Pure’s model is also bigger and heavier but that gives you more power and larger wheels.
| Xiaomi | Pure | |
| Mi Pro 2 | Air Pro 2nd gen | |
| Price (£) | £599 | £599 |
| Range | 28m (45km) | 31m (50km) |
| Tyres (inch) | 8.5 | 10 |
| Weight (kg) | 14.2 | 16.5 |
| Folded height | 49cm | 51cm |
| Max Load (kg) | 100kg | 120kg |
| Rated power (W) | 300w | 500w |
| Height (mm) | 1180 | 1190 |
| Length (mm) | 1130 | 1160 |
| Width (mm) | 430 | 500 |
Premium - Xiaomi 4 pro vs Pure Air Pro
These are the high end models - although there's not an official UK price for the Xiaomi 4 Pro yet. This one’s a draw as well. The models are very similar, although the Air Pro wins on rated power, the 4 Pro is that bit larger if size is what matters. Again, the Pure model is more water resistant.
| Xiaomi | Pure | |
| Xiaomi 4 pro | Air Pro Long Range | |
| Price (£) | Not launched yet | £749 |
| Range | 34m (55km) | 37m (60km) |
| Tyres (inch) | 10 | 10 |
| Weight (kg) | 17 | 17.5 |
| Folder height | 51 | 51 |
| Load (kg) | 120 | 120 |
| Rated power (W) | 350w | 500w |
| Height (mm) | 1240 | 1190 |
| Length (mm) | 1198 | 1160 |
| Width | 480 | 500 |
Conclusion
These are all great electric scooters from two leading companies. The model for you will depend on the trade off between size, wight and comfort.
However, if you want to ride in the UK when it rains, the water resistance of the Xiaomi models lets them down. They are rated only IPX4, which is resistant to splashes of water. Pure on the other hand, are rated as IPX5, the next level up and they cover any rain damage within their warranty.