Introduction
This Mi Portable Electric Air Compressor costs Rs 2,299 and as far as small air compressors go, it is expensive. But then, its USP is its wireless nature. So, you charge it, store it, and then when you need it, just screw it on to the tyre valve and fill up. No USB or 12 volt charging ports needed. Now, we have lived with this device and we ran some tests on it to see how compatible or incompatible it is for various functions. And here’s what we found.
Flat to Full
The first test we ran was to see how much time it takes for the compressor to fill a flat tyre to the recommended pressure. We ran the test on both front and rear tyres of the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. The Mi Compressor took over four minutes to reach 33PSI, which is what I run on the 100-section, 18-inch front tyre of the Interceptor. It took a minute and 35 seconds to get to 15PSI from zero; two minutes and 13 seconds to hit 20PSI, and four minutes and nine seconds to reach our desired tyre pressure of 33PSI.
As for the wider rear tyre (130-section mounted on an 18-inch rim), the Mi took around three minutes to get it up to 20PSI from zero; almost 50 seconds more than the front. It took a little over five and a half minutes to get to 33PSI, which had taken four minutes something for the front. And the air compressor took almost an additional minute then on to reach the stipulated 36PSI. As is clear, the Mi doesn’t like to be rushed. And fatter the tyre… naturally, longer the wait time.
And talking about fat tyres, we also used the Mi on the Ford EcoSport. With its 205 section, 16-inch tyres, the Air Compressor took almost a minute and a half to take the pressure up from 31PSI to 34PSI. And by the time I was done with upping the air pressure by three PSI on all four tyres (plus the Interceptor fill), the Mi had almost completely run out of juice.
Carrying Capability
Next, we decided to check the Mi Compressor’s portable coefficient. And again, this is more for motorcycles because in cars one has enough space to permanently store a 12V plug-in type, high capacity air compressor. The Mi Compressor weighs less than half a kilo. And it is smaller than most modern day cell phones in height and width. It is of course many times thicker.
But, overall, it is something that can sit inside your hydration bag, your messenger bag, and even inside a small five-litre tank bag. So portability, in that sense, is top notch! Its pressure gauge is accurate too. If anything, its short hose can be an issue, which cuts into the convenience aspect.
Verdict
To sum things up then, this can’t be the only air compressor at home if you also have cars in the household. It’s also a little pricey for being a substitute air compressor. And with that short filling hose, you will always have to struggle to get tyre’s air valve right on the ground, or deal with a numb hand as you hold the compressor while it vibrates and fills up the tyre.
Having said that, the Mi Portable Electric Air Compressor does have significant pluses. Ones that make it a must-have for motorcyclists. It scores high for its small dimensions, its relatively light weight, its good build quality, and its ability to hold charge. It is handy for motorcyclists who go touring, given it has enough juice to fill up two sets of motorcycle tyres in a single charge. It is also a boon for commuters, then be it on a motorcycle or a scooter.
So, do we recommend it? If you want it for two-wheels, we most certainly do.
Product Details-
Make: Mi
Model: Air Compressor
Price: Rs 2,299
