diff --git a/platformio/commands/serialports.py b/platformio/commands/serialports.py
index a620e254..2e157110 100644
--- a/platformio/commands/serialports.py
+++ b/platformio/commands/serialports.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ import click
 from serial.tools import miniterm
 
 from platformio import app
-from platformio.exception import PlatformioException
+from platformio.exception import MinitermException
 from platformio.util import get_serialports
 
 
@@ -81,4 +81,4 @@ def serialports_monitor(**kwargs):
     try:
         miniterm.main()
     except Exception as e:  # pylint: disable=W0702
-        raise PlatformioException(str(e))
+        raise MinitermException("Miniterm: %s" % e)
diff --git a/platformio/exception.py b/platformio/exception.py
index d8cb13fd..233e591a 100644
--- a/platformio/exception.py
+++ b/platformio/exception.py
@@ -17,6 +17,10 @@ class ReturnErrorCode(PlatformioException):
     pass
 
 
+class MinitermException(PlatformioException):
+    pass
+
+
 class AbortedByUser(PlatformioException):
 
     MESSAGE = "Aborted by user"