How to increase speed on the Xiaomi S1 scooter: the complete guide

The Xiaomi Electric Scooter S1 has proven itself to be a reliable vehicle for urban environments, but many users are limited by the standard speed limit of 25 km / h. This figure is dictated by European legislation, but technically the engine and controller are able to produce much more. Owners often wonder whether it is possible to bypass these software "shackles" without critical damage to the battery and electronics.

There are several proven methods to accelerate the device to 30-35 km / h, which significantly saves travel time. However, it is important to understand that interference with software (firmware) or changing physical parameters always carries risks. In this article, we will discuss the methods of modification, evaluate their effectiveness and be sure to discuss precautions.

Before you start to act, you need to realize that any custom tuning can lead to the loss of the official warranty. In addition, accelerated vehicles become more difficult to drive, and the braking distance increases, acceleration above factory limits is possible only with a proper braking system and quality tires.

Analysis of factory restrictions and regional locks

The standard version of the Xiaomi S1 scooter comes with a locked speed to comply with safety regulations in the European Union. The software controller receives a signal from the BMS (Battery Management System) and limits the power supply to the motor-wheel, this is done not out of harm, but to extend the battery life and comply with the laws.

In some regions, the "Global" version is available, which has the same limitations but differs in the algorithms for recovery. Users living in areas where speeds up to 30-40 km/h are allowed often look for ways to activate the hidden potential of the device. It is important to distinguish between software speed locking and the physical inability of the motor to spin faster.

It is worth noting that even after the restrictions are lifted, the maximum speed will depend on the weight of the rider, battery charge and terrain. On a fully charged battery, acceleration will be maximum, whereas at 30% charge, the controller can again "strangle" the motor to protect the cells.

⚠️ Attention: Increased speed leads to increased current consumption. The standard cooling system of the controller may not cope with heat generation during prolonged driving on maximum traction.

Below is a table showing the difference in performance between stock and modified versions of firmware:

Software Unblocking Through a Region Change

The safest and easiest way to try to increase speed is to change the region in the official Mi Home or Xiaomi Home app. The scooter algorithms can vary depending on the country chosen. For example, switching to China or the United States sometimes removes the 25 km/h limit, because in these countries the norms are milder or absent.

To do this, you'll need a smartphone with the app installed and the Internet connected. First, remove the scooter from the list of devices, then change the region to China or United States in the app settings. After that, add the device back. If you're lucky, the scooter will update the configuration file and allow you to reach higher speeds.

But this method doesn't work on all versions of the hardware platform, and new batches of scooters have a tight region-to-motherboard binding, and software changes in the app's location don't work, so the scooter will simply refuse to connect or will run as it did.

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Before changing the region, be sure to take a screenshot of the current settings and mileage indicators, as when re-tying the history of trips can be reset.

If the change of region didn't work, don't despair. There are deeper interventions, such as custom firmware, but they require a PC and a special cable. The efficiency of changing the region is about 40%, so for many, this is just the first stage of experimentation.

Installation of custom firmware (Custom Firmware)

The most effective method is to flash the controller to a modified version of the software. Enthusiasts create firmware that removes the software speed limit, turns off the squeak when exceeding 25 km / h and changes the algorithms for working recovery. Popular projects such as Xiaomi-Flasher or m365-tools allow you to embed your codes in the memory of the device.

For this process, you will need a laptop, USB-cable and special adapter (UART-TTL) So you can connect to the contacts on the scooter board, and the process is this: you take the deck apart, you find the Tx, Rx, and you get the contacts. GND, And then a new binary firmware file is downloaded through the terminal.

The risks are maximum: If you interrupt the process of writing data or use a broken file, you can get a brick that will not turn on, the controller can lock, and recovery will require a programmer ST-Link and soldering skills, and custom firmware can read data from the BMS incorrectly, which will lead to a deep discharge of cells.

⚠️ Warning: Installing untested firmware can cause the battery to fire due to the temperature protections being turned off. Use only open source versions from well-known developers.

Once the modified software is successfully installed, the scooter ceases to be an "official" device, and any updates through the app will not be available or may return stock restrictions if you do not block the automatic update in the settings.

Hardware tuning: replacement of drive elements

If software methods seem too risky, you can consider physical changes to the design: replacing an asterisk on the drive wheel (if the model allows a chain drive, which is rare for the S1, but possible for modifications), or installing smaller wheels could theoretically change the gear ratio. However, for the Xiaomi S1 with direct drive, this method is not directly applicable.

The more realistic option is to replace the motor wheel with a more powerful one or with other windings. There are upgrade kits that allow you to increase the maximum speed by changing the characteristics of the engine, which is an expensive and complex process that requires mechanical processing and soldering of contacts.

Some craftsmen also change the controller to a more powerful analog that can produce more current. This gives an increase in acceleration dynamics, but the maximum speed is limited to the battery voltage (36V). To really go faster, you need to raise the voltage, which requires replacing the entire power unit, including the battery.

Is it worth the candle? For the average user, replacing the hardware is not economically feasible. It is easier to sell an old scooter and buy a model with a factory speed of 35-45 km / h, for example, Xiaomi Electric Scooter Pro 2 or models from the Ninebot Max series.

Effect of tire pressure and technical condition

Often the problem with low speed is not the firmware, but the simple maintenance. Low tire pressure creates a huge rolling resistance. The engine spends the lion's share of energy on overcoming tire strain, not accelerating. For the S1, the optimal pressure is 3.5 - 4.0 Bar (50-58 PSI) for a rider weighing up to 80 kg.

Check the wheel bearings. If they get water or dirt, they start to hum and slow down the rotation. Lubrication or replacement of bearings can quietly add 2-3 km/h to your top speed. Also inspect brake pads: the squeezed disc creates constant friction that "steals" power.

Ambient temperature also plays a role: Lithium-ion batteries at temperatures below +10°C give less current. In winter or late autumn, you will not be physically able to reach maximum speed, as BMS will limit the discharge current to protect the battery chemistry from degradation.

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Regular tire swaps up to 4.0 Bar and bearing lubrication can return lost 10-15% of the speed without opening the body.

Consequences of dispersal for guarantee and security

Any interference with the code recorded by the scooter logos (and the change in region or firmware is recorded) is grounds for denial of warranty service. Xiaomi service centers have tools to diagnose the digital signature of the firmware. If you get into a situation with a failed battery, you may be denied repair.

Safety is the main aspect. The S1 braking system (combined: electrobrake + mechanical drum) is designed to quench inertia at 25 km/h. At 35 km/h, the braking distance increases exponentially, not linearly, and tire rubber can also not withstand the increased loads and temperatures, which can cause the wheel to explode at speed.

Don't forget the legal side. In many countries, riding scooters above 25 km/h is equivalent to driving a moped, which requires category M or A rights, registration of a vehicle and a helmet, and penalties for violating these rules can exceed the cost of the device itself.