Owners of popular electric vehicles often face an artificial speed limit that the manufacturer sets in the factory.The standard 25 km/h for the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 1S or Pro 2 model often seems insufficient for experienced riders wanting to get more dynamics from their device.
The process of changing the controller's software requires not only specialized software, but also an understanding of risks. Castom firmware changes the logic of the BMS (Battery Management System) and the speed controller, which directly affects the behavior of vehicles on the road. It is important to realize that any interference with the factory code removes the device from the warranty and can lead to irreversible consequences if errors occur.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions, necessary tools and software solutions for overclocking. You will learn about the differences between regional versions of firmware, methods of connecting via Bluetooth and critical security measures. Changing the firmware to the CN version (China) or custom FW is the only way to legally remove the speed limit by software.
Risk analysis and legal aspects of modification
Before technical manipulations are undertaken, the legal field and physical risks must be assessed: in most European and CIS countries, the operation of scooters above 25 km/h on public roads is prohibited or requires registration as a moped. The Xiaomi M365 firmware moves the vehicle to another legal category, which can lead to fines during inspection.
The technical side of the issue is also equally important: the native battery and controller are designed with normal loads in mind; increased current and voltage during acceleration leads to increased heat generation; if the cooling system or balancing of cells fails, it is possible to fire or fail expensive components.
⚠️ Warning: Self-flashing of the controller is a violation of the warranty conditions. In case of failure, the service center will refuse free repairs, citing a change in the factory software.
There is also a risk of bricking the device, which means that interrupting the recording process or a power surge can render the controller inoperable, and recovery is possible only through the programmer, which requires a deep knowledge of electronics.
- 🚫 Loss of warranty: Any interference with the software is recorded in the device logs and visible during diagnosis.
- 🔥 Fire risk: Incorrect current settings can cause the battery to overheat.
- ⚖️ Legal liability: Driving a modified vehicle can be equated to driving without a category M license.
If you are not ready to take full responsibility for the technical condition of the transport and possible legal consequences, it is better to leave the factory settings.
Required tools and software
To succeed, you’ll need a suite of specific software and hardware. The main tool for working with the Xiaomi ecosystem is an Android smartphone. The iOS operating system has significantly more restrictions on access to Bluetooth protocols, making the process on an iPhone almost impossible without jailbreaking.
The key application is the Xiaoxin Flash Tool or its modifications, often referred to simply as "Flasher", and applications like DownG or 50Hz are also popular, which allow you not only to change the region, but also to adjust the parameters of recovery and torque.
List of compatible models
You'll also need a stable Internet connection to download firmware files and a charged smartphone battery. The data recording process is energy-intensive, and the discharge of the phone at a critical moment can interrupt the operation.
| Component | Requirements | Appointment |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphone | Android 8.0+ | Managing the firmware process |
| Annex | Xiaoxin / DownG | Interface for working with BMS |
| Firmware file | .bin (CN or Custom) | New software |
| Battery charge | Scooter > 50% | Security of the update process |
It is important to download firmware files from trusted sources, and the use of files damaged or modified by unknown persons can lead to incorrect operation of the transport.
Preparation of the electric scooter for renewal
The initial phase requires careful preparation of the vehicle itself. First of all, make sure that the battery is at least 50-60%. the firmware process can take 5 to 15 minutes, and if the voltage falls below the critical level during recording, the controller can lock.
Turn on the scooter and make sure it's not connected to the charger. Connection to the network during the upgrade is prohibited. Also check that the wheel is free to rotate and there are no errors on the display.
☑️ Checklist before kick-off
Place your phone in close proximity to the steering wheel, where the Bluetooth module is located. The distance should not exceed 30-50 cm to ensure a stable signal. If you use a case with metal elements, it is better to remove it.
Close all the extra apps on your smartphone so that the system doesn't try to save energy or interrupt the background process.
Step-by-step instructions for changing the region and dispersing
The most common method of overclocking is to change regional firmware from European (EU) to Chinese (CN). Chinese versions of Xiaomi M365 initially do not have a strict limit of 25 km / h.
Press the device search button. When the app detects your scooter, select it from the list. The interface will show the current firmware version and region. Press Flash or Update.
Process: Search -> Connect -> Download BIN -> Record -> RebootDuring the process, the progress bar will be displayed on the screen. It is strictly forbidden to touch the buttons of the scooter or try to sit on it at this moment. Any activation of the motor will interrupt the recording.
Once you've finished recording, the app will report success. The scooter will beep and turn it off. Turn it on again. Now, if you connect to the standard Mi Home app (with China) or through the test menu, you'll see that the speed limit is off.
- 📲 Connection: Launch the application and wait for sync.
- 🔄 Download: Select the new firmware file in the app menu.
- ⏳ Waiting: Wait until the process is over, the indicator flashes.
- ✅ Finish: Reboot the device and check the software version.
If the process is successful, the maximum speed on a flat surface with a driver weighing 70-75 kg can reach 30-32 km / h.
Installation of custom firmware and fine tuning
For advanced users, custom firmware such as EScooter2 or modifications from the OpenSource community can be installed, and these versions allow you not only to remove the speed limit, but also to adjust recovery, soft start and throttle response.
Custom firmware often has built-in protection features that are not available in the runoff, such as smarter battery temperature management, but the installation process is more complex and often requires the use of a PC and special adapters, although some versions are installed via Bluetooth.
⚠️ Note: When installing custom firmware, be sure to make a backup of the original configuration (Config), if such a function is available in the tool used.
You can adjust the parameters through special menus called by button combinations on the display or through a configurator application. You can change the recovery current to increase the mileage, or, conversely, make braking more aggressive.
💡
Keep the original. BIN-If you sell a scooter or need to return to service, you can restore factory status.
Keep in mind that custom firmware can be unstable, created by enthusiasts and not certified, and errors in code can cause the motor to suddenly shut down on the go.
Diagnosis of problems and frequent errors
In the process of modification, users often face typical problems, the most common of which is a connection error or an 80-90% interruption, which is usually associated with unstable Bluetooth connection or background processes of Android.
If the scooter behaves strangely after the firmware is twitching, does not develop speed, it is possible that the firmware file is not suitable for your version of the controller (L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8, L9, L10).
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The matching of the controller version and the firmware file is a critical parameter. The firmware from the L4 controller is not suitable for the L6.
Calibration failure is also possible, and if the scooter wags or doesn't show speed correctly after acceleration, you may need to recalibration through the service menu, usually by pressing the on and brake buttons at the same time.
- 📉 Weak signal: Get closer to the steering wheel, remove the phone from the case.
- 🔋 Low charge: Charge the scooter to 80% and try again.
- 📱 Locking the OS: Turn off power saving for the flasher application.
In case of complete loss of communication with the scooter (it does not turn on, the indicators do not burn), you will need to disassemble the deck and firmware the controller through the ST-Link programmer, which is a complex hardware procedure.