The Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 1S is one of the most popular urban transports, but its factory performance (maximum speed 25 km / h, power 300 W) does not always satisfy experienced riders. If you want to squeeze more out of the device - accelerate to 30-35 km / h, improve acceleration dynamics or overcome steep climbs without losing speed - this article is for you.
Weโll look at legal and illegal ways to increase power, from simple software deregulation to deep hardware upgrades, and itโs important to understand that any modifications are warranty-free and can cause a controller or battery to break if you donโt do it correctly, especially when youโre looking at 1.5.4+ firmware, where Xiaomi has tightened its security.
Before you start, evaluate your skills: some operations (such as soldering or firmware through ST-Link) require experience with electronics. If you are a beginner, start with the safest ways from the first sections.
Removal of software speed limit (soft mod)
The easiest and most reversible way is to disable the artificial speed limit in the 25 This is the km/h that Xiaomi sets to meet European standards. 28-30 km/h on a flat surface.
Ways to remove the limit:
- ๐ฑ Mobile App: Use modified versions of Mi Home (such as Mi Home Unlocked) or specialized utilities like ScooterHacking Utility".
- ๐ง Hardware cheating: Connect an external Bluetooth module (for example, HM-10) to the controller and send a command to remove the restriction through the terminal.
- ๐ป Custom firmware: Install alternative firmware (for example, CFW or DracoScooter, where the limit is disabled by default.
โ ๏ธ Note: After the restriction is removed, the scooter will consume 15-20% You'll have more energy, which will reduce the mileage on one charge, and you'll also have more stress on the brake system, so check the condition of the pads before you go on high speed.
2. Firmware controller to increase current (hard-mod)
If the software mode is not enough, the next step is to change the controller parameters through the firmware, which allows you to increase the maximum current supplied to the engine, which affects power and dynamics. For example, at current 18A (instead of factory 13A), the scooter will accelerate faster and easier to overcome lifts.
Popular firmware for Xiaomi 1S:
| Firmware | Max. Current (A) | Max. speed (km/h) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| CFW 3.1 | 18 | 32-34 | Stable, supports KERS |
| DracoScooter | 22 | 35+ | Requires cooling of the controller |
| ScooterHacking | 15-20 (set up) | 30-33 | Flexible settings through the application |
You'll need firmware.
- ST-Link programmer V2 (500 โฝ).
- Wires "dad-mama" to connect to the controller.
- STM32 CubeProgrammer Programming.
- Firmware file (only download from trusted sources, such as 4PDA).
Disconnect the scooter from charging |Remove the bottom cover of the controller |Connect ST-Link to the port SWD|Contact the connection in STM32 CubeProgrammer |Remove the backup of the original firmware-->
โ ๏ธ Warning: Firmware with current above 20A requires an additional radiator to be installed on the controller. Without cooling, there is a risk of overheating and failure of power keys (especially on hot controller models). L6BMC or L10N).
3. Replace the battery with a more capacious one
The standard Xiaomi 1S battery has a capacity of 7800 mAh (280 Wh) and a voltage of 36 V. Replacing it with a battery with a higher capacity or voltage will allow:
- ๐ Increase the mileage by 30-50% (for example, before 40-50 kilometre).
- โก Increase peak power with more voltage (e.g. 48 V instead of 36 V).
- ๐ Reduce voltage drawdown at high loads (relevant for heavy riders).
Upgrade options:
- ๐ Replacement with a battery from Xiaomi Pro 2 (capacity 12800 mAh, voltage 42 V). Suitable without alterations, but requires the firmware of the controller under the new voltage.
- ๐ Installation of a homemade battery based on Samsung cells 50E or LG MJ1 (for example, configuration 13S4P for 48V voltage and 20,000 mAh capacity).
- โก Add an external powerbank (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 3 20,000 mAh) via DC-DC parallel-power converter.
โ ๏ธ Note: When replacing the battery with a model with a different voltage, be sure to swipe the controller under the new parameters. For example, when installing a 48 V battery on a standard 36 V controller, the power unit will immediately fail.
How to check the compatibility of the battery and controller?
4. Installation of a more powerful engine
The Xiaomi 1S factory engine has a rated power of 300 W and a peak of 500 W. It can be replaced with models from other scooters:
- ๐ด Engine from Ninebot Max G30 (350 watts, 700 watts peak, fits on mounts, but requires reworking of the power cable.
- โก Engine. QS205 800W (peak-power 1200 Requires the controller to be replaced by a high current model (e.g. Votol) EM-150/200).
When replacing the engine, consider:
- Compatibility of fastening holes (the distance between them at Xiaomi 1S is 160 mm).
- The length and cross-section of power cables (for engines more powerful than 600 W, wires with a cross-section of at least 2.5 mm 2 will be required).
- Hall sensor (some engines require reflashing the controller for a new type of sensor).
๐ก
Before buying a new engine, check its compatibility with your controller by KV (revs per volt). For the Xiaomi 1S, the optimal value is 15-20 KV.
Modification of the braking system for high speeds
When speeds increase above 30 km/h, the standard Xiaomi 1S brakes (front disc brake + rear electronic brake) become insufficiently effective.
Front brake upgrade:
- ๐ง Replace the standard brake disc (140 mm 160-180 mm (e.g. from Ninebot Max).
- ๐ ๏ธ Install brake pads with metal composition (for example, Galfer or EBC) heat-sink.
- ๐ง Rinse the brake system and replace the liquid with DOT 4 (standard) DOT 3 boils at high loads).
Improvement of the rear brake:
- ๐ Turn off the electronic brake in the settings (it is weak and only heats the engine).
- ๐ด Install the second disc brake (requires the mounting upgrade).
- ๐ Add regenerative braking (KERS) through the firmware (e.g., in CFW There's a "Strong" option. KERS").
โ ๏ธ Warning: After modification of brakes be sure to test them at a safe speed (10-15 Ineffective high speed braking is the main cause of accidents on tuning scooters.
6. Optimization of suspension and wheels for high-speed driving
At speeds above 30 km/h, standard Xiaomi 1S wheels (8.5, width 2) lose traction, and lack of depreciation leads to loss of control over irregularities.
Wheels:
- ๐ Install wide slicks (like Kenda) K1167 2.5โฒโฒ wide for better adhesion.
- ๐ Replace the cameras with tubeless tires (such as Tannus Armour) to protect against punctures.
- ๐ด Increase the diameter of the wheels to 10" (replacement of the fork and frame is required).
Suspension:
- ๐ง Install a front depreciation plug (for example, NCM Moscow Plus or homemade on the basis of a bicycle fork).
- ๐ ๏ธ Add the rear shock absorber (for example, YSS or Cane Creek) with frame attachment.
- ๐งฒ Use magnetic shock absorbers (such as ScooterDamp) to quench vibrations.
๐ก
Wide wheels increase rolling resistance, which can reduce the maximum speed by 2-3 km / h The optimal balance for high-speed driving is 2.125" width at a pressure of 2.5-3 bar.
7 Additional modifications for extreme tuning
If you need to make the most of Xiaomi 1S, consider these advanced modifications:
To increase power:
- โก Dual controller: Installing the second controller parallel to the main one to double current (up to 40A.
- ๐ Lithium Polymer Batteries (LiPo): Replacement with 6S LiPo (22.2V) with a capacity of 8000 mAh for a sharp increase in peak power.
- ๐ ๏ธ Liquid cooling: Installation of a radiator with a pump for the controller (relevant at currents above 25A).
To improve management:
- ๐ฎ Replacement of the throttle with hall-sensor throttle for smooth acceleration.
- ๐ฑ Installation of telemetry display (e.g, SW102) Monitor current, voltage and temperature in real time.
- ๐ Sound signal and lighting: Necessary for high-speed driving (e.g., high-speed driving, 12V claxon LED-spotlight 3,000 lumens).
โ ๏ธ Attention: These modifications require a deep knowledge of electrical engineering. For example, improper connection of the dual controller can lead to short circuit and fire).