Why Xiaomi 1S artificially limits speed and can it be fixed?
The Xiaomi Electric Scooter 1S is limited from the factory to a maximum speed of 25 km/h, a requirement of European safety standards EN 17128 for personal electric vehicles. The manufacturer deliberately understates the power of the controller to comply with the laws of most countries. However, for experienced users driving on closed areas or country roads, this restriction becomes an obstacle.
In this article, we will discuss three officially confirmed methods of removing the speed limit on Xiaomi 1S (including firmware, mobile applications and mechanical configuration), as well as the risks of each method.
Before you start, check the current firmware version of your scooter through the Mi Home app (Device β Settings β Software Update). Current versions of 1.5.3+ may block some unlock methods.
Method 1: Unlocking through a mobile application (without firmware)
The easiest way to increase speed is to use third-party apps that will intercept the controller. 1S:
- π± ScooterHacking Utility (SHU) β supports Xiaomi models until 2023, allows you to unlock speeds up to 30-35 km / h without interference with firmware.
- π§ M365 Tools (Android) β requires root rights on the smartphone, but gives access to advanced settings of the accelerator and brake system.
- π Xiaomi Scooter Unlock β a paid application with a compatibility check (does not work on all versions) 1S).
Instructions for SHU:
- Download. APK-File from the official website (avoid third-party sources!).
- Connect the scooter to your phone via Bluetooth (turn it on with the Power button for 5 seconds).
- In the app, select the Xiaomi 1S model and activate Sport Mode+.
- Reboot the scooter (hold the Power + Mode for 10 seconds).
β οΈ Attention: Apps like SHU You may conflict with the original Mi Home software. Once unlocked, turn off the automatic firmware update in the scooter settings, or the restriction will return.
Charge the scooter to 100% | Turn off Wi-Fi on your phone (use Bluetooth only) | Make a backup of the current settings in Mi Home| Check model compatibility in the application description-->
Method 2: Firmware custom software (for advanced users)
If the software methods fail, you have to reflash the scooter controller, which gives you a maximum speed (up to 40-45 km / h), but requires technical skills and special equipment.
Tools required:
- π» Laptop with Windows 10/11 (MacOS is not supported).
- π ST-Link V2 or USB-TTL Adapter (to connect to the controller).
- π Firmware CFW (Custom Firmware for Xiaomi 1S β Only download from trusted forums (e.g, 4PDA).
- π Torx screwdriver T8 hull-breaker.
Step-by-step:
- Disassemble the scooter: Remove the bottom cover (4 screws) and find the controller board (usually under the battery).
- Connect ST-Link to the SWD connector on the board (GND, CLK, DIO, 3.3V contacts).
- Run STVP (ST Visual Programmer) and download the firmware file.bin.
- Press Start and wait for the process to be completed (5-7 minutes). Do not turn off the power during the firmware - this will lead to the "bricking" of the controller!
| Type of firmware | Max, speed. | Risks. | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| DRV128 (Soft Unlock) | 30 km/h | Low (can roll back) | All versions of 1S |
| CFW 3.1 (Full Unlock) | 45 km/h | High (risk of overheating) | Only Lingyi 6.0+ controllers |
| BESST (Eco Mode) | 28 km/h | Medium (may reset) | Firmware versions up to 1.4.9 |
What if the scooter does not turn on after firmware?
β οΈ Attention: firmware custom software cancels the warranty Xiaomi and can lead to: overheating of the engine (the risk of fire during long driving at high speed), rapid wear of the battery (life is reduced by 30-40%), unstable work of the brake system (braking distance increases). We recommend installing an extra external voltmeter to control battery voltage.
Method 3: Mechanical adjustment (change in gear ratio)
If the software methods don't work, you can physically modify the scooter to replace the gear gear of the gearbox or the wheel of a smaller diameter, which increases speed by changing the gear ratio, but requires the purchase of spare parts.
Modification options:
- π Replace the gear with a model with fewer teeth (for example, 36T β 32T). This will increase the speed by 10-15%, but reduce the thrust on the climbs.
- π² Installation of wheels 8.5" instead of the standard 8.0" (speed will increase by ~8%, but the maneuverability will deteriorate).
- β‘ Replacement of the controller with a model from Xiaomi Pro 2 (requires soldering work and wiring refinement).
Example of speed calculation after gear replacement:
New speed = (Old speed Γ Old number of teeth) / New number of teeth
Example: (25 km/h Γ 36)/32 = 28,12 km/hWhere to buy spare parts:
- π AliExpress (search by request "Xiaomi" 1S 32T gear").
- π¬ Electric scooters in your city (check compatibility with the 1S).
- π§ Xiaomi Service Centers (informally can help with modifications).
π‘
Before replacing the gear, lubricate the new part with lithium lubrication - this will reduce noise and wear of the gearbox by 20%.
Comparison of methods: what to choose?
Each method has its pros and cons. Below the table will help you decide on the choice:
| Criteria | Mobile app | Firmware | Mechanical modification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | β (1/5) | ββββ (4/5) | βββ (3/5) |
| Max, speed. | 30β35 km/h | 40-45 km/h | 28-32 km/h |
| Cost | Free/up to 500 β½ | 1 500β3 000 β½ (equipment) | 1 000β5 000 β½ (spare parts) |
| Risk to guarantee | Low. | High-pitched | Medium. |
| Reversibility | Yeah (setting reset) | Partially (needs backup) | No (reverse replacement required) |
For most users, the best solution is a combination of the first and third method: unlocking through SHU + replacing the wheels by 8.5. This will give an increase in speed to 32-35 km / h without critical risks for the scooter.
π‘
Mechanical modification is the only way to increase speed without losing warranty, if you do not affect the firmware and electronics.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When trying to remove the speed limit, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:
- π Scooter not connecting to app: Check Bluetooth version on phone (required) BLE 4.2+). Reboot the scooter (hold the Power for 10 seconds). Remove the device from the phone's conjugated settings and reconnect.
- π After firmware, the scooter twitches when accelerating: Reset the controller settings through Mi Home β Reset to factory. Check the accelerator calibration: stand on the scooter, turn it on and hold the gas handle for 5 seconds.
- π₯ Controller overheats at high speed: Install an additional cooling radiator (sold on AliExpress) Do not drive at top speed for more than 10 minutes in a row.
If, after unlocking, the scooter starts to arbitrarily brake or emit an E:014 error, this means a firmware conflict with the Hall sensor.
- Open the scooter body and check the integrity of the sensor wires (they go from the wheel to the controller).
- Update your firmware to the latest stable version via Mi Home.
- If the error persists, return the standard firmware via STVP.
Legal aspects: can I drive with an unlocked scooter?
In Russia and most CIS countries, electric scooters are equated to means of individual mobility (SIM). β1769 (2022), the maximum allowed speed for SIM is 25 km / h:
- π Fines between 500 and 1,500 β½ (under Article 12.29 of the Administrative Code).
- π¨ Confiscation of scooter in case of repeated violation (court decision).
- π₯ Liability for causing damage in an accident (if the speed caused the accident).
In practice, however, traffic police inspectors rarely stop scooters to check speed, with the main risks arising from:
- Riding on the roadway (allowed only on bike paths or sidewalks).
- Accidents involving pedestrians (wine is automatically assigned to the driver of the SIM).
- Participation in racing or group driving (may qualify as βdangerous drivingβ)
Recommendation: if you unlock the scooter, use it only in enclosed areas (parking, private lots, karting) or outside the city.