If you’ve bought an electric scooter from one of the world’s most popular brands Segway in a place like Europe or Australia among others. Your model will have a unique regional code attached to it, E or D-series models. Example: Segway Max G3 E, where E indicates that its a European version.
These models come with a pre-coded speed limitation that prevents you from riding your scooter at its maximum potential speed. These models are capped at 20 km/h (D-series) or 25 km/h (E-series) to comply with various local laws.
But if you are traveling to a region with more lenient regulations, ordered from another country with stricter regulations, or are solely going to use your electric scooter on private property. Then you may want to unlock its full power.
This article is written to provide you with a detailed step-by-step guide on the three most popular methods of unlocking the full speed potential of your Segway electric scooter, allowing for a more versatile use of the product you bought and own.
Important: Warranty and Legality
Before proceeding with any modifications, it is crucial to understand that altering your scooter’s firmware to remove the speed limiter and/or add additional features. You may void the manufacturer’s warranty depending on the method used. Furthermore, riding a modified scooter that exceeds the legal speed limit in your region can lead to fines, confiscation of the vehicle, and other legal consequences. This guide is intended for users who are traveling to areas where higher speed limits are permitted or for use on private property. Always keep up with and adhere to local laws and regulations in your current location.
Segway Electric Scooter Models That Can Have Their Speed Unlocked
The most popular models from Segway are all covered by the application speed unlock method. There are plenty of “free” options out there too but they do demand a lot more technical work.
The following Segway electric scooter E/D-series models have been successfully unlocked by either using the mobile app method, Custom CFW Flashing, or buying a speed release module:
F-series: F2, F2 Pro, F2 Plus, F3, F3 Pro
Z-Series: ZTE3 PRO
Current models in development: GT3
Max Speed Increase By Model Post Unlocking
| Model | Unlocked Speed |
|---|---|
| Max G3 | 28 mph / 45 kmh |
| Max G2 | 21.7 mph / 35 kmh |
| Max G30 | 18.6 mph / 30 kmh |
| F3 Pro | 20 mph / 32 kmh |
| F3 | 20 mph / 32 kmh |
| F2 Pro | 20 mph / 32 kmh |
| F2 Plus | 18 mph / 29 kmh |
| F2 | 18 mph / 29 kmh |
| ZTE3 Pro | 24.9 mph / 40 kmh |
| *GT3 Pro | 49.7 mph / 80 kmh |
| *GT3 | 31 mph / 50 kmh |
*Models where flashing is currently under development.
Difference Between The Methods
If you go the route of installing a cable to bypass the speed limit you only get the speed limitation removed from your scooter, you do not unluck any features that are also behind the regional lock.
By instead flashing your Segway model with a custom firmware you unlock not only its maximum speed but various other features depending on your electric scooter model. A few example features are cruise control, underglow lights (Segway Max G3), zero start instead of having to kick to engage the motor, and quite a few other neat features that the E and D models have hidden away from our European rider.
Unlocking Your Segway Scooter Using An App-Based Solution
The most straightforward way to unlock your Segway scooter is by using a dedicated mobile application. This is the most user-friendly technique and requires minimal technical “know-how”, apart from how to download and use a mobile application.
One popular and effective choice is provided by escooter-tuning.de. This service solely provides you with a license code that, when used within their app, allows you to unlock the speed restrictions on your scooter.
How it works:
- Purchase the License: Visit the provided website and purchase a license code for your specific scooter model.
- Download the App: You will receive instructions on how to download the corresponding application for your Android or Apple device.
- Connect and Unlock: Pair your scooter with the app via Bluetooth. Follow the in-app instructions to apply the license and remove the speed limitation.
This method is generally quick, taking only a few minutes, and offers a simple way to toggle the speed limit back to its original setting if needed.
Cable Module “Speed Release Cable”
There are numerous retailers selling a simple yet effective cable module that helps you by-pass the speed restriction. These cables are very much “plug and play”, but you do need to have the ability to remove a few screws as it needs to be connected in-between the controller and the display.
What you need:
- Speed release cable(module)
- Allan key
Installation Process
- Remove the handlebar: By releasing the 4 allen screws holding the handlebar in place you can gentle jerk it upwards to disconnect it from the stem.
- Disconnect the display cable: Gently pull the connectors apart.
- Connect Cable Module: Connect the cable module to the female and male connectors going that you just disconnected.
- Process complete: Enjoy the full speed of your Segway Electric scooter.
(In order to go back to your regional speed limitation. Reverse the process above and remove the cable module.)
The DIY PC-Based Unlocking Method
For those who prefer a hands-on approach, it is completely possible to unlock your Segway scooter by flashing its firmware using a computer. Completely for free. However, his method involves specific hardware and a good amount of technical expertise.
A well renowned tool for this is MaxG3Tools, a set of scripts available on GitHub. This method essentially means you are changing the scooter’s regional code to a country where the speed limitation is not present, for example the U.S.
What you need:
- A Windows PC
- An ST-Link V2 programmer with ST-Link drivers installed
- The latest version of the MaxG3Tools scripts available on their GitHub repository
- Basic tools to access the scooters controller board (e.g., screwdrivers etc)
A Quick Rundown of The Process
- Access the Controller: Carefully open the deck of your scooter to expose the main control board.
- Connect the ST-Link: Connect the ST-Link V2 programmer to the corresponding pins on the scooter’s controller board. This will allow your PC to communicate with the scooter’s firmware.
- Run the Scripts: Use the downloaded MaxG3Tools scripts to first back up your scooter’s original firmware. This is a critical step to ensure you can restore it if anything goes wrong.
- Flash the New Firmware: Run the script to change your scooter’s serial number and flash the firmware of a different region with a higher speed limit.
- Reassemble and Test: Once the flashing process is complete, disconnect the ST-Link, reassemble your scooter, and power it on to test the new, unlocked top speed.
Enjoy YOUR Segway Scooter’s Maximum Potential!
By choosing a method above that fits your technical knowledge and needs you can safely unlock and enjoy the full potential of your Segway electric scooter. You can see the speed capabilities you can enjoy by checking your model in our huge database of real life rider data for Segway models.
A perfect solution if you’ve bought your model overseas and are stuck with a speed limited electric scooter, have moved to another country, or will be using it on private land. On Aridejunkie we’re a bit old-school and believe that if you’ve bought something, you own it and can do what ever you want with that product because its yours. As long as you’re staying within the lines of the law of course!
Remember to always prioritize safety and to keep up with the current laws and regulations in your region. Stay safe and happy riding, full speed ahead!
