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How do I set or change speed profiles?

1. Profiles and Power Modes

If you’re not using a display, profiles can be configured and switched most easily through the VESC Tool mobile application.

You can create as many profiles as you want and configure each profile independently. For each profile you can set:

  • Forward speed limit
  • Reverse speed limit
  • Motor current scaling (acceleration)
  • Brake current scaling

The current scaling is applied as a percentage of the controller’s configured motor current. For example, if the controller is configured for 200A motor current and a profile uses a 50% current scale, the controller will allow up to 100A motor current while that profile is active.

This allows you to create profiles with different acceleration characteristics, power delivery and top speeds.

A typical setup could be:

  • Legal road mode: 25 km/h speed limit with reduced current scaling
  • Daily riding mode: moderate speed limit and moderate current scaling
  • Performance mode: full speed and 100% current scaling

When a profile is selected, the new settings are applied immediately.

2. Speed Limiting and Legal Mode

Switching between a legal mode and an unrestricted mode is very straightforward.

The simplest approach is to create separate profiles with different speed limits and current scales. Selecting a profile instantly applies the corresponding limits.

For example:

  • Legal Mode: 25 km/h, reduced acceleration
  • Daily Mode: moderate speed and acceleration
  • Performance Mode: unrestricted speed and full acceleration

Profiles can be selected directly from the VESC Tool mobile application while connected to the scooter.

To access the profiles menu in the mobile application, simply swipe across from the real-time data screen. Once a profile has been selected, you can swipe back to return to the live telemetry page.

For a faster and more convenient method, I would recommend the VESC Dash35B display.

The Dash35B includes dedicated “+” and “-” buttons which can be used to instantly switch between drive modes without needing to open the mobile application.

The display also provides clear visual confirmation of which mode is currently active.

3. Mobile Application Connectivity

The VESC Tool mobile application can remain connected to the scooter via Bluetooth while riding.

While connected you can monitor real-time information including:

  • Vehicle speed
  • Battery voltage
  • Battery current
  • Motor current
  • Power output
  • Controller temperature
  • Motor temperature
  • Energy consumption and other telemetry data

Profile changes can also be made through the app while connected, with changes taking effect immediately.

Bluetooth connectivity is generally stable during normal riding provided the phone remains within normal Bluetooth range.

It is also worth noting that all of the profile settings and controller configuration options available in the VESC Tool mobile application are also available in the VESC Tool desktop application. The desktop version is generally preferred during initial setup, tuning and advanced configuration due to the larger screen and easier access to all settings. However, for convenience while out riding, the mobile application is recommended as it provides the same functionality over Bluetooth while allowing live monitoring and profile changes directly from your phone.

4. Display Functionality

The Dash35B display has been specifically developed to provide a better riding experience than using a phone while travelling. While the VESC Tool mobile application is excellent for monitoring data, diagnostics and changing settings, the display provides a safer and more convenient interface for everyday riding.

Benefits include:

  • Always-visible speed display
  • Battery information
  • Active drive mode indication
  • Instant drive mode switching via dedicated buttons
  • No need to remove your phone while riding
  • Easier operation while wearing gloves

The Dash35B currently includes the following preconfigured drive modes:

Reverse:

  • Maximum speed: 10 km/h (backwards)
  • Current scale: 0.4 (40% of configured current)

Neutral:

  • Throttle disabled

Mode 1:

  • Maximum speed: 26 km/h
  • Current scale: 0.5 (50% of configured current)

Mode 2:

  • Maximum speed: 46 km/h
  • Current scale: 0.6 (60% of configured current)

Mode 3:

  • Maximum speed: 200 km/h (This value is intentionally set much higher than the vehicle is capable of achieving, effectively removing the speed limit. The actual top speed will still be physical limitations of the vehicle)
  • Current scale: 1.0 (100% of configured current)

These modes can be changed instantly using the display’s buttons.

The display profiles are currently part of the display package installed on the VESC controller. If you wish to customise them, this can be done by connecting to the VESC controller using VESC Tool and navigating to:

App Settings → LispBM Scripting

From there:

  1. Press Read
  2. Navigate to approximately line 94
  3. Modify the values for:
  4. l-current-max-scale
  5. l-min-speed

Press Upload to save the updated configuration to the controller

This allows the drive modes to be fully customised to suit your application.

In the next release of the Dash35B display packages, the drive modes will be configurable directly from the display itself, eliminating the need to edit the LispBM script manually.