Bafang Mid-Drive Motors: Easily Reprogram & Fine-Tune Tutorial

Power Optimization

• Customize assist levels for different terrains and riding styles
• Adjust current limits to match your preferences and ensure motor longevity
• Fine-tune power delivery for smoother acceleration

Efficiency Gains

• Optimize throttle behavior for better control and battery preservation
• Avoid low battery issues by setting appropriate voltage limits
• Reduce heat generation through intelligent current management

Critical Safety Requirements

• Secure bike position: Lift rear wheel or remove chain to prevent accidental motor activation
• Battery safety: Ensure battery is fully charged but motor is not under load during programming
• Backup creation: Always save original settings before making any changes
• Clean workspace: Avoid moisture, debris, and electromagnetic interference near connectors
• Double-check compatibility: Verify your motor model matches the programming cable and software

Desktop Connection Procedure

1. Motor Preparation
   • Power off the e-bike completely
   • Locate the display connector on your motor (usually a 5-pin waterproof connector)
   • Carefully disconnect the display cable by pressing the release tab and pulling straight out
   • Inspect connector pins for damage, corrosion, or debris
2. Programming Cable Connection
   • Align the programming cable connector with the motor’s display port
   • Match the alignment notches and push firmly until you hear/feel a click
   • Connect USB end to your computer
   • Power on the battery – red LED on cable should illuminate
3. Driver Installation (Windows)
   • Open Device Manager (right-click Start button → Device Manager)
   • Look for “Unknown Device” or “USB Serial Device” in the list
   • Right-click and select “Update Driver”
   • Choose “Search automatically for drivers” or manually install CH340/FTDI drivers
   • Note the assigned COM port number (e.g., COM3, COM4)

Mobile Connection Procedure

1. Cable Preparation
   • Connect programming cable to motor as described above
   • Attach USB-C OTG adapter to the programming cable
   • Connect adapter to your Android smartphone
   • Verify red LED activation when battery is powered on
2. Android Permission Setup
   • Android should automatically detect the USB device
   • Grant USB debugging permissions if prompted
   • Enable “Developer Options” if required by your device
   • Some devices may require OTG activation in settings

Connection Troubleshooting: If the red LED doesn’t illuminate, check battery connections, ensure battery is charged, and verify cable integrity. Never force connectors – they should engage smoothly with proper alignment.

Desktop Software Setup

1. Software Download & Installation
   • Download Bafang Configuration Tool from Penoff’s Hobby Page
   • Alternative: OpenBafangTool for cross-platform support
   • Extract ZIP file to a dedicated folder (avoid Windows Program Files)
   • Run BafangConfigTool.exe as administrator for full functionality
2. Initial Connection
   • Launch the software with motor powered and connected
   • Select correct COM port from dropdown menu
   • Click “Connect” and wait for successful connection confirmation
   • If connection fails, verify COM port and check cable connections
3. Reading Current Settings
   • Click “Read Flash” to download current motor configuration
   • Wait for complete data transfer (usually 10-30 seconds)
   • Immediately save this file as backup: File → Save As → “Original_Settings_[Date].el”
   • Store backup in secure location for recovery purposes

Mobile App Configuration

1. App Installation
   • Install Speeed Bafang Configuration Tool from Google Play Store
   • Note: App name has three ‘e’s – “Speeed” not “Speed”
   • Grant all requested permissions for USB and storage access
   • Enable location services if prompted (required for some Android versions)
2. Connection Process
   • Open Speeed app with motor connected and powered
   • Tap “Connect” and authorize USB device access when prompted
   • Wait for motor detection and parameter loading
   • Create profile backup immediately after successful connection
3. Profile Management
   • Save original configuration as “Stock Settings” profile
   • Create separate profiles for different riding scenarios
   • Use descriptive names: “Commute,” “Trail,” “Efficiency,” etc.
   • Export profiles to cloud storage for cross-device access

Tip: For users exploring advanced modifications, our comprehensive e-bike speed limiter removal guide covers additional techniques for performance optimization beyond basic programming.

Advanced Assist Strategy: For riders needing maximum power delivery, consider combining motor programming with SpeedBox installation for unrestricted speed capabilities.

Throttle Safety Warning: High start current values (>20%) can cause sudden acceleration or wheelies. Test new settings at low speeds in safe areas before normal riding.

Phase 1: Pre-Programming Verification

1. Connection Stability Test
   • Verify red LED remains continuously lit
   • Test “Read Flash” multiple times to ensure consistent data
   • Check COM port stability (desktop) or USB connection (mobile)
   • Confirm battery voltage is above 80% charge level
2. Baseline Documentation
   • Record all original parameter values in spreadsheet or notebook
   • Create multiple backup files with timestamps
   • Test ride bike with original settings to establish performance baseline
   • Note any existing performance issues or preferences

Phase 2: Incremental Programming

1. Single Parameter Changes
   • Modify only one parameter per programming session
   • Make conservative adjustments (5-10% changes maximum)
   • Save configuration after each change
   • Write to flash memory immediately after modification
2. Flash Memory Writing
   • Desktop: Click “Write Flash” and wait for completion confirmation
   • Mobile: Use “Write” button on each modified tab
   • Repeat write process twice to ensure data persistence
   • Verify changes by reading flash memory again
3. System Reset Procedure
   • Disconnect programming cable carefully
   • Turn off battery for 30 seconds minimum
   • Reconnect original display cable securely
   • Power on system and check for error codes

Phase 3: Performance Testing

1. Controlled Testing Environment
   • Test in safe, open area with minimal traffic
   • Begin with stationary tests (throttle, assist levels)
   • Progress to low-speed riding before full performance testing
   • Monitor motor temperature during initial testing
2. Systematic Performance Evaluation
   • Test each PAS level individually for proper response
   • Evaluate throttle behavior at different speeds
   • Check assist engagement and cutoff points
   • Monitor battery consumption compared to baseline
3. Real-World Validation
   • Short test ride on familiar route
   • Note improvements or issues compared to baseline
   • Record battery usage, range, and performance metrics
   • Document any unexpected behavior for future reference

Emergency Recovery Procedures

Programming errors can temporarily disable your motor, but most issues are recoverable with systematic troubleshooting.

1. Immediately disconnect battery and wait 5 minutes
2. Reconnect programming cable and read current flash memory
3. Compare values to your backup file for obvious errors
4. Restore original backup file completely
5. If backup restore fails, try these critical parameters:
   • Low Voltage Protection: 42V (48V battery) or 32V (36V battery)
   • Current Limit: 15A (conservative)
   • Wheel Diameter: Match your actual wheel size
   • All PAS levels: 10%, 20%, 30%… 90% current, 100% speed
6. If still non-functional, contact motor manufacturer for firmware recovery

Performance Optimization Issues

• Jerky Power Delivery: Reduce start current and increase slow start values
• Weak Assistance: Check current limits and PAS level percentages
• Overheating: Reduce maximum current limit and check temperature protection
• Poor Battery Life: Lower assist levels and optimize current curves
• Inconsistent Throttle: Switch to current mode and adjust start current

Comprehensive Modification Strategy: For maximum performance gains, combine programming with our hub motor speed unlocking guide if considering system changes, or explore complete speed limiter removal techniques for ultimate customization.

Ongoing Performance Optimization

• Seasonal Adjustments: Modify settings for temperature changes and riding conditions
• Battery Aging Compensation: Gradually adjust voltage limits as battery capacity decreases
• Usage Pattern Analysis: Review and optimize settings based on actual riding data
• Performance Monitoring: Track efficiency metrics and adjust accordingly
• Community Learning: Stay updated with latest programming techniques and discoveries