Brightway Scooter Tuning Guide

This guide has been created by ScooterTeam.

Quick Start Guide

  1. Check if your scooter model is supported (see Supported Models)
  2. Read the Safety Warning carefully
  3. Get the required hardware (see Hardware Requirements)
  4. Follow the step-by-step Flashing Instructions

Supported Models

Model Tested OK
3 Lite TBA
4 TBA
4 Pro 2nd Gen
5
5 Max
5 Pro

Note: If you own a model marked as TBA (To Be Announced), please be aware that the process hasn’t been fully tested yet. You can help by testing and reporting your results.

Safety Warning ⚠️

Before proceeding, please understand:

  1. Warranty: This process will void your scooter’s warranty
  2. Safety: Incorrect modifications could affect your scooter’s safety
  3. Legal: Ensure your modifications comply with local laws
  4. Risk: You are responsible for any damage or issues that may occur

Important: This guide is provided solely for educational and research purposes. We do not endorse, recommend, or support any commercial activities related to scooter modification, including but not limited to: complete flashing kits, tuning services, modification services, or any other commercial products or services. Any modifications made to a scooter are done at the user’s own risk and responsibility.

For complete legal information, please read the Full Disclaimer at the bottom of this guide.

Hardware Requirements

Step 1: Check Your Scooter’s Connector Type

First, look at the table below to find your scooter model and its required connector type:

Model Required Connector
3 Lite Male
4 Male
4 Pro 2nd Gen Female
5 Female
5 Max Male
5 Pro Male

What’s the difference?

You need to match your scooter’s connector type exactly.

Step 2: Get the Required Parts

You’ll need these three main components:

1. Dashboard Cable

This is the cable that connects your scooter to the computer. You have two options:

Option A: Buy a Complete Cable Assembly (Recommended for Beginners)

Option B: Make Your Own Cable (For Advanced Users)

Important: The dashboard connector is very small and delicate. Making your own cable is challenging and risky. We recommend using a complete cable assembly unless you have experience with electronics.

2. USB-to-Serial Adapter

This is the device that connects your cable to your computer. Look for these specifications:

Note: These adapters typically look like small USB sticks with pins or a cable attached.

3. DuPont Wires (Only if Needed)

You’ll need these if:

Specifications to look for:

Step 3: Understand the Connections

The dashboard cable has 5 wires that need to be connected correctly:

Wire Color Purpose
White RX (Receive)
Yellow GND (Ground)
Green TX (Transmit)
Red 5V (Power)
Black BTN (Button)

Important: Wire colors might be different on your cable. Always check the pinout with a multimeter if unsure.

Step 4: Connect Everything

You have two ways to connect everything:

Method 1: Direct Connection (Easiest)

Example of UART adapter with attached cable: Dashboard Cable Pinout

Method 2: Using DuPont Wires

Example of UART adapter with DuPont wires: Dashboard Cable Pinout

Flashing Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Hardware

  1. Connect the dashboard cable to your USB adapter
  2. Connect your USB adapter to your computer
  3. Note the COM port number (see Finding COM Port)

Step 2: Get the Software

  1. Download BwFlasher
  2. Download your scooter’s firmware:
    • Visit mi-fw-info
    • Download the MCU firmware for your model
  3. Patch the firmware:
    • Go to bw-patcher
    • Upload your firmware
    • Select your model and patches
    • Download the patched firmware

Step 3: Flash Your Scooter

  1. Open BwFlasher
  2. Select your COM port
  3. Choose your patched firmware file
  4. Prepare your scooter:
    • Remove handlebar screws
    • Pull out the handlebar shaft
    • Turn ON the scooter
    • Unplug the dashboard cable
    • Connect your adapter cable
  5. Click “Start Update” in BwFlasher
  6. Wait for “Flashing complete” message

Step 4: Reassemble

  1. Remove adapter cable
  2. Reconnect dashboard cable
  3. Reinsert handlebar shaft
  4. Tighten screws

Troubleshooting

Common Issues and Solutions

Problem Solution
Invalid Firmware File Download the correct MCU firmware from mi-fw-info
Progress stuck at 5% or 45% Try a different USB port or use a USB hub
Progress stuck at 0% Try the steps listed below in order

Steps to Fix “Progress stuck at 0%”

  1. Restart BwFlasher and retry flashing
  2. Make sure scooter is ON when starting update
  3. Make sure have the latest driver installed for your USB adapter
  4. Connect cables in this order:
    • Connect USB adapter to PC
    • Turn ON scooter
    • Disconnect scooter cables
    • Connect USB adapter cable to scooter
  5. Check all cable connections are secure

Additional Resources

Finding COM Port

On Windows:

  1. Open Device Manager
  2. Look under “Ports (COM & LPT)”
  3. Your USB adapter should appear with a COM port number

Finding COM Port

Note: If you don’t see your adapter, you may need to install drivers for your specific USB adapter model.

Dashboard Cable Pinout

Dashboard Cable Pinout

Advanced Connection Methods

If you need to create a custom connection, consider these alternatives:

  1. Using a JST Connector:
    • Use a regular 5-pin JST connector (like a spare hall sensor cable)
    • Requires careful pin matching
    • More forgiving than direct wiring
  2. Pin Replacement Method:
    • Pull out and replace pins in the original connector
    • Requires precision tools
    • Preserves original connector housing
  3. Sewing Needle Method:
    • Use sewing needles as temporary connectors
    • Requires careful handling
    • Good for testing before permanent solution

Warning: These methods are for advanced users only. They require careful handling and proper tools to avoid short circuits and damage.

For a detailed tutorial on custom connector methods, you can watch this custom connector tutorial.

Full Disclaimer

This guide is provided with the following important notices:

This guide is provided “as is” without any express or implied warranties. Users proceed at their own risk and discretion.