Anyone know whether it’s possible to remove or bypass the speed limiter on a Trek Electra Ponto Go?
Posted by rumiswrld@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 3 comments
If anyone has experience with the Ponto Go specifically, I’d appreciate insight on:
whether it can be changed at all
whether a dealer can adjust anything legally
what happens to reliability if it’s modified
whether the Trek Central app or firmware locks it down
Squirtderk@reddit
The speed limit for this type of electric-assisted vehicle is set by the hardware, firmware and regulations. It cannot be changed through an official channels. Any unauthorized modifications would affect the warranty and safety.
Redxzander@reddit
I’m on dealer side, we couldn’t do much if we wanted to. The S model can go faster with pedal assist, I think it’s just a different controller. The trek central app itself shouldn’t be able to do much, but a diag tool probably could at minimum detect if the software has been modified. I’ve been trying to get one to get up n go more, but haven’t found a way that’s not Frankensteining the electronics
TopRepulsive4766@reddit
Of course it's possible. However the practicality is the real issue. Some ebikes are easy to bypass the speed limiter. Newer ones are usually more difficult however. Sometimes it's even a major bitch. Like when you need to de-solder a chip from a circuit board, reprogramme the chip, then solder it back.
whether it can be changed at all -- As stated above it's possible, but might not be practical.
whether a dealer can adjust anything legally -- This would probably depend on the legalities where you live. It can't hurt to ask.
what happens to reliability if it’s modified -- Probably nothing unless you're hacking the motor to run past its limitations.
whether the Trek Central app or firmware locks it down -- If it does lock it down, then hacking the firmware would be necessary. And as you probably know, almost anything can be hacked given time and patience.