Mastering Your Zawes S3: Customizing Speed and Power to Fit Your Ride

Tuning Your Electric Dirt Bike Controller: Zawes S3 Guide

Whether you want smoother power delivery for technical trails or you are trying to get the best performance optimization from your Zawes S3 Electric Dirt Bike, controller tuning—often called electric bike tuning—is the most direct way to customize how your bike feels.

This firmware update guide walks through the full process—from updating firmware, to motor auto-learn calibration, to the safe adjustment of speed and torque limits—tuning your electric dirt bike controller (firmware update, motor auto-learn calibration, and safe adjustment of speed/torque limits).

Before you begin, treat controller tuning as a safety-critical procedure. Firmware changes, motor calibration, and parameter adjustments can make the Zawes S3 feel smoother and more predictable—but only when done carefully.

IMPORTANT SAFETY FIRST: For your safety and the longevity of your equipment, DO NOT alter any parameters outside of the 6 specific settings detailed in this guide. Changing other advanced internal settings can damage electronics or cause unpredictable vehicle behavior.

Use this guide as written, work slowly, and stop immediately if anything looks or feels wrong.

What You'll Need

Before tuning the controller on your Zawes S3 Electric Dirt Bike, prepare the following:

Do not begin calibration with the rear wheel touching the ground. During Auto Learn, the rear wheel can spin rapidly without throttle input.

Phase 1: Software Connection & Firmware Update

This phase connects your Android device to the controller, updates the firmware, and resets the system so the controller starts from a clean baseline. It also functions as a quick firmware update guide to keep the process orderly.

Step 1: Install the App

Download and install the controller tuning software using the provided APK installation package on your Android device.

Because the app is installed through an APK package, your Android device may ask for permission to install apps from the source you are using. Follow your device's prompts, then open the app once installation is complete.

Step 2: Connect via Bluetooth

 


Open the app and tap BT Connection.

Search the available Bluetooth devices and select the device name starting with CH. This connects your Android device to the controller through the app.

Once connected, remain close to the bike and avoid switching apps or moving out of Bluetooth range during the update and calibration process.

Step 3: Prep the System

 


After the Bluetooth connection is established, navigate to the Self-learning page.

Scroll all the way to the bottom and click Emergency Stop.

This prepares the system before the firmware update and helps ensure you start from a controlled state.

Step 4: Update Firmware

 


Tap Firmware Update.

Paste your official firmware upgrade link：https://raw.githubusercontent.com/TNJ-user/download/refs/heads/main/Yiwc-V1.2-26702.bin

 into the firmware update field, then click Start Upgrade.

Wait until the progress bar finishes completely. Do not close the app, disconnect Bluetooth, power off the bike, or interrupt the process while the firmware update is running.

If the update pauses briefly, keep waiting unless the app clearly fails or disconnects. Interrupting a firmware update can cause controller communication problems.

Step 5: System Reset

 


After the upgrade completes, return to the Self-learning page.

Scroll to the bottom and click the following three buttons in this exact order:

  1. Emergency Stop

  2. Factory Reset

  3. Reset

Do not change any other settings during this step. Once the reset sequence is complete, continue to motor calibration.

Phase 2: Motor Calibration (Auto-Learn)

Motor calibration helps the controller learn motor behavior so your Zawes S3 Electric Dirt Bike can run more smoothly and predictably.

CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: Prop the bike up securely using a stand, the kickstand, and front wheel bracing so that the rear wheel is completely suspended in the air. The rear wheel will spin rapidly on its own during this process. Keep hands, clothing, and tools far away from the drivetrain.

Before clicking anything, confirm all of the following:

  • The rear wheel is fully off the ground.

  • The bike cannot roll forward or backward.

  • The front wheel is braced.

  • The stand is stable.

  • No one is standing near the rear wheel.

  • No loose clothing, straps, wires, or tools are near the chain, belt, sprocket, tire, or motor area.

Close-up of rear wheel safely liftedbefore motor auto-learn calibration

 


Step 1: Start Auto Learn

On the Self-learning page , click Auto Learn.

When prompted, confirm by clicking OK.

After confirmation, allow the process to run without touching the throttle, brake, wheel, or drivetrain.

Step 2: Wait for Calibration to Complete

Calibration usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

Watch the progress bar. If the progress bar freezes and does not continue, cancel and restart Auto Learn.

Do not attempt to help the wheel spin. The controller must complete the learning process on its own.

Step 3: Run the Wheel After the Initial Cycle

Once the initial cycle finishes, click Run.

Let the rear wheel spin until it comes to a complete stop on its own. Keep the bike supported and keep clear of the drivetrain the entire time.

Step 4: Lock In the Calibration

After the wheel has fully stopped, click Emergency Stop one more time to lock it in.

Then go to the Setting page.

At this stage, the firmware update and motor auto-learn calibration are complete. The next phase is limited to safe adjustment of speed and torque feel using only the six allowed settings.

Phase 3: Fine-Tuning Your Parameters

The controller uses three riding gears. Each gear can feel different because speed frequency and torque limits shape how the Zawes S3 responds.

For this guide, you are allowed to adjust only these 6 settings . Do not change anything else on the Setting page or anywhere else in the app.

The 3 Speed Frequency Settings

 


Speed frequency controls the percentage of maximum speed available in each gear.

  1. Low-Speed Frequency Setting (Gear 1) This sets Gear 1 as a percentage of max speed. For example, entering 42.0 means Gear 1 is set to 42% of max speed.

  2. Medium-Speed Frequency Setting (Gear 2) This sets Gear 2 as a percentage of max speed. For example, entering 70.0 means Gear 2 is set to 70% of max speed.

  3. High gear Freq (Gear 3) This sets Gear 3 as a percentage of max speed. For example, entering 100.0 means Gear 3 is set to 100% of max speed.

For a beginner-friendly setup, Gear 1 is typically the softest, Gear 2 is moderate, and Gear 3 is the strongest. Keep changes gradual so the bike remains predictable.

The 2 Torque Limit Settings

Torque limits affect how hard the bike pulls in the lower gears.

  1. Low Gear Torque Lim (Gear 1) This controls torque limit for Gear 1. For example, 450 represents 45%.

  2. Mid Gear Torque Lim (Gear 2) This controls torque limit for Gear 2. For example, 750 represents 75%.

If the bike feels too aggressive at low speed, reduce the appropriate torque limit within these two settings only. If it feels too soft, increase carefully and test in a controlled area.

The Global Master Current Setting

 


  1. DC Current Ctrl (Master Busbar Current) This is the global master current setting. It defaults to max. Lowering it scales overall power and also affects how Gears 1-2 feel.

Use this setting when you want to reduce the bike's overall power level rather than only changing one gear's speed or torque feel.

For example, if the default value is 80.0 and you want half power, enter 40.0.

That calculation works because 40.0 is half of 80.0. Make small adjustments, test carefully, and avoid making multiple large changes at once.

Suggested Safe Tuning Process

To keep tuning controlled, adjust one setting at a time. These electric bike tuning steps help you make focused changes.

A simple process looks like this:

  1. Start with Low-Speed Frequency Setting (Gear 1) if Gear 1 is too fast or too slow.

  2. Adjust Low Gear Torque Lim (Gear 1) if Gear 1 pulls too hard or feels too soft.

  3. Move to Medium-Speed Frequency Setting (Gear 2) if Gear 2 needs a different speed range.

  4. Adjust Mid Gear Torque Lim (Gear 2) if Gear 2 needs a smoother or stronger pull.

  5. Use High gear Freq (Gear 3) only for the top-speed percentage in Gear 3.

  6. Use DC Current Ctrl (Master Busbar Current) only when you want to scale overall power.

After each change, save as required by the app workflow, power cycle if needed, and test the bike carefully in a safe open area. Avoid traffic, pedestrians, obstacles, steep climbs, or tight trails until you confirm the bike responds predictably.

Testing After Tuning

Once your six allowed settings are adjusted, perform a cautious test ride for both safety and performance optimization.

Start in Gear 1 and check:

  • Smooth throttle response

  • Predictable launch from a stop

  • No unexpected surging

  • Comfortable low-speed control

  • Braking response before increasing speed

Then move to Gear 2 and Gear 3 only when you are confident the previous gear feels stable.

If the bike feels too powerful overall, reduce DC Current Ctrl (Master Busbar Current). If only Gear 1 or Gear 2 feels too aggressive, adjust the matching torque limit instead.

Troubleshooting and FAQ

The app does not find the controller. What should I do?

Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your Android device, stay close to the bike, and search again under BT Connection . Select the device name starting with CH.

The firmware update is not progressing. What should I check?

Confirm the firmware upgrade link is the official link and that the Bluetooth connection remains active. Do not change settings while troubleshooting the update.

Auto Learn progress freezes. What should I do?

Cancel and restart Auto Learn . Calibration should take about 2-3 minutes. Keep the rear wheel suspended and stay clear of the drivetrain.

Gear 1 feels too fast.

Lower Low-Speed Frequency Setting (Gear 1). For example, a lower percentage reduces the Gear 1 speed range.

Gear 1 pulls too hard from a stop.

Lower Low Gear Torque Lim (Gear 1). This reduces the torque feel in Gear 1 only.

Gear 2 feels too aggressive.

Adjust Medium-Speed Frequency Setting (Gear 2) for speed range or Mid Gear Torque Lim (Gear 2) for pull strength.

The whole bike feels too powerful.

Lower DC Current Ctrl (Master Busbar Current). This scales overall power and affects the feel of Gears 1-2 as well.

Can I adjust other controller settings?

No. For safety and equipment longevity, do not alter any parameters outside the 6 settings listed in this guide.

Need Help?

If you are unsure about electric bike tuning or tuning your Zawes S3 Electric Dirt Bike controller, stop before making changes and contact support. For assistance, email sales@zawes.com.

Q&A

Question: Why is the Emergency Stop button used multiple times in the process? Short answer: It puts the controller into a controlled, safe state and finalizes key steps. You tap Emergency Stop before the firmware update to prepare the system, again as the first step of the post‑update reset sequence (Emergency Stop → Factory Reset → Reset), and once more after Auto Learn (“lock it in”) to ensure the wheel is stopped and the calibration is finalized before moving to settings.

Question: How do I know Auto Learn completed correctly? Short answer: Normal completion is a 2–3 minute calibration with the progress bar finishing, followed by a successful Run where the rear wheel spins and then comes to a complete stop on its own. If the progress bar freezes, cancel and restart Auto Learn. After the Run stops, tap Emergency Stop to lock in the calibration, then proceed to the Setting page.

Question: What does “speed frequency” change compared to torque limits? Short answer: Speed frequency sets each gear’s percentage of the bike’s maximum speed (e.g., 42.0 = 42% in Gear 1; 100.0 = 100% in Gear 3). Torque limits control how hard the bike pulls in the lower gears (e.g., 450 = 45% in Gear 1; 750 = 75% in Gear 2). Use speed frequency to shape top-speed range per gear, and torque limits to soften or strengthen low‑speed pull. Make gradual changes so the bike remains predictable.

Question: When should I lower DC Current Ctrl instead of changing per‑gear settings? Short answer: Lower DC Current Ctrl when you want to scale overall power for the entire bike (it also affects how Gears 1–2 feel). If only one gear feels too aggressive or too soft, adjust that gear’s torque limit instead. If you only want to change the top‑speed percentage in Gear 3, adjust High gear Freq.

Question: Why must the rear wheel be off the ground during Auto Learn? Short answer: Because the wheel will spin rapidly on its own without throttle input. Lifting and securing the rear wheel prevents unintended movement and keeps you, your tools, and the drivetrain safe. Ensure the bike is stable, the front wheel is braced, and nothing is near the chain, belt, sprocket, tire, or motor area before starting.

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