How-to guide

How to update your e-bike or e-scooter firmware the official way

Use your maker's own app or your dealer to check for and install firmware updates. Here is how Bosch, Shimano, Segway and Xiaomi do it, and why to skip third-party firmware and speed tools.

Last edited Nov 8, 2026 by Pedalwise team Edit History Add a subpage

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Difficulty: Easy
Time: 15 to 45 minutes

Tools

Smartphone with the maker's official app

Many e-bike and e-scooter systems get software updates that add features or fix problems. Bosch says regular updates keep the bike current and improving, and publishes release notes for each one (Bosch software updates). Shimano says updating to the latest firmware with E-TUBE PROJECT may solve some issues (Shimano E-BIKE FAQ). Not every system needs it: Yamaha says software or firmware updates are not necessary for its e-bike systems (Yamaha e-bike FAQ).

Only use your maker's official app or your dealer. Never install third-party firmware, tuning chips or anything that changes speed limits or safety features. Bosch warns against any change to its system or add-ons meant to raise performance, and says unauthorized changes can cause death or serious injury (Bosch Performance Line CX manual). If an update fails or the bike won't start after one, stop and contact your dealer or the maker.

Before you start

Find out which drive system you have. The motor or display usually carries the system maker's name. See systems for a rundown.
Install the maker's official app from your phone's app store. Shimano, for example, links its app from its own site.

Steps

1Find your system's update path

Bosch smart system: the eBike Flow app sends updates to the bike over Bluetooth (Bosch software updates).
Bosch Nyon on the older system: with Wi-Fi on, the display checks for new software itself and walks you through the update.
Shimano: the E-TUBE PROJECT Cyclist app handles firmware updates, but your bike needs a Bluetooth LE wireless unit to connect (Shimano E-TUBE PROJECT Cyclist).
Bafang: updates use BESST, Bafang's service tool, which brands, dealers and assemblers get permission to use from Bafang or the brand owner (Bafang BESST). For a Bafang bike, ask your bike's brand or dealer.
Segway scooters: the Max G2 manual says to install the Segway-Ninebot app and activate the scooter, and lists updating firmware to the latest version in its maintenance schedule (Segway Max G2 manual).
Xiaomi scooters: the Mi Home app has a firmware update check (Xiaomi scooter FAQ).
Other brands: check your maker's support site or ask your dealer.

Photo needed: Phone showing the maker's app connected to the bike. Add one

2Connect the bike to the app

Follow the app's pairing steps. In eBike Flow you connect the bike if you have not already. In E-TUBE PROJECT Cyclist you log in with a SHIMANO ID, add the bike and put the wireless unit in connection mode.

3Check for an update

Bosch eBike Flow: open Settings, the cog icon, and look under Your eBike.
Shimano E-TUBE PROJECT Cyclist: an icon tells you an update is waiting, and a pop up shows what it contains.
Xiaomi Mi Home: open the device card, tap the three dot menu, then Firmware update and Check for updates.

Photo needed: App screen showing an available update and its release notes. Add one

4Read what the update does

Bosch publishes release notes for each update, and Shimano links to firmware update history for each product. Reading them tells you what will change, such as new features or fixes.

5Install it and follow the prompts

Start the update and follow the app's on screen steps until it says the update is done. If the app gives instructions about battery level or keeping the bike on, follow them exactly.

6Check the bike before you ride

Turn the system on and confirm the display, assist and lights work. Then do a quick brake cut-off and throttle check.

When to see a dealer

Your system updates only through a dealer tool, as with Bafang's BESST.
The app can't find the bike, or the update keeps failing. Bosch directs questions to your bike dealer, and Shimano's FAQ points ongoing problems to your place of purchase or a distributor.
An error code appears after the update. See e-bike error codes.

Never use unofficial software, tuning devices or speed tools, even if a seller says they are safe. Bosch warns that unauthorized changes to the system can cause death or serious injury. Take any firmware problem to a dealer or a pro, or find a shop near you.

Sources

Videos

How-to: How to update your eBike system (FOTA), Bosch eBike Systems from Bosch eBike Systems: The motor maker shows how a Bosch smart system takes software updates over the air through the eBike Flow app.

E-TUBE PROJECT App from version 4.0: SHIMANO from #RideShimano: Shimano's own tour of the E-TUBE PROJECT app it uses for connecting to and updating its e-bike components.

Stuck after these checks? Find a shop near you.

Need a pro?

If these steps didn't fix it, find a shop near you in our partner network. For battery or wiring trouble, look for shops marked Battery and electrical.

Talk

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