Reprogramming the Votol EM200-2SP controller
Build a USB programming cable, connect with the Votol Windows software, back up your settings and change them safely.
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safety
Proceed at your own risk. Settings beyond what the hardware supports can destroy the controller or motor and leave you stranded. Watch closely for heat after any change.
safety
Changing controller settings will void any warranty.
safety
Save a backup of your current settings before you write anything.
01Tools you’ll needall tools →
02Parts
03Steps
The controller talks CAN bus to the bike. A USB adapter turns that into a serial link for Votol’s Windows software. Other routes exist: a cable to the 20-pin connector behind the display, Votol’s Bluetooth adapter and Android app, or MetaHack (an app plus a custom adapter). This guide covers the most common route: the USB port in the storage compartment.
Check your bike and build the cable
Check the USB port can carry data. Take off the seat and carefully open the sheathing on the cable going to the storage-compartment USB port. Four wires: this method should work. Two wires: it’s power only, so use the 20-pin method instead.
Get the Votol EM200-2SP USB programming cable: it’s blue with a black band. Ones without the band are the wrong version.
Take any USB-A cable with four wires (a data cable, not charge-only). Cut off the other end and strip the outer sheath.
Wire it to the adapter. Only H (Data +) and L (Data −) are used:
- USB green (Data +) → adapter H (middle, pin 3)
- USB white (Data −) → adapter L (left of centre, pin 4)
- USB red (+5 V) and black (GND): unused. Tape each one off so it can’t touch anything.
The pins are labeled on the bottom of the adapter.
Connect and back up
Install the Votol EM V3-40 software on a Windows PC. No driver is needed on Windows 10; the default Microsoft driver works and the adapter appears as a COM port.
Turn on the Metacycle and plug the cable into the storage-compartment USB port. Don’t connect it to the computer yet.
Plug the adapter into the computer and press Research. Select the new COM port, set the baud rate to 115200, and make sure CAN enable is not checked.
Press Open, then Connect. The software reads the controller and fills in its pages.
Save Param first, before changing anything, and keep that file safe. If you never made a backup, Metacyclopedia shares a factory 2021 Metacycle settings file (made with EM V3-40).
Change settings
Change one thing at a time and press Param Write to commit it. Settings owners have shared (all at their own risk) are on Metacyclopedia’s Programming page. The factory limits are under 200 A (220 A in sport mode).
Test ride gently and check for heat. If anything behaves oddly, write your backup back.
If sport-mode current, busbar amps or other settings won’t save (they read back unchanged), the controller is read-only. Follow the video VOTOL EM260/2: fixing read-only busbar / sport current, which writes settings and flashes two firmware versions. Metacyclopedia reports it has worked on a Metacycle controller.
TODO: the Votol software and manuals will be mirrored on this site’s downloads page (Phase 6). Until then, Metacyclopedia’s Files page has them.
Tick steps as you go. Ticks stay on this device only.