Drive Modes
From Unofficial Zero Manual
The Zero platform has always offered a simple control for switching throttle and regen mappings through MBB-Sevcon interaction.
- Gen1 (2009-2013)
- Through 2013, only Eco and Sport modes were available, where Eco was the customizable mode but had the Eco default as listed below.
- The modes are selected with a rocker switch on the left part of the steering head bracket forward from the handlebars.
- Gen2 (2014-)
- 2014 models introduced a separate Custom mode and made Eco mode fixed.
- Modes are selected by pressing a selector button on the right hand switch assembly; the selected mode then activates when the throttle is released for a couple of seconds.
- The SRF Model introduced "Street, Sport, Eco, Rain and up to 10 programmable custom modes".
- Custom traction control modes were also introduced.
| Mode | Max Speed | Max Torque | Max Regen | Max Regen Brake |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eco | 70 mph | 40% | 66% | 100% |
| Custom | 70 mph | 100% | 40% | 66% |
| Sport | 98 mph | 100% | 40%? | 66%? |
- Gen2 Customization
- Many riders make their own Custom mode settings. There are many options that all involve tradeoffs.
- 0% (-20%) Max Regen
- This enables a "coasting" mode which is very efficient, in allowing the rider to let the bike's momentum carry it forward for a while.
- This also helps transition the bike from accelerating to decelerating, since the regen levels come on in a step-wise fashion, which minimizes the dive on the suspension by providing an intermediate step.
- NOTE: This has one disadvantage at 0%: in extremely low traction scenarios, this can lead to dangerous fishtailing where the rear wheel starts to slip, in that it can be very difficult to slow it down.
- 100% Max Brake Regen
- Most riders seem to leave this setting at 100% in order to get the most out of their rear brake.
- Lower Top Speed (60 or 70mph, say)
- This creates a "poor man's" cruise control, where the throttle has no effect at the top end, only ensuring that a specific speed is met.
- This can be useful when trying to get a maximum or ensured amount of range.
- Lower Max Torque (30% or less)
- This can be useful in wet or reduced traction conditions.
- Torque setting is mostly about the torque ramp rate (how much torque achieved with a given amount of throttle twist).
- By reducing the ramp rate, the onset of a loss of traction is much easier to control and recover from.
- Most riders just switch to Eco mode in the rain, but using Custom mode for this can also be effective.
