the regen braking feels super weak now compared to when i got it, is that normal

Diagnosis

The perceived loss of regenerative braking strength on the Apollo City 2023 is typically not a hardware failure, but a built-in safety mechanism related to the Battery Management System (BMS). Regenerative braking works by reversing the motor's polarity to send energy back into the battery cells. However, lithium-ion batteries cannot accept a high current charge when they are already at or near their maximum voltage capacity. If your battery is charged to 100%, the BMS will intentionally throttle or completely disable the regen current to prevent "overcharging" the cells, which could lead to permanent battery degradation or thermal runaway. You will notice that the braking feels "slippery" or relies more heavily on the mechanical disc brakes when you first leave your house. As the state of charge (SoC) drops below 80-85%, the BMS opens the gates for current intake, and the regenerative braking force will noticeably increase. You can confirm this by checking your display: if the regen feels weak at 100% but returns to full strength after a 5-mile ride (dropping to ~90%), the system is functioning exactly as designed.

How to Fix It

Since this is a software-level safety limitation, there is no "repair" needed, but you can optimize your settings to ensure you are getting the maximum available braking force. Follow these steps to calibrate your experience:

1. Power on your Apollo City 2023 and enter the onboard display menu by holding the power button for 3 seconds.
2. Navigate to the "Brake" or "Regen" setting (depending on your specific firmware version, this may be listed under "K-Setting").
3. Ensure the Regen level is set to the maximum value (typically Level 3 or High). If it was accidentally bumped to Level 1, the braking will feel weak regardless of battery percentage.
4. Exit the menu and ride the scooter until the battery indicator drops to approximately 70-80%.
5. Perform a series of hard braking maneuvers. You should now feel the motor providing significant resistance and the battery percentage may even flicker upward by 1% during a steep descent.

If That Didn't Work

If the regenerative braking remains weak even when the battery is at 50% or lower, consider these deeper technical possibilities:

• Brake Lever Sensor Misalignment: The Apollo City uses a magnetic or electronic sensor in the brake lever to trigger regen. If the lever has shifted or the sensor is slightly out of alignment, the controller may not be receiving a "full pull" signal. Inspect the gap between the lever and the sensor; if there is debris or the lever feels "mushy," the regen won't trigger fully.
• Firmware Glitch: Outdated firmware can occasionally cause erratic braking profiles. Connect your scooter to the Apollo App via Bluetooth and check for any pending "Over-the-Air" (OTA) updates. A firmware refresh often recalibrates the BMS thresholds for regen.
• Controller Component Failure: In rare cases, the MOSFETs responsible for the regenerative phase in the motor controller can fail. If you notice the motor making a grinding noise or if you have zero regen across all battery percentages, the controller may need replacement.
• Mechanical Brake Interference: If your mechanical disc brakes are too tight or the pads are rubbing, the friction may be masking the feeling of the regen. Ensure your wheels spin freely for at least two full rotations when not braking.

Heads Up

• Avoid 100% Charging: If you plan on riding in a hilly area where you rely heavily on regen, try charging the battery to only 90%. This leaves "headroom" for the regen system to work immediately.
• Pad Wear: Remember that regen reduces wear on your brake pads, but it does not eliminate it. Check your brake pad thickness every 200 miles; if the pads are worn to the metal, the regen won't be enough to stop you safely in an emergency.
• Temperature Sensitivity: In extreme cold (below 32°F/0°C), the battery's internal resistance increases, which can significantly weaken the effectiveness of regenerative braking regardless of the charge level.
• Safety First: Never rely solely on regen for stopping. Always maintain a firm grip on the mechanical brakes when descending steep grades to avoid overheating the motor controller.