What is VESC and why should I care?

VESC stands for Vedder Electronic Speed Controller. It is an open-source electronic speed controller originally designed for electric skateboards.
(Sidenote: VESC is a registered trademark itself)

:warning: DISCLAIMER: The VESC Bible is currently being republished and rewritten to encompass all necessary beginner guides. All guides with a beta tag are still preliminary and need to be vetted and reviewed by VESC experts.

The open-source nature of VESC has led to its adoption in various other applications, including electric bikes, scooters, and, notably, Onewheels.

VESC offers several benefits over the stock controllers found in Onewheels:

  • Customisability: VESC allows riders to fine-tune nearly every aspect of their board’s performance. Parameters such as motor current, voltage limits, acceleration, braking, and even the riding feel can be adjusted to suit individual preferences. This level of customisation is unmatched by stock Onewheel controllers, which have limited adjustability.
  • Power: VESC controllers can handle higher currents, enabling more powerful motors and batteries. This translates to improved acceleration, hill-climbing ability, and overall performance compared to stock Onewheels.
  • Performance Enhancements: VESC’s advanced control algorithms, such as FOC (Field-Oriented Control), can provide a smoother and more efficient riding experience. It also opens up possibilities for features like sensorless operation, which allows the motor to run without hall sensors.

Don’t call it Plug’n’Play!

:warning: It is crucial to understand that VESC is not a simple plug-and-play upgrade.

Implementing VESC requires a deeper understanding of electronics, wiring, soldering, and configuration.

Users need to be comfortable working with voltage, current, and other electrical concepts to install and configure VESC safely and effectively. In contrast to Stock Onewheels there are almost none of the failsaves, warnings or any other limitations in the VESC.

With great power comes great responsibility after all!

Before diving into VESC, potential users should consider the following:

  • DIY Skills: Are you comfortable with soldering, troubleshooting, and following technical instructions? Building or converting a Onewheel to VESC requires a degree of DIY skill.
  • Research and Community Engagement: Are you prepared to invest time in research and engage with the VESC community? Websites, Discord servers, and forums like PEV.dev are invaluable resources for information, support, and troubleshooting.
  • Complexity and Commitment: Are you ready for the learning curve and potential challenges associated with VESC? Troubleshooting, configuration, and even finding compatible components can be time-consuming and require patience.

While VESC offers remarkable potential for performance and customisation, it is not a decision to be taken lightly.

A thorough understanding of the requirements, risks, and commitment involved is essential for a successful and enjoyable VESC experience.