Safety control algorithms for surgical devices, including safety control algorithms for surgical stapler devices, and associated systems, devices, and methods. In one embodiment, a method of operating a surgical stapler comprises tracking a position of a distal end of a blade assembly of a reloadable cartridge assembly of the surgical stapler as the distal end of the blade assembly is moved, via actuation of a motor and a corresponding drivetrain, along a stroke of the blade assembly. The method can further comprise adjusting a current limit for current levels in the drivetrain based on the position of the distal end of the blade assembly along the stroke.