How To Remove The Speed Limiter on An Electric Bike?

Electric bicycles, or e-bikes, have surged in popularity over the past few years, thanks to their ease of use and convenience. Many e-bikes come with a speed limiter that restricts the top speed, often to comply with local regulations. However, for individuals who want to take full advantage of their e-bike’s power and potential, it might be appealing to remove these limiters. We will learn how to remove the speed limiter on an electric bike in this article.

Please note, before proceeding, it’s important to understand that by removing or adjusting the speed limiter on your e-bike, you may be violating local laws and regulations. You might also void any warranty associated with your bike. Always check your local laws and the terms of your warranty before making modifications.

Understanding the Speed Limiter

E-bike speed limiters are electronic components that restrict the bike’s motor from reaching its maximum potential speed. These limiters are usually set according to local regulations, which generally range from 20mph (32km/h) to 28mph (45km/h), depending on the region.

The speed limiter functions by monitoring the rotation speed of either the wheels or the cranks and cutting off the motor assistance when the maximum allowable speed is reached.

Equipment Needed

How to remove the speed limiter on an electric bike? To proceed with removing or adjusting your e-bike’s speed limiter, you’ll need some basic tools and potentially a few specialized ones, depending on the bike’s make and model. Generally, you’ll need:

1. A set of screwdrivers
2. Allen keys
3. A bike stand (optional, but useful)
4. Specialized equipment (if necessary, depending on your e-bike model)

It’s worth noting that some modern e-bikes may require specialized software or hardware to adjust or remove the speed limiter.

The Removal Process

Although the exact process can vary from model to model, here is a general step-by-step guide to removing the speed limiter on most e-bikes:

Step 1: Access the Speed Limiter

First, you’ll need to access the bike’s speed limiter. This is often located near the bike’s motor, either in the hub or the mid-drive system, depending on your model. You may need to remove some casing or shielding to access this. Use your screwdrivers and Allen keys for this step, ensuring you keep track of all screws and parts you remove.

Step 2: Identify the Speed Limiter

Once you have access to the motor, you’ll need to identify the speed limiter. In most e-bikes, it’s a separate module connected to the motor with either a wire clip or a cable. Look for the component that interacts with the bike’s motor and wheels.

Step 3: Disconnect the Speed Limiter

After identifying the speed limiter, you should be able to disconnect it from the motor by removing the wire clip or cable. In some cases, you may need to cut wires to remove it completely, but this should be a last resort. Remember to take note of all connections and configurations before disconnection.

Step 4: Check Your Work

After you have disconnected the speed limiter, reassemble your bike and take it for a test ride. You should notice an immediate difference in the top speed if the speed limiter was successfully removed.

De-restricting with Specialized Software

How to remove the speed limiter on an electric bike? For some advanced e-bike models, particularly those from brands like Bosch, Yamaha, or Shimano, the speed limiter isn’t a separate, physically removable component but a software setting integrated within the e-bike’s system. These e-bikes require a different approach to remove or adjust the speed limiter – typically through specialized tuning devices or software.

Before purchasing any third-party tuning device or software, it’s important to verify its compatibility with your e-bike model. It’s also crucial to understand that using these products can void your warranty and possibly breach local laws.

Tuning Devices

Tuning devices are external modules that manipulate your e-bike’s speed sensor to make it believe it’s going slower than it actually is. This effectively tricks the system and allows you to ride faster while still receiving motor assistance. Examples include the SpeedBox, PearTune, and Badass Box.

To install a tuning device, follow these general steps:

1. Access the Motor: Similar to the physical removal of a speed limiter, you first need to access the bike’s motor. This often involves removing the casing around the motor.
2. Install the Tuning Device: This process varies depending on the specific tuning device. Typically, it involves unplugging the speed sensor cable from the motor and plugging it into the tuning device. Then, plug the tuning device back into the motor.
3. Reassemble Your Bike: Once the device is installed, reassemble any parts you removed.

Tuning Software

In contrast, tuning software involves connecting your e-bike to a computer and using proprietary or third-party software to adjust or remove the speed limiter. Examples of such software include Eplus e-bike tuning software for Shimano, Bosch, Brose, and Fazua or Badass Box software.

To use tuning software, follow these general steps:

1. Connect Your E-Bike to Your Computer: This usually requires a special cable or adapter. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Launch the Tuning Software: After installing the software on your computer, open it and follow the prompts to identify and connect to your e-bike.
3. Adjust the Speed Limiter: In the software’s interface, find the setting for the speed limiter and adjust or remove it as desired.
4. Disconnect Your E-Bike: Once you’re done, safely disconnect your e-bike from the computer.

Potential Issues

How to remove the speed limiter on an electric bike? Removing or adjusting the speed limiter can bring some issues. First, you may reduce the lifespan of your battery and motor as they’ll likely be working harder than they were designed to.

Next, the increase in speed can also increase the risk of accidents. An e-bike without a speed limiter can quickly reach speeds that are unsafe, especially in traffic or on busy streets.

Lastly, as mentioned earlier, modifying your e-bike can void your warranty and potentially make your bike illegal for road use.

Final Thoughts

Removing the speed limiter on an e-bike is a process that requires a thorough understanding of your bike’s mechanical and electrical systems. Before you begin, make sure you are comfortable with the steps involved, have the necessary tools, and are prepared to accept the potential risks and consequences of this modification.

While an increased top speed can make your rides more thrilling, always remember to prioritize safety. Even without speed limiters, always observe local speed limits and other traffic laws to ensure both your safety and that of others on the road.