Electric bikes are becoming increasingly popular as a mode of transportation due to their eco-friendliness and ease of use.
However, some electric bikes come with a speed limiter, which can restrict the maximum speed of the bike. If you want to remove the speed limiter on your electric bike, there are steps you can take to do so safely and effectively.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to remove the speed limiter on an electric bike, including how to determine if your bike has a speed limiter, what tools and equipment you’ll need, and step-by-step instructions on how to remove the limiter.
How to See if Your Bike Has a Speed Limiter
The easiest way to determine if your bike has a speed limiter is to consult the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer directly. If your bike was purchased secondhand or the manual is unavailable, there are a few other methods you can use to determine if a speed limiter is present.
One common indicator of a speed limiter is when your electric bike suddenly stops accelerating after reaching a certain speed. This can be frustrating for riders who want to ride faster, and may be a sign that a speed limiter is in place.
Another method is to use an e-bike diagnostic tool, which can be used to identify if a speed limiter is present on your bike. These tools are typically sold online or in bike shops and can provide valuable information about your electric bike’s performance.
If you’re looking to improve your electric bike’s speed and overall performance, our article on how to make your electric bike faster might provide some tips and tricks.
Different Types of Speed Limiters and How They Can Be Identified
There are two main types of speed limiters: software and hardware limiters. Software limiters are built into the bike’s computer and can be reprogrammed or removed through software updates or modifications.
Hardware limiters, on the other hand, are physically built into the bike and may require more extensive modifications or replacement of parts to remove.
To identify a software limiter, you may need to access the bike’s computer system, which can be done using diagnostic tools or through firmware updates. Hardware limiters can typically be identified by inspecting the bike’s components, such as the motor or battery, and looking for any parts that appear to be designed to restrict speed.
Tools and Equipment Needed to Remove a Speed Limiter
If you’re looking to remove the speed limiter on your electric bike, you’ll need a few tools and equipment to get the job done.
- Screwdrivers – You’ll need a set of screwdrivers to remove the bike’s casing and access the motor and controller.
- Wrenches – You’ll need a set of wrenches to remove the bolts holding the motor and controller in place.
- Wire Cutters – To remove the speed limiter, you may need to cut or disconnect certain wires. A pair of wire cutters will be necessary to do this.
- Diagnostic Tool – Depending on the type of speed limiter installed on your electric bike, you may need a diagnostic tool to access and modify the bike’s computer system.
- Replacement Parts – Depending on the type of speed limiter and the modifications required, you may need replacement parts, such as a new motor or controller.
Explanation of How to Use Each Tool and Equipment
- Screwdrivers – Use the screwdrivers to remove the casing from the bike and gain access to the motor and controller.
- Wrenches – Use the wrenches to remove the bolts holding the motor and controller in place, so you can access the speed limiter.
- Wire Cutters – Use the wire cutters to disconnect or cut the wires connected to the speed limiter.
- Diagnostic Tool – If your electric bike has a software-based speed limiter, you may need to use a diagnostic tool to modify the bike’s computer system. Follow the instructions provided with the tool to access and modify the computer system.
- Replacement Parts – If the speed limiter is a hardware-based limiter, you may need to replace the motor or controller to remove the speed limiter. Follow the instructions provided with the replacement parts to properly install the new parts.
Steps to Remove a Speed Limiter on an Electric Bike
Identify the speed limiter
Before you can remove the speed limiter on your electric bike, you need to identify where it is located. The speed limiter may be in the motor or controller, or it may be a software-based limiter in the bike’s computer system.
Refer to the owner’s manual or consult with a professional mechanic to locate the speed limiter on your bike.
Remove the casing
Use screwdrivers to remove the screws or bolts holding the casing in place. Be careful not to damage any of the wires or other components while removing the casing.
Disconnect the speed limiter
If the speed limiter is a hardware-based limiter, you may need to disconnect or cut certain wires to remove it. Refer to the bike’s wiring diagram to identify which wires are connected to the speed limiter and disconnect them accordingly. If the speed limiter is a software-based limiter, you may need to use a diagnostic tool to access and modify the bike’s computer system to remove it.
Using a diagnostic tool to access and modify the bike’s computer system can be a complex task and may require specialized knowledge and skills. Here are some general steps to follow:
- Purchase a diagnostic tool – There are several different types of diagnostic tools available on the market, and the one you need will depend on the specific make and model of your electric bike. You may need to consult with a professional mechanic or electric bike dealer to determine which diagnostic tool is right for your bike.
- Connect the diagnostic tool – Most diagnostic tools come with a set of cables and adapters that allow you to connect the tool to the bike’s computer system. Follow the instructions provided with the diagnostic tool to properly connect it to your bike.
- Access the computer system – Once the diagnostic tool is connected to your bike, you’ll need to use it to access the bike’s computer system. This may involve entering specific codes or commands into the diagnostic tool’s software interface.
- Modify the computer system – Depending on the type of speed limiter installed on your electric bike, you may need to modify the computer system to remove the limiter. Follow the instructions provided with the diagnostic tool to modify the computer system safely and effectively.
Replace parts
If the speed limiter is a hardware-based limiter and cannot be disconnected or cut, you may need to replace the motor or controller entirely to remove the limiter. Follow the instructions provided with the replacement parts to properly install the new parts.
Depending on the age and maintenance of your electric bike’s motor, it may be more or less capable of going faster. Our article on how long electric bike motors last might give you some insights into the issue.
Test the bike
After removing the speed limiter, it’s important to test the bike’s performance to ensure it’s functioning properly. Take the bike for a test ride to ensure that it’s not only faster, but also safe to operate.
Test Your Bike After Removing the Speed Limiter
If you’ve successfully removed the speed limiter on your electric bike, it’s important to test the bike’s performance to ensure that it’s functioning properly.
How to Test Your Bike After Removing the Speed Limiter
- Choose a safe location – Find a safe and open location to test your bike’s performance, such as a bike path, empty parking lot, or quiet street.
- Test the speed – Take your bike for a test ride and gradually increase the speed to see how fast it can go without the speed limiter. Pay attention to how the bike handles at higher speeds and any changes in performance compared to before the limiter was removed.
- Test the acceleration – Accelerate quickly from a stop to see how quickly the bike can reach top speed. Make sure to test the acceleration on flat and inclined terrain to see how the bike performs in different conditions.
- Test the braking – Test the brakes to ensure that they’re working properly and can effectively slow the bike down from higher speeds.
- Test the handling – Test the bike’s handling by making turns and navigating obstacles. Pay attention to any changes in the bike’s stability or maneuverability compared to before the limiter was removed.
When testing your bike after removing the speed limiter, keep certain safety precautions in mind. Always wear appropriate protective gear, such as a helmet and gloves, to protect yourself in case of falls or accidents. Make sure to test the bike in a safe and open location to avoid collisions with other riders or vehicles.
Removing a Speed Limiter Can Affect the Bike’s Performance and Handling
Removing a speed limiter can have several effects on an electric bike’s performance and handling. Without a speed limiter, the bike may be able to reach higher speeds and accelerate more quickly. However, this increased speed and acceleration can also impact the bike’s stability and maneuverability.
Additionally, removing a speed limiter can put additional stress on the bike’s motor and battery, which can impact the bike’s overall lifespan.
Conclusion
Removing the speed limiter on your electric bike can increase your bike’s maximum speed and improve its overall performance. However, it’s important to do so safely and correctly to avoid damage to the bike or injury to yourself.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can successfully remove the speed limiter on your electric bike and enjoy a faster and more efficient ride.
