The power of an e-bike is addictive, especially when you’re charging up a steep hill at twice the usual speed. However, the limited assisted top speed of an e-bike isn’t enough for some people. So, in this article, we’ll show you how to remove the speed limiter on your e-bike. You will also learn why e-bikes have speed limiters and the pitfalls of removing them.
The Easiest Way to Remove a Speed Limiter on an E-Bike
The controls on some e-bikes allow you to adjust specific settings. For example, you can change the power provided by each assist mode. Some controllers also provide access to the speed limiter, so you can add or remove it altogether. Simply check the user manual to learn how to make adjustments on your e-bike.
If your e-bike controller doesn’t allow you to access the speed limiter, you’ll need to use a more sophisticated method. If you don’t want to do it yourself, you can ask your local e-bike shop to do it for you. However, they are unlikely to remove the speed limiter for legal reasons.
How to manually remove the speed limiter on your e-bike
The method we’re going to share next is only applicable to some e-bikes with hub-mounted motors. This method is fairly simple and does not require specialised tools.
The method we’re going to share next is only applicable to some e-bikes with hub-mounted motors. This method is fairly simple and does not require specialised tools.
To ride faster on your e-bike with the help of a power assist, you can change the way the controller receives data from the transmitter. Most e-bikes with hub-mounted motors are equipped with sensors that measure your speed with a magnet mounted on the wheel. The sensor sends a signal to the controller whenever the magnet is near the sensor. The controller uses this signal to call for power from the motor based on the level of assistance you are riding at.
By moving the sensor to a different part of the bike, you can reduce how often the magnet passes over it. Doing so manipulates the way the controller calculates speed. So by mounting the sensor to a position on the bike where the wheel passes by more slowly, the motor will continue to operate at a higher speed.
Buying a speed control kit
Another way to remove the speed limiter on your e-bike is to use a speed control kit. This is a more elegant and professional solution, but it will still manipulate the way the e-bike controller calculates speed.
The tuning kit is mounted on a speed sensor and signals an error reading to the controller. The signal tells the controller that you are travelling at less than your maximum speed, when in fact this is not the case. As a result, the motor will continue to provide power, allowing you to ride faster.
Another advantage of a speed control kit is that it requires no permanent modifications. This means you can easily remove the kit for any reason.
Why are there speed limits on e-bikes?
In the EU, the speed limit for Class 1 and 2 e-bikes is 15.53 mph, whilst Class 3 e-bikes cannot exceed 28 mph with motor assistance. Some people may think this isn’t very fast, but you need to remember that you can still ride above these speeds; it’s just that the motor no longer helps you. You can still charge downhill at your favourite speed or keep pedalling to ride faster.
These auxiliary speed limits are in place for safety reasons. If people could ride e-bikes as fast as they wanted, there would be a large number of serious accidents. You can buy faster e-bikes which are classed as motorbikes and require a driving licence and insurance. Things to consider when removing an e-bike speed limiter
There are a number of things you need to be aware of before removing the speed limiter on your e-bike; there are a number of implications and pitfalls.
Removing an e-bike speed limiter is illegal
If the police catch you riding an unrestricted e-bike, you could be fined. They may also confiscate and destroy your e-bike, which can cause you inconvenience and financial loss.
Removing the e-bike speed limiter may void the warranty
If your e-bike develops technical problems after a few months, you may need to contact the manufacturer for repairs. However, if you remove the speed limiter, in most cases your warranty will be void. This is still the case if the problem is not related to your modifications. As a result, the manufacturer may charge you for fixing the problem, which can be very expensive.
Removing an e-bike speed limiter will negatively affect battery life
When you remove the speed limiter from your e-bike, the controller needs more power from the battery. You’ll enjoy the extra acceleration and speed, but the downside is that your battery will drain faster, shortening the distance you can travel. Over time, the extra demand for the battery and more frequent charging will shorten its life. Therefore, you will need to replace it sooner than expected.
Removing the e-bike speed limiter to ride an e-bike will become more dangerous
As mentioned earlier, speed limits are designed to make e-bike riding safer. By removing the speed limiter and riding faster, you’re putting more stress on components that aren’t designed for increased speed. For example, your brakes may not be strong enough to allow you to stop safely in an emergency. Therefore, you should consider upgrading your brakes.
In addition, riding faster requires more skill. Therefore, inexperienced e-bike riders may put themselves in danger if they remove the restriction on their bikes.
Tips for removing an e-bike speed limiter
If you are still interested in making your e-bike go faster, here are a few points you should consider.
Don't rush into modifications
Removing the speed limiter on your e-bike isn’t too difficult, but it’s easy to make mistakes. When making modifications, pay attention to what you’re doing and take your time.
Don't draw attention to yourself
Previously, we discussed the legal implications of riding an e-bike with the speed limiter removed. Riding on private land or off-road paths is fine, but riding on public roads is a different story.
When someone rides an e-bike at speeds in excess of 28 mph on a flat road or uphill, it is clear that they have modified the bike. Therefore, be careful when using the extra power so that you don’t draw attention to yourself.
Wear and tear protection
You should always wear a helmet when riding an e-bike, but it’s even more important to do so when you lift the restriction. Riding at high speeds can make the consequences of a crash even worse, so make sure you buy a quality bike helmet.
Final thoughts.
Removing the speed limiter on your e-bike is easy. The most common methods involve changing the settings, moving the speed sensor or installing a speed control kit. However, you need to bear in mind the pitfalls of modifying your e-bike and weigh up whether it’s worth doing so.
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