Electric bikes are a great alternative means of transportation. They provide comfort and speed to the cyclist, allowing you to ride without spending too much money. Another advantage of electric bikes is their ability to accelerate. However, almost all states have a restriction on electric bikes that prevents them from exceeding 25 miles per hour.
For many people, this restriction is a real problem that prevents them from fully enjoying all the charms of an e-bike. This issue can easily be solved by removing the speed limiter. In this article, I will give you step-by-step instructions that will provide you with the answer to how to remove the speed limiter on an electric bike.
De-restriction
Removing the pedal restriction is called de-restriction. It prevents the release of all electrical power in your motor. This measure is effective because the speed limit is always set by the manufacturer, so it is easily adjustable.
Specific rules suggest that electric bicycles must be equipped with a 250-watt motor that can only reach speeds of up to 25 km per hour. Accordingly, to get rid of this limitation, this power is released and applied, which contributes to the fact that your e-bike begins to move at a speed that is significantly higher than its manufacturer’s specified speed limit.
The electric bike records the speed at which the cyclist is moving. This speed is used in conjunction with how fast the cyclist is pedaling to determine the amount of energy it is producing. However, as soon as the speed limit is reached, the drive immediately shuts off.
Since the actuator applies the pedal speed to decide how much energy will be produced, it can be easily controlled. You can cheat it. Just make your e-bike think you are riding at a slower speed.
To remove the speed limiter, you have to move a special compact electronic device between the bicycle wheel magnetic device and the computer unit that reads the speed at which you are traveling. The device will make calculations based on unreliable data, which will help to reduce the slower current speed. As a result of this manipulation, the driver simply will not react to speeding.
At first, glance, removing the electric bike’s speed limiter may seem like a daunting task. But in fact, it is much easier, especially if you have a set of e-bike tools.
How can I remove the speed limiter from my electric bike?
Several methods can be used to remove the speed limiter. Let’s look at each of them individually.
1. Manual method
This method involves interaction with two measurement elements, a sensor, and a magnet. The first is on the base of the frame, and the magnet is located on the rear wheel. When the speed of the e-bike is calculated, the circumference of the wheel is usually taken into account.
This is because the more significantly the wheel, the faster the vehicle travels. So you should remove the magnet from the rear wheel and attach it to the bike pedal bracket. By moving the magnetic device, you will automatically change the number of revolutions that the magnet makes.
When this manipulation is done, the controller will receive distorted information, so the speed limit will not work due to receiving data about the lower speed rate. Using this method, you will not need to perform any complicated operations. All you need is duct tape.
How can I move the controller?
To move the controller, you need to follow these steps:
STEP 1 – start the process of taking out the sensor and the magnet;
STEP 2 – attach the magnet to the pedal bracket;
STEP 3 – move the sensor and install it so that it is turned to the magnet.
This method is suitable for those who want to perform the task quickly and without much effort. In addition, it is at no cost at all. If you are confident that you can handle it by working with your hands, then it is perfect for you.
Advantages of using the manual method
The manual method has significant advantages that cannot be overlooked:
- The whole process will not take you much time;
- It is easy to perform without skills and additional tools;
- It does not involve complex installation.
Disadvantages of using the manual method
This method of moving the controller, perhaps, has only one disadvantage. It is that it cannot be used for all models of electric bikes.
2. The second way – disconnecting the wires
You can also remove the electric bike’s speed limiter by disconnecting the wires that are connected to it. This is a more complicated method than the first one. It consists of cutting the limiting wire installed between the sensor and the central controller.
As a result, the speed data of the electric bike will not be sent to the controller, which will allow your electric bike to reach higher speeds.
What are the advantages of disconnecting the sensor wiring
Due to the fact that speed information will not be fed to the controller, the bike’s electric drive can pick up higher speeds.
What are the disadvantages of disconnecting the sensor wiring
An electric bike has a lot of wires, so for an inexperienced cyclist, trying to find the right wires can be a real challenge. In addition, if you make a mistake in the process and hit a vital part of the bike, you’ll have to spend a lot of money on repairs.
3. The third way is to use e bike tuning kit to change the speed
Many manufacturers make electric bike tool kits to help riders get the most out of their e-bikes. These kits are necessary to prevent the process of limiting the speed of the e-bike.
The idea of this method is similar to the manual method. Its principle is based on changing the speed data of the electric bike to circumvent the controller and provide additional electrical support.
Manufacturers offer two basic sets of e-bike kits with which you can remove the electric bike’s speed limiter.
The first type of electric bike tool kit – is the disassembly of the chain
The first type of tool kit is usually offered in conjunction with the electric bike system and involves disassembling the electric circuit.
The advantage of using this type of kit is that disassembly is not regular and the kit can be easily deactivated.
The second type – attaching the kit to the main sensor
This kit has a simpler application and comes with a detailed description. It does not involve disassembling the electrical circuit.
Instead, attach the tool kit to the main speed sensor.
The benefits of using an electric bike tool kit
It’s more than just an ordinary device. The tool kits are made so that you can prevent all unavoidable damage or changes to the electric bike.
The first type of kit is equipped with a convenient switch that allows you to disable the tool kit option without any problems.
Disadvantages of the technique
The use of tool kits requires certain professional skills. Many states now discourage the use of kits because they can cause riders to reach speeds far over what is allowed by law.
How else can I change the e-bike’s speed?
In addition to using the tuning tool kit and the manual method, you can also use other tricks, both simple and technical. These tricks will allow your electric bike to pick up at a faster pace.
Replace thicker wheels with thinner ones
If riding at full speed is fundamentally important to you, then you can’t do without changing tires. Professional riders know very well that thin tires make for a great speed ride. This is because with these wheels you can accelerate to the maximum limit and with a minimum load.
Therefore, if you want to increase the e-bike’s speed, it is better to get rid of thick tires. Use the windshield
The electric bike’s speed also depends on the wind, which severely limits it. By installing a wind guard, you can develop up to 5 km per hour of additional speed, which is a nice bonus for those who do not like to ride slowly.
The secret is that this attachment provides some aerodynamic characteristics, including maximum performance, reduced drag, and increased speed.
Adjust your display settings
Electric bike manufacturers install speed limiters to control your speed and keep you safe on the road.
To go faster, you can simply change the settings of your limiter. This is very easy to do in the control panel.
Let’s say the wheel size of your electric bike is 26 inches. You can set it differently and specify that your wheel size is 18 inches.
This trick will make the unit think that you are traveling at a slower speed.
Install a new motor
The more powerful the motor of an electric bike, the faster it can go. For this reason, it makes sense to replace the existing motor with a more powerful version.
With this manipulation, you can easily change the speed of your e-bike and give it an extra 10 km per hour.
Adjust your riding posture
Perhaps the easiest and cheapest way to increase the speed of an electric bike is to work on your posture.
As you pedal with your back straight, you may notice the wind blowing on your face. This greatly affects air resistance and prevents the cyclist from gaining the right speed.
The correct cycling posture is to lean your body forward. This position allows you to cut through the air and increase your cycling speed.
What happens when the speed limit on the electric bike is removed?
You will be able to ride at higher speeds. If you can ride up to 20 miles per hour at actual speed with the limiter, then without it, you can go up to 60 kilometers per hour. However, you should not ignore the rules and laws, which in most cases do not allow cyclists to travel above 25 km per hour. Otherwise, you can enjoy a fast ride only outside the city. When testing your electric bike at full speed, don’t forget to wear protective gear.
Is the decision to remove the speed limiter the right one?
Because most electric bikes are considered an alternative to more dangerous and faster motorcycles, they are subject to special conditions in terms of road safety. Nevertheless, cyclists wish to ride at higher speeds than are normally allowed.
While removing the speed limiter can usually achieve an increase in speed, it is not always the right decision.
Whether or not to remove the limiter is up to you. You may decide not to do this for several reasons:
- Top speed can cause an accident on the road. This is why it is important to control the speed limiter and drive within the legal limits to ensure safety;
- The speed limiter of the electric bike is manufactured according to the laws of a certain state if it is the USA or a separate state. For example, the allowed speed in the USA is 20 miles per hour. Accordingly, owners of vehicles that remove the speed limiter pay for this act with heavy fines;
- Every electric bike is manufactured to ride at a certain speed for which components such as the battery, motor, frame, tires, and built-in bicycle options are designed. Exceeding the maximum speed can negatively affect the components of the e-bike. A top speed will put more strain on the battery and may cause the electric bike to fail quickly, resulting in a significant decrease in charge capacity and range. Excessive loading may cause the battery to overheat. This will result in a shortening of the electric bike’s service life;
- Methods that are taken to remove the speed limiter can lead to irreparable or difficult-to-reverse consequences. Removing the speed limiter will automatically void your warranty, as no company will be willing to repair your e-bike after doing so;
- E-bikes, which are built for riding at high speeds, feature thicker tires. Whereas conventional wheels, which are subjected to pressure at high speeds, are capable of failing much more quickly. This will lead to costly repairs and replacement parts.
Final thoughts
It is very easy to remove the electric bike’s speed limiter if you want to. To do this, there are manual and technical methods. Within the area where the cyclist resides, he is obliged to ride according to the established rules at the speed allowed by law.
Enjoy fun riding in areas where there are no strict speed limits. I wish you exciting rides, full of emotions and exciting experiences!
FAQ
How can I increase the speed of my electric bike?
The best method to increase your electric bike’s speed is to remove the controller. After this measure, your electric bike transport will have no limitations and you will be able to enjoy riding at full speed.
How do you override a speed limiter?
To remove the controller you need to use one of the methods that will be convenient for you. You can do it manually or use a special tool kit.
How do you hack the speed limit on an e-Bike?
To hack the speed limit on an electric bike you need to cut the wire on the controller. After removing it, your bike will have no speed limit.
What controls the speed of an electric bike?
The speed of the e-bike is controlled by a special speed limiter.