Do you think your e-bike still has potential? You feel the power, but instead of having enough time to really enjoy the ride, it seems to hit an invisible wall. Many riders go through this same experience, because all electric bikes are factory set with a speed limiter to meet certain region restrictions. For people who live where there are no such regulations or for riders who use their ebike solely on private property, unlocking these capabilities is important. In this complete guide, we will explore the additional aspects that determine your ebike’s speed and also includes practical software and hardware strategies on how to remove the speed limit on your electric bike and bring out its full potential.
Here’s What’s Limiting Your Ebike’s Speed And How To Fix It
Before going on to “how,” make sure you have the foundation of “why?” The top speed of your electric bike will be dependent on a number of intersecting factors. Finding out what's causing you issue is the first step to fix it.
Software and Controller Limitations:
This form is the most prevalent and is usually the easiest to circumvent. The ebike’s controller, its central brain, is set with a maximum speed. However, as soon as you hit this speed, the controller shuts off the power to your motor so that you cannot go any faster. It's just a digital restriction.
Motor Power:
The greater the wattage of the motor (such as 250W, 500W, and 750W) determines its power. A higher watt motor is generally capable of reaching and maintaining higher speeds, particularly when you are riding along up hill or under acceleration. It's not like you can change the motor itself to be more powerful, but you can remove restrictions built into software so the motors are used to their full potential.
Battery Voltage and Current:
The battery serves as a fuel tank. Higher voltage (such as 48V vs. 36V) can also make for a more efficient drive to the motor, which means better performance and higher potential speeds. How well the battery is able to discharge a large amount (of amperage) also plays a role in some of the same capacity.
Regulatory Caps:
Most manufacturers fit speed limiters in order to remain compliant with local and federal laws, which often divide up ebikes into categories (Class 1, 2, 3 in the USA) each with set speed limits for pedal assist or throttle use.
Physical and Environmental Considerations:
Your speed can also be influenced by your weight, tire pressure, the condition of the road you’re on, wind resistance and type of terrain. A smooth, flat road with a tailwind is faster than a bumpy, uphill trail against a headwind.
Riding Modes:
Many electric bikes feature more than one degree of pedal assist (PAS). You must ride with the highest level of assistance (full Turbo or Sport) to achieve the maximum bike's speed: Eco modes save energy, sacrificing power and pace!
Software Solutions: The No-Brainer Way to Speed Things Up
For most of the modern electric bikes, the speed limit is just a simple parameter in the software. This is an ideal project for beginners, since you typically don’t need anything other than what should be available to any home DIYer. There are plenty of detailed tutorials if you look for your specific model on YouTube. Typically this would mean you would need to either navigate through a secret settings menu via the display, or plug the bike into an app on your phone.
When it comes to the ideal combination of power, style and user-friendly features, you can certainly count on ENGWE as a brand that will give you a more confident ride. This dedication to high performance and exciting rides is evident in models such as the ENGWE EP-2 Boost. This off-road fat tire e-bike isn’t just built for the trail, it’s also an exhilarating ride thanks to its intelligent torque sensor and a combined 55Nm of instantly available power from the Boost Mode. So owners of an ENGWE who really want to maximize on what they’re carrying around with them, do get a refreshingly easy ride. Here, are the revised instructions on how to remove the speed limit from your display and go faster on most ENGWE bikes!
Step 1: Power on
Switch on the display of your ENGWE e-bike, just as you always do.
Step 2: Secret Menu
Press and hold the top (+) and bottom (-) buttons on the front of your controller at the same time for a few seconds. You will be navigated to the advanced settings option page.
Step 3: Go to speed limit
Get into the "Setup" menu with buttons. Scroll to the "Speed Limit" option and click.
Step 4: Increase Value
Using the up or down buttons set the speed limit value shown in the display to its highest possible setting (e.g., 31 or higher).
Step 5: Set and Carefully Exit
Hold the Set button to set the new value. The following sequence is the important bit in completing the unlock. To exit the speed limit setting, press the "back" button. Then, hit the "back" button again to leave the setup menu. This sequence enables the secret setting. Be careful not to turn off the device. You’ll know you’re done when you are back to the main home screen.
Other ebike models are also unlocked via their own dedicated smartphone app. The basic course of action is pretty much the same on all platforms.
Step 1: Download the App
Look for the manufacturer-specific or controller-specific app in your phone’s app store.
Step 2: Register and Connect
Set up an account and power on your ebike. Open the app and scan for your bike to pair with it via Bluetooth.
Step 3: Find Advanced Settings
When you see the app, look for a settings or device information option. Search for terms such as "Class," "Speed Setting," or "Wheel Diameter."
Step 4: Change the Classification
Some apps will show it as a “Class 2” ebike. Clicking on this setting can display an option of "Unlock Class 3" or "Competition" mode.
Step 5: Confirmation and Testing
Once you choose the unlocked feature, the app might have a little countdown or may ask for confirmation. After verified, the bike’s controller is reprogrammed and voila: it has a new top speed!
Hardware Modifications for Advanced Users
If software fixes fail, then the restriction is in the tangible hardware, usually with the electrical controller. Upgrading the stock controller to a stronger, programmable aftermarket controller is an oft-used hardware hack. It's a bit more complicated and you should only try it if you are comfortable with both mechanical and electrical systems.
Tools You Will Need:
- Allen keys (Hex wrenches)
- A socket wrench
- Set of wrenches or set of sockets
- Wire Cutters and Strippers
- Zip ties or Electric tape to manage cables
Step-by-Step Hardware Upgrade:
Step 1: Research and Buy
The most important step here is to get a new controller that will work for your bike’s motor and battery voltage (e.g. 48V). Make sure it's a higher amperage than your stock controller for actual performance gains.
Step 2: Unhook the Battery
Safety first. Get the battery totally out of the electric bicycle before working with any wires to avoid shorting or shocking yourself.
Step 3: Unplug and Remove the Stock Controller
The stock controller is often found inside a metal/plastic box, close to the bottom bracket, or integrated into the bike frame. Disconnect all the connectors carefully. Take pictures before you disconnect so you’ll know where all the cables go back. That would be the motor, battery, display, throttle and pedal-assist sensor.
Step 4: Install the New Controller
Reattach and remount the new controller in the same spot. Carefully reconnect all the components. The plugs can be color-coded or shaped differently to avoid incorrect connections. Use your photograph and the new controller diagram.
Step 5: Inspect and Clean
Reconnect the battery and turn the system on. Carefully try out the throttle and pedal assist to ensure it functions as needed. If you pay attention to which controller is which and tighten up the new one and keep wires corralled with zip ties so they do not get snagged on anything that moves.
Broken Down Cause of The Limiters
| Problem Type | Cause | Solution That Works For Me? | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firmware Lock | The ebike’s software is limited up to a specific speed cap (e.g., 20 mph or 25 km/h) by factory default for regulation adherence. | Access to hidden menus on screen or via your smartphone app and change the speed limit parameter. | Easy |
| Controller Limit | The stock controller has a maximum amperage that cannot be exceeded and deliver more power to the motor (even if software limits are removed). | Swap out the factory controller for a programmable, higher-amp aftermarket controller. | Hard |
| Motor Power Limit | The motor has some rated physical power (watts), and will not go faster for any controller. | The only remedy is to install a higher power motor which often means an entire wheel rebuild. | Very Hard |
| Battery Voltage Limit | The battery voltage is not high enough (e.g., 36V) to support motor speed RPM under load. | Upgrade the whole system (battery, controller and sometimes motor) to a higher voltage such as 48V or 52V. | Very Difficult |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will I void the warranty on my electric bike by taking off the speed limit?
Generally, yes. Altering speed settings in software or swapping hardware will void your manufacturer warranty.
2. Is it legal to remove the speed limiter?
It very much depends on your state and local laws. It is up to you to learn and abide by the laws regarding ebike use on public roads or trails where you ride.
3. My battery will drain faster if I go faster, right?
Absolutely. You can expect significantly less overall range per charge at higher speeds because it takes a lot more power from the motor to operate faster.
4. Will I ruin my electric bike if I remove the speed limiter?
There is a risk. Running the motor and controller beyond their intended capacity, especially when modified with hardware, can result in overheating and premature wearing of these parts.
5. What's the very first thing I should do to go faster on my ebike for free?
Try the most basic, non-invasive software methods first - adjusting settings on your ebike's on-board display is often all you need.
The goal of unlocking your ebike is to give you back the performance and power that was originally intended.
