Unlocking Rad Electric Bike's Mph: Removing The Limiter

Speed limiters in e-bikes restrict motor power to prevent the bike from surpassing a certain speed, which is usually between 15 and 28 mph, depending on local laws. While some people may want to remove the speed limiter to increase the speed of their e-bike, it is important to consider the potential risks and problems associated with doing so, including safety risks, illegal issues, warranty issues, and equipment wear and tear. In this article, we will explore the different methods for removing the speed limiter on a Rad electric bike, as well as the technical, legal, and safety implications of doing so.

Using electrical tape to cover the wiring pin

To remove the speed limiter on your Rad electric bike, you can try using electrical tape to cover one of the wiring pins on the motor connector. This method has been reported to increase the speed of a Rad bike by 2-3 mph.

Electrical tape is a versatile tool that can be used for various purposes on a bike. It can be used to protect the frame, finish bar wraps, and even as a form of artwork. When using electrical tape, it is important to consider the potential challenges. For example, electrical tape can turn into a sticky mess over time, especially in hot and wet conditions, and it may be difficult to remove without residue. To avoid these issues, it is recommended to use a good brand of electrical tape, such as Super 88, which is more resistant to temperature changes and leaves less residue. Another option is to use Plasti-Dip, a spray-on coating that comes in various colours and can be peeled off without damaging the surface. However, applying Plasti-Dip can be tricky, as it requires multiple thick coats applied without dry time in between.

To cover the wiring pin on the motor connector of your Rad electric bike, locate the motor connector, which is usually near the battery or LCD display. Identify the wiring pin that corresponds to the speed limiter. This may require referring to the bike's manual or consulting with someone familiar with the bike's wiring. Once you have located the correct pin, cut a small piece of electrical tape and carefully place it over the pin, ensuring that it is secure and does not obstruct any other components.

It is important to note that modifying the speed limiter on your electric bike may void the warranty and could potentially be unsafe if not done properly. Always exercise caution and ensure that you are familiar with the bike's electrical system before proceeding with any modifications. Additionally, be mindful of local laws and regulations regarding electric bike speeds, as exceeding certain speed limits may be illegal in some areas.

By following these steps and being mindful of the potential challenges and risks, you can successfully use electrical tape to cover the wiring pin on your Rad electric bike and increase its speed beyond the factory settings. Remember to ride responsibly and always wear the appropriate safety gear when riding at higher speeds.

Upgrading to an aftermarket motor controller

Firstly, check the compatibility of the aftermarket motor controller with your specific RAD bike model. Different controllers are designed for different bike models, such as the Rover, Runner, and Mission. Ensure that you select a controller that is compatible with your bike to avoid any installation issues.

Next, consider the power requirements and limitations of both the controller and the display. It is important to ensure that the amps of the controller are less than the amps of the display to prevent any damage. For example, if your display is rated at 30 ma, you may want to choose a controller with a maximum rating of 22a to stay within a safe range.

Additionally, pay attention to the voltage requirements. Most RAD bikes operate on 48V batteries, so ensure that the controller can accommodate this voltage. Also, be aware that fully charged 48V batteries can reach about 54 volts, so a reading of 53V or similar is normal.

When installing the aftermarket motor controller, carefully follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Take note of any adjustments that may be required, such as setting the C5 setting to a lower current output to find a balance between the controller and motor. Also, be cautious when handling the motor cable to avoid errors such as a "Motor position sensor fault" or "Motor or controller short circuit fault."

Finally, keep in mind that upgrading to an aftermarket motor controller may void your warranty. Always assess the risks and benefits before proceeding with any modifications to your electric bike.

Overvolt the motor

Overvolting an electric bike motor is a popular method for increasing the speed of the bike. By increasing the voltage entering the motor, you can increase the motor RPM and achieve a higher speed. While all electric bike motors can operate at different volt levels without a problem, some motors are rated to work on a specific volt. This does not mean that you cannot increase the voltage, but it indicates that the safest performance for this motor is at a certain voltage, such as 36 volts or 24 volts.

To overvolt the motor, you can increase the battery voltage by using a higher-voltage battery. Additionally, you may need to upgrade the controller to handle the higher voltage. Before attempting to overvolt, it is important to calculate the expected speed after the modification. This can be done using the following equation: RPM * wheel size * 0.003 = actual top speed. You can then calculate the speed after overvolting by multiplying the actual maximum speed by the new motor voltage and dividing it by the rating voltage of the motor.

It is important to note that overvolting will cause the motor to heat up significantly. This can lead to overheating and potential motor damage. To mitigate this issue, you can reduce the ampere output from the motor to maintain an appropriate level of electric current. Additionally, you may need to upgrade the controller if it overheats due to the high voltage.

Another method to increase the speed of your electric bike is to change the cassette to adjust the gearing. However, this can be challenging as it may require cutting and soldering wires or cutting the tool in half to remove the old cassette.

Finally, it is worth noting that overvolting will likely void the warranty of your electric bike. It is also important to ensure that any modifications are legal and safe.

Unplug the speed sensor wire

Unplugging the speed sensor wire is a method to remove the speed limiter on an electric bike. This method is also known as the "secret" white wire speed hack. It is important to note that this method may only be suitable for certain models of electric bikes, particularly those with speed sensors inside the motor.

To begin the process of unplugging the speed sensor wire, ensure that the bike is powered off and the battery is unplugged to prevent any electrical issues during the procedure. The next step is to locate and open the e-bike controller box, which is usually found on the bottom of the bike or near the battery. Use the appropriate tools to carefully unscrew and open the casing. Once inside, locate the speed limiter, which may be part of the controller or a separate small device with several wires connected to it. If the speed limiter is controlled via software, you may need specialized programming equipment or software to reconfigure or update the firmware. However, if the speed limiter is a physical component, you will need to locate the specific wires connected to the speed sensor.

In some cases, the speed sensor wire may be identified by its color, typically white, red, or black. It is important to carefully read and understand the controller circuit diagram, if available, to accurately identify the correct wires. Once the speed sensor wires have been located, they can be unplugged or cut to disable the speed limiter. This process may vary depending on the specific model and configuration of the electric bike.

It is worth noting that modifying the speed limiter on an electric bike may void the warranty and may not be legal in certain jurisdictions. It is essential to check the local laws and regulations regarding electric bike speed limits before attempting any modifications. Additionally, altering the speed limiter may impact the bike's performance and safety features, so it is crucial to proceed with caution and consult expert advice if necessary.

Overall, unplugging the speed sensor wire is one method to remove the speed limiter on an electric bike. However, it requires careful consideration and understanding of the bike's electrical system to ensure a safe and effective modification.

Cut and solder wires or cut the tool in half to change the cassette

To increase the speed of your Rad electric bike, you can change the cassette to change the gearing. However, this is challenging and will likely void the warranty. To change the cassette, you will either have to cut and solder the wires, or cut your tool in half to get the old cassette off.

Cutting and soldering the wires is not recommended by some users. If you do decide to cut and solder the wires, you will need to purchase a tool that measures how far your chain has stretched, as this could be the root cause of gears that have been ruined. You will also need to purchase a new cassette with the same configuration as the old one.

If you do not want to cut and solder the wires, you can cut your tool in half to get the old cassette off. You can purchase a split cassette removal tool that has already been cut in half, or you can cut your own tool in half. You will also need a chain whip to hold the cassette in place while you turn the cassette tool counterclockwise.

Once you have removed the old cassette, you can install the new one. First, remove the rear wheel from the bike. Then, unplug the cable coming from the motor and use your 18mm allen key to take the axle nuts off. After the axle nuts are off, slide the cable through the tool and slot the teeth on the tool into the cassette. Make sure the tool is fully slotted in before continuing. Next, use the chain whip to hold the cassette in place while you turn the cassette tool counterclockwise. After some force, you should feel the cassette tool give and rotate. Once that happens, you can remove the chain whip and cassette tool and take the cassette lockring off by hand. Finally, thread the new lockring on by hand, making sure it is threaded on straight. Once you have the final ring on, tighten it down with the cassette tool. If the whole cassette feels loose and moves around, the lockring needs to be tightened more.

Frequently asked questions