Trystan Casey
Electric bikes are typically designed with speed limiters to ensure rider safety and regulatory compliance. These limiters cap the motor power to control the electric bike's speed within the allowed range, which is usually 20-28 mph in the United States. While some riders seek higher speeds for a faster commute or a more exhilarating ride, removing the speed limiter can increase the risk of accidents and void warranties. It may also breach local traffic laws, which vary across regions. In Europe, unregistered e-bikes are restricted to 25 km/h, while the US limit is 32 km/h. Riders who want to bypass speed limits can use tiny devices installed into the motor, such as Speedbox or Wiesel, which cost around €125-189.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for speed limiter | Safety and regulatory adherence |
| Speed limit in the US | 20 mph for most bike classes; 28 mph for Class 3 models |
| Speed limit in Europe | 25 km/h for unregistered (standard) e-bikes |
| Risks of bypassing speed limiter | Increased risk of accidents, legal issues, reduced device life, voided warranties |
| Methods to bypass speed limiter | Tiny device installed into the motor, such as Speedbox or Wiesel |
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What You'll Learn
Speed limiters are a safety feature to prevent accidents
Speed limiters on electric bikes are an essential safety feature designed to prevent accidents and ensure rider safety. By restricting the maximum speed, speed limiters help reduce the risk of accidents caused by excessive speeds. This is especially important in congested or urban areas with high pedestrian traffic and complex road networks, where higher speeds can exponentially increase the risk of accidents and severe injuries.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highlights the potential hazards of high-speed electric bike incidents, reporting that e-bikes involved in high-speed accidents often result in more severe injuries compared to traditional bicycles. Speed limiters help mitigate these risks by controlling the maximum speed, improving rider safety, and complying with relevant laws and regulations.
In addition to safety, speed limiters are crucial for regulatory compliance. Many countries and regions have specific requirements for the maximum speed of e-bikes. In the United States, for example, federal regulations categorize e-bikes as bicycles if their maximum speed under motor power alone is 20 mph, with some local variations allowing up to 28 mph for specific classes. Speed limiters ensure that e-bikes adhere to these legal speed limits and are classified appropriately.
Furthermore, speed limiters help ensure that e-bikes are compatible with existing infrastructure. Bike lanes and pathways are often designed assuming a maximum speed compatible with conventional cycling speeds. Without speed limiters, e-bikes could exceed these speeds, creating conflicts with traditional bicycles and posing an undue burden on the infrastructure.
While some individuals may be tempted to bypass the speed limiter to increase their e-bike's speed, it is important to prioritize safety and legal compliance. Removing the speed limiter can void warranties, breach local traffic laws, and significantly increase the risk of accidents and severe injuries. Therefore, it is imperative to approach any modifications with a full understanding of the potential risks and legal implications, always putting safety first.
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Removing a speed limiter may be illegal and void warranties
Speed limiters are imposed on electric bikes for safety reasons, to reduce the risk of accidents and ensure compatibility with existing infrastructure. The legality of removing a speed limiter varies by region, but it often voids warranties and can breach local traffic laws. For example, in the United States, federal regulations categorize e-bikes as bicycles if they have a maximum speed of 20 mph when operated under motor power alone and a motor of less than 750 watts. Removing a speed limiter from an e-bike can promise faster commutes and more exhilarating rides, but it is important to approach this decision with a full understanding of the potential risks and legal implications.
In some cases, speed limiter removal can increase a vehicle's performance and overall driving experience. For instance, for trucks or tractors on the road, removing the speed limiter will make it easier to keep up on busier roads such as motorways or country roads. However, it is important to note that the legality of speed limiter removal depends on the type of vehicle, its weight, and manufacturing date. For example, the European Commission has made it mandatory for all cars made after 6 July 2022, to have a speed limiter, and for new cars that have already been launched to be fitted with an ISA by 7 July 2024.
It is worth noting that modifying the speed limiter may void warranties and affect the safety of the rider and other road users. While some e-bikes can exceed 28 mph, doing so generally requires modifications that may not be legal or safe. Recent studies have shown that the incidence of traffic accidents involving e-bikes has risen, with high-speed incidents often resulting in more severe injuries. Therefore, it is imperative to prioritize safety and maintaining control rather than reaching top speeds.
Before removing a speed limiter, it is essential to research the local laws and regulations regarding speed limits for electric bikes. It is also important to consider the potential risks and legal implications of modifying the vehicle. While there may be ways to mechanically remove the speed limiter, it is not always the safest option. Ensuring that your tires and driving skills are up to the task of handling higher speeds is crucial. Additionally, keep in mind that modifying your vehicle may void any warranties or guarantees provided by the manufacturer.
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Speedbox chips can be purchased to unlock speed limiters
SpeedBox tuning chips can be purchased to unlock speed limiters on electric bikes. SpeedBox produces tuning chips that suppress the speed limiter on electric bikes with mid drives made by various manufacturers, including Bosch, Shimano, Yamaha, Giant, Bafang, Brose, Flyon, Panasonic, OLI, and Impulse. These chips allow riders to utilize the full potential of their e-bikes, with maximum speed limited only by their pedalling rate.
SpeedBox tuning chips are easy to install, requiring only basic tools and following a simple and intuitive process with original connectors that prevent improper connection. SpeedBox also offers a lifetime warranty on their products, guaranteeing their functionality for the entire lifespan of the e-bike.
For e-bikes with Shimano mid motors, SpeedBox offers the SpeedBox 1.2 for Shimano E8000, E7000, E6100, and E5000 models, as well as the SpeedBox 1.3 for the Shimano EP8 model. These chips completely eliminate the 25 km/h speed limit, and the display shows the actual speed up to 23 km/h. SpeedBox also offers Bluetooth-enabled versions of these chips, allowing riders to adjust the speed limit and view the real speed, as well as pair their e-bike with the SpeedBox mobile application.
For older e-bike models with Shimano motors, SpeedBox continues to offer their original tuning chip, the SpeedBox 1.0 for Shimano E6000. Similarly, for e-bikes with Bosch mid motors, SpeedBox provides several options, including the SpeedBox 3.0 B.Tuning, 1.1 B.Tuning, and 1.2 B.Tuning, which are all equipped with Bluetooth connectivity to pair with the SpeedBox App.
While SpeedBox tuning chips offer a way to unlock speed limiters, it is important to consider the safety and legal implications. Removing speed limiters from e-bikes can increase the risk of accidents and may not comply with local traffic laws, potentially voiding warranties.
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Speed limiters reduce the life of the battery and motor
Speed limiters on electric bikes are there for a reason—to ensure safety and regulatory adherence. Removing the speed limiter from your electric bike will demand more power from the battery, leading to faster battery depletion and a reduced range. This extra demand will also shorten the battery's lifespan, meaning you'll need to replace it sooner than expected.
The speed of an electric bike is addictive, especially when climbing steep hills. However, the limited assisted top speed isn't enough for some people. The controllers on some electric bikes allow you to tweak specific settings, such as changing how much power each assistance mode gives you. Some controllers also provide access to the speed limiter, so you can increase or remove it altogether. Check the owner's manual to see how to make the adjustment on your electric bike.
It is fairly easy to remove the speed limiter and doesn't require specialist tools. Most electric bikes with hub-mounted motors have a sensor that measures your speed via a magnet attached to the wheel. Each time the magnet gets close to the sensor, the sensor sends a signal to the controller, which then calls power from the motor depending on the assistance level. By moving the sensor to a different part of the bike, you can reduce how frequently the magnet passes it, thus manipulating how the controller calculates your speed. Therefore, by mounting the sensor to a point on your bike that the wheel passes more slowly, the motor will continue to work at higher speeds.
However, removing the speed limiter can void warranties and breach local traffic laws. It can also put more stress on the components that are not designed for the increase in speed. For example, your brakes might not be powerful enough to bring you to a stop safely in an emergency. Riding faster also requires more skill, so inexperienced electric bike riders who've de-restricted their bikes may put themselves in danger.
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Speed limiters are designed to comply with local laws
Speed limiters on electric bikes are designed to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations. In the United States, federal regulations categorise e-bikes as bicycles if they have a maximum speed of 20 mph when operated under motor power alone and a motor of less than 750 watts. However, the legal speed limits for e-bikes can vary depending on the jurisdiction and local laws. For example, in California, Class 3 e-bikes can reach speeds of up to 28 mph, while in New York, e-bikes are limited to 20 mph for Class 1 and 2, and 28 mph for Class 3.
The primary purpose of speed limiters is to enhance safety by preventing excessive speeds that can lead to accidents. High speeds on e-bikes can significantly increase the risk of accidents and injuries, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic and complex road networks. By limiting the top speed, speed limiters help riders maintain control over their bikes and react effectively in traffic, minimising potential collisions with vehicles and pedestrians.
In addition to safety, speed limiters are designed to ensure that e-bikes do not pose an undue burden on infrastructure. The design of bike lanes and pathways often assumes a maximum speed compatible with conventional cycling speeds. Without speed limiters, e-bikes could create conflicts with traditional bicycles and impact the existing infrastructure.
Speed limiters also provide benefits to riders beyond safety and regulatory compliance. By controlling the top speed, speed limiters help extend battery life by reducing excessive battery discharge. They also improve driving stability at higher speeds, making the riding experience more comfortable and dynamic.
While some riders may be tempted to remove the speed limiter to increase the e-bike's speed, it is important to consider the potential risks and legal implications. Removing the speed limiter can void warranties, breach local traffic laws, and increase the risk of accidents. It is crucial for e-bike owners to understand the local regulations and prioritise safety and compliance when making any modifications to their vehicles.
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Frequently asked questions
A speed limiter is a feature built into electric bikes that limits the maximum speed of the bike. It is designed to ensure the safety of the rider and comply with local laws.
Some riders seek out higher speeds for a faster riding experience and to save time on long commutes.
You can buy a tiny device that is installed into the motor itself. These plastic-coated chips connect to your motor via a couple of cables. The most common is Speedbox, which is easy to mount and allows you to set the speed you want for limiting the motor assistance.
Removing the speed limiter can increase the risk of traffic accidents, void warranties, breach local traffic laws, reduce the life of the battery and motor, and cause bike damage.
