How to Derestrict an Electric Bike (Safely & Legally)

If you’ve ever wished your electric bike could go just a bit faster, you’re not alone. Many e-bikes come with speed limits built in by the manufacturer—usually capped around 15.5 mph (25 km/h). 

Learning how to derestrict an electric bike gives you a way to bypass those limits, but there are a few things you should know first. 

Let’s walk through what derestriction actually means, how to do it, and what kind of rules you might be breaking (or not).

What Does Derestricting an Electric Bike Actually Do?

Derestricting an electric bike removes the speed limiter so the motor can assist you beyond the standard 15.5 mph or 25 km/h cap.

It doesn’t change the power of your motor or magically make your bike fly. What it does is allow your motor to keep helping you even after hitting the preset speed limit. 

This can make a noticeable difference if you’re riding on flat roads or going downhill, where you’d otherwise be pedaling without any motor support.

Now, it’s worth pointing out that your bike’s overall top speed still depends on things like motor size, battery capacity, and the terrain. 

If your motor is rated for 250W, derestricting won’t suddenly turn it into a 750W powerhouse. It’ll still perform within its limits—just without the governor slowing you down early.

Is It Legal to Derestrict an E-Bike?

In most places, derestricting your e-bike is illegal for use on public roads, but okay on private property.

Laws vary depending on where you live. In the UK and much of Europe, an electric bike is only considered “road legal” if the motor is 250W or less and the top assisted speed is 25 km/h (about 15.5 mph). 

Go above that, and your bike may be classified as a moped or motorcycle, which requires registration, a license, and insurance. In the U.S., things differ by state—but many still follow similar speed-based classifications.

The other side of this is practical. If your e-bike is still under warranty, making these changes might void it. 

That’s something most riders only learn the hard way—usually when something breaks, and the manufacturer won’t touch it. Also, if you crash a derestricted bike on public roads, your insurance might not cover anything.

How to Derestrict an Electric Bike

Here are some methods to remove or bypass the speed limiter on your e-bike:

• Use a tuning kit or speed chip
• Adjust settings on the display (if available)
• Try the “handy method” using a magnet trick
• Modify or replace the controller or speed sensor
• Upgrade the battery or motor (advanced)

There’s no single way to do it—it depends on your e-bike’s brand, motor type, and how tech-savvy you are. 

Let’s break down each of these approaches so you can figure out what might work for your ride.

1. Using a Tuning Kit or Speed Chip

This is the most common method. Tuning kits like Speedbox, VOLspeed, or Levociraptor plug into your motor system and trick it into thinking you’re going slower than you actually are. 

Installation is usually pretty straightforward, though some kits require removing the motor cover or messing with cables.

The good part? It’s clean and reversible. The not-so-good part? They can be pricey, and not every kit works with every motor system (Bosch, Shimano, Bafang all differ).

2. Adjusting Settings on the Display

Some e-bikes let you change the top speed limit right from the screen. This depends heavily on your bike’s brand and model. 

For example, some Bafang motors let you access a “limit speed” setting by holding certain buttons together.

It’s not always advertised, and you might need a password from the manufacturer (or find it online). But if your display supports it, this is one of the easiest and cleanest ways to remove the limit—no wires or tools needed.

3. The Magnet Trick (a.k.a. the Handy Method)

This old-school method involves moving the magnet that tracks your wheel speed from the rear wheel to somewhere like the crank arm or pedal. 

That way, the bike thinks you’re moving slower than you are. You’ll usually need some tape, zip ties, or a bit of creativity to make it work.

It’s not precise, and it might mess with your display readings, but it’s cheap and doesn’t require buying anything. Just keep in mind: it doesn’t work on all models.

4. Controller or Sensor Modification

This one’s for the more advanced riders. It involves physically altering your bike’s speed sensor or swapping out the controller for one that doesn’t cap speed. Some people even solder new components onto their existing board.

It can work well, but it also comes with higher risk—like frying your electronics or voiding your warranty permanently. This is not a Sunday afternoon DIY project unless you know your way around electronics.

5. Upgrading the Battery or Motor

If you want even more power, you might consider upgrading your battery to one with higher voltage or replacing your motor entirely. 

A more powerful battery gives your motor more juice, which can increase acceleration and top speed—if the motor is built to handle it.

This gets into serious modification territory, and it’s best left to experienced riders or bike shops that specialize in custom builds. 

Also, running higher voltage setups can generate more heat and stress on your components, so don’t cut corners here.

What to Consider Before You Derestrict

Before you mess with your bike’s speed limiter, it’s worth thinking through a few key points. Derestricting isn’t just a quick hack—it can change how your e-bike behaves in real ways.

• Warranty might be gone. Most brands won’t honor warranties if the bike’s been modified, especially if you install a tuning kit or mess with wiring.
• Brakes and tires need to keep up. Riding faster means you’ll need better stopping power and stable tires. If your current setup is entry-level, it might not handle high-speed riding well.
• Battery drains faster. The harder the motor works, the more power it uses. That means shorter rides unless you upgrade your battery too.
• Your bike will wear out faster. The extra stress on the motor, drivetrain, and electronics can lead to quicker wear and tear.
• Insurance and registration issues. A derestricted e-bike may no longer be classed as a “bicycle” legally. That could lead to trouble if you’re involved in an accident or stopped by the police.

Are There Any Risks to Derestricting an E-Bike?

Yes, derestricting an electric bike can lead to safety issues, legal trouble, and damage to the bike over time. 

It’s not just about going faster. There’s a trade-off to every change, and some of those can come back to bite you if you’re not prepared.

• Increased accident risk – Higher speeds mean less reaction time and a harder impact if something goes wrong. Without proper safety gear or control, crashes can get ugly.
• Legal fines or penalties – If you ride a derestricted bike on public roads, you could be fined, or the bike might even be seized depending on local laws.
• Voided warranty and no tech support – Once the bike is modified, many manufacturers won’t help if something breaks. You’re on your own.
• Heat and stress on electronics – Running the motor beyond its limits can cause overheating, which might damage the controller or battery.
• Unreliable speed readings – Some derestriction methods trick the bike’s sensors, meaning your speed display may no longer be accurate.

When (and Where) It’s Safe to Ride a Derestricted E-Bike

The safest place to ride a derestricted electric bike is on private property or off-road areas where motor-assisted bikes are allowed.

Public roads and bike lanes are usually off-limits once your bike goes over legal speed limits. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy faster speeds—just choose the right place for it.

If you have access to a large yard, private trail, or even a rural farm road, that’s your best bet. You won’t be breaking any laws, and there’s less risk of accidents involving pedestrians or cars. 

Some e-bike parks and off-road tracks also welcome modified bikes, especially if they’re clearly not being used as vehicles for commuting.

The bottom line? Don’t take your modified bike into traffic. It’s not worth the risk. Use it for fun, fitness, or just enjoying open space—without the stress of legal headaches.

Can You Re-Restrict an E-Bike After Modifying It?

Yes, you can usually re-restrict your e-bike, especially if you used a tuning kit or display setting to remove the limiter.

Most tuning kits come with an on/off function, so you can turn the limiter back on whenever you want. This is handy if you’re going to ride in areas with stricter rules or plan to sell the bike and want it back to stock settings.

If you used the magnet trick or messed with wiring, it’s also reversible—but it might take a bit more effort. As long as you didn’t damage any internal components, putting things back to factory condition is usually doable.

The one thing to keep in mind? If your changes triggered any system errors or updates, those might be harder to undo without help from a bike tech. So always test the re-restricted mode before assuming it’s fully back to normal.

Final Words

So—how do you derestrict an electric bike? In short, you remove or bypass the speed limiter, which lets the motor keep assisting you past the typical 15.5 mph (25 km/h) cap. 

Some folks use tuning kits, others go with handy tricks like moving the speed sensor magnet. There are also ways to change settings in the display, or even modify the controller, depending on the bike.

But here’s the thing: while it can be fun to ride faster, it’s not without trade-offs. You’ll burn through your battery quicker, increase wear on the motor, and possibly run into legal issues if you’re riding on public roads. That’s why it’s worth weighing the risks—and only doing it if you understand what you’re getting into.

If you’re still interested, just be smart about where you ride, check your local laws, and maybe don’t try it on a brand-new bike fresh out of the box. 

Some riders love the extra speed for off-road trails or wide-open spaces. Others try it once and go back to riding stock. Either way, the choice is yours—as long as it’s a thoughtful one.

FAQs

Will derestricting make my e-bike faster uphill?

Not always. It removes the speed cap, but climbing still depends on your motor power and gearing. If your bike struggles with hills now, derestricting won’t magically fix that.

Can police detect a derestricted e-bike?

Yes, in some cases. If you’re going clearly over legal limits or your bike has visible tuning parts, it can raise red flags. They might also check the display or motor for tampering.

What’s the max speed I can get?

It depends on your motor, battery, and weight. Some derestricted e-bikes can hit 28 to 35 mph on flat ground, but don’t expect those speeds from a basic 250W motor.

Does derestriction affect pedal assist or throttle?

Yes, both can feel different. The motor will assist you at higher speeds, and depending on the method, the display might read lower or glitchy numbers.

How do I know if my e-bike is unrestricted?

If you keep getting motor support past 15.5 mph (or 20 mph in the US), and your display doesn’t cap you, your bike is likely derestricted. You can also check for tuning kits or changed settings.