How to Remove Speed Limiter on an Electric Bike (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you’ve ever felt like your e-bike isn’t reaching its full potential, you might be wondering how to remove the speed limiter on an electric bike. Many e-bikes come with built-in speed restrictions to comply with regulations, but some riders want to unlock extra speed for a more thrilling ride.

Before you make any changes, though, it’s important to understand how speed limiters work, why they’re used, and what risks come with removing them.

This guide will walk you through the process step by step while covering the legal and safety aspects you need to know.

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What is a Speed Limiter on Electric Bikes?

A speed limiter on an electric bike is a system that restricts the bike’s motor from exceeding a certain speed, typically between 15-28 mph, depending on local regulations.

Manufacturers install speed limiters to ensure e-bikes comply with safety laws and reduce the risk of accidents. The limiter works by cutting motor power once the bike reaches its preset top speed. Some e-bikes have software-based restrictions, while others use physical components like sensors or wiring to cap speed.

While speed limiters help with safety and battery efficiency, they can sometimes feel limiting—especially for riders who want a little more speed on open roads. That’s why many look for ways to remove or bypass them.

Why Are Speed Limiters Used?

Speed limiters are installed on e-bikes to control maximum speed and keep them legally classified as bicycles rather than motor vehicles.

Beyond legal reasons, speed limiters help prevent excessive wear on the motor and battery, reducing overheating and extending the lifespan of the bike.

They also improve safety, as higher speeds make braking distances longer and increase the risk of losing control, especially in urban areas.

Legal Considerations Before Removing a Speed Limiter

Before making any changes, it’s smart to check your local laws. In many places, removing a speed limiter means your e-bike is no longer legally considered a bicycle—it could be classified as a motor vehicle, requiring registration, insurance, or even a license.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

USA: Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are limited to 20 mph, while Class 3 can go up to 28 mph. Removing the limiter may require registration.
UK & EU: E-bikes are legally capped at 15.5 mph. Anything faster may be considered a moped or motorcycle.
Australia: Speed limits vary by state but generally cap at 15-20 mph.

Tampering with the limiter may also void your warranty or impact insurance claims if something goes wrong.

How to Remove Speed Limiter on an Electric Bike

Here’s how to remove the speed limiter on your e-bike:

Turn Off the Bike & Disconnect the Battery – Always power down before working on electrical components.
Locate the Controller Box – Usually found near the battery or under the frame.
Find the Speed Limiter – This could be a wire, sensor, or software setting inside the controller.
Modify or Remove the Limiter – Depending on your bike, this may involve unplugging a wire, adjusting display settings, or using a tuning device.
Reassemble & Test – Put everything back together, reconnect the battery, and test your bike in a safe area.

Keep in mind that not all bikes allow for easy limiter removal. Some require firmware adjustments or third-party devices to override the speed cap.

Different Ways to Remove Speed Limiter on an E-Bike

There are several ways to bypass or remove the speed limiter, depending on your bike model. Below are some common methods:

1. Adjusting the Display Settings (If Supported)

Some e-bikes allow speed adjustments through the onboard display.

Power on your e-bike and access the settings menu.
Look for a “speed limit” option (may require a password or code).
Increase the speed limit or disable the restriction if allowed.

Note: Not all e-bikes have this option, and some require manufacturer access codes.

2. Disconnecting the Speed Sensor

Most e-bikes have a speed sensor on the rear wheel that tells the controller when to cut power.

Locate the sensor near the wheel hub.
Disconnect or reposition the magnet to trick the system.
Test the bike—if done correctly, the motor should no longer limit speed.

3. Using a Speed Tuning Device (Aftermarket Dongle/Chip)

Aftermarket devices can override the factory speed settings by tricking the controller into thinking the bike is going slower than it actually is.

Purchase a tuning module compatible with your e-bike model.
Install it between the motor and controller following manufacturer instructions.
Activate the device and test ride the bike.

Pros: Easy to install and reversible. Cons: Can be expensive and may void warranties.

4. Cutting the Speed Limiter Wire (For Wired Limiters)

Some e-bikes have a physical wire that controls speed limitations.

Open the controller box and find the limiter wire (often labeled).
Cut or unplug the wire.
Reassemble the controller and test your bike.

Warning: Incorrectly modifying wiring can damage the bike’s electrical system.

5. Reprogramming the Controller (For Advanced Users)

If your e-bike has a programmable controller, you can modify the firmware to remove speed limits.

Connect the controller to a computer using a USB cable.
Use software (if available) to adjust speed settings.
Save changes and reboot the system.

This method requires technical knowledge and carries the risk of bricking your controller.

Alternative Ways to Increase E-Bike Speed Without Removing the Limiter

If you want a little extra speed without tampering with the limiter, there are a few simple upgrades and tweaks that can make a noticeable difference.

Upgrade to a Higher Voltage Battery – A battery with a higher voltage can supply more power to the motor, giving you extra speed and acceleration. Just make sure your controller can handle the increase.
Switch to a More Powerful Motor – Some e-bikes come with weaker motors to meet legal limits. Swapping it for a higher-wattage motor (if compatible) can give you more speed.
Use Smoother, Thinner Tires – Off-road or wide tires create more friction. Switching to thinner, road-friendly tires reduces rolling resistance and lets you ride faster with less effort.
Reduce Bike Weight – A lighter e-bike moves more efficiently. Removing unnecessary accessories or carrying a lighter load can make a difference in speed.
Adjust Riding Position – Sitting lower or leaning forward reduces air resistance, making it easier to reach higher speeds.
Improve Pedal Assist Settings – If your e-bike has multiple pedal assist levels, adjusting them to higher settings can help you reach top speeds faster.

Testing and Safety Checks After Modifications

how to remove speed limiter on electric bike

Once you’ve made changes to your e-bike, don’t just hop on and hit full throttle. Take some time to test things out carefully.

Start with a slow ride in a safe area. Check if the bike responds smoothly when accelerating and braking. Sudden jerks, overheating, or loss of power are red flags that something isn’t right.

Pay close attention to battery performance. If your modifications cause the battery to drain much faster or overheat, you may need to reconsider your setup. Running a motor beyond its intended limits can shorten battery life or even cause permanent damage.

Finally, double-check your brakes. The faster you go, the longer it takes to stop. Upgrading to better brake pads or hydraulic disc brakes can prevent dangerous situations, especially at higher speeds.

Is Removing the Speed Limiter Worth It?

Removing the speed limiter on an e-bike can make it go faster, but it also comes with risks, including legal issues, safety concerns, and potential damage to your bike’s components.

If you frequently ride in areas where speed restrictions don’t apply, and you’re comfortable with the risks, modifying your e-bike may make sense. However, keep in mind that higher speeds put extra stress on the motor, battery, and brakes, which can lead to faster wear and tear.

For most riders, alternative speed-enhancing methods—like upgrading the battery or switching to better tires—are safer and more practical. If you do decide to remove the limiter, make sure you understand the consequences before making any changes.

Conclusion

Removing the speed limiter on an electric bike can increase your top speed, but it’s not always the best idea. It may affect safety, void your warranty, and even make your bike illegal to ride on public roads.

If you still want more speed, consider legal alternatives like upgrading your battery, using better tires, or adjusting your riding style. These changes can improve performance without putting you at risk.

At the end of the day, speed is great, but safety and reliability matter more. Ride smart, and enjoy the road!

FAQs

Is it legal to remove the speed limiter on an e-bike?

It depends on where you live. In many places, removing the limiter makes your bike legally classified as a motor vehicle, meaning you might need a license, insurance, and registration.

Will removing the limiter damage my e-bike?

It can. Running at higher speeds puts extra strain on the motor, battery, and controller, potentially leading to overheating or reduced lifespan.

How fast can an e-bike go without a speed limiter?

This depends on the motor. Some e-bikes can reach 30-35 mph or more after removing the limiter, but performance varies by model.

Can I put the speed limiter back after removing it?

Yes, in most cases. If you used a software setting or a tuning device, you can reverse the changes. However, if you cut wires or altered firmware, it may be permanent.