Hey friends! 👋
If you’ve been riding your eBike for a while, chances are you’ve run into a few electrical issues here and there. Don’t worry—you’re not alone. I’ve dealt with my fair share of eBike headaches, both for myself and for customers at the shop. The good news? Most of the common problems aren’t as scary as they seem.
In this post, I’ll walk you through some of the most common eBike electrical problems and how to fix them yourself—without needing to be an electrician.
1. Your eBike Won’t Turn On
What might be wrong:
- Battery isn’t charged or connected properly
- Loose wiring
- Faulty power button or display
What to do:
- First, check if the battery is fully charged and seated properly.
- Make sure all connectors (especially near the controller and display) are plugged in tight.
- Try turning it on again after removing and reinserting the battery.
- If nothing works, plug the battery into the charger. If the charger light doesn’t turn on, the charger itself might be faulty.
Quick tip: I once thought my eBike was dead… turned out the battery just wasn’t clicked in all the way 😅. Always start with the simple stuff!
2. Display Turns On, But Motor Doesn’t Work
What might be wrong:
- Throttle or pedal assist sensor issue
- Brake sensor is stuck
- Controller problem
What to do:
- Check if your brake levers are stuck or not fully returning—many eBikes have safety sensors that cut motor power when brakes are engaged.
- Wiggle the throttle gently while watching the display—if the power doesn’t spike, the throttle might be faulty.
- If you’re using pedal assist, see if it kicks in after a few rotations. If not, the PAS sensor could be loose or dirty.
3. Battery Drains Too Fast
What might be wrong:
- Old or damaged battery
- Riding in full throttle mode all the time
- Riding uphill or carrying heavy loads often
What to do:
- Try using pedal assist more than throttle to save battery.
- Lower your power level setting if your eBike has one.
- If your battery is a couple of years old, it might just be time for a new one.
Real talk: I once did a 15-mile ride on full power mode with a backpack full of tools… the battery gave up halfway. Lesson learned!
4. Error Codes on Display
What might be wrong:
- Each brand has different error codes, but they usually point to issues with the motor, battery, or sensors.
What to do:
- Look up the specific error code in your eBike’s manual or online.
- Most of the time, unplugging and replugging the connectors (especially the motor cable) fixes it.
- If it keeps coming back, you might need a pro to check the controller or motor.
5. Lights Not Working
What might be wrong:
- Loose wire or blown bulb
- Controller not sending power to the lights
What to do:
- Check if the lights are connected properly and the wires aren’t damaged.
- If your lights are powered by the main battery, make sure the controller is allowing power through.
- Try replacing the bulb or LED light strip if it’s still not working.
Final Thoughts
Most eBike electrical problems look more complicated than they actually are. With a little patience and a bit of trial and error, you can fix a lot of issues yourself. Just take your time, check the basics first, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you get stuck.
And remember—if you’re ever unsure or don’t want to mess with the wires, take it to your local bike shop. If you’re near Stratford, come by and I’ll be happy to take a look 😉
Happy riding and stay charged up!