How to Remove a Speed Limiter on an Electric Bike: Check the Cause First

At around 25 km/h, the motor stops helping. You keep pedalling and the bike can still go faster, but it suddenly takes more effort. There is no error on the display, and the battery still has charge.

Is the speed limiter working as intended, or is something wrong with the bike? And if you do want to change the assisted speed, where should you start?

There is no universal way to remove an electric bike speed limiter. The available settings depend on the bike, display, controller and software version. Before looking for a menu or a code, establish whether assistance consistently stops at the same speed. If the motor cuts out unexpectedly well below its usual limit, you may have a fault to investigate instead.

What Does an E-Bike Speed Limiter Actually Limit?

An e-bike speed limit usually applies to motor assistance. Once the bike reaches its set assisted speed, the motor reduces or stops its output. The wheels do not lock: you may still ride faster by pedalling harder or travelling downhill.

Pedal assist levels, often labelled PAS, are a separate setting. A lower level may give you less help when starting or climbing without changing the bike’s overall assistance cut-off. That can feel like a speed restriction, even when the limit itself has not changed.

The table helps narrow down the problem; it cannot diagnose a particular bike. Repeated power loss, error codes or unusual noises call for a fault check before any speed setting is changed.

Why Does the Bike Feel Slow Before It Reaches the Limit?

A hill, headwind, heavier load or low tyre pressure can prevent a bike from reaching the speed you expect. Cold weather, a low battery and a lower PAS level can also change how much assistance you feel. None of these, on its own, proves that an extra speed restriction has been applied.

Pay attention to the pattern. Does assistance stop at nearly the same speed on every ride? Does it return as soon as you slow down? Did the bike behave the same way under similar conditions before? If it used to ride normally but now repeatedly loses assistance at a much lower speed, increasing a speed setting is unlikely to address the cause.

Check the battery charge, selected assist level and tyre pressure. Look for obvious brake drag and note any error code on the display. If you contact support, a record of the approximate speed, route conditions, battery level and display reading is more useful than simply saying the bike feels “limited”.

How Should You Approach Speed Limiter Removal?

Start with the manual and the manufacturer’s information for your exact model. Confirm whether the speed at which assistance stops matches the bike’s supplied setting. Then check the full model name, the market in which it was purchased, and the display and controller versions. Bikes with similar names or screens may use different controls.

If the manufacturer has not published instructions for your version, ask its support team whether the assisted speed can be changed and, if so, how to do it correctly. Ask how to restore the original setting and whether the change could affect your warranty. A password or parameter from another model is not reliable guidance for your bike, even if the displays look alike.

Changing the wheel-size value to make a bike under-report its speed is not a proper adjustment. It makes the speed and distance readings inaccurate and can make later troubleshooting harder.

What If Assistance Still Stops at the Same Speed Afterwards?

Avoid changing several more parameters to see what happens. Check whether the setting was saved as the manufacturer instructs and whether the display needed to be restarted. Also confirm what you changed: an overall assisted-speed limit, a limit for one PAS level, or merely the display units. Switching from km/h to mph changes the number shown, not the bike’s performance.

If the setting appears to be saved but the riding behaviour has not changed, send the manufacturer your model and version details, along with photographs of the original and current settings. A display that accepts a higher number does not mean the motor, battery and controller can deliver the speed represented by that number.

Photograph the original setting before making an authorised adjustment. If the manufacturer provides a way to restore it, follow the instructions for your version and confirm the value has saved. If an error appears or the bike behaves abnormally, stop trying other online settings and contact support.

Why Does 25 km/h Matter for Riding in Europe?

Article 2(2)(h) of EU Regulation No 168/2013 describes a particular type of pedal-assisted cycle that is excluded from the regulation’s type-approval scope. Its conditions cover more than assisted speed:

These are the conditions for the specific type of cycle described in that provision. They are not a complete test for whether every electric bike may be used on a public road in Europe. Setting a bike’s assistance to 25 km/h does not, by itself, establish its vehicle category or road-use status.

Changing the assisted speed may also affect the conditions under which a bike can be used. Before riding on public roads, cycle routes or across national borders, check the bike’s power, drive behaviour, certification documents, vehicle category and the rules where you intend to ride. A manufacturer-supported setting does not automatically make that setting suitable for public-road use.

Does Removing a Speed Limiter Always Void the Warranty?

There is no single answer for every brand. Warranty coverage depends on the manufacturer’s terms, what was changed and whether the change caused the fault. Replacing a controller or altering wiring is different from using a setting supported by the manufacturer.

For example, the Vitilan warranty policy excludes defects or damage caused by unauthorised modifications and problems caused by improper adjustments. Check what your manufacturer supports and keep its reply. If the bike already cuts out or shows an error, have that issue investigated before considering a speed change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ride faster than 25 km/h after motor assistance stops?

Yes. The assistance cut-off means the motor stops helping at the set speed; it does not prevent you from pedalling faster or gaining speed downhill.

Is there one password that removes the limiter on every e-bike?

No. Displays, controllers and software vary between models and versions. Some manufacturers do not provide a rider-accessible adjustment at all. Use guidance issued for your exact bike and version.

Why does assistance weaken before 25 km/h?

Check the PAS level, battery charge, hills, wind, tyre pressure and possible brake drag. If assistance cuts out suddenly, happens repeatedly or comes with an error code, investigate a fault before changing speed settings.

Does setting assistance to 25 km/h make an e-bike compliant with EU rules?

Not necessarily. Continuous rated power, the way the motor assists, vehicle category, certification and local requirements also matter. The speed setting alone is not enough to decide.

How can a Vitilan owner obtain the correct speed limiter instructions?

Vitilan electric bikes are supplied with a default 25 km/h speed limit. Owners who want to change it can provide their model and version details to Vitilan customer support for the appropriate instructions. Once derestricted, the bikes can reach up to 45 km/h; actual speed depends on riding conditions, load and battery charge.