E-bike tuning: what was once the souped-up moped is now the modified electric bike: illegal, potentially dangerous and often downplayed. Pimping e-bikes to achieve a higher maximum speed not only has legal consequences. We will show you the legal situation regarding e-bike tuning and what measures drive manufacturers take to prevent illegal tuning.
E-bikes are legally limited to a maximum support speed of 25 km/h. After that, the motor support is automatically limited and higher speeds can only be achieved with your own muscle power. Nevertheless, some e-bikers are trying to get a few extra kilometers per hour out of their e-bike by searching the internet for ways to improve it. Tuning providers even advertise upgrading the motor to support speeds of up to 70 km/h. YouTube videos show how easy it is to manipulate the wheels. The tuning scene is becoming increasingly popular, especially among young people. In the USA, for example, young e-bike tuners are organizing illegal street races. In Germany, experts estimate that around five to ten percent of e-bikes are tuned.
E-bike tuning violates the legal requirements
However, tuning e-bikes is against the law as soon as the bike is used on public roads. " We receive quite a few inquiries from end consumers about tuning. We communicate this very clearly and don't offer any gray areas ," says Simon Gauer, product manager at the drive system manufacturer Mivice.
If the motor of a pedelec is manipulated in such a way that it supports speeds of over 25 km/h, from a legal point of view it is no longer considered a bicycle, but a moped – i.e. a different vehicle category. The modified vehicle then requires, for example, an operating permit, insurance and is no longer allowed to drive on cycle paths. Drivers also need an AM driver's license and helmets are compulsory. Violation of these regulations in public transport can result in fines or even imprisonment as well as consequences under civil law, such as liability for personal injury in the event of an accident.
Component wear during tuning increases significantly
In addition, the tuning leads to increased wear of the components. Tuned e-bikes are not permitted on the road! This is also emphasized on the websites that offer tuning kits such as tuning dongles or chip tuning. The sale of such kits is legal as long as the provider points out that the tuned wheels may only be used on private property and not on the road. Nevertheless, damage to the bike can occur, as various components are designed for the original maximum speed and are subjected to greater stress due to the increased performance. Manipulations to achieve higher speeds represent a safety risk for both the driver and other road users. In addition, any claims to guarantee, warranty and product liability through tuning are void - the tuners are left with the possible costs.
regulation by standard
In order to prevent e-bike tuning, the European standard EN 2019:15194 for electrically assisted bikes (EPAC) was introduced in 2017. This includes a chapter on "preventing unauthorized access to the engine". This gives drive manufacturers the opportunity to implement controls to prevent tuning or to determine whether the motor has been tampered with. For example, plausibility logics are prescribed in the sensors in order to detect manipulations. These can be recognized or excluded by specialist dealers or the bicycle manufacturer using data analysis during service. For example, Brose offers the option of connecting an additional sensor that can detect excessive speeds via a CAN bus, i.e. the interface for data exchange.
Manufacturers protect themselves against e-bike tuning
As early as 2021, many European drive system manufacturers committed to taking all necessary measures against tuning. For example, Bosch 's software reacts directly to illegal tuning. An error code is displayed to indicate the detected manipulation, and the motor assistance is automatically reduced. E-bike riders then have to continue riding in "limp mode" for 90 minutes with reduced motor power for the system to be reactivated. If manipulation is detected twice more after this initial period, only a specialist dealer can help and reactivate the system. However, there are already tuning solutions that can circumvent the system by simulating a false speed. The problem, therefore, lies in practice: Since there is no regular mandatory inspection for e-bikes like a vehicle inspection, it is difficult to detect and prevent tuning without a visit to a workshop.
More safety through better technology
However, there are legal ways to optimize the drive. With the help of software solutions from the manufacturers, the torque of the motor can be adapted to the application. For sporty driving, for example, a higher torque can be useful, especially for steep climbs. With the FIT-compatible drives from Panasonic and Brose, the torque can be increased from 70 or 75 Newton meters to 90 or 95 Newton meters. "It is important to note that changing the torque does not affect the maximum motor assist speed," emphasizes Bosch's Thomas Raith.
Conclusion e-bike tuning
Overall, e-bike tuning is illegal, dangerous and has legal consequences. The speed limit of 25 km/h serves to protect the driver and other road users. Drive manufacturers take measures to prevent tuning and rely on technical solutions such as plausibility logic and software interventions. It is important that all e-bikers comply with the legal regulations and refrain from tuning. The safety and protection of all road users should always come first.
The article on e-bike tuning was created in cooperation with the Press Service Bicycle.
[blog specific=”172824″ posts_per_page=”30″ taxonomy=”post_tag” order=”desc”]