eBike fix guides
Straightforward troubleshooting for the 28 most common eBike problems we see on the van. When you want us to just handle it, book online or call (858) 683-6900.
Won't turn on, cuts out, mystery faults
- Why won't my eBike turn on? An eBike that will not turn on is almost always a battery, key switch, main fuse, or display cable problem. Test each in order: charged battery, key switch continuity, main fuse in the battery housing, and the display cable connection.
- Why is my eBike throttle not working? An eBike throttle that stopped working is almost always a bad throttle unit, a disconnected throttle cable, or a controller fault. Replacement throttles are cheap and swap in under 10 minutes.
- Can I ride my eBike in the rain? Most eBikes are rated IPX4 or IPX5, which means they handle rain and wet roads but not submersion. Never pressure wash an eBike, never ride through standing water above the motor, and dry electrical connectors after wet rides.
- How do I know if my eBike controller is bad? A bad eBike controller usually shows as intermittent power, error codes, motor not responding to throttle, or complete no power with a charged battery. Controllers fail from heat, water, and voltage spikes from bad chargers.
- Why is my eBike pedal assist not working? eBike pedal assist that stopped working is usually a bad PAS sensor, a misaligned magnet disc on the crank, a torque sensor calibration issue, or a controller fault. PAS sensors are cheap and swap in about 20 minutes.
- Where can I get my VanMoof repaired now that they are bankrupt? VanMoof went bankrupt in 2023 and its service network shut down. Mobile eBike mechanics with VanMoof experience are now the primary repair option. Third party parts and apps like Cowboy have filled some of the software gap.
- Where can I get my Juiced Bike repaired? Juiced Bikes went bankrupt in 2024 and stopped supporting customers. HyperScorpion, Scrambler, and CrossCurrent owners now rely on mobile eBike mechanics and third party parts to keep their bikes running.
- Why does my eBike wobble when I ride? eBike wobble is usually caused by loose headset bearings, out of true wheels, worn tires, or a bent frame. Loose headsets are the most common and the easiest fix. Do not keep riding a wobbling eBike above 15 mph.
- What tire pressure should I run on my eBike? eBike tire pressure ranges from 20 to 65 psi depending on tire width and rider weight. Fat tires (4 inch) run 15 to 25 psi, plus tires (2.5 to 3 inch) run 25 to 40 psi, and standard tires (2 inch and under) run 45 to 65 psi.
Battery, charger, and range
- Why is my eBike battery not charging? An eBike battery that will not charge usually has one of three problems: a bad charger, a bad charging port on the battery, or a BMS that has locked out to protect a failing cell. Test the charger with a multimeter first.
- Why does my eBike battery die so fast? eBike batteries lose range because of aged cells, cold weather, heavy pedal assist use, hill climbing, and dirty electrical connections. Most packs lose 20 percent of range in the first two years, and up to 50 percent by year four.
- How long do eBike batteries last? eBike batteries last 500 to 1000 full charge cycles, which is three to seven years for most riders. Life span depends on cell quality, charging habits, temperature exposure, and how deeply the pack is discharged on each ride.
- Is my eBike battery safe? An eBike battery is safe if it has a UL 2849 or UL 2271 certification, shows no swelling, cracks, or burn marks, does not get hot during charging, and comes from a reputable brand. Uncertified or damaged batteries are a fire risk.
- Why is my eBike charger not working? An eBike charger that will not work is usually a blown internal fuse, a bad output cable, or a dead power supply. Test at the plug with a multimeter. If the charger reads zero volts on the output, it is dead.
Motor and hub
- Why does my eBike motor keep cutting out? An eBike motor that cuts out under load is usually caused by battery voltage sag from aged cells, a loose battery contact, controller heat derating, or a failing brake cutoff switch falsely triggering.
- Why is my eBike hub motor grinding? A grinding hub motor almost always means worn bearings, a broken freewheel clutch, or a stripped planetary gear inside a geared hub. All three can be repaired, and geared hubs are usually cheaper to rebuild than replace.
Brakes
- Why are my eBike brakes squeaking? Squeaking eBike brakes are almost always caused by contaminated pads, glazed rotors, or misaligned calipers. Clean the rotor with isopropyl alcohol, sand the pads lightly, and align the caliper. If the squeal persists, replace the pads.
- How often should I replace eBike brake pads? eBike brake pads last 500 to 1500 miles depending on rider weight, terrain, and rain exposure. Coastal riders and daily commuters usually replace pads every 6 to 12 months. Hill riders often need pads every 3 to 6 months.
Chain, gears, and drivetrain
- Why is my eBike chain skipping? A skipping eBike chain is usually a worn chain, a worn cassette, a bent derailleur hanger, or a shift cable that has stretched. Check chain wear first with a chain checker tool. A stretched chain quickly wears the cassette.
- Why does my eBike make noise when I pedal? Pedaling noise on an eBike is usually a worn chain, a loose crank arm, dry bottom bracket bearings, or a worn pedal bearing. All four are easy fixes on site if caught early.
Displays and error codes
- What is Bosch eBike error 500? Bosch error 500 means the drive unit detected an internal electrical fault. Turn the system off and back on. If it clears, ride cautiously and monitor. If it returns, the drive unit needs a dealer diagnostic and often a firmware reflash or motor replacement.
- What is Bosch eBike error 503? Bosch error 503 is a speed sensor fault. The system cannot read the wheel speed correctly, usually because the sensor is misaligned, the spoke magnet is missing, or the sensor cable is damaged.
- What is Bosch eBike error 504? Bosch error 504 signals a speed sensor signal problem, often caused by wheel size mismatch after a tire change, or a controller expecting a different wheel size than the current setup.
- What do Bafang eBike error codes mean? Bafang error codes appear on the display as three digit numbers starting with a zero. Common codes: 021 (current abnormality), 022 (throttle abnormality), 025 (brake abnormality), 030 (communication error), and 033 (brake sensor error).
- What do Rad Power eBike error codes mean? Rad Power error codes appear on the LCD as Exx. E02 is a throttle fault, E03 is a controller communication error, E04 is a brake lever fault, E05 is a motor hall sensor error, and E30 is a display communication error.
- Why is my eBike display not turning on? An eBike display that will not turn on is usually a display cable connection issue, a dead display unit, or a battery that is not delivering power to the controller. Reseat the display cable first, then confirm battery output.
Pricing and cost guides
- How much does an eBike battery replacement cost? eBike battery replacement costs between $400 and $1200 for the pack plus $50 to $150 for installation. Rad Power OEM packs are $400 to $600, Aventon and Lectric run $450 to $800, and premium Bosch mid drive packs cost $700 to $1200.
- How much does an eBike tune up cost? eBike tune ups cost $85 to $150. Basic tune ups on standard commuter eBikes run $85, fat tire and cargo bikes run $110, and premium mid drive systems with hydraulic bleeds run $130 to $150.
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