Why Your Electric Bike Isn't Showing Speed

Is your electric bike's display not showing any data or is it stuck on an error screen? Don’t stress! Display issues are common but usually fixable. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the problem, so you can get back on the road with accurate speed readings and all the information you need. Keep reading to find out how to tackle your ebike display problems like a pro!

1. Speed Sensor Problems

The speed sensor is one of the most important parts for tracking how fast you're going. It monitors your wheel’s rotation and sends that data to your controller, which then passes it to your display. If this sensor isn’t working, your display can’t show your speed.

Loose Wiring: After some rough rides or if your bike has gone through vibrations, the wiring that connects the speed sensor to the controller can get loose. When this happens, the sensor won’t send data to the display.

Physical Damage: Sometimes the sensor can get knocked out of alignment or take a hit that damages it. This can stop it from working properly.

Dirt Buildup: Because the sensor is near the wheel or motor, dirt and grime can easily get in the way, preventing the sensor from working right.

Take a look at the sensor and check for anything that could be interfering, like loose wires or dirt. If the wiring looks fine, try cleaning the sensor gently with a cloth. If it’s physically damaged, you might need to replace it.

2. Display Screen Issues

If the display screen isn’t showing your speed, it’s not always the sensor that’s the problem. Sometimes, it’s the display itself.

Software Glitches: Just like any tech, the display can have its moments. A glitch might prevent it from showing speed, even if everything else is working fine.

Physical Damage: If the display has been dropped or is getting old, it might have some internal issues causing it not to display data.

Display Needs Calibration: After repairs or software updates, sometimes the display might need a little recalibration to start working properly again.

Try restarting your bike’s system—it could be a small software hiccup. If that doesn’t do it, check the wires connecting the display to the rest of the system. If everything seems fine but it’s still not working, you might need to reset the display or update the firmware. If nothing works, it could be time to replace the display unit.

SEE ALSO Can You Replace Your E-bike’s LCD Display with Another Type?

3. Low or Faulty Battery

A low battery can cause a lot of issues with your electric bike’s performance, and that includes the speed sensor and display. If the battery doesn’t have enough juice, the system might not be able to show speed correctly.

Battery Charge: Make sure your battery is charged up. If it's running low, it may not be able to power all the bike’s features properly, including the display and speed sensor.

Battery Health: If your bike’s battery is getting older, it might not be delivering power as effectively. This can cause inconsistent readings and issues with speed displays.

Check the battery’s charge and make sure it’s fully topped off. If it’s still causing problems, it might be worth considering replacing the battery—especially if it’s older or showing signs of wear, like swelling or leaks.

4. Controller Malfunctions

Your bike’s controller is in charge of making sure all the components, including the display and motor, are talking to each other. If there’s an issue with the controller, it can mess up the signal to the display and stop your speed from showing.

Electrical Issues: If there’s an electrical short or fault, the controller might stop working right.

Moisture Exposure: Controllers don’t do well with moisture, so if your bike’s been exposed to rain or puddles, that could cause some issues.

Worn-Out Components: Over time, the controller can degrade, and this can impact the communication between your motor, sensor, and display.

Take a look at the controller for any visible damage, like burnt areas or exposed wires. If the controller has been exposed to water, make sure it’s completely dried out. If the controller is damaged or worn out, it might need replacing.

5. Motor Issues

Your motor provides the power to your bike, and if it’s having trouble, the speed sensor may not be able to register the correct data.

Inconsistent Power: If the motor isn’t supplying power consistently, it could mess with how the sensor tracks your speed.

Electrical Faults: Just like the controller, the motor can have electrical issues that stop it from sending the correct data to the display.

Inspect the motor for any signs of damage like frayed wires or dirt buildup. Make sure all the connections are secure, and the motor is running smoothly. If there’s an internal issue, it might require professional attention or even a motor replacement.

6. Wiring Problems

Faulty wiring connections can mess up the communication between different bike components like the speed sensor, motor, and display. A small wiring issue can cause big problems.

Loose or Frayed Wires: Over time, wires can get loose or even fray, making the connections unreliable.

Exposed Wires: Wires can get damaged, especially with vibrations from riding, leading to poor connections and problems with the display.

Carefully check all the wiring around the bike. Look for any loose or damaged wires, and tighten or replace them as needed. Ensuring the wires are secure and in good condition is key to restoring proper communication between your bike's parts.

7. Software or Firmware Glitches

Like any piece of tech, e-bikes can have software or firmware issues that cause your display to act up. If the system isn’t running properly, it can prevent your speed from showing.

Check if there are any available software updates for your bike’s system. Sometimes, a quick update can fix the problem. If updating doesn’t help, you can try doing a factory reset to restore the bike’s settings.

8. Compatibility Issues

If you’ve swapped out any parts recently, like the motor or display, make sure they’re compatible with each other. Incompatible parts can cause all sorts of problems, including issues with displaying speed.

Make sure all the parts on your bike—like the sensor, motor, controller, and display—are designed to work together. If any of them are mismatched, they might not communicate properly, leading to problems with the speed reading.

Ensure all the parts you’re using are compatible. If you're unsure, check the manufacturer’s specs or consider swapping out the incompatible parts for ones that work together.

Conclusion

There’s no need to panic if your electric bike isn’t showing speed. It could be one of a few simple issues, from a loose wire to a software glitch. By checking the most common causes, you can figure out the problem and get back to riding without too much hassle. And remember, if it’s a more serious issue, a professional can help get things sorted.

FAQs

What do I do if my electric bike display is showing a blank screen?

Checking the connections and see if the display needs a reset or update. If that doesn’t help, it may be time to replace the display.

Can a low battery cause my speed reading to disappear?

Yes! If the battery is low, it might not provide enough power to the display and sensor, causing the speed to stop showing.

What should I check if my bike’s display is showing some data but not speed?

Make sure the speed sensor is clean and connected properly. Also, check the wiring and the display for any issues.

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