Why Won’t My E-Bike Turn On?

The invention of e-bikes shows how much smart vehicles have progressed over the years. Many people all around the world are embracing this mode of transport. The electrical component makes electric bicycles easier to use than standard bikes. However, it also comes along with some issues. Like any other electrical device, your e-bike will only run smoothly if all its parts function correctly. Here are some reasons why your e-bike is not turning on.

Low, Dead, or Flat Battery

If your e-bike’s battery dies or runs low, it prevents the display system from powering on. Various issues like aging, overcharging, a manufacturing defect, or improper battery management could cause your e-bike’s battery to start malfunctioning or draining too fast. In the case of overcharging, the battery management system cuts off power to protect this component from overheating.

Improperly positioned prongs can also cause a failing battery and prevent your e-bike from starting because it cannot complete an electrical circuit. Consequently, the system will not produce the power needed to start a cycle.

Fortunately, several fixes can solve this problem. To start with, you can increase the load by pedaling harder when riding uphill or on steep inclines. Also, recharge the battery so that it will deliver adequate power to the bike’s motors and connector.

Remember that leaving the battery uncharged for many weeks or months may affect its ability to recharge. It might also start losing power quicker than usual. In some cases, the battery may become defective and need replacing. If you need an e-bike battery, consider purchasing one from Westshore Marine & Leisure.

Place this unit in a warm room to enable it to acquire enough power. It is crucial to note that an e-bike’s battery works best in a temperature range of 10-25 degrees Celsius.

Avoid overcharging the battery or leaving it on charge regularly. This will help protect the battery pack. If your e-bike uses lithium batteries, charge them up to about 85% to extend their life span.

Your e-bike’s battery will also likely stop working correctly if the wires connecting it to the circuit get mud or debris on them. So, make sure to inspect and clean the links whenever your bike fails to start.

Loose Connections

The rear driving motors have wires that supply power and facilitate communication with the controller. Over time, the cables can fray, and the terminals can burn out. This problem will likely occur when storing your bike or riding it on a rough surface.

A loose connection in the e-bike’s system prevents the battery pack from transferring power to different components such as the throttle. In extreme cases, it causes excessive power loss since the controller fails to communicate effectively with the rear motor.

The battery pins are also likely to break if you handle your e-bike poorly or interfere with the access points between your battery and other components. Resolving this issue requires a high level of skill. The right step to take in such a situation is to hire a professional e-bike mechanic. He or she might need to weld to fix the battery pins.

The mechanic will also unclip the connections at each joint and reconnect them. He or she should also fully insert the battery pack into the cradle. To test whether this connection is correct, rock the battery pack up and down and side to side. A fully connected one should not release.

Water in the Motor

Some people turn their e-bikes upside down when washing them. This enables them to clean every part, including the hard-to-reach spots. Many manufacturers try to seal the battery pack and motor to protect the electrical components from external elements. However, the repositioning can cause water to reach the battery and motor and affect the bike’s performance.

If you wash your e-bike frequently, leave it outside to dry. Alternatively, you can use a dry cloth to wipe the water off the bike and see if it will turn on. You should also store it in a dry place, especially in winter.

Damaged Pedal Assist System

A malfunctioning pedal assist system can cause occasional power cutoffs and prevent your e-bike from turning on. This mechanical issue will likely occur when you adjust the pedals or wheels. Misaligned sensors and pedal assist magnets on the front sprocket can also cause the error. Allow a bike mechanic to adjust the magnet and sensors or replace any damaged component of the pedal assist system.

Damaged Controller

A controller is an e-bike’s central processing unit. It receives signals from the velocity sensor to turn the bike on or off, brake, or speed up. Various factors, such as extended use or a failing battery, can cause the controller to overheat, malfunction, or burn out.

For example, a malfunctioning battery is likely to cause over-currents and cause this component to overheat. Additionally, the wire connection on the terminal can get damaged.

These issues prevent communication between the bike’s motors and batteries. As a result, your e-bike will fail to turn on or become unresponsive. An experienced bike mechanic can solve this issue by replacing the connection terminals and installing new controller pins. If necessary, he or she can replace the controller.

Error Codes on the Computer Display

If a code appears on your e-bike’s display multiple times, it signifies that the battery pack or motor has an issue. All you need to do for the bike to start functioning again is to restart and reset it.

You should also check the user manual to confirm the type of code error you are dealing with. If resetting the system does not resolve the problem, consider seeking assistance from a professional dealer.

Misaligned Spoke Magnet

The spoke magnet should align properly with the velocity sensor when your e-bike’s wheel spins. The two should also have the right distance between them. Wrong positioning affects power transmission to the motors. It also prevents the bike’s central processing unit from coordinating and registering with the velocity sensor. As a result, the motor does not activate when you try to turn your e-bike on.

An expert can fix this by realigning the velocity sensor with the magnet. Check the user’s manual to confirm the accurate distance for spacing the two components. Additionally, remove any dirt or mud that may have accumulated on the magnet.

Jammed Throttle

Your throttle communicates with the controller to get your bike moving. However, this component can sometimes get stuck when you turn your bike off. This issue will affect communication between the throttle and controller the next time you try to start your bike. The poor positioning can also cause poor power transmission and prevent the system from turning on.

The best way to fix a damaged or unresponsive throttle is to inspect the connections. You should also consider lubricating it. An experienced mechanic can also decide to replace the entire throttle system if it is beyond repair.

Braking System Is Not Releasing

An e-bike that uses an electronic braking system needs adequate battery power to start and run smoothly. Insufficient power keeps the brakes closed and prevents the bike from starting. It might also tighten the brake cable and pads and cause the brake handgrips to stick, hence restricting you from riding.

If you experience this issue, consider checking whether the wires connecting the display and braking systems are intact. A professional mechanic can also help you loosen the disc brakes and make an adjustment to free the wheel. Also, charge the battery pack and ensure it has adequate power for the electric braking system.

Defective Switches

E-bike manufacturers mount a power button on the throttle. The role of this button is to start the bike. There are also other essential function keys on display. Turning the bike on becomes impossible if any of these buttons are damaged.

Riding Before the System Activates

Trying to ride your electric bicycle before its computer system switches on completely may prevent it from turning on. If you do this repeatedly, the bike might stop working entirely. Therefore, give the computer display unit several seconds to activate fully before you set off.

Refrain from using power packs to propel the bike for the first few minutes. If you need more power on your journey, start at the lowest setting and then increase it toward the bike’s turbo on the motor. Doing so will enable you to have a smooth ride. It will also help protect the battery’s capacity and extend its life span.

To sum up, an e-bike failing to start can inconvenience you, especially if you ride it to work or on road trips. Fortunately, repairing, replacing, or upgrading some components can resolve this issue. Protect this considerable investment by hiring a professional bicycle mechanic to examine your e-bike and identify and troubleshoot the issue affecting its performance. Schedule an appointment with qualified bike mechanics at Westshore Marine & Leisure for reliable repair services.