Brake Cut-Off: Why Pedal Assist StopsUpdated 20 days ago

Ridewave e-bikes and e-trikes use a brake cut-off safety feature. The moment either brake lever is activated, the motor stops assisting. This prevents the motor from driving the vehicle while you are trying to slow down.

A slight lever movement is enough

You do not need to brake firmly for the cut-off to activate. A small pull, or even resting fingers on a lever, can be enough to put the lever into its activated position. The mechanical brakes may not feel as though they are slowing you down, but the motor will still stop assisting.

For this reason, do not pedal and brake at the same time. After braking, allow the lever to return fully before resuming pedal assistance.

Test 1: rule out hand position

In a flat, quiet area where you can safely control the vehicle:

1. Place your hands on the grips without resting fingers on either brake lever. 2. Pedal with both levers fully released. 3. Check whether assistance remains steady.

If assistance now works normally, the issue was likely unintentional light contact with a brake lever. This is particularly common while riders are getting used to a new e-bike or e-trike.

Test 2: check whether the brake signal remains active

If assistance still stops while both levers are released, ask another person to watch the rear light while you are stationary, or during a safe low-speed check. Do not turn around to watch the light yourself while riding.

Some models have a normal rear tail light when the lights are switched on. Ask the observer to look for the brighter brake-light response that happens when a lever is pressed, then see whether that response goes away when the lever is released.

If the brake-light response stays on without either lever being used, the brake lever, cable or cut-off sensor may be too tight or overly sensitive.

What to do with the result

• Assist returns when hands are clear of the levers: adjust your riding hand position and make sure both levers return freely.
• Brake-light response remains active: arrange a simple brake service with a qualified bike shop, such as 99 Bikes. They can check cable tension, lever return and brake safety. This is normally routine maintenance, especially after a period of riding.
• No active brake signal, but assistance still cuts out: use our motor-assistance cut-out guide for the next checks, including speed reading and sensor alignment.

Do not loosen brake components or disconnect cut-off wiring unless you are qualified to do so. The brakes must remain correctly adjusted and safe.

Stop riding and get help if

Stop riding if either brake feels weak, loose, unusually stiff or damaged; if the vehicle does not stop predictably; or if motor assistance cuts out unpredictably and affects safe control.

For a possible fault, submit a warranty claim with your model, order number, a photo/video of the rear-light behaviour if safely available, and details of which lever triggers the issue. For general help, contact Ridewave, call +61 468 095 888, or email [email protected].