Motor Assistance Cuts In and Out While RidingUpdated a day ago
If pedal assistance on your Ridewave e-bike or e-trike cuts in and out, do not assume the motor has failed. Two common first checks are the brake cut-off safety system and the wheel speed sensor. Please work through the checks below in a quiet, flat area only if the vehicle still feels safe to control.
Stop riding first if
Do not continue troubleshooting while riding if the cut-out is sudden or frequent, the brakes feel unsafe, steering or wheels feel loose, there is damaged wiring, or an error code appears on the display. Switch the vehicle off and submit a warranty claim instead.
1. Rule out brake cut-off activation
The motor is designed to stop assisting as soon as either brake lever is activated. This is a safety feature. Even a very light pull or movement can trigger it—you may not feel noticeable braking.
On a short, clear test ride:
1. Keep both hands in a position where your fingers are not resting on either brake lever. 2. Pedal without touching the brakes. Do not pedal and brake at the same time, even lightly. 3. Notice whether assistance remains steady when both levers are fully released.
If the problem disappears, the brake cut-off was likely being activated by hand position or a lever that was not returning fully.
2. Check whether a brake signal is staying on
If assistance still stops with both levers released, ask another person to observe the rear brake light while you are stationary or riding slowly in a safe private area. Do not turn around to look while riding.
The normal tail light and the brighter brake-light response can be different. If the brake-light response remains active when neither lever is being used, the brake cable, lever or cut-off sensor may be too tight or overly sensitive. A simple brake service at a qualified bike shop, such as 99 Bikes, can check cable tension, lever return and brake safety. This is common routine maintenance after a bike has been ridden for a period of time.
Do not loosen brake parts yourself unless you are confident doing so—the brakes must remain safe and correctly adjusted.
3. Check the speed reading and sensor area
If the display speed jumps, reads incorrectly, or drops to zero at the same time assistance stops, check the external wheel speed sensor and magnet if your model has them.
With the vehicle switched off:
1. Locate the small sensor and its matching wheel magnet near the wheel. 2. Check that neither is loose, knocked out of position or visibly damaged. 3. The centre of the magnet should pass the centre of the sensor as the wheel turns. 4. If a visibly loose magnet can be safely repositioned, align it with the sensor and secure it gently. Do not force, cut, join or unplug electrical cables.
If you are unsure where these parts are, or the sensor is not externally visible, take a clear photo instead of attempting an adjustment.
4. Record the useful clues
Before contacting us, please note:
- whether the cut-out happens only when a brake lever is touched, or with both levers untouched;
- whether the display stays on and whether the speed reading changes at the same time;
- any error code or warning symbol (take a clear photo);
- whether the issue begins immediately or only after riding for a while; and
- your model and order number.
A short video is especially useful: show the display, then the wheel/sensor area if visible, while the vehicle is safely supported or during a stationary check. Never try to film while riding.
Need help?
If the basic checks do not resolve the issue, or you see an error code or damage, please submit a warranty claim with the details above. For general help, contact Ridewave, call +61 468 095 888, or email [email protected].