Brose error codes: what causes them and how can they be resolved?
Brose has been manufacturing components for the automotive industry since 1908, but in the world of cycling, the brand is best known for its powerful, quiet, and compact electric bike motors with internal belt drives. These motors are used by high-end brands such as Specialized, Bulls and Rotwild.
Because they are equipped with numerous smart sensors, these motors can protect themselves by displaying an error code as soon as an anomaly is detected.
In this article, we review the most common Brose error codes, explain their causes, and, most importantly, how to resolve them yourself. At the end, you will find a comprehensive table listing all known Brose error codes, so you can immediately see what you are dealing with.
Written by: Hanna Stevens | March 3, 2026 | Reading time: 6 minutes
More about the author: Hanna Stevens
Hanna is an avid cyclist who loves exploring new routes and sharing her experiences to inspire others to get on their bikes more often.
Key findings
- 80% of error codes can be resolved by simply restarting or cleaning the system.
- Always turn on your e-bike without applying pressure to the pedals.
- If a significant error code keeps reappearing: stop driving and consult a dealer.
Why Brose codes can seem confusing
Before discussing solutions, it is useful to understand how Brose works. Unlike brands such as Bosch or Shimano, Brose did not supply complete systems (motor + battery + display) to bicycle manufacturers until summer 2019.
Brands could combine the motor with their own screens and batteries.
Result: an error code on a Specialized bike may have a slightly different meaning than one displayed on a Bulls a bike equipped with a standard Brose Allround display. Fortunately, the most common faults are largely the same.
The most common Brose error codes and their solutions
1. Speed sensor and magnet (Code 81, 35, or "Check Speed Sensor")
- Cause: The motor is not receiving correct information about your speed. Often, the magnet attached to a spoke has moved, is too far from the sensor, or is covered with dirt. Water may also have seeped into the sensor.
- Solution: Check the magnet on the rear wheel spokes. It should pass very close to the sensor (without touching it) and should not have rotated. Clean the sensor thoroughly with a cloth.
- If the problem persists, check the condition of the sensor cable.
2. Torque sensor and pedal sensors (Codes 34, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74)
- Cause: The torque sensor is not measuring the force applied to the pedals correctly. The most common cause is starting the bike while pressure is already being applied to the pedals, which distorts the calibration.
- Solution: Turn off the bike, completely remove your feet from the pedals, then turn it back on.
- If the code reappears, the torque sensor will likely need to be recalibrated or replaced by a dealer.
3. Battery and voltage problems (Codes 10, 12, 24, 33, 36)
- Cause: The motor is not receiving the correct voltage. This may be due to a low battery, a sudden drop in voltage, or a poorly connected battery.
- Solution: Fully recharge the battery using the original charger. Remove it from the bike and check the contacts for corrosion or dirt. Clean them if necessary. Make sure the battery clicks firmly into place with no play.
4. Overheating (Code 30, 44)
- Cause: The motor is under too much strain, for example when climbing a steep hill with a high assistance mode and a low cadence. The ventilation openings may also be blocked. Please note: depending on the display used, code 30 may also indicate that the battery is empty.
- Solution: Allow the motor to cool down by turning it off for a few minutes. Then select a lighter gear ratio to increase your speed: a higher speed improves cooling and reduces current peaks.
5. Communication errors (Code E010, 60, 39)
- Cause: The various components (screen, motor, battery) are no longer communicating properly. Moisture, loose connectors, or oxidized pins are often the cause.
- Solution: Turn the system off and then on again. Check all visible cables and connectors. Carefully remove the connectors, dry them, and use contact spray if necessary to remove moisture.
How to avoid error codes on your Brose e-bike?
Prevention is better than cure. A few simple steps can help you avoid a lot of trouble:
- Keep your bike clean: many breakdowns are caused by water and dirt in the contacts. Clean it with a soft, slightly damp cloth (never use a pressure washer on the motor or display).
- Regular maintenance: check the cables. On older motors, the internal belt (Brose Drive Belt) may require maintenance.
- Software update: ensure that the firmware is up to date; this often fixes minor bugs (such as code 38).
- Never remove the battery when the bike is turned on: this may cause malfunctions.
If you are unable to resolve the problem or if you smell something burning coming from the electronics, do not attempt to fix it yourself. Visit an authorized Brose dealer equipped with a specific diagnostic tool.
Complete table of Brose error codes
| Error code | Component / Meaning | Quick solution |
|---|---|---|
| E010 | General system error | Restart the bike, check the cables |
| 0 / 1 | Motor current peak | Restart; if the problem persists, consult a dealer. |
| 2 | Battery: low voltage | Restart, recharge the battery |
| 3 | Battery: overvoltage | Restart; if persistent, contact your dealer. |
| 4 | Engine: internal fault | Restart |
| 5 | Incorrect engine setting | Restart |
| 8 | No speed signal | Check sensor and magnet |
| 9 | Software error | Restart |
| 10 | Voltage too low / software error | Recharge the battery |
| 11 | Lighting surge | Check lighting cables |
| 12 | Battery measurement fault | Recharge and restart |
| 13 | Torque sensor fault | Restart without pressing the pedals |
| 14 / 15 | Cadence sensor error | Restart |
| 16 | Screen current peak | Check monitor wiring |
| 17 / 18 | Temperature sensor fault | Let cool |
| 19 | Engine overheating | Reduce assistance |
| 20 | Communication error | Check monitor wiring |
| 23 | Motor short circuit | Stop immediately, dealer |
| 29 | Critical system shutdown | Authorized dealer |
| 30 | Battery empty or overheating | Recharge or allow to cool |
| 34–36 | Torque/speed sensor fault | Restart without pressure |
| 38 | Incompatible firmware | Update |
| 39 | CAN bus error | Check cables |
| 44 | Overheating or tampering detected | Let cool |
| 70–74 | Torque sensor faults | Start without pressing the pedals |
| 81 | No speed signal | Adjusting the rear wheel magnet |
| 90–93 | Serious system failure | Professional diagnosis required |
| NO BATTERY | Battery not detected | Clean connectors |
| NODISPLAY | Screen not detected | Check wiring |
| ADD | Battery temperature too high | Bring back to 0–40 °C |
You can add custom HTML/CSS/JavaScript or Liquid code right here.
FAQ
Why does my Brose error code keep coming back?
This is usually a genuine sensor or communication problem. Simply restarting the device is no longer sufficient.
What exactly does code 30 mean?
It may indicate a low battery or overheating. First, check the charge level.
Can I reset the torque sensor myself?
Only by restarting the system without pressing the pedals. For a complete calibration, a dealer is required.
Is it dangerous to drive with an error code?
For minor errors, generally no. In the event of a short circuit or serious system failure, yes.
How can I tell if my Brose motor is defective?
If codes such as 23, 29, or 90–93 persist, a professional diagnosis is essential.