Debriding your electric bike: what you need to know beforehand and how to go about it

Electrically-assisted bicycles (EABs) are part of a worldwide movement towards more sustainable, eco-responsible modes of transport. In Belgium, as in Europe, the popularity of these two-wheeled vehicles continues to grow. According to Velco.tech data, in 2022, over 690,000 electric bikes were sold in Belgium, representing an annual growth rate of 19% compared with 2021. The popularity of EABs is no coincidence: they offer a practical, less energy-consuming alternative to cars in urban environments, while providing appreciable travel comfort.

Legislation plays a key role in regulating the use of EABs. In Belgium, in accordance with European regulations, the speed of electric bicycles is limited to 25 km/h. This limit, commonly referred to as "bridling", is designed to maintain the safety of road users, while enabling cyclists to benefit from welcome electric assistance, particularly on uphill gradients.

However, some users, in search of greater speed or thrills, seek to go beyond this limitation to take full advantage of the motor's power. This is where the concept of "debriding" comes in, which involves modifying the bike's electrical system to increase its maximum speed. While debriding may seem attractive at first glance, it raises a number of legal and safety issues. 

In this article, we take an in-depth look at clamping and unclamping EABs, delving into the technical aspects, associated risks and legal implications of these practices. We'll also highlight testimonials and legal alternatives to debriding, offering an informed overview of this hot topic.

In the context of electric-assist bicycles, clamping is a technical measure introduced by manufacturers to limit the maximum speed of these vehicles. This limitation is mainly implemented via the motor's electronic management system, which stops providing assistance at any speed above 25 km/h. The speed sensor, in harmony with the controller software, plays a crucial role in this regulation. As soon as the EAB's speed reaches the set limit, the electric assistance disengages, encouraging the rider to maintain a moderate speed.

As far as legislation is concerned, speed limits for motorized scooters are governed by national and European laws. In Belgium, in accordance with European Directive 2002/24/EC, the maximum speed of ECVs is set at 25 km/h, with engine power not exceeding 250 watts. These regulations make a clear distinction between EABs and mopeds, the latter being subject to registration, insurance and helmet-wearing requirements.

There are many advantages to clamping, and they are of vital importance to road safety. Firstly, by limiting the speed of EABs, clamping helps to reduce the risk of serious accidents. A cyclist on a bridled VAE is less likely to be involved in high-speed collisions, which can potentially save lives. What's more, clamped VAEs encourage safer, more responsible driving, which benefits both the cyclist and other road users.  

Secondly, limiting the speed of EABs helps to save energy. By limiting speed, the battery's autonomy is extended, which is particularly advantageous for long journeys. Users can thus benefit from electric assistance for longer periods, making EABs more practical and efficient.  

Debriding is the action of freeing a VAE from the speed limit imposed by regulations. Technically, this is done by modifying the bike's electronic system, either by intervening in the software of the motor's electronic controller, or by using external devices such as debriding kits. These modifications trick the system into believing that you are going slower than the speed fed back to the system, thus enabling the motor to continue providing assistance beyond the regulatory 25 km/h limit.  

By unbridling an EAB, the bike's performance is significantly improved in terms of speed. However, this comes at the expense of several other aspects. Firstly, energy consumption increases, reducing battery life. In addition, the bike's responsiveness and behavior can be altered, which can surprise the rider and increase the risk of an accident.

The braking systems on EABs are designed to operate effectively at specific speeds, usually up to the legal limit of 25 km/h. When a bike is unbridled and can reach higher speeds, the brakes may not be able to stop the bike effectively or in a timely manner, especially in an emergency.

Brakes can wear out more quickly if the bike is regularly ridden at higher speeds than it was designed for. Accelerated wear can reduce the longevity of brake pads and discs, requiring more frequent replacement and increasing maintenance costs.  

Unbridling changes the legal classification of bicycles. An unbridled VAE leaves the legal framework of electrically-assisted bicycles and enters the category of mopeds, with all the attendant obligations: registration, specific insurance, wearing a certified helmet, and so on. Not to mention the consequences in the event of an accident, which can be dramatic in both legal and human terms.  

The appeal of unbridling often stems from the desire to increase speed in order to reduce journey times, or to get more thrills out of driving. However, it's crucial to understand that this modification brings its own set of complications and dangers. By exceeding the limits imposed by the manufacturer, several risks are incurred:  

• the bike's warranty is often voided.
• the service life of the electric motor and other electronic components may be reduced
• repair and maintenance costs, a fortiori, will have to be taken into account

Before diving into the methods of debriding, it's crucial to stress that debriding is illegal and dangerous. It can lead to legal penalties, void the bike's warranty, increase the risk of accidents and have insurance implications. We strongly advise against unbridling an EAB. The information provided below is for information purposes only and must not be used to make illegal modifications to an electric bicycle.

Unbridle boxes are external devices that connect to the bike's electrical system. They trick the bike's speed-measuring system, allowing the motor to continue providing assistance beyond the regulatory 25 km/h limit.  

The use of modified or repositioned speed sensor magnets can also mislead the bike's speed measurement system. By changing the position of the magnet or using a modified magnet, the speed sensor receives incorrect information, which may allow assistance beyond 25 km/h.  

The use of modified or repositioned speed sensor magnets can also mislead the bike's speed measurement system. By changing the position of the magnet or using a modified magnet, the speed sensor receives incorrect information, which may allow assistance beyond 25 km/h.  

Some technically savvy people may attempt to reprogram the motor controller software to remove the speed limit. This method requires programming skills and a thorough understanding of how the electrical systems of EABs work.

Each of these methods presents significant risks. Not only is unbridling illegal, it can also damage the bike, increase the risk of accidents, and have severe financial and legal consequences for the bike owner.

Unbridling an EAB is illegal in Belgium, as in most European countries, although it is reportedly commonplace in Flanders. An unbridled bike no longer complies with the legal standards for EABs, and falls into the category of mopeds, which means it must be registered, specifically insured and wear a helmet. What's more, in the event of an inspection by the police, the owner of an unbridled EAB risks substantial fines, confiscation of the bike and, potentially, prosecution.

Debriding an electric bike in Belgium is punishable by law. Penalties apply to both private individuals and professionals who modify the bike's motor components to increase its power and hence its maximum speed.

In the event of an accident involving an unbridled VAE, insurance companies may refuse to cover the damage, as unbridling invalidates coverage. The financial consequences can be devastating, especially if third parties are involved and suffer personal injury or property damage.  

Debriding can damage the bike's motor and other electronic components, shorten battery life and void the bike's warranty. Repair costs can be high, and the bike may lose value on the second-hand market.  

For those looking to cruise faster while staying within the law, speed bikes are an attractive alternative to unbridling traditional VAEs. These bikes, designed to reach speeds of up to 45 km/h, are a legal answer to the quest for speed.

Speed bikes are EABs designed for higher speeds. They retain electric assistance up to 45 km/h, unlike conventional VAEs, which are limited to 25 km/h. They are equipped with more powerful motors and higher-capacity batteries to support higher speeds.  

In Belgium, speed bikes are subject to specific regulations that bring them into line with mopeds. They require registration, special insurance and the wearing of an approved helmet. They must also be equipped with mirrors, lights and a horn. Use of these bikes is restricted to lanes open to mopeds, which excludes cycle paths.

Belgian regulations bring speed bikes into line with European Directive 2002/24/EC, which classifies them as mopeds, with all the attendant obligations. So, even if they offer more speed, they demand more responsibility and legal obligations from owners and users.

Speed bikes enable faster travel and can make long journeys more manageable. They can be particularly attractive to commuters looking to reduce their travel time.

However, they lose some of the advantages of conventional VAEs. Restricted access to cycle paths can limit their practicality in dense urban environments. What's more, the cost of purchase and maintenance, as well as insurance and registration requirements, may deter some users.

By weighing up the pros and cons, and respecting current regulations, speed bikes can be an interesting legal alternative for those looking to increase their speed on the road without resorting to illegal unbridling.

Debriding your electric bike is a risky move that runs counter to current regulations. It exposes cyclists to increased road hazards, legal penalties and insurance complications. Speed bikes are emerging as a legal alternative for those looking to increase their speed, although they come with their own obligations and restrictions. It's imperative to stay informed and respect local laws to ensure a safe and enjoyable cycling experience.