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 Traxio.be, 2023 marked a major turning point: since that year, electric bikes have accounted for 51% of the market share in bicycle sales. For the first time in the country, they are overtaking mechanical bikes.
The popularity of EABs is no coincidence: they offer a practical, less energy-consuming alternative to motorized cars or 2-wheelers in urban environments, while providing appreciable travel comfort.
Legislation plays a key role in regulating the use of EABs. In Belgium, in line with European regulations, the speed limit for VAEs is 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 riders in search of greater speed or thrills, particularly on fatbikes with less stringent legislation, 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. A guide to speedbikes may help.
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.
Understanding the restrictions on electric-assist bicycles
Technical implementation of the clamping system
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.
However, it is possible to pedal faster than 25 km/h, using only leg power or downhill, and still respecting the speed limit (especially in town). That's reassuring news for electric road bike and VTTAE enthusiasts!
Technical implementation of the clamping system
In terms of legislation, speed limits for EABs are governed by both national and European laws. In Belgium, in accordance with European Directive 2002/24/EC, electrically-assisted bicycles must comply with the following three points:
- maximum electric-assist speed of 25 km/h
- Motor power not exceeding 250 watts
- Acceleration trigger prohibited above 6 km/h (run mode authorized)
These regulations clearly distinguish EABs from mopeds - including speedbikes - the latter being subject to registration, insurance and helmet requirements.
Safety and liability benefits
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.
Energy savings and sustainability
Secondly, limiting the speed of EABs helps to save energy. Limiting speed extends theelectric bike's autonomy by conserving battery power, which is particularly advantageous for long journeys. Users can benefit from electric assistance for longer periods, making EABs more practical and efficient.
Debrider an electric bike: what does it involve?
Technical aspects of electric bike clamping
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 fool the system into believing that you're going slower than your actual speed, allowing the motor to continue providing assistance beyond the regulatory 25 km/h limit.
Impact on performance
By unbridling an EAB, the bike's performance is significantly improved in terms of speed, depending on the type of motor. 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.
An inadequate braking system
The braking systems on EABs are designed to operate effectively at specific speeds, usually up to the legal limit of 25 km/h. When the manufacturer's clamp is removed and the bike can reach higher speeds, the brakes may not be able to stop the bike effectively or in a timely manner, especially in an emergency.
Accelerated brake wear
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.
Reduced battery and motor life
The electric bike's motor also wears out faster, due to increased demand for acceleration and cruising speed. The life of the Bosch or Shimano motor is reduced, as is that of the battery. As a result, the battery's capacity decreases sharply over time. The consequences are a drop in maximum range, and even premature replacement.
Legal implications
Unbridling changes the legal classification of bicycles. An unbridled VAE leaves the legal framework of electrically-assisted bicycles and enters the category of light mopeds, with all the obligations that this entails: registration, specific insurance, wearing an approved helmet, gloves, horn, etc. And that's without mentioning the consequences of an accident, which can be dramatic in both legal and human terms.
Other considerations
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 warranty is void,
- The majority of repairers refuse an intervention or an overhaul,
- The service life of the electric motor and other electronic components is reduced,
- Repair and maintenance costs, a fortiori, will have to be taken into account.
How do I unhook an electric-assist bike?
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 debriding an EAB.
Warning: the information provided below is for information purposes only and must not be used to make illegal modifications to an electric bicycle.
Use a commercially available bike unclogging kit
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.
Speed sensor magnets
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 can lead to engine cut-off above 25 km/h.
Software modification
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 consequences and legal risk for the bike owner.
Risks associated with unbridling
Legal risks
In Belgium, as in most other European countries, unbridling an EAB is an illegal activity. 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 a police check, the owner of an unbridled bike risks substantial fines ranging from a hundred to several thousand euros.
Worse still, the authorities may confiscate the bike, and potentially prosecute.
Accident risks
Unbridling increases the maximum speed of the EAB, which also increases the risk of an accident. Higher speeds can startle the cyclist, reduce reaction time in the event of danger and increase the severity of injuries in the event of a collision. What's more, other road users don't expect a bike to travel at high speeds, which can create dangerous situations on cycle paths.
Insurance implications
In the event of an accident involving an unbridled EAB,bicycle insurance no longer covers the damage, as unbridling cancels coverage. The financial consequences can be devastating, especially if third parties are involved and suffer bodily injury or property damage.
Technical and financial risks
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, bike shops will often refuse intervention, and the bike may lose value on the second-hand market.
Alternatives to unbridling: the speed pedelecs option
For those looking to cruise faster while staying within the law, approved speedbikes 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.
What is a speedbike?
Speedbikes, speed pedelecs or fast electric bicycles, 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 specific Bosch Performance Line Speed, Yamaha or Bafang motors, sometimes more powerful, and larger-capacity batteries to support higher speeds.
Speed pedelecs legislation in Belgium
In Belgium, speedbikes are subject to specific regulations that bring them closer to mopeds. This is in 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 alike:
- Minimum AM license
- Registration
- Special insurance
- Wearing an approved helmet is mandatory
- Wear suitable gloves
- A left-hand handlebar mirror
- Front position light
- An audible warning (horn)
- Acceleration trigger is tolerated
What's more, the use of these bikes is restricted to lanes open to mopeds, which excludes cycle paths and greenways. Signs dedicated to cyclists, such as "Except Cycles" dual-use zones, bike locks and M12 yield signs, do not apply to speedbikes.
Advantages and disadvantages
Speed pedelecs enable faster travel and can make long journeys (over 10 km) more manageable. They can be particularly attractive to commuters looking to reduce their travel time, especially between two towns in the countryside, or between distant suburbs and the city center. For those seeking greater driving comfort, some models can add a manual gas pedal, in the form of a trigger or twist grip.
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 purchase price is high - over 5,000 euros - and maintenance is onerous. Added to this are insurance and registration requirements, which 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.
To conclude
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. Technically, it also implies a reduced lifespan for the assistance system (motor and battery), not to mention high costs in the event of a problem.
Speed pedelecs authorized up to 45 km/h are emerging as a legal alternative for those looking to increase their speed. However, they must also comply with their own obligations and restrictions. It's imperative to stay informed about the legislative aspect and comply with local laws to ensure a safe cycling experience for yourself and other users!