Can you remove the speed limiter on your e-bike using the display?
Many e-bike owners are probably familiar with this situation: you’re riding comfortably and effortlessly, but as soon as you reach the legal speed limit of 25 km/h, the motor cuts out and you suddenly feel like you’re pedaling against a wall. The temptation to disable this speed limiter is therefore strong for many. Online, questions about “tuning” or removing the speed limiter on e-bikes are everywhere. One question comes up often: can you remove the speed limiter on your e-bike via the display screen?
In this article, we’ll look at how speed limit removal works via your e-bike’s display, review current legislation in the Netherlands and Belgium, and explain why it’s best to avoid this type of modification.
Written by: Hanna Stevens | June 9, 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
- It is prohibited to remove the speed limiter on an electric bicycle via the display while riding on public roads.
- You could face fines, lose your warranty, and run into problems with your insurance.
- If you want to ride faster legally, it’s best to choose a speed pedelec.
How does unlocking an e-bike via the display work?
In addition to installing speed-unlocking chips or physical dongles (such as the BadassBox or SpeedFun) that trick the speed sensor, many people try to adjust their bike’s speed using software. In some cases, it is possible to directly modify the factory settings via the bike’s LCD screen.
On various online forums, users share their experiences and "tips" for accessing hidden menus in the display software.
Although these methods may seem simple and harmless because they do not require any changes to the wiring, they carry many risks.
The law: Is it actually possible to remove the speed limiter on an electric bike?
The short answer is clear: no, it is strictly prohibited on public roads.
The law provides a precise definition of what constitutes an electric bicycle. An e-bike is considered equivalent to a conventional non-motorized bicycle provided it meets two criteria: the motor must not exceed a continuous rated power of 250 watts, and the pedal assistance must automatically cut off as soon as a speed of 25 km/h is reached.
With this status, you do not need a driver’s license, you do not pay road tax, you do not need to register the vehicle, and you are not required to purchase specific insurance. You may also use bike lanes.
As soon as you modify the display settings or install a chip that allows the bike to exceed 25 km/h with assistance, you are altering the vehicle’s design. Legally, your e-bike is then no longer considered a bicycle but rather an speed pedelec moped or speed pedelec . To be legally permitted on public roads, the vehicle must be approved, registered, and comply with the rules applicable to speed pedelecs (helmet requirement, liability insurance, rearview mirror, etc.).
5 reasons why you shouldn't remove the speed limiter on your e-bike
You might be thinking, “I drive carefully and adjust my speed.” However, the risks associated with removing the speed limiter are considerable.
1. It’s dangerous: bicycles aren’t designed for that
Standard e-bikes are generally not designed to be ridden safely at speeds of 35 or 40 km/h. The frame often lacks the rigidity needed for these speeds, which increases the risk of losing control when cornering.
The braking system poses an even greater danger: many e-bikes are equipped with V-brakes or drum brakes, which do not provide enough braking power to stop the bike quickly at high speeds. In the event of an emergency stop, this can pose an immediate danger to you and other road users.
2. Hefty fines and the risk of seizure
Authorities and police are taking increasingly active measures against electric bikes and fat bikes that travel too fast on bike paths.
If an inspection reveals that your bike provides assistance beyond 25 km/h, you could face a significant fine. In the event of a repeat offense, penalties may be increased, and in some cases, the bike may be impounded. Criminal charges may also be filed in the most serious cases.
3. You may lose your insurance coverage
This is probably the most important reason not to modify your bike.
If you cause an accident and the speed of your unregulated bicycle played a role in it, your personal liability insurance and your bicycle insurance may deny coverage.
Since you were legally driving a vehicle that was not roadworthy or uninsured, you could be held personally liable for all bodily injury and property damage caused. The amounts involved can reach tens or even hundreds of thousands of euros.
4. Anti-tuning software, accelerated wear and tear, and loss of warranty
Forcing the motor to operate beyond its specified parameters puts excessive strain on the mechanical components: the chain, sprockets, frame, and motor wear out much more quickly.
In addition, the manufacturer’s warranty is generally voided as soon as a modification is detected. Manufacturers such as Bosch have developed sophisticated anti-tuning systems. When a modification is detected, the system may switch to safety mode,display an error code, and significantly reduce power assistance.
If tampered with repeatedly, some systems may even permanently disable the assistance until it is reset by an authorized dealer.
5. Implications for the entire e-bike user community
Cyclists today enjoy a great deal of freedom. E-bikes can be ridden on most bike paths without requiring a license plate or a helmet.
According to the bicycle industry and some manufacturers, modifying bikes to remove speed limits threatens this balance. If accidents involving modified bikes increase, authorities could impose stricter rules on all users, such as a general requirement to wear helmets or register their bikes.
The legal alternative
If you want to ride faster than 25 km/h—for example, for a long commute—the best option is to choose a speed pedelec .
These bikes are factory-designed to reach speeds of up to 45 km/h. They feature appropriate certification, more powerful motors, reinforced frames, and high-performance disc brakes capable of safely handling these speeds.
Conclusion
Unlocking your e-bike via a hidden menu on the screen may seem like a quick and easy solution. However, the conclusion is clear: this practice is illegal on public roads and carries significant technical, financial, and legal risks.
The small amount of time saved is in no way worth the risk of a hefty fine, the loss of your warranty, or the potentially catastrophic financial consequences of an accident not covered by insurance.
Ride safely and enjoy your e-bike legally!
FAQ
Can you remove the speed limiter on any e-bike using the display?
No. Many modern e-bikes have protected software that prevents users from changing key settings via the display.
Is a speed-unlock chip legal?
No, not on public roads. Legally speaking, a speed-limiter removal chip has the same effect as a software modification.
How can the police tell if an electric bike has been modified to exceed the speed limit?
Using specialized testing equipment to verify whether the assistance continues beyond 25 km/h.