E-bike tuning FAQ: frequently asked questions and answers

We receive a lot of questions about e-bike tuning. We have already explained and Category Overview E-Bike Tuning already explained and answered some of them. Be sure to read through this information at your leisure. In addition, we have two videos on YouTube in which we explain e-bike tuning in general, and another video in which we show the installation of an e-bike tuning module.

What is SpeedBox?

You have probably already noticed that when riding an e-bike over 25 km/h, the motor automatically switches off because of the speed limit. To switch off this speed limit, there are e-bike tuning modules. This allows you to reach higher speeds, limited only by your cadence. Based on our experience, it is possible to reach speeds of 40, 50 and more than 60 km/h with a tuned e-bike. That's really fast!

Can I install a SpeedBox tuning chip myself?

The installation of the tuning chip in the pedelec is simple. By using original plugs, the SpeedBox is unique and suitable for installation at home. Watch our tutorial videos that guide you through the installation step by step. If you don't know what to do, don't hesitate to contact us. Our technical support is at your disposal.

What is the difference between SpeedBox 1.0 and SpeedBox 2.0?

SpeedBox 1.0 is a tuning chip that allows you to double the speed limit of pedelecs. When you use it, your display shows half the actual speed and the distance travelled. At a speed of 40 km/h, the display of the electric bike shows 20 km/h. The motor stops when the actual speed is reached. The motor stops when the actual speed is 50 km/h (25 km/h is shown on the display). The only exceptions are SpeedBox1 E8000 Di2 for Shimano and SpeedBox1 for Brose Specialized.

SpeedBox 2.0 builds on its predecessor but includes a number of improvements. SpeedBox 2.0 has no speed limit and all values on the display show the actual speed and mileage. The speed of the pedelec is no longer limited, it only depends on the cadence and the size of the pedelec converter.

Can I use the SpeedBox for an e-bike that measures speed in miles per hour?

Of course. When you use a SpeedBox chip to increase the speed of an electric bike, it does not matter whether you measure the speed in km/h or mph. The exception to this is older models of Yamaha PW e-bikes, for which we recommend the use of km/h.

Can I use the SpeedBox with S-pedelecs that are limited to 45 km/h?

No, that is not possible.

Does the SpeedBox work with a bicycle with two batteries?

SpeedBox products work smoothly with original dual battery bikes. Pedelecs with a second built-in battery may have a problem. E-bikes with additional conversion are not compatible with SpeedBox products.

How fast can I go with my pedelec? Is the SpeedBox limited to 50 km/h or 99 km/h?

This depends on the type of tuning chip. On a pedelec that has been improved with the SpeedBox 1.0, speeds of up to 50 km/h can be reached, twice the original limit. The new SpeedBox 2.0 knows no limitations. Only the cadence and the size of the pedelec converter limit you. Experience shows that the SpeedBox 2.0 can be ridden at speeds of 40, 50 and more than 60 km/h.

With which SpeedBox can I use the SpeedBox app?

Currently, the SpeedBox B.Tuning chip is for e-bikes with Bosch motors. Speedbox is working on the development of a SpeedBox B.Tuning chip for motors from other manufacturers.

Can I remove and reconnect the SpeedBox tuning chip if necessary?

Yes. The SpeedBox tuning chip is mounted by simply connecting several plugs in the pedelec. Assembly and disassembly are very simple and do not cause any damage to the e-bike.

After installing the SpeedBox chip for Bosch, the display shows a speed of 75 km/h, even though I am only riding 25 km/h.

This may be due to poor wiring of the connectors. Disconnect the SpeedBox and make sure that the connector with the speed sensor cable label is not plugged into the light connectors.

After installing the SpeedBox chip for GIANT, the entire system will shut down after a few seconds.

Apparently an error occurred when installing the SpeedBox. Check whether the SpeedBox was accidentally plugged into the red connection. If so, disconnect the SpeedBox and reconnect it as instructed. The red connector is not intended for connection to SpeedBox chips.

The SpeedBox tuning chip does not work after it has been installed on a brand new bike.

If you want to install a SpeedBox on a new bicycle, you must first ride at least one kilometre. Before installing the SpeedBox chip, we recommend that you test the pedelec properly and check the functionality of the system in normal operation.

There is no way to activate the SpeedBox with the Walk button on my pedelec.

Some US pedelecs do not have a Walk button. For this reason we have added an alternative option to activate SpeedBox products. You can easily activate your SpeedBox for Bosch with the following key combination: + - + -, SpeedBox for Yamaha can be activated by briefly pressing the arrow keys ↑ ↓ ↑ ↓.

Can BOSCH or my bicycle dealer read out that a tuning box was installed?

Bosch can read this on models built from 2020 onwards.

Does the Speedbox 3.0 also work with the BOSCH Cargo Line engines?

The SpeedBox also works on Cargo Line incl. 4th generation engines.

Does the Speedbox 3.0 also work with the currently available software update for the 4th generation BOSCH Performance Line CX?

The SpeedBox modules also work with the latest BOSCH software year 2021 without any problems.

Are kilometres and speed displayed correctly with the SpeedBox 3.0?

Yes, all values are displayed correctly.

Is it true that after a certain number of kilometres the chip is detected and then a so-called emergency programme starts?

The SpeedBoxes we offer are fully approved by the manufacturer SpeedBox for Bosch motors up to 2021 (Gen 4) and do not generate an error code, even if you go faster than 35 km/h.

Are there also adaptive switches that activate a throttle when needed?

With the SpeedBox 3.0, activating/deactivating is easy via the app.

Does the push-assist still work? When pressing the slide help, the tuning is now switched on and off ...

The push aid no longer has any function when used with the SpeedBox. The Walk button switches the SpeedBox on and off.

Is there any empirical data on how long an engine that is actually designed for 25 km/h can cope with tuning?

That's not a problem, the engines are designed for much more than the 25 km/h limit. These limits exist in Germany, but not in many other countries.

Is the SpeedBox 3 really completely compatible with the new BOSCH Performance CX Gen. 4 engines 2021? Have heard several times now that the "error code 504" occurs because the tuning is detected, especially when driving faster than 35 km/h.

The SpeedBoxes we offer are fully approved by the manufacturer SpeedBox for Bosch motors until 2021 (Gen 4) and do not generate an error code, even if you drive faster than 35 km/h.

Are there Bosch motors of the Generation 5 BJ 2021?

No, the Bosch engines of 2021 also belong to the 4th generation.

I have an e-bike with Bosch Drive Unit 25 from 2012. Unfortunately, I cannot find a suitable chip for it?

SpeedBox 2.0 and 3.0 tuning chips are downward compatible.

Can't I just remove or move the magnetic sensor?

Offsetting the magnet shows half the speed depending on the offset. Newer motors recognise this and issue an error message. Remove magnet - system no longer works because input speed is missing. Comparable to motorcycle/car when ABS sensor is removed. Error is stored.

BOSCH e-bike error codes

Other e-bike error codes of Bosch motors