E-bike tuning FAQ: frequently asked questions and answers

Created by Ralf Jodl at 11:05 on May 7, 2021

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.

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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

Error code

Cause

What you can do

430

Internal battery of the on-board computer empty

Charge the on-board computer (in the cradle or via USB connection)

431

Software version error

Restart the system. If the problem persists,
contact your Bosch e-bike dealer.

503

Speed sensor error

Restart the system. If the problem persists, contact your Bosch e-bike dealer.

7xx

Gearbox error

Please refer to the gear manufacturer's operating instructions.

No display

Internal error of the on-board computer or computer not switched on.

Restart your e-bike system by switching it off and on again.

Other e-bike error codes of Bosch motors

Error code

Cause

What you can do

100

Internal error of the drive unit

Have the drive unit checked

101

Drive unit connection problem

Have the connections checked

102

Speed sensor error

Check speed sensor

103

Lighting connection problem

Have connections checked

104

Connection problem of the operating computer

Have connections checked

105

Temperature of drive unit too high (over 40 degrees)

Switch off engine and drive without assistance until it cools down

200

Internal electronic fault in the battery

Have battery checked

201

Battery temperature too high (over 40 degrees)

Solution: Let the battery cool down, if you are on the road, drive without support until it cools down (switch off the motor).

202

Battery temperature too low

Let the battery warm up slowly in a warm room

203

Battery connection problem

Have connections checked

204

Incorrect battery polarity

Charge the battery with the original Bosch charger

410

One or more keys of the operating computer are blocked

Check whether any buttons are jammed, e.g. due to dirt that has penetrated, and clean the buttons.

414

Connection problem of the operating unit

Have connections checked

418

According to Bosch like 410

According to Bosch, like 410

419

Configuration error

Restart the system. If the problem persists, contact your Bosch e-bike dealer.

422

Drive unit connection problem

Have connections and joints checked

423

Battery connection problem

Have connections and joints checked

424

Communication error between components

Have connections checked

426

Internal timeout error

Restart the system. If the problem persists, contact your Bosch e-bike dealer. It is not possible to display or adjust the tyre circumference in the basic settings menu in this error state.

440

Internal error of the drive unit

Restart the system. If the problem persists, contact your Bosch e-bike dealer.

450

Internal software error

Restart the system. If the problem persists, contact your Bosch e-bike dealer.

460

USB port error

Remove the cable from the USB port of the on-board computer. If the problem persists, contact your Bosch e-bike dealer.

490

Internal error of the on-board computer

Have the control computer checked

500

Internal error of the drive unit

Restart the system. If the problem persists, contact your Bosch e-bike dealer.

502

Error in the bicycle lighting

Check the light and associated wiring. Restart the system. If the problem persists, contact your Bosch e-bike dealer.

504

Manipulation of the speed signal detected.

Check position of memory solenoid and adjust if necessary. Check for tampering (tuning). The support of the drive is reduced.

510

Internal sensor error

Restart the system. If the problem persists, contact your Bosch e-bike dealer.

511

Internal error of the drive unit.

Restart the system. If the problem persists, contact your Bosch e-bike dealer.

513

New error code. Probable cadence sensor error.

Restart the system. If the problem persists, contact your Bosch e-bike dealer.

530

Battery error

Switch off the e-bike, remove the e-bike battery and reinsert the e-bike battery. Restart the system. If the problem persists, contact your Bosch e-bike dealer.

531

Configuration error

Restart the system. If the problem persists, contact your Bosch e-bike dealer.

540

Temperature error

The e-bike is outside the permissible temperature range. Switch off the e-bike system to allow the drive unit to either cool down to the permissible temperature range or warm up. Restart the system. If the problem persists, contact your Bosch e-bike dealer.

550

An impermissible consumer has been detected.

Remove the load. Restart the system. If the problem persists, contact your Bosch e-bike dealer.

580

Software error

Restart the system. If the problem persists, contact your Bosch e-bike dealer.

591

Authentication error

592

Incompatible component

Switch off the e-bike system. Remove the battery and reinsert it. Restart the system. If the problem persists, contact your Bosch e-bike dealer.

593

Configuration error

Restart the system. If the problem persists, contact your Bosch e-bike dealer.

595,596

Communication error

Check the wiring to the transmission and restart the system. If the problem persists, contact your Bosch e-bike dealer.

602

Internal battery error during charging.

Disconnect the charger from the battery pack. Restart the eBike system. Plug the charger into the battery pack. If the problem persists, contact your Bosch eBike dealer.

602

Internal battery error

Restart the system. If the problem persists, contact your Bosch e-bike dealer.

603

Internal battery error

Restart the system. If the problem persists, contact your Bosch eBike dealer.

605

Battery temperature error

The e-bike is outside the permissible temperature range. Switch off the e-bike system to allow the drive unit to either cool down to the permissible temperature range or warm up. Restart the system. If the problem persists, contact your Bosch e-bike dealer.

605

Battery temperature error during charging.

Disconnect the charger from the battery. Allow the battery to cool down. If the problem persists, contact your Bosch e-bike dealer.

610

Battery voltage error

Restart the system. If the problem persists, contact your Bosch e-bike dealer.

620

Charger error

Replace the charger. Contact your Bosch e-bike dealer.

640

Internal battery error

Restart the system. If the problem persists, contact your Bosch e-bike dealer.

655

Battery multiple error

Switch off the e-bike system. Remove the battery and reinsert it. Restart the system. If the problem persists, contact your Bosch e-bike dealer.

656

Software version error

Contact your Bosch e-bike dealer to perform a software update.

680

On-Off button of the battery permanently pressed.

Contact your Bosch e-bike dealer.

Ralf Jodl
Ralf Jodl

Ralf is managing director and co-founder of SIP Scootershop. He has been riding Vespa since 1990 and even today the working day starts best for him when he rides to the SIP headquarters in Landsberg on his Rally 200. Otherwise he owns a 180 SS, a 160 GS and a VM2 fenderlight Vespa.

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