If your electric bike isn’t showing speed on the display, it usually means the speed sensor isn’t detecting wheel movement. Often this comes down to a simple issue like a misaligned wheel magnet or a loose connection.
In most cases, fixing the sensor alignment or reconnecting a wire will get your eBike’s speed reading back. Less commonly, a faulty sensor or incorrect display settings might be to blame. The good news is these problems are usually easy to troubleshoot.
This guide will walk you through how to diagnose and fix an e-bike speedometer that’s not working.
Common Reasons Your Electric Bike Isn’t Showing Speed
There are a few typical causes behind an eBike speed not displaying properly. Here are the most common reasons your speedometer may read 0 or not show any speed:
- Misaligned or missing wheel magnet: The small magnet on your wheel spoke may be out of place, so the sensor isn’t picking up the wheel rotations.
- Loose or damaged sensor wiring: A disconnected or broken wire between the speed sensor and the bike’s computer will result in no speed signal.
- Incorrect display settings: The wheel size or sensor settings in the display may be wrong, leading to a very inaccurate speed reading.
- Faulty speed sensor or electronics: The sensor itself could have failed, or an internal magnet/hall sensor in the motor might be damaged and preventing any speed reading.
1. Misaligned or Missing Speed Sensor Magnet
One of the most common reasons an eBike speed shows 0 is a problem with the wheel magnet and sensor alignment. Most e-bikes have a magnet on a rear wheel spoke and a sensor on the frame (usually on the rear chainstay). If this magnet gets nudged out of position or falls off, the sensor won’t register the wheel turning, and your electric bike’s display isn’t showing speed. The fix is straightforward:
Inspect the magnet position
Look at your rear wheel – find the small magnet attached to one of the spokes. It should line up with the middle of the speed sensor as it passes by. If the magnet is misaligned (too high or low relative to the sensor), loosen it and slide it along the spoke until it’s directly in line with the sensor. Then tighten it in place.
Check the magnet gap
The magnet needs to pass very close to the sensor (just a few millimeters). If there’s too much space, the sensor might not detect it. Adjust the sensor mount or magnet position as needed. In some cases, if the sensor is fixed in place, you can add a small spacer or washer behind the sensor to bring it closer to the magnet’s path.
Replace if missing
If the magnet fell off or is gone, you’ll need to replace it. These magnets are inexpensive to get from a bike shop. Attach the new magnet securely so it won’t shift when the wheel spins.
After realigning or replacing the magnet, spin the wheel and confirm the display is now showing speed instead of 0. Often, simply moving the magnet back into place instantly fixes the issue, making this a quick beginner-friendly solution to most problems where an ebike isn’t showing speed.
2. Loose or Damaged Speed Sensor Wiring
Speed sensor connectors should be checked. Ensure plugs are secure and free of corrosion, as loose connections can cause the eBike speed not displaying any reading.
If aligning the magnet doesn’t solve the issue, the next thing to check is the wiring. Your e-bike’s speed sensor has a cable running to the controller or display. A loose, pinched, or damaged wire will prevent the speed signal from reaching the computer. Here’s how to troubleshoot wiring issues:
Inspect the connector
Find where the sensor wire plugs into the bike’s wiring harness (often along the chainstay). Make sure this connector hasn’t come undone. Unplug it, check for any dirt or corrosion on the pins, and plug it back in securely.
Check the cable
Follow the sensor cable from the sensor toward the controller. Look for any signs of damage like cuts, frayed sections, or pinched spots. If the wire is damaged, the sensor signal may not reach the controller.
Secure all connections
Sometimes connectors loosen due to vibration. Ensure that not only the sensor cable but also the main display cable is firmly connected. Reseating these plugs can restore a lost connection.
Usually these steps solve the issue. One rider noted that most “no speed” cases are due to either the magnet or a disconnected wire. If it’s still not showing speed, a wiring issue is likely – a broken sensor wire will need to be repaired or replaced.
3. Incorrect Display Settings or Calibration
Sometimes the issue isn’t hardware at all but rather a settings mix-up in your e-bike’s display. If your speed is displaying oddly or not at all, it’s worth checking the configuration:
Wheel size setting
Most electric bike displays allow you to set the wheel diameter (e.g. 26", 700C, 29"). If this is set incorrectly, your speed reading can be wildly inaccurate. Make sure the wheel size in the settings matches your actual wheel – if the computer expects a much larger wheel than you have, it will miscalculate your speed.
Speed sensor mode
Some displays have a setting for the speed sensor type or pulse count. For instance, certain models let you specify if you use an external wheel magnet or an internal hub sensor. Ensure this is set according to your bike’s manual. On one popular e-bike display, choosing the wrong value here caused the speedometer to stop reading until corrected.
Adjusting the display settings is an easy fix. Consult your bike’s user manual on how to access the settings menu, and correct any wheel size or sensor settings. Once set properly, your eBike’s speedometer should display accurate numbers again.
This fix is often overlooked, but it can resolve cases where the ebike speed not displaying was due to a calibration issue rather than a physical problem.
4. Faulty Speed Sensor or Controller Issues
If you’ve tried the fixes above and the speed reading is still stuck at 0, you may have a faulty component. Possible culprits include a defective speed sensor, an internal hub sensor failure (if your bike uses the motor’s built-in speed sensor), or a controller/display malfunction.
Replace the sensor
External speed sensors are relatively cheap and plug-and-play. If yours might be bad, try a compatible replacement. This often resolves the issue if the old sensor was faulty.
Check for error codes
Some e-bike systems will show an error code if the speed sensor fails. For example, an error code “21” on certain models indicates a speed sensor issue. If your display shows an error number, look it up in the manual – it might pinpoint a sensor fault.
Professional help
If none of the DIY fixes work, it’s time to see an e-bike technician. A professional has the tools to test the controller, internal sensors, and display unit. In some cases the faulty part (whether sensor, display, or controller) may need replacing. It’s rare to reach this stage, so if you’re not comfortable with advanced troubleshooting, seeking professional help is the safest option.
Maintenance Tips to Prevent E-Bike Speed Display Issues
If your ebike speed not displaying keeps coming back, it’s usually because the sensor setup is getting bumped, dirty, wet, or stressed over time. These habits help prevent the classic “ebike speed shows 0” problem before it ruins a ride.
Lock in the magnet and sensor gap
A tiny shift can make an electric bike isn’t showing speed issue show up again.
- Keep the magnet passing the sensor at about 2–5 mm (about the thickness of 2–3 nickels).
- After you transport the bike, crash, or remove the wheel, re-check alignment in 30 seconds.
Clean the sensor area like it’s a brake part
Mud and metallic grit can block the signal and cause display issue.
- Wipe the magnet and sensor with a dry cloth every 2–4 weeks (more if you ride in rain/gravel).
- Don’t blast the sensor area with a pressure washer. High-pressure water pushes moisture into connectors.
Protect connectors from moisture and vibration
Loose plugs are a top reason for speed not displaying randomly.
- Once a month, unplug/replug the sensor connector to ensure a snug fit.
- If you ride wet conditions, add a tiny dab of dielectric grease to the seal (not the metal pins) to help keep water out.
- Make sure connector arrows/keys line up before pushing. Bent pins = repeat “speed shows 0” headaches.
Add strain relief so the cable can’t get yanked
Cable stress can break wires internally, even if the outside looks fine.
- Use zip ties to secure the sensor cable to the frame with gentle slack near the sensor.
- Keep the cable away from the rotor, tire, chain, and folding hinges (if you have a folding e-bike).
Don’t forget display settings after resets or updates
A wrong wheel size can look like a sensor problem.
- If you swap tires/wheels or the display resets, confirm wheel size in the settings.
- If your bike supports it, confirm the correct sensor mode (external wheel sensor vs motor/internal).
Keep a $5 spare magnet in your toolbox
Magnets get lost more than sensors do. A spare can save a ride when your ebike isn’t showing speed out of nowhere.
Regular 2-minute checkups are the best way to stop speed display problems before they start and keep your rides stress-free.
Conclusion
When an electric bike isn’t showing speed, the fix is usually closer than you think: the wheel magnet is off, the sensor gap is too wide, or a connector worked loose. Start with the quick physical checks, then confirm your display settings (especially wheel size) before blaming the controller. If your ebike speed not displaying keeps happening, lock in the magnet gap, protect connectors from water, and add strain relief so the sensor wire can’t get tugged. Do that, and you’ll stop the “ebike speed shows 0” surprise and get a speed readout you can trust every ride.
FAQs
Why does my ebike speed shows 0 even though I’m moving?
Most of the time, the wheel magnet isn’t passing close enough to the sensor (aim for 2–5 mm), or the sensor connector is loose. Either issue makes the electric bike isn’t showing speed on the display.
My ebike speed not displaying after I changed a tire or removed the wheel—what happened?
Wheel removal often bumps the magnet or sensor out of alignment. Re-line up the magnet so it passes the sensor dead-center, then spin the wheel and see if the ebike isn’t showing speed problem goes away.
Can the display settings cause an electric bike isn’t showing speed issue?
Yes. If the wheel size or sensor mode is wrong, the display can read wildly incorrect speed or appear “stuck.” If your ebike speed not displaying after a reset, confirm wheel size and any speed sensor settings in the menu.
How do I know if the speed sensor is bad vs. the wiring?
If the magnet gap is correct and reconnecting the plug doesn’t help, inspect the cable for pinches/cuts and check for bent pins in the connector. If everything looks clean and tight but the ebike speed shows 0 consistently, the sensor itself may have failed.
Is it okay to ride if my ebike isn’t showing speed?
Usually the bike will still ride fine, but it’s riskier because you can’t gauge speed for safety or legal limits. Fix the ebike speed not displaying issue soon, especially if you ride in traffic or use Class 2/3 speed caps.
