E-Bike Keeps Cutting Out? Here’s what to Do
Electric bikes can be quite finicky, especially if you’re a beginner. An electric bike only works if all the components are functioning correctly, which means there is no easy and quick way to troubleshoot major problems. One of the most common e-bike problems is the power cutting out. Many times, the problem is a loose connection or corrosion. Disconnecting the contacts and cleaning them and reconnecting can often solve the problem.
If this doesn’t work then there is a bigger problem with one of the components being faulty on your bike.
The most common components that might malfunction to cause power cut-outs include the electrical system, motor, controller, battery, charger, connections, sensors, and the ignition system.
Power cut-outs can be not only annoying but also dangerous because they can quickly get you into an accident especially if you commute in traffic. In this article, we discuss some of the possible reasons why your e-bike keeps cutting out, and what you can do about it. Read on.
If you haven’t already got a repair kit, we’d recommend getting your tools together like from the kit below – have a look!
Reasons Your E-Bike Keeps Cutting Out, and What to Do About It
Check that your brake motor inhibitor (cut off wires) are not engaged because most bikes have a cut-off switch that shuts of the motor when the brakes are activated. That is a safety design that also protects the motor from damage.
How to Check your Battery Voltage
To find out if sensors are the problem, unplug them and see if your motor regains power. If you have a Mid-drive motor, it may come with an additional cut-off switch this will protect the drivetrain from damage that could happen by shifting gears under full power. If so, then the remedy could be replacing or adjusting the sensor, shifter, or lever. If the motor doesn’t restore power, then the sensors are probably not to blame.
Check Your Controller
The controller is the ‘processor’ in your e-bike system, and it’s another common reason why the bike might cut out power. An e-bike controller takes input signals from the controls and sensors, this signal is analyzed and then the controller decides how to best transfer the energy coming from your battery to the motor.
Given the huge and yet delicate role the controller plays, any technical hitch might throw everything out of balance, including power transfer and distribution. Take a look at your controller for any wires that may be disconnected, loose or not connected properly. If you see any cables are disconnected, reconnect them back to the proper slot. The wires are color-coded and should be matched with the same color as the wire with the same color on the outlet.
If the controller doesn’t work at all, check to see if the power switch is turned on. Also, be sure to check the fuse or circuit breaker. If your e-bike comes with a fuse, you might want to remove it and hold it against source of light to see if it’s burned out. For an e-bike that has a circuit breaker, try pushing the breaker to reset the circuit breaker. But keep an eye out for problem because a circuit breaker is designed to protect the system and there may be an ongoing problem that will seriously damage components.
Inspect your control by using your three senses sight, touch, and smell. Check for melted or burned wires, wire connectors, or electrical components. Also keep an eye out for disconnected, damaged, or loose wire connectors. Use your nose and eyes to check for components that smell or look burnt. This indicates overheating and very likely your problem.
Check the Battery Prongs
Sometimes the reason your bike is cutting out could be as simple as misbehaving battery prongs. If the prongs are not lined up correctly or are not pushed all the way in, they might occasionally disconnect when you hit the bumps or a rough patch. You can quickly fix this by bending the prongs slightly to realign them.
If your bike just cut out the power entirely or is not lighting back up even after charging the battery, it could be that the battery charger is malfunctioned. Plug the battery charger into the wall and then into the battery charger port. If there is an illuminated indicator light on the battery charger, then the charger is ok.
Himiway Zebra Review 2022
Here’s what you need to know about fat bikes like this Himiway Zebra we’re reviewing: Fat bikes are awesome, because they have traction like a restaurant has food and comfort that La-Z-Boy envies. But they are also slower than a toddler putting on shoes. And e-bikes are fun, pretty much no matter what. So when manufacturers dreamt up fat e-bikes, well that was like Halloween for an eight year old. Where do we sign up? Enter the Himiway Zebra electric fat bike.
Should anyone wonder how good an idea a fat e-bike is, a quick scan of the number of sub-2000 e-bikes that sport tires 3-in. wide—or wider—will show that most companies think it is an excellent idea, so much so that some offer multiple fat e-bikes. No bike company believes in this idea more than Himiway. Not only is the Zebra a fat e-bike, but every bike in their line sports wide tires.
At first glance, the Himiway Zebra looks a lot like another Himiway model we have reviewed here, the Cruiser. Both feature an aluminum frame, a suspension fork and a 750W brushless hub motor, as well as a number of other features such as a 7-speed drivetrain, rear rack, fenders and lights. So why does the Zebra go for 400 more than the Cruiser? On closer inspection there are upgrades to the motor, battery and brakes that make it a very exciting addition to the Himiway lineup.
Himiway Zebra Review Ratings:
All ratings are relative to e-bikes of a similar style and price point
Himiway Zebra E-Bike Specs
- Battery: 48V 20Ah Samsung/LG lithium battery
- Expected Range: 60-80 miles
- Motor: 750W brushless geared motor
- Pedal Assist: 0-5 level pedal assist
- Display: LCD display with USB charging
- Headlight: 48V LED light
- Taillight: Integrated Taillight
- Frame: 6061 Aluminum
- Fork: Alloy front suspension fork with lockout and adjustment
- Fenders: included
- Kickstand: heavy duty aluminum
- Handlebars: alloy, riser
- Grips: Faux leather, ergonomic
- Drivetrain: Shimano Altus derailleur and Tourney shifters, 14-28 freewheel
- Brakes: Hydraulic discs, 180mm rotors
- Pedals: alloy
- Saddle: SR saddle
- Tires: Kenda Juggernaut 26 x 4 in.
In-Depth Himiway Zebra Review
Himiway Zebra Review: Comfort, Handling, and Ride Qualities
When reviewing the Himiway Zebra we consider whether a bike can really be used in off-road situations, one of the aspects we look at is whether the bike will have adequate weight on the front wheel. On non-powered mountain bikes, if a rider is seated too upright, the lack of weight on the front wheel can result in it washing out in turns. Even though the Zebra offers riders a fairly upright position, that position isn’t so upright as to cause problems; also, the overall weight of the bike and the Velcro-like fat tires give this bike some cornering ability that a lighter bike with skinnier tires would not possess.
The upshot to all this is that the Zebra is a capable bike on dirt roads and gentle trails but doesn’t give up the more upright position that more casual riders tend to prefer.
We referenced the bike’s weight and it’s worth mentioning that the manufacturer’s claimed weight is 79 lbs. That’s a lot by any standard. It’s heavy enough that there aren’t many hitch racks that can carry it. Also, that bulk can make the e-bike a bit tougher to manage should a rider enter a turn too quickly or without leaning sufficiently, but as far as confidence on bumpy and loose surfaces, most riders will enjoy how stable the bike feels. It may feel a bit unwieldy at low speeds or when trying to park the bike.
Himiway Zebra Review: Motor, Battery, and Drivetrain Performance
While reviewing the Himiway Zebra it’s clear that it distinguishes itself from the Cruiser most with its upgrades to the motor and battery. While both models benefit from a powerful 750W brushless, geared hub motor, the Zebra’s motor produces 86Nm of torque, a 7.5-percent increase over the Cruiser’s 80Nm. Now, that number may not sound like much, but when pedaling, that extra oomph in acceleration and on hills is noticeable. Put glue on its tires and the Zebra might be able to climb the Great Pyramid at Giza.
The Zebra also receives the backing of a noticeably more powerful battery than comes with the Cruiser—960Wh compared to 840Wh. The Cruiser’s battery was no slouch, but with a 960Wh battery riders can potentially ride 60 Mi. in PAS 5, or up to 80 Mi. in PAS 1.
The Himiway Zebra’s biggest failing is its drivetrain. Obviously, with a price of 1999, some strategic parts choices are going to be necessary—sub-2000 bikes don’t come with 12 or even 10-speed drivetrains—but the Zebra’s 7-speed drivetrain, featuring Shimano Altus and Tourney components will limit where this bike can go and on steeper hills will rely more on its powerful motor than would be necessary with a wider-ranging drivetrain. The 36×28 low gear isn’t low enough and the 36×14 high gear will leave riders’ legs whirring like a blender to hit 28 mph.
Himtiway Zebra Review: Braking, Safety, Customer Service Warranty
One of our knocks against the Himiway Cruiser was that mechanical disc brakes were spec’d on it. The Cruiser doesn’t weigh much less than the Zebra, so while there is a 400 upcharge for the Zebra over the Cruiser, part of what a rider benefits from is the change to hydraulic disc brakes, which gives the Zebra a noticeably shorter stopping distance, not to mention a better sense of control at speed.
A rider’s sense of safety begins with their sense of control. The Zebra handles well, if leisurely; it’s not a bike for tight, technical singletrack trails. And controlling speed is easy thanks to its combination of powerful motor and brakes. Bikes with components that break don’t stay on the market long; recalls get issued and corrections are made; still, it’s nice to know that this bike can handle a load of 400 lbs. Very few e-bikes can take that much weight and whether someone needs that much capacity or not, knowing the Zebra can stand up to such use should give anyone’s confidence a boost.
Himiway has a solid reputation among its users for taking care of warranty and other customer service issues. And in the limited time the Zebra has been out it has received 427 user reviews, all four or five stars. Like other bikes in the Himiway line, the Zebra is covered by a two-year warranty on all parts and labor.
Himiway Zebra Design and Features
Frame and Geometry
Himiway redesigned the Zebra’s frame providing step-thru and high-step versions. It has an aggressively-looking aluminum frame recommended for riders of heights between 5’1” and 6’4”.
The e-bike features a slightly changed geometry and a removable battery. The bike’s backend has more angular tubing meant to stiffen it for a better riding experience.
It also has a heavy-duty aluminum kickstand to balance your bike when parked, a comfortable SR saddle joined to a 30.9350mm alloy seat post, and alloy pedals with reflectors.
400-Pound Carrying Capacity
One of the highlights of the Himiway Zebra is its great carrying capacity. The frame of the bike is so strong, that it can withstand a payload of 400 lbs (~180 kg).
Although the bike is suitable for MTB adventures, it can be easily used for longer commutes and even for touring. The versatile frame of the bike has many mounts for pannier bags.
Suspension
The Zebra has a front suspension fork that absorbs shock on impact, reducing the vibration transmitted to riders. This is beneficial for the Zebra since it’s an all-terrain bike.
Its fat tires also help by absorbing shock providing a better experience for riders. However, it doesn’t do as well as bikes with double suspension.
Wheels and Tires
The Zebra has all-terrain 26” by 4” fat tires, perfect for all-terrain riding.
The tires have 12-gauge spokes on the back tires and 13-gauge spokes on the front tires.
The tires provide sufficient traction when riding through rough, muddy, or snowy terrain.
We wouldn’t recommend riding the e-bike on rocky terrain because it has a single front suspension and tricky handling when making turns.
Display
The Zebra has a standard black and white LCD display that provides vital information like:
- power
- mileage
- speed for riders
- battery capacity
- pedal assist level
- and range.
You can also use the LCD display to charge your phone. Also, it has a standard cockpit with an overbar tourney 7-speed shifter and a twist throttle on its right-hand side.
Additionally, it has faux leather grips meant to make it easier to hold the handles.
Free Accessories
The Himiway Zebra comes with free accessories like:
The fenders help keep you and your bike clean from dirt splashed by tires when riding in muddy or wet terrain. You also get a repair tool for replacing parts and making repairs if you damage your bike.
Himiway Zebra Review Conclusions
The Himiway Zebra is among the better affordable e-bikes on the market.
The bike has several elements that have elevated it to its status, including the braking and climbing ability. Its test results in these areas are impressive, and you should consider them if you want to purchase an affordable e-bike.
Some of the bike’s few issues, like the small stock gear ratio and faux leather material on the handles, are fixable. However, you’ll have to adapt to other problems like the understeer. Purchasing the Zebra comes down to what the buyer wants and whether it meets all the requirements.
Himiway’s Development in Recent Years
Himiway Bikes was established in 2017. The company started with the launch of its iconic e-bike called the Himiway Cruiser in the US and Canada. The founders are a bunch of outdoor enthusiasts who believed they needed to create sustainable mobility solutions to support them in their adventure activities.
In November 2019, the brand launched the upgraded version of the Cruiser. In January 2020, the Step-Thru model saw the light of day. The Himiway Escape was launched in September, and the brand entered the German market.
This was closely followed by Himiway becoming a part of the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition. In May 2021, the company became a member of the Adventure Cycling Association. In June, it became a member of the California Bicycle Coalition.
In November 2021, Himiway introduced the Zebra, followed by the Step-Thru model. The Himiway Big Dog, Cobra, and Cobra Pro were also launched in 2021.
The Himiway Cycling Club was set up in February 2022. The company plans to keep rolling out newer features and e-bike models that are innovatively created for intuitive performance and safety on the road.
Quality components, reliability, and long-term usage are three critical FOCUS points for the brand. Alongside this, the FOCUS is also on ensuring the e-bikes are easy to use. Himiway has a comprehensive range of electric bikes to cater to different segments of society.
There are commuter and city e-bikes, hunting, fat tire, and fishing e-bikes. Himmiway e-bikes are designed and engineered in-house.
- The frame is one of the best aspects of Himmiway e-bikes. These are top-quality, made from aluminum alloy, and lightweight. The step-thru design enables riders of all heights to ride the e-bikes easily. Plus, a range of colors is available for riders to customize as per their taste.
- Himiway Bikes are equipped with powerful motors that generate 750W power, ideal for rough terrains. The batteries are equally powerful, offering a seamless range of up to 60 miles (95 km) per charge.
- Fat tires and robust suspension fork are excellent features that help riders ride comfortably, even on loose terrain. The comfortable seats add to the convenience, especially on longer journeys. Finally, there is a range of PA levels to make riding a flexible option for the rider, as per the requirement of the terrain and their personal preferences.
From Tektro hydraulic disc brakes to Samsung/LG batteries, Kenda tires, etc., the brand uses the best components to create its e-bike models. Besides, the brand has customer support at the center of its operations.
This is a big difference in how Himiway e-bikes create a differentiating factor in the market. Also, every effort is made to understand the mindset of the target customer so that the product is the right fit.
The brand has evolved as a global brand with concerted efforts to reach all nooks and corners of the planet. It has worked on a direct-to-customer model, which has helped keep affordable.
The brand has branches or offline sales channels across North America and Europe, making it easy for customers to walk up to the dealers directly, check out the e-bikes, and take test rides before buying.
Not just that, the sales centers are also the after-sale service centers, enabling direct contact between the customer and company representatives.
Also noteworthy is that the brand offers a two-year manufacturing warranty on its models and a 15-day refund policy.
Worth noting that Himiway opened more than 300 dealers in the US and 340 worldwide by the end of 2022. All Himiway customers enjoy after-sales service, test ride service, as well as maintenance and repair services at any of Himiway’s 300 dealers in the United States.
Testimonials from Himiway Riders and Dealers
As a dealer in CA, Venture Riding mentions his experience and joy of working with Himiway Bikes. They sell Himiway e-bikes exclusively and eloquently speak about how excited he is for what the brand has to offer in the future.
As one user points out that e-bikes are perfect for middle-range users. Another buyer mentions that he likes the price point and the look of the Himiway models. Joanie has tried the Big Dog, and she feels pretty surprised by the feel of the e-bike – not heavy as she thought, but relatively light.
She felt in control and safe to ride the e-bike. She also loved that the PA system was not forced on her, and she had the flexibility to use it as her choice. The pedal assist is very smooth and not jerky at all.
Himiway stands out for the quality of its e-bike, its brand, and its customer service.
Another e-bike dealer called E-bike Iowa mentions how the Cobra is an incredible e-bike. The Zebra is the most popular amongst buyers with its 80-mile (130 km) range. Both models have hydraulic disc brakes.
Powerhouse Motorsports is another Himiway dealer and mentions that the critical difference between Himiway and competition is the long range. The e-bikes have a two-year warranty; even with that, there are not many problems with the electric bikes.
Troubleshooting Himiway E-Bike Controller (for Himiway Support)
Himiway’s Commitment to Product, Brand, and Service
Himiway has the Vision of providing riders with the best outdoor cycling sojourns globally. The company focuses on customer satisfaction and top-notch product quality while fulfilling social responsibility.
The Mission of the brand is to make cycling a fun activity so that people can enjoy a healthy lifestyle in the background of eco-friendliness.
Thanks to its dedicated Vision and Mission, Himiway e-bikes are empowered to achieve a maximum mileage of 80 miles (130 km) and about 72,280T CO2 reduction.
Today, models from the brand are driven by almost 81,000 riders worldwide and enjoy about 3,700 5-star reviews. And the figures are all on a rising trend, which shows that end-users understand the value-driven commitment of Himiway.
To further improve its service offering, Himiway is preparing to hold regular free repair tours in the US. The first stop is at the Himiway San Diego direct store on May 19-21, 2023. The full schedule is available on the Himiway Dealer Event page.
A Few Words in Conclusion
Himiway Bikes has been around for six years and, in a short period, has created a niche for itself in the e-bike market. Thanks to its penchant for timeless design, top-quality components, and top-notch engineering aspects.
The company is offering a 2-year warranty on its e-bikes, which is one of the longest in the industry. Over this relatively short period of time, Himiway has collected more than 13K 5-star reviews, which serves as proof that customers appreciate the efforts and the service.
Thanks to its superior customer-centric policies and support services, Himiway has been successfully expanding and growing its footprint worldwide. Very soon, the brand is expected to reach about 1 million cyclists in more than 30 countries.
Next time you plan to buy an e-bike, consider Himiway e-bike models due to their incredible growth and value strategy; even other brands try to follow in their footsteps.
Hey there! My name is Igor Karni. I created this site to help you find answers to your questions about e-bikes. I hope that this blog will give you enough knowledge to rent or buy an e-bike you will love and the one that best suits your personal needs. It will make me happy if my articles help make your decisions a bit easier. And you have fun following the process!
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