Troubleshoot lack of power to new e-bike
QuietKat electric bikes are built for rugged adventures, so encountering a power loss issue can be frustrating. In this knowledge base article, we'll guide you through the steps to troubleshoot and resolve your new QuietKat e-bike that is not powering on. We'll cover essential checks, including ensuring a full battery charge, checking battery voltage, inspecting brake and shift sensors, and verifying all connections are sound.
1. Ensure a Full Battery Charge:
- A lack of power can occur if your battery is not fully charged. Always charge your battery according to the manufacturer's recommendations before heading out on a ride.
- When connecting your battery to the charger, wait a few seconds to confirm the charging light indicator has turned red. The light will remain red until a full charge has been reached, when the light will turn green. If your charging indicator light turns green right away, but you know the battery is not at a full charge, contact QuietKat support.
- There will either be an issue with your charger or battery. If you have a spare battery or spare charger, test charging on the spare battery with the existing charger and the spare charger with the existing battery to better determine whether the charger or the battery is presenting the issue. Report any of these findings to QuietKat customer support.
- Please note, batteries operating around 30% charge may experience cut-offs.
2. Check Battery Voltage:
- Use a voltmeter to measure your battery's voltage. A fully charged battery should read 54.6V at 100% charge.
- If the voltage is too low, contact QuietKat support and report the voltage reading. QuietKat will replace the battery for your new bike under warranty.
3. Verify All Connections:
- Loose or damaged connections can disrupt the flow of power. Inspect all electrical connections from the display down to the motor, paying close attention to the connections in the main harness behind your handlebars.
- Re-seat any loose connectors and make sure connections are clean and secure. Contact QuietKat Support if you do find any damaged wires or connections.
4. Inspect Throttle and Pedal Assist System:
- If your bike is powering on, but the motor is not responsive, check the throttle operation. Make sure it's responsive and not stuck in a position that restricts power delivery.
- For pedal assist, ensure that the pedal assist sensor is functioning correctly, and there are no obstructions or issues with the magnet ring located on the bottom bracket (hub-drive only). You can follow this article to inspect the PAS sensor on your hub-drive bike.
- The mid-drive PAS sensor is located within the motor. Contact QuietKat Support for any issues with your pedal assist on your mid-drive model.
5. Professional Evaluation:
- If your new QuietKat will still not power on, Contact QuietKat's customer support for a thorough diagnosis and resolution. Report any findings from the troubleshooting list to the CS team, as this will help to identify and confirm the best resolution.