Electric Bike Displays: Everything You Need to Know

For electric bike owners, the display on the handlebars is an essential component during a ride. It provides real-time information such as speed, remaining battery life, and distance traveled, helping you ride safely and efficiently. However, the display can sometimes encounter common issues, like malfunctioning or damage from water exposure. In such cases, you may need to inspect, maintain, or even replace the display. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to common electric bike display issues and their solutions, as well as detailed instructions on how to replace the display, important considerations, and related costs, helping you better maintain and use your electric bike display.

Types of Electric Bike Displays

Electric bikes come with different types of displays, and the choice of display varies across brands. Here are some of the most common types:

LCD Display

This is one of the most common types of electric bike displays. It shows basic information such as speed, battery level, and mileage. LCD displays are affordable and energy-efficient, but the display quality is fairly basic with average color and clarity.

TFT LCD Display

Compared to regular LCDs, TFT LCD displays offer richer colors and a wider viewing angle, providing a more refined display experience. However, they tend to consume slightly more power.

LED Display

These displays are very bright and are especially useful in low-light conditions. They are highly energy-efficient but can only show limited information, such as battery status and riding mode.

LED Indicator Screen

This type of display uses a set of LED lights to indicate battery levels and assist modes. It's a very simple and intuitive design, but it offers less detailed information compared to other displays.

OLED Display

Some electric bike brands opt for OLED displays, which offer extremely high contrast and rich colors for a very clear viewing experience, while still being energy-efficient. However, OLED displays tend to be more expensive and may suffer from screen burn-in over time with prolonged use.

Smart Display

These displays come with advanced features such as navigation and data tracking, usually accompanied by a color screen and an intuitive interface. While they offer more functionality, they are also more expensive and consume more power.

Common Issues with Electric Bike Displays and Solutions

Display Suddenly Turns Black

Problem: While riding, the electric bike display suddenly goes black, and no information is shown.

Possible Causes

• Low battery
• Loose connections
• Software malfunction

Solutions

Restart the bike: Try restarting the electric bike to see if the display returns to normal.

Check the battery: Ensure that the battery is charged. If the battery is low, charge it and try again.

Check the connections: Inspect all cables connecting the display, battery, and controller for looseness or damage. Secure any loose cables and try again.

Basic reset: Refer to the user manual for instructions on performing a basic reset.

Software update: Check if there is a firmware update available for the display.

Inaccurate Data on the Display

Problem: The data on the display, such as speed, battery level, or distance, is inaccurate and does not match real-world conditions.

Possible Causes

• Sensor malfunction
• Unstable battery power
• Software or firmware issues

Solutions

Restart the bike: Turn off the power and restart the bike to see if the issue is resolved.

Check the sensor: Inspect the speed sensor to ensure it is clean and properly installed. Clean or adjust it if necessary.

Check battery stability: Ensure the battery power is stable, as fluctuations may affect the accuracy of the data.

Reset the display: Perform a basic reset as outlined in the user manual.

Software update: Check for available firmware or software updates to address data discrepancies.

Display Flickers or Brightness Fluctuates

Problem: The display flickers or the brightness fluctuates during the ride.

Possible Causes

• Unstable battery voltage
• Loose wiring connections Internal display malfunction

Solutions

Check battery voltage: Ensure the battery is fully charged and functioning properly. Voltage instability can cause the display to flicker.

Check wiring: Inspect the cables between the display, battery, and controller to ensure there are no loose connections.

Replace the display: If the problem persists, the display may have a hardware issue. Contact customer service or a professional for replacement.

Display Not Responding to Input

Problem: The display buttons or touch screen are unresponsive, preventing you from changing riding modes or adjusting settings.

Possible Causes

• Button or touch area malfunction
• System freeze or delayed response
• Software issues with the display

Solutions

Restart the bike: Turn off the power and restart the bike to check if the issue is resolved.

Inspect buttons or touch areas: Check if the physical buttons or touch screen are damaged or exposed to water.

Basic reset: Hold the reset button on the display or refer to the manual for instructions on how to reset.

Software update: Check for any available firmware updates for the display and install them to restore functionality.

Display Water Damage or Moisture

Problem: The display becomes unclear or completely unresponsive after exposure to water or moisture.

Possible Causes

• Moisture entering the display Internal short circuits
• Prolonged exposure to humid environments

Solutions

Power off immediately: Shut off the power and remove the battery to prevent further damage.

Air dry: Place the electric bike in a dry, well-ventilated area and allow the display to air dry naturally.

Use waterproof protection: In future use, consider adding a waterproof cover or protector for the display to prevent water damage.

Replace the display: If water damage is severe and the display cannot be restored, it may need to be replaced.

Unable to Switch Riding Modes on the Display

Problem: The display does not respond when attempting to switch between riding modes.

Possible Causes

• Damaged buttons
• System freeze
• Controller or motor issues

Solutions

Restart the bike: Turn off the power and restart the bike to check if the mode switching functionality is restored.

Check buttons: Ensure the mode switch button is not damaged or stuck. Try pressing and holding it for a few seconds to see if it responds.

Check system settings: Verify if the display is frozen or experiencing delayed responses, and perform a system reset if necessary.

Consult a professional: If the display still does not switch modes, the issue may be with the controller or motor, and professional repair may be required.

Prevention and Solutions for Water Ingress and Moisture in Electric bike Displays

Electric bicycle displays, being exposed to the elements, are susceptible to rain and humidity, which can lead to malfunctions. While most electric bikes come with waterproof protection, it is essential to prevent and address water ingress and moisture issues to ensure the display's long-term functionality.

Methods to Prevent Water Ingress and Moisture in Displays

Use of Waterproof Covers or Protective Cases

Equipping the electric bicycle display with a waterproof cover or protective case can effectively shield it from rain or humid weather. There are many protective accessories on the market specifically designed for displays, which are both simple and practical.

Store in a Dry Environment

When not in use, try to store the electric bicycle in a dry location to avoid prolonged exposure to humid conditions. A garage or indoor space is ideal to prevent moisture from gradually damaging the electronic components.

Regularly Check for Sealing

Inspect the connection between the display and the bike frame to ensure it is tightly sealed, preventing moisture from seeping in. If any looseness or damage is found, repair or replace the waterproof gaskets promptly to maintain proper sealing.

Avoid Riding in Heavy Rain

Try to avoid riding in heavy rain or on roads with large puddles. If it is unavoidable, make sure to dry the display after riding and store the bike in a dry environment to prevent moisture buildup.

Solutions for Display Water Ingress

Turn Off Power Immediately

If water ingress is detected, turn off the electric bike’s power immediately to prevent short circuits. Remove the battery to avoid further damage.

Wipe and Air Dry

Gently wipe the surface of the display with a dry, soft cloth. If water has entered the display, place the bike in a dry, well-ventilated area and allow it to air dry for several hours or even days to ensure all internal moisture evaporates.

Use Desiccants

Place desiccants, such as silica gel packets, near the display to absorb moisture from the air and speed up the drying process inside the display.

Seek Professional Repair

If the display does not return to normal operation after a prolonged period, you may need to contact a professional technician for inspection and repair. Severe water damage may result in internal circuitry failure, requiring the display to be replaced.

How to Replace an Electric Bike Display

Replacing an electric bike display is a relatively simple process, but it requires careful attention to ensure proper installation and safe use. Below are detailed steps and important considerations for the replacement process.

Steps and Precautions for Replacing the Display

Step 1: Prepare Tools and the New Display

Start by ensuring you have purchased a display that is fully compatible with your electric bike model. Gather basic tools such as a screwdriver and a wrench.

Precautions

• Make sure the new display matches the bike’s model and connector interface.
• It’s recommended to read the installation manual of the new display to understand specific steps.

Step 2: Power Off the Bike

Before you begin, turn off the electric bike and remove the battery to avoid short circuits or other accidents.

Precautions

• Always perform the operation with the power off to ensure safety.

Step 3: Remove the Old Display

Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws holding the old display in place. Gently disconnect the cables connecting the display to the battery and controller.

Precautions

• When disconnecting cables, press the latch on the connector, and avoid pulling on the wires forcefully.
• Make a note of the cable connections and their positions to ensure proper installation of the new display.

Step 4: Install the New Display

Mount the new display on the handlebars, connect the cables in the correct order, and securely fasten the screws to hold the display in place.

Precautions

• Ensure all cables are firmly connected to avoid issues with poor contact.
• Avoid using excessive force during installation to prevent damage to the display or connectors.

Step 5: Test the Display

After installation, reconnect the battery and turn on the electric bike. Check if the new display is working correctly, showing information such as speed, battery level, and riding mode.

Precautions

• If the display doesn’t function properly, double-check the connections and ensure the display is compatible with your electric bike.
• Test all the features to ensure everything is functioning as expected.

By following these steps carefully, you can successfully replace your electric bike display and ensure smooth functionality for future rides.

Cost of Replacing an Electric Bike Display

The cost of replacing an electric bike display varies based on the type and features of the display:

Types of Displays

• Basic LCD Displays: Standard LCD displays are generally more affordable, typically ranging from €50 to €100.
• Advanced Smart Displays or OLED Displays: These displays offer more features and superior visual quality, usually priced between €150 and €300.

Brand and Model

• Original Displays: Displays from the original manufacturer tend to be more expensive but offer better quality and guaranteed compatibility.
• Third-Party Replacement Displays: These are often cheaper, but you need to ensure they are fully compatible with your electric bike.

Installation Fees

• If you opt to have the display replaced at a professional repair shop, installation services typically cost around €20 to €50, depending on the service level and the complexity of the display being replaced.

By considering both the cost of the display and installation fees, you can plan the total expense for replacing the electric bike display.

Final Words

There are many potential causes for electric bike display issues. Before taking your bike to a repair shop, it’s worth troubleshooting the basic problems outlined in this guide. If you're still unable to resolve the issue after trying these solutions, we recommend consulting a local expert for further inspection and repair. We wish you a pleasant riding experience, and thank you for reading!