Need Help To Derestrict Ezee Torq
- Thread starter tranki
- Start date
If you remove the battery Tranki, then turn the bike upside down and look just behind the bottom bracket you'll see some wiring harnesses under the battery area.
On one of the bundled cables there is a single ended short stub sticking out. If you remove the insulation from that, you'll find a connector on the end. If you unplug that, the limiter is off. It's best to use some insulating tape afterwards to protect the ends against damp.
The stub is usually tucked under the other cables so you'll need to unearth them a bit, and you might have to cut a tie-wrap to do that.
Sorry no photo, but as it's usually buried under the other cables, it's not easily demonstrated pictorially.
I've now added fully illustrated details on doing this in my website here.
.
On one of the bundled cables there is a single ended short stub sticking out. If you remove the insulation from that, you'll find a connector on the end. If you unplug that, the limiter is off. It's best to use some insulating tape afterwards to protect the ends against damp.
The stub is usually tucked under the other cables so you'll need to unearth them a bit, and you might have to cut a tie-wrap to do that.
Sorry no photo, but as it's usually buried under the other cables, it's not easily demonstrated pictorially.
I've now added fully illustrated details on doing this in my website here.
.
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Torq 2008
I've had my 2008 model for a couple of weeks now and been happily riding it to work with a max speed of 15.5mph.
This weekend I had the opportunity to take it off road so I set about derestricting it. I found the red shrink and cut it off - that's when I first started to wonder. Instead of having a connector to disconnect, there were two connectors already apart.
Now disconnecting things is not usually risky so I was happy with the instructions but plugging in something that wasn't plugged in before requires a bit more courage - was I going to blow up the controller or do some other irreversible damage?
Being a brave sole I plugged it in anyway and went off for a ride. I could immediately feel the difference - I thought the battery was flat but no - my new bike now had a top speed of 12.5mph!
I returned home and unplugged again - normal service was resumed - except that I bought a bike which was advertised as being able, in suitable circumstances, to go 22mph and it can't.
50cycles are still advertising 2008 Torq's as being able to be derestricted 'cos I suspect they haven't realised that there has been a pretty fundamental change to the design. But I for one make my choice partly on that basis. Beware if you are thinking the same way.
I've had my 2008 model for a couple of weeks now and been happily riding it to work with a max speed of 15.5mph.
This weekend I had the opportunity to take it off road so I set about derestricting it. I found the red shrink and cut it off - that's when I first started to wonder. Instead of having a connector to disconnect, there were two connectors already apart.
Now disconnecting things is not usually risky so I was happy with the instructions but plugging in something that wasn't plugged in before requires a bit more courage - was I going to blow up the controller or do some other irreversible damage?
Being a brave sole I plugged it in anyway and went off for a ride. I could immediately feel the difference - I thought the battery was flat but no - my new bike now had a top speed of 12.5mph!
I returned home and unplugged again - normal service was resumed - except that I bought a bike which was advertised as being able, in suitable circumstances, to go 22mph and it can't.
50cycles are still advertising 2008 Torq's as being able to be derestricted 'cos I suspect they haven't realised that there has been a pretty fundamental change to the design. But I for one make my choice partly on that basis. Beware if you are thinking the same way.
Hello Barney. You could check this with 50cycles who can take it up with eZeebike, since there may be another solution with the new wiring harness.
Alternatively you could mail eZeebike direct, you'll find them very helpful usually:
Contact English speaking Mr Wai Won Ching on ezeebike@gmail.com
.
Alternatively you could mail eZeebike direct, you'll find them very helpful usually:
Contact English speaking Mr Wai Won Ching on ezeebike@gmail.com
.
Thanks flecc I'll try Ezee and post their reply.
I suspect the basis of this may lie in the fact that the 2008 Torq has a "new more torquey motor". As I understand it, the restrictor was there because the motor was designed for a smaller wheel and so needed restriction. With a new motor, designed for this size of wheel the restriction is probably unneccessary and hence probably there will be nothing I can do.
Barny
I suspect the basis of this may lie in the fact that the 2008 Torq has a "new more torquey motor". As I understand it, the restrictor was there because the motor was designed for a smaller wheel and so needed restriction. With a new motor, designed for this size of wheel the restriction is probably unneccessary and hence probably there will be nothing I can do.
Barny
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You may be right that it is the new motor. Do you think that they have two motor variations 250W for the EU and 350W for the US? It is possible that the 250W version is geared for the maximum 25 kph legal limit but it is certainly a marketing blunder as I sure there are a great number of people who only buy it because of the high top speed. It would suit me as the old over geared Torq was less than satisfactory when restricted and personally I prefer to stay legal(ish).
When you have the limiter in (wires connected) is it smooth up to the cut off point or does it cut in and out a bit - this would give a bit of clue as I suspect the original Torq controller was well matched to the original motor.
When you have the limiter in (wires connected) is it smooth up to the cut off point or does it cut in and out a bit - this would give a bit of clue as I suspect the original Torq controller was well matched to the original motor.
That's just possible, but it wouldn't suit the USA where this model was launched first. I'm going to be interested in the reply you get from eZeebike if you could let us know.
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According to the Nyce wheels website, the 350W US version tops out at 20mph, so it may be that there are indeed two versions of the motor. After all, originally the restrictor was put in as a bit of a bodge so one motor could suit two markets. Two motors variants would be a better solution if they had been properly marketed as such, but it will obviously upset those who want to ride at the "off road" speed (especially if you have already bought it expecting 22mph).
Is the law actually very clear on de-restricted bikes/ From what I've seen, nobody seems to know what's legal and what isn't......
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Early reports of the eZee motor kit from ebikes.ca suggest the motor does give about 20mph in 26" wheels on a new 37V eZee lithium batt, so nearer 22mph in 28" wheels.
The controller current limit apears to be the same 16A as the UK Torq trekking, so unless the Canadian/US motor's internal gearing is higher than the UK one, the speeds should be the same - so long as the UK limiter can be removed. I could understand a lower wattage rating i.e. 250 vs 350W if the same motor had a limiter on power in the UK, but not if its the same motor & power but geared for a lower speed?? I know that lower speed would mean it runs at lower 'continuous power', and would suit the legal requirements for UK/EU, but it makes no sense in terms of the same motor having 2 different power ratings!
On legality, as far as I know Jimmy bikes should phase down power assist up to 15mph maximum to be road legal, but can be legally used derestricted offroad/on private roads
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Stuart.
The controller current limit apears to be the same 16A as the UK Torq trekking, so unless the Canadian/US motor's internal gearing is higher than the UK one, the speeds should be the same - so long as the UK limiter can be removed. I could understand a lower wattage rating i.e. 250 vs 350W if the same motor had a limiter on power in the UK, but not if its the same motor & power but geared for a lower speed?? I know that lower speed would mean it runs at lower 'continuous power', and would suit the legal requirements for UK/EU, but it makes no sense in terms of the same motor having 2 different power ratings!
On legality, as far as I know Jimmy bikes should phase down power assist up to 15mph maximum to be road legal, but can be legally used derestricted offroad/on private roads
.Stuart.
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S
stokepa31
Guest
Hi All
When I got my 2008 Torq, I asked 50 Cycles if they could de-restrict it for me. They said they could not but that it was easy to do. This would imply that they believe the bike is capable of being de-restricted and going faster! I have no wish to de-restrict at the moment as i'm still getting a feel for the bike and don't need too much speed in the dark. Come the summer though, I will want access to the extra juice and will be mightily miffed if I have purchased a bike which is advertised as - 'Max Speed 15.5 mph (UK legal limit) Can be derestricted to reach 22mph'. Currently I have faith that the good folk of 50 cycles are not telling porkies. Has anyone sought clarification yet if not perhaps I could give them a call.
Paul
When I got my 2008 Torq, I asked 50 Cycles if they could de-restrict it for me. They said they could not but that it was easy to do. This would imply that they believe the bike is capable of being de-restricted and going faster! I have no wish to de-restrict at the moment as i'm still getting a feel for the bike and don't need too much speed in the dark. Come the summer though, I will want access to the extra juice and will be mightily miffed if I have purchased a bike which is advertised as - 'Max Speed 15.5 mph (UK legal limit) Can be derestricted to reach 22mph'. Currently I have faith that the good folk of 50 cycles are not telling porkies. Has anyone sought clarification yet if not perhaps I could give them a call.
Paul
Flecc,
There are two wires in one pin of the first connector but it looks like this is only a joint. One goes to the controller, the other to the loose connector. The loose connector has only one pin, which mates with the other (single) wire in the first connector to give the restriction.
Barny
I had two replies to my enquiries today:
First from eZee:
Dear Barny ,
Sorry we decided to keep the bikes to the legal speed limit of 25 kph.
I hope 50cycle would have the decency to have told you that very clearly before you oaid for the bike.
But anyway the new Torq has far more power (much more torque) than the old model.
Best regards
W W Ching
The second from 50cycles
Hi Barny,
It would seem as if the spec has changed on the 2008 models. I have emailed our manufacturer and am currently awaiting his response.
Regards
Lloyd
I note that they have removed the note about the derestricted speed from their website.
Looks like the UK/EU version is already as quick as it can be.
First from eZee:
Dear Barny ,
Sorry we decided to keep the bikes to the legal speed limit of 25 kph.
I hope 50cycle would have the decency to have told you that very clearly before you oaid for the bike.
But anyway the new Torq has far more power (much more torque) than the old model.
Best regards
W W Ching
The second from 50cycles
Hi Barny,
It would seem as if the spec has changed on the 2008 models. I have emailed our manufacturer and am currently awaiting his response.
Regards
Lloyd
I note that they have removed the note about the derestricted speed from their website.
Looks like the UK/EU version is already as quick as it can be.
I'm no lawyer but the way I read it is this:
If the bike complies with the EAPC regulations (max speed 25kph among others) then it is not a motor vehicle within the Road Traffic Act.
Since the Road Traffic Act requires insurance, driving licence, tax, MOT etc for motor vehicles then I guess a derestricted bike would require all of the above. As such, the act of riding the bike probably isn't illegal but to do so without a licence, tax or insurance probably is.
That might even mean that you could end up with points on your car licence for riding your bike!
Thanks for the information Barney, I suspected that this might be the case.
Unfortunately communications between eZee and 50cycles have had not been at their best for a little while.
Understandably, 50cycles want stable specifications for at least a season at a time, while eZee, up against the part availability problem that afflicts the cycle industry can't promise that and variations occur.
Of course the constant changes should be notified to all agents on every occasion, but that's easier said than done and things can get missed.
At least we now know how the extra torque was achieved, by internally gearing down the hub motor. Just making it a 24" wheel bike would have done roughly the same of course, since the motor was designed for a smaller wheel and legal speeds in the first place.
.
Unfortunately communications between eZee and 50cycles have had not been at their best for a little while.
Understandably, 50cycles want stable specifications for at least a season at a time, while eZee, up against the part availability problem that afflicts the cycle industry can't promise that and variations occur.
Of course the constant changes should be notified to all agents on every occasion, but that's easier said than done and things can get missed.
At least we now know how the extra torque was achieved, by internally gearing down the hub motor. Just making it a 24" wheel bike would have done roughly the same of course, since the motor was designed for a smaller wheel and legal speeds in the first place.
.
The law is perfectly clear. To avoid being classed as a motor vehicle an electric bike has to comply with a number of criteria including a maximum assisted speed of 25kph. The use of a bike which doesn't comply is using an unregistered, untaxed, uninsured, non type approved motor vehicle and 3 to 6 points per offence means an almost certain ban!