2019 Pedego Ridge Rider 20mph limiter - easiest hack around this?

[Saratoga Dave]

Night and day between the Pedego and the Yamaha motors. I’m barely aware of the power coming on with the Yamaha, you just realize at some point that it’s there and you’re heading uphill smooth as can be. My wife’s Pedego is fun, but it’s more like a turbocharger kicking in. The thing just takes off like it’s got a mind of its own as you go through the boost levels. To each his own!

 

[iamjcl]

Night and day between the Pedego and the Yamaha motors. I’m barely aware of the power coming on with the Yamaha, you just realize at some point that it’s there and you’re heading uphill smooth as can be. My wife’s Pedego is fun, but it’s more like a turbocharger kicking in. The thing just takes off like it’s got a mind of its own as you go through the boost levels. To each his own!

Yes - that is a good description - just takes off. I was a little startled the first few times because I didn't really feel in control of it. Changing PAS modes didn't really help much.

I'm hoping other bikes are better in this regard.

 

[iamjcl]

Night and day between the Pedego and the Yamaha motors. I’m barely aware of the power coming on with the Yamaha, you just realize at some point that it’s there and you’re heading uphill smooth as can be. My wife’s Pedego is fun, but it’s more like a turbocharger kicking in. The thing just takes off like it’s got a mind of its own as you go through the boost levels. To each his own!

I really want / need a throttle though, and that rules out most all of the Bosch / Yamaha / Brose bikes I'm aware of (all the ones that have that natural pedal assist), so I've been looking at mountain bike or fat tire type bikes that are sort of utility models that also have a throttle.

 

[Timpo]

Thanks! I did see this - very simple mod, and one that provides some custom programming options (configure max amp draw, for example) that are nice.

Comparing Rover to Juiced Ripcurrent S, you could get RR, kit you mention and a 2nd battery and still be in it for less $. Sure, still no hydro brakes and non torque sensor (and I'm not so sure how well that one works), but otherwise pretty close. Also like how the RR has mounts for a front rack on the steering tube - something I might possibly use -vs- a rear rack.

Rad Rover looks like it's a solid offering at that price, and can be modded simply since there are quite a few of them out there. I wonder about adding a more fluid pedal assist sensing tech to it - like a torque sensor etc..., but I guess I should post that over in the Rad section...

Oh I forgot to mention, I do have hydraulic brakes.

I used to have mechanical brakes but it was so bad, so I upgraded the disc, levers and caliper.
Tektro E715 hydraulic brakes from AliExpress. I looked around everywhere and Aliexpress had the best price.
I had to get a Juiced connector for brake inhibitor but that was easy to switch.
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/pr...29f5-413a-8c48-b370f3fdcddd&priceBeautifyAB=0

 

[ebikemom]

My wife’s Pedego is fun, but it’s more like a turbocharger kicking in.

My daughter says "It feels like Mommy's pedaling!" Sort of like riding a tandem bike, when your cycling partner starts working harder!

Some folks think this feels "supportive" and "fun," but it doesn't work for everyone. For folks with slower reaction time, the PAS can feel startling. I noticed when we rented bikes last week (Huntington Beach, CA) that the PAS came on s-l-o-w-l-y. This is a new controller type they are trying out, according to the guy at HB Pedego. I prefer the "kicks in right away" approach since I generally am upping the PAS because of a hill, but if it kicked in slower, I guess I'd just up the PAS a bit earlier.

My dad has a different bike brand (something cheap from Amazon.com) and the PAS kicks in so strongly and suddenly that he can't use it. He's 80 years old and he feels it throws off his balance. So, he just uses the throttle and doesn't use the PAS.

 

[ABodsford]

Thanks - So you're saying the newer units can definitely still be set to higher than 20 (as the video shows)? I was under the impression this wasn't possible anymore.

I have a new (5 days ago) Ridge Rider. You cannot change the speed limiter to above 20mph. Seems crazy to me to essentially "dump down" the bike.

 

[iamjcl]

I had arrived at the conclusion it wouldn't be possible. I ended buying a Ripcurrent S (still only 20 on throttle stock, but aftermarket controller coming that will allow programming). Also wasn't crazy about torque sensor feel on the RR. The RC felt much closer to the feel of say a Yamaha or Bosch mid drive IMO. Both nice bikes. Love the fully integrated battery on the RR also. Nice.

 

[ABodsford]

In considering various E-bikes and having some knee issues, the Ridge Rider is an appealing choice, with both torque and cadence PAS, in addition to throttle only.

Apparently these bikes had a 25mph limit for PAS or throttle, but now (late 2018 and I assume 2019 forward) have a 20mph limit.

There are "hacks" or programming sequences all over the net for other brands, systems, motors etc..., but wondered about the possibility on the Ridge Rider?

I know the motor / controller appears to be by Dapu - surely there must be a way to restore an off-road 25mph speed?

With such a powerful motor and solid battery, 20mph seems a bit restrictive.

Thanks for any insight.

Yes, the newer Ridge Riders are limited to 20mph and that cannot be changed with the controller.

 

[ROCebike]

Riding 25mph vs 20 mph will drain the battery much faster and at sustained speed gets the motor much hotter likely shortening its lifespan.
it creates more wind resistance and I really don’t think you’ll notice the extra 5 mph. 20 mph can be plenty fast for most people.

 

[Rick53]

Riding 25mph vs 20 mph will drain the battery much faster and at sustained speed gets the motor much hotter likely shortening its lifespan.
it creates more wind resistance and I really don’t think you’ll notice the extra 5 mph. 20 mph can be plenty fast for most people.

How so ??? It's Torque a relative Factor as well ?

 

[ROCebike]

Basically it’s aerodynamics and the drag coefficient. It’s a parabolic curve. All else being equal, the faster you ride (speed) the more resistance you create. It’s not linear so 25 vs 20 mph is much more resistance than between 5 and 10 mph

There are other factors like rolling resistance of tires, size of rider, clothing style, etc.
Torque is more about pulling power not speed. Tractors are slow but their torque can pull out a tree stump.

 

[Timpo]

Riding 25mph vs 20 mph will drain the battery much faster and at sustained speed gets the motor much hotter likely shortening its lifespan.
it creates more wind resistance and I really don’t think you’ll notice the extra 5 mph. 20 mph can be plenty fast for most people.

I think for the most part, it will be ok.

Yes, you're right, more coefficient of drag, climbing hill, higher speed, whatever will inevitably wear out motor and other parts.
But that's like saying 300 lb rider will wear out the parts more than 140 lb rider.

With that logic, you could say something like:
You should not carry luggage, it will wear out parts and motor will run hotter.
Do not ride in the city where there's lots of stop & go, it will wear out parts.
and so on..

It's just a part of owning a bike, things will eventually have to be replaced or repaired.

 

[Deacon Blues]

I have an older RidgeRider and have adjusted the motor cut-off up to 40kph. I don't often use the extra speed, but every once in the while it comes in handy. It's too bad Pedego has discontinued that adjustment on the newer RRs.

 

[Timpo]

I have an older RidgeRider and have adjusted the motor cut-off up to 40kph. I don't often use the extra speed, but every once in the while it comes in handy. It's too bad Pedego has discontinued that adjustment on the newer RRs.

Can you replace the Dapu display though?

Dapu｜bicycle drive systems

Dapu delivers precision bicycle drive systems that perform at the top of their game. Enjoy the ultimate freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want.

www.dapumotors.com

 

[ROCebike]

I think for the most part, it will be ok.

Yes, you're right, more coefficient of drag, climbing hill, higher speed, whatever will inevitably wear out motor and other parts.
But that's like saying 300 lb rider will wear out the parts more than 140 lb rider.

With that logic, you could say something like:
You should not carry luggage, it will wear out parts and motor will run hotter.
Do not ride in the city where there's lots of stop & go, it will wear out parts.
and so on..

It's just a part of owning a bike, things will eventually have to be replaced or repaired.

I didn’t say anything of the kind. My main point was drag coefficient goes up asymmetrically with speed. You’re not being very helpful with the snide remarks. Looks like others have similar comments about your posts. Go buy a motorcycle.

 

[Timpo]

I didn’t say anything of the kind. My main point was drag coefficient goes up asymmetrically with speed. You’re not being very helpful with the snide remarks. Looks like others have similar comments about your posts. Go buy a motorcycle.

sorry what was your point though?

I thought your point was that more coefficient of drag will cause the bike to get shorter lifespan?

 

[Paul Auclair]

Hi Everyone,

I was just reading through the posts. To provide some clarify/information/updates!

1. We restricted the top speed to 20MPH to adhere to federal regulation to meet class 1+2 requirements for eBikes in the United States on public land.

2. 28MPH / Class 3 Ridge Rider Upgrade will be available this summer. The kit is backwards compatible and your local dealer can upgrade your Ridge Rider if this is something that you are interested in!


Let me know if there are any more questions!

 

[legendkurado]

Hi Everyone,

I was just reading through the posts. To provide some clarify/information/updates!

1. We restricted the top speed to 20MPH to adhere to federal regulation to meet class 1+2 requirements for eBikes in the United States on public land.

2. 28MPH / Class 3 Ridge Rider Upgrade will be available this summer. The kit is backwards compatible and your local dealer can upgrade your Ridge Rider if this is something that you are interested in!


Let me know if there are any more questions!

Would you happen to know if this would be offered to the trail tracker also? Thanks

 

[Paul Auclair]

@legendkurado

Sorry about the late reply! The industry has been wild.

Right now we do not have plans for this upgrade on the Trail Tracker.