Why Won’t My Electric Motorcycle Start? 7 Things to Check First
In the global context of pursuing green and low-carbon development, the recently launched electric motorcycles seem to have more advantages than the previous fuel-powered motorcycles, as they offer cleaner energy, lower emissions, a quieter driving experience and lower maintenance costs. However, just like traditional fuel-powered motorcycles, electric motorcycles can also encounter the problem of failing to start after being ignited. This article will help you understand and solve this issue.
First of all, there are usually underlying reasons why an electric motorcycle fails to start. Before seeking professional help, it is necessary to first figure out the reasons why the electric motorcycle cannot start. In this article, we will provide you with a convenient 7-point troubleshooting guide. You can follow these guides to troubleshoot and identify the root cause of the problem.
1. Battery Power and Connections
Not infrequently, an uncharged or low charged motorcycle battery accounts for the failure of an electric motorcycle to start. For electric bikes, batteries are their entire power backbone, and as such, they have to be in good condition.
Confirm Charge Level of Battery
Visual Signage: A number of electric motorcycles possess a battery measure indicator on monitoring systems. If indication suggests low charge or empty and blinking, the battery is unlikely to be able to start the vehicle.
Measurement with Multimeter: A multimeter can be used to measure battery voltage. Taking a 12 volt system as an example, a fully charged battery will be around 12.6 volts or higher. If it is lower than this (e.g. below 11 volts), that is a good indicator of being discharged.
Consider when the battery was last charged. In case of an extended duration of leaving the motorcycle unused, the battery will likely be drained to no charge.
Check Battery Connections
Terminals that are Loose or Corroded: Confirm the aforementioned battery terminals are not loose, corroded and covered within dirt. Both loose connections and corrosion together with friction will limit the flow of electricity.
Clean and Tighten Terminals: If there’s corrosion, clean the terminals using a wire brush and a mixture of baking soda and water. After cleaning, ensure the terminals are tightly secured to the battery posts.
Battery Age and Condition
Lifespan Consideration: The lifespan of most electric motorcycle batteries is 2 to 5 years. Of course, this specific period depends on the rider’s usage and daily maintenance. If your battery is used beyond this range, it may wear out and thus fail to charge.
Signs of Damage: Physical wounds on the battery that are bulging, cracks, or any signs of liquids are key indicators to replace the battery.
2. Power Switch and Kill Switch
Sounds straightforward—but it happens more often than you might think. Some electric motorcycles have a hidden or too-easy-to-forget power switch, which must be turned on prior to the motor activating. Similarly, most of them also carry a “kill switch” for turning off the motor for safety reasons.
What to Do:
- Check twice that the main power switch is turned on.
- Reverse the kill switch (usually located around the right handlebar) to the “run” position.
- Make sure your ignition key is completely turned to the ON position.
An underlooked switch or a safety lockout due to tripping can mimic a serious fault—so it’s well worth attempting this as a first step.
3. Brake Lever Not Engaged
Most electric motorcycles are equipped with brake levers, meaning that the rider must push one of the brake levers once he or she initiates the motor to propel the vehicle. This is a safety measure to prevent sudden start acceleration by the rider. However, if the switch or sensor of the brake lever becomes faulty or misplaced even when used in the right manner, the motorcycle will not start.
How to Check:
- Press the two brake levers and then try to start the motorcycle.
- A click noise near the brake lever indicates the sensor is being activated.
- Check for any visible damage or disconnection in the brake lever circuit.
If the brake lever sensor is malfunctioning, you need to replace it to start the motorcycle as usual.
4. Kickstand Sensor (Side Stand Sensor)
Your motorcycle’s kickstand sensor is yet another safety feature that could be preventing your bike from starting. Many motorcycles will not allow any motor functions to activate while the side stand is down, even if the bike is upright.
What to Do:
- Check to see the side stand is fully retracted.
- Look for any dirt, mud, or any form of damage to the sensor area.
- Press the start button while gently wiggling the kickstand up and down.
In some instances, the bike may misinterpret the kickstand position, and the bike sensor system may fail. This problem can be solved by replacing or temporarily bypassing the sensor (for test purposes only) which may solve the problem.
5. Throttle Calibration or Fault
Electric motorcycles usually come equipped with throttle safety mechanisms within the controller. Systems may block the bike from starting up if the throttle isn’t returning to zero as this might result in unintentional acceleration.
What to Check:
- Does the throttle feel sticky?
- Does it automatically go back to neutral position?
- Does your display show any error codes related to throttle malfunction?
If your throttle is out of alignment, then adjusting the settings on the bike might allow you to recalibrate the problem. Otherwise, a complete replacement might be necessary.
6. Controller or Fuse Issues
The electric motorcycle’s electronic controller is comparable to the device’s brain, as it controls acceleration, regenerative braking, shifts, and any necessary safety precautions. If any issues occur such as a blown fuse, the motorcycle may become entirely disabled.
Steps to Diagnose:
- Check the main fuse which is located near the battery or the controller. If it is burnt or broken, it must be replaced but not exceed the original amps rating.
- Check for error lights on the controller unit.
- Examine the wiring harnesses connected to the controller for loose connections as well as burns or cracks.
If your motorcycle powers on but the motor fails to activate, the issue likely lies within the controller. Further diagnosis may require specialized tools or manufacturer assistance.
7. Motor or Wiring Malfunctions
If all the above occur in sequence, the problem may be with the motor itself or wiring. It is less common but also deserving of investigation if the bike has just been exposed to water, harsh riding, or heavy vibration.
What to Inspect:
- Check for physical damage around the hub or mid-drive motor.
- Check motor cabling for tears, loose connections, or burn appearance.
- Spin the back wheel manually to check for resistance or unusual noises.
Motor magnets or bearings may freeze in extreme conditions. If the wires aren’t damaged and the motor is physically intact, but still won’t work, damage internally or controller failure is the probable reason.
Final Thoughts
Don’t panic if your electric motorcycle won’t start. In most cases, it is because of some mundane issues – such as failure to turn off the engine switch, battery run-out or incorrect placement of the sensor. By systematically checking each of the above points, you will be able to save time, money and hassles.
If all else fails, don’t hesitate to reach out to your bike’s manufacturer or a professional technician. Startup problems are rarely fatal to your vehicle, and early diagnosis can prevent more expensive damage later on.
