The Carrera Vengeance E-bike is a budget-friendly electric bike known for its smooth and comfortable ride.
However, riders often find themselves limited by the legal speed restriction of 15.5 mph (25 km/h) imposed on electric bikes in the EU and Australia.
Once this speed is reached, the motor stops assisting, and riders must rely solely on their own pedal power or gravity to go faster.
But what if you desire a faster and more exhilarating ride on your Carrera Vengeance E-bike?
Is it possible to hack or remove the speed limit to unlock its full potential? In this article, we will explore the available options and the challenges associated with achieving this.
Understanding the Purpose of Speed Limits on Electric Bikes
The speed limit on electric bikes is enforced by law in many countries to prioritize safety and ensure compliance with traffic regulations. Electric bikes are classified as bicycles, not motorcycles, and as such, they must adhere to the same rules as traditional bikes.
While they can utilize bike lanes, paths, and trails, they are also subject to speed limits, traffic signs, and signals.
Permitting electric bikes to exceed 15.5 mph (25 km/h) would pose risks to riders themselves, as well as other road users, particularly pedestrians and cyclists.
It would necessitate more robust brakes, lights, and additional safety features, subsequently increasing the weight and cost of electric bikes.
Therefore, electric bike manufacturers must program their motors to discontinue assistance once the legal speed limit is reached.
The Mechanism Behind the Speed Limit on the Carrera Vengeance E-Bike
The Carrera Vengeance E-bike is equipped with a rear-wheel hub motor that provides electric assistance.
A controller unit, which receives input from various sensors on the bike (such as the speed sensor, torque sensor, and battery level indicator), governs the motor’s operation.
A speed sensor, consisting of a small magnet attached to the rear wheel’s spokes, passes by a sensor on the frame with each revolution of the wheel.
The controller unit calculates the bike’s traveling speed by measuring the wheel’s rotation rate. When this speed reaches 15.5 mph (25 km/h), the control unit sends a signal to the motor, ceasing its assistance.
Carrera Vengeance E-bike Speed Hacks
There are two primary approaches to boosting the speed of your Carrera Vengeance E-bike: hardware modifications and software modifications of the controller unit.
Hardware Modifications
One method involves utilizing a device called Speedi¹, which is a small gear system attached to the rear wheel that alters the speed sensor.
By doing so, the device deceives the controller unit into perceiving a slower speed, thereby enabling the motor to continue assisting beyond the 15.5 mph (25 km/h) limit.
The Speedi device can enhance the standard e-bike speed by up to 1.5 times, allowing riders to reach speeds of up to 23 mph (37 km/h) with electric assistance¹.
This device is straightforward to install and does not interfere with other functions or measurements of the controller unit. However, it may void your warranty and might be considered illegal for use on public roads in certain countries.
Another hardware modification option is to replace specific components of your Carrera Vengeance E-bike with more powerful alternatives, such as a stronger motor, a larger battery, or a different controller unit.
Nevertheless, this option is more expensive, complex, and risky compared to using a Speedi device. It may also necessitate additional modifications to other bike parts like brakes, lights, and tires.
Software Modifications
Modifying the software of the controller unit through the use of a dongle or an app is another approach to increasing the speed of your Carrera Vengeance E-bike.
A dongle is a small device that plugs into the controller unit, overriding its settings. An app is a software program that connects to the controller unit via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, allowing users to adjust various parameters.
Both options enable you to raise or remove the speed limit on your Carrera Vengeance E-bike, as well as make adjustments to power levels, acceleration rates, and more.
However, not all motor and controller types are compatible with these options.
In fact, most hub motors, including the one used in the Carrera Vengeance E-bike, cannot be bypassed within the control unit², making software modifications impractical.
Therefore, if you intend to modify the software of your Carrera Vengeance E-bike, you may need to replace the controller unit entirely with a compatible one that can work with a dongle or an app.
However, this option is also costly, intricate, and risky. Additionally, it may void your warranty and potentially be illegal for use on public roads in certain countries.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Increasing Your Carrera Vengeance E-Bike’s Speed
Before making a decision, it is crucial to consider the advantages and disadvantages of making your Carrera Vengeance E-bike faster.
Pros:
- Enjoy a faster and more thrilling ride on your Carrera Vengeance E-bike.
- Save time and energy by reaching your destination more quickly.
- Keep pace with faster cyclists or vehicles on the road.
Cons:
- Potentially void your warranty and lose insurance coverage by modifying your Carrera Vengeance E-bike.
- Risk breaking the law and facing fines or penalties by riding a modified Carrera Vengeance E-bike on public roads.
- Put yourself and others at risk by riding a modified Carrera Vengeance E-bike at high speeds.
- Reduce the battery life and durability of your Carrera Vengeance E-bike by placing additional stress on its components.
Conclusion
The Carrera Vengeance E-bike offers an excellent riding experience within its intended speed limits.
However, increasing its speed requires careful consideration of the challenges and risks involved. While there are options available to hack or remove the speed limit, they may not be straightforward, inexpensive, or legal.
Therefore, it is essential to thoroughly evaluate the pros and cons before deciding to modify your Carrera Vengeance E-bike.
