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How-to guide

Bafang BBS01, BBS02 and BBSHD: replacement controller and display options

Replacing a dead display or controller on a Bafang BBS mid-drive kit: how to tell UART from CAN bus, which replacement displays and controllers match, and what to set afterwards.

Last edited Nov 8, 2026 by Pedalwise team Edit History Add a subpage

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Difficulty
Moderate
Time
30 minutes for a display, 1 to 2 hours for a controller

This guide is for a Bafang BBS01, BBS02 or BBSHD mid-drive kit whose display or controller has died. The key thing to know is that Bafang has two display languages, UART and CAN bus, and a display only works with a controller that speaks the same one. Rule out plugs, sensors and error codes first with Bafang troubleshooting and E-bike error codes.

Remove the battery before you unplug anything. Never open the battery or the motor's gear case, and never splice wires or bypass a brake sensor. A BBS controller swap means working at the motor's own leads, so if you aren't confident, find a shop.

When this makes sense

Start with whoever sold the bike or kit, since they know which controller and display versions it shipped with. Go to a Bafang parts specialist when that seller can't supply the part or the kit is old.

UART or CAN: check before you buy

  • California Ebike describes the traditional BBSHD controller as UART with a round green display connector, and the newer (2025) controller as CAN bus with a triangle green display connector (California Ebike BBSHD controller).
  • Its UART VD04 display is for the older UART BBSHD and BBS02 and is not compatible with CAN bus or hub motors. Its CAN bus VD04 display is for the newer CAN bus BBSHD and BBS02.
  • The seller pages we read name the BBS02 and BBSHD, not the BBS01, so ask the seller to confirm a BBS01 fit.

Options

A replacement display in the same protocol (easy, plug and play)

  • What it replaces: the handlebar display and, on some models, its button pad.
  • What must match: protocol, plug and handlebar size.
  • Parts and prices (read Nov 9, 2026): California Ebike lists the UART VD04 and CAN bus VD04 at $65 each, with more than 10 in stock, plus a CAN bus DPC080 at $65 and other displays, many sold out, on its displays page. Area 13 E-Bikes lists a Bafang DPC 240 CAN bus display at $120 on its controllers and displays page.
  • What's involved: unplug the old display at its connector, swap the clamp, plug in the new one and set it up.

A replacement BBSHD controller (moderate to difficult)

  • What it replaces: the controller module at the end of the motor.
  • What must match: protocol (UART or CAN, matching your display), battery voltage and power plugs. California Ebike's BBSHD controller comes in 48V (30A) or 52V (28A) versions set to Bafang factory settings, with Anderson or XT60 power leads, listed at $125 with 4 available (read Nov 9, 2026). You state UART or CAN bus and the voltage in the order notes. The page says Bafang tests the controllers but the seller gives no warranty.
  • What's involved, at overview level: the controller unplugs from the motor's phase and hall leads at the motor end and from the battery, display, throttle and brake plugs. A new controller gasket is a good idea, and California Ebike lists one for the BBS02 and BBSHD on its BBSHD parts page. This is a job for an experienced home mechanic or a shop.
  • BBS02 and BBS01: we didn't find a BBS02 or BBS01 controller on the seller pages we read, so ask the seller.

Higher power controllers (outside this guide)

Controllers and settings sold to raise power or speed are outside this guide.

Setting it up

  • Bafang's own CAN bus displays, such as the DP C18 and [DP C080](https://www.bafang-e.com/Uploaded/Labels/BF-UM-C-DP C080.CB-EN.pdf), let the rider change units, brightness and auto off, while wheel size and speed limit are shown only as view only information. Check those two screens match your tire and your class, and if not, a dealer sets them.
  • On UART displays, settings vary by model, so use that display's own manual.
  • Set the wheel size to the true tire size, never a wrong size to change the speed reading.
  • Keep the speed limit within your class: 20 mph for Class 1 and 2, 28 mph with pedal assist for Class 3 (Bosch, three class system).
  • Going past your e-bike class limits can make the bike illegal on public roads and bike paths in many places, voids the warranty, and adds wear on the battery, motor and brakes. A bike set up as Class 3 needs a Class 3 label.

Videos

How to replace Bafang BBS controller from GreenBikeKit: a Bafang service shop swaps a BBS controller.
Bafang BBSHD 1000w Controller Replacement from Luna Cycle: a BBSHD controller swap at the motor end.
Tutorial Video For All EBikers, A strong comparison CAN-BUS vs UART (BBS02B) mid-drive from Varstrom EBikeconversion Workshop: how to tell the two versions apart.
Which Bafang DP C18 do you have? from GreenBikeKit: telling display versions apart before you order.

When to get a pro

Get a shop if the motor end connectors look burnt, the new controller won't talk to the display, the motor stutters, or you aren't sure which protocol you have. See When to call a pro.

Sources

Stuck after these checks? Find a shop near you.

Need a pro?

If these steps didn't fix it, find a shop near you in our partner network. For battery or wiring trouble, look for shops marked Battery and electrical.

Talk

Questions, things that worked for you, or something that looks wrong on this page.

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