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Part

Brake lever

Brake levers on e-bikes often include the motor cutoff switch. Replace a lever with one that fits your brake type and, where your bike has one, a matching cutoff sensor and plug.

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

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The brake lever pulls the cable or pushes the fluid that works the brake. On most e-bikes it also holds the motor cutoff switch, which Grin Technologies describes as a sensor that tells the controller you are braking so it shuts off the motor (Grin, e-bike parts explained).

If your lever has a motor cutoff, replace it with a lever or sensor that has a matching plug, and never leave the cutoff unplugged or bypassed. Remove the battery before you unplug the sensor, and have a shop check the brakes if you're unsure.

What it's used for

Replace a lever that is bent, cracked, sticky, or whose cutoff no longer works. Check the cutoff with Check brake cutoff and throttle, and set cable tension with Adjust mechanical disc brakes.

What to look for

  • Mechanical or hydraulic. A cable lever works with Brake cable. A hydraulic lever is part of a sealed system and needs a bleed after replacement.
  • With or without a cutoff. Rad Power Bikes sells Tektro mechanical levers, sold as separate left and right levers, and its listing doesn't mention a cutoff sensor (Rad brake lever). California Ebike sells Bafang mechanical e-brake levers with the cutoff built in (California Ebike brakes). Check which your bike has.
  • Model fit. Rad lists its lever for most RadCity, RadMini, RadRover, RadRunner and RadWagon models plus the RadExpand 5 and RadMission, but not the RadCity 5 Plus, RadRover 6 Plus or RadRunner 3 Plus (Rad).
  • Plug type. A cutoff lever's plug must match your controller or harness. See Brake cutoff sensor.

Typical price

  • Rad Power Bikes lists its Tektro mechanical brake lever at $25 per lever (read Nov 9, 2026) (Rad).
  • California Ebike lists Bafang mechanical e-brake levers at $10 a pair (read Nov 9, 2026) (California Ebike).

Where to buy

  1. Your bike maker's parts store, such as Rad Power Bikes.
  2. For Bafang systems, a Bafang service center such as California Ebike.
  3. Independent specialists in Where to buy e-bike repair parts.
  4. A local shop, through find a shop.

Guides that use it

Sources

Stuck after these checks? Find a shop near you.

Guides that use this

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.

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