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How-to guide

How to check your brake cut-off switches and throttle before you ride

A quick pre-ride test that the brake levers cut motor power and the throttle springs back. It is about confirming these safety features work, and getting them fixed if they don't.

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

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Difficulty
Easy
Time
5 to 10 minutes

Most e-bikes and many e-scooters have switches in the brake levers that cut motor power when you pull a lever. Ride1Up describes them as sensors built into the levers that cut power to the motor whenever the levers are pulled (Ride1Up brake cut-off sensors), and Super73 describes a pressure sensor at the lever that cuts motor power when it detects pressure (Super73 motor cut-off sensor). A throttle that sticks or does not return can keep the motor pushing when you want to stop. This short test confirms both work before you ride.

Never unplug, tape over or bypass a brake cut-off switch, and never ride with a throttle that sticks. If either fails the test below, don't ride under power. Get it fixed by a dealer or a pro.

Before you start

  • CPSC recommends checking your device for damage before you ride, including the handlebars, brakes, throttle and cables (CPSC micromobility information center).
  • Do this on level ground with room around you.
  • This page covers the motor cut-off. For brake pads, cables and hydraulic brakes, see e-bike brakes.

Steps

1Look over the levers, throttle and cables

With the power off, check that both brake levers and the throttle are not cracked or bent and that their cables are not pinched or frayed. Xiaomi notes a throttle can stick if it has no gap from the handlebar grip, and says to check the grip for damage and clear any debris (Xiaomi throttle FAQ).

Photo needed: Brake lever, throttle and grip with the gap between throttle and grip visible. Add one

2Check that the throttle springs back

Press the throttle and let go. Segway's scooter manual says to press and release the throttle and check that it returns to its starting position (Segway Ninebot Max G2 manual). If it is slow, gritty or stays down, stop here.

Photo needed: Thumb throttle shown pressed, then back in its rest position. Add one

3Check that each brake lever returns

Pull and release each lever a few times. It should move freely and snap back. Ride1Up lists a damaged or sticking lever as one cause of brake sensor trouble.

4Power on with your hands off the levers

Turn the system on with both levers at rest. Ride1Up notes that holding a brake lever while the bike powers up can bring up a brake sensor error, which is error 25 on most of its models.

5Do a short, slow test ride

Ride1Up and Super73 both finish their checks with a short test ride to confirm the motor cuts out when a lever is pulled. Start under power at low speed, pull one brake lever and feel the motor stop pushing, then repeat with the other lever. Then roll on the throttle gently, let go and check the motor stops.

Photo needed: Rider at walking pace in an empty lot, pulling the brake lever. Add one

6If something is wrong, park it

  • The motor keeps pushing when a lever is pulled.
  • The motor will not run at all and the display shows a brake sensor error. Ride1Up says a lever held at start up, a sticking lever, worn or contaminated pads, a brake that needs bleeding or a sensor that needs adjusting can all be causes.
  • The throttle sticks, or your display shows a throttle fault. Xiaomi says that on its scooters fault code 14 means the throttle should be replaced at a service center.

Some makers document a sensor sensitivity adjustment. Super73, for example, describes adjusting a screw at the lever for its R, S and Z series, then test riding after each small change. If you are not sure, leave it to a shop.

A brake cut-off or throttle that does not work right is a reason not to ride under power. Do not disconnect the sensor to make the motor run. Take it to a dealer or a pro, or find a shop near you.

Related: throttle not working, motor cuts out, e-bike error codes, e-scooter maintenance.

Sources

Videos

Adjusting a Motor Shutoff Brake Sensor from Alter Ego Electric Bikes: An e-bike shop shows how to position a magnetic brake sensor so the motor cuts when you pull the lever and runs again when you let go.
Error 25: Brake Sensor Error, Ride1UP from Ride1Up: The bike maker explains what its error 25 means and how to check the brake levers and sensors that trigger it.

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.

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