Himiway Zebra and Cruiser: error 25, brake failed or brake applied while turning on
Error 25 on a Himiway Zebra or Cruiser means the controller sees a brake signal, often from squeezing a lever at power on or a stuck cut-off switch. Power on hands off, then unplug each lever in turn to find the faulty side.
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Your Himiway Zebra (D5) or Cruiser shows error 25 and the motor won't run. Both owner's manuals describe error 25 as a brake failure or the brake being applied while the bike is turned on (Zebra manual, Cruiser manual). The levers on these bikes have a motor cut-off switch, so pulling a brake cuts motor power (Cruiser manual). Short answer: either a lever was squeezed when you powered on, or one lever's cut-off switch is stuck or out of adjustment.
The brake cut-off is a safety feature. Unplug a lever only to find the faulty side, reconnect it, and never ride with a cut-off disconnected. Brake lever replacement on hydraulic brakes is best done by a shop.
Most likely cause
The controller blocks the motor whenever a lever reports braking. If the signal is there at power on, either because your hand is on a lever or because a switch is stuck, you get error 25. Himiway's steps start by unplugging the levers one at a time to find which side is causing it, then adjusting the lever screws, then replacing the lever through after-sales if the code persists (Himiway error codes).
Other causes to rule out
- Holding a brake while switching on, which is part of the code's meaning in both manuals.
- A lever that doesn't fully return because of a bent blade, dirt in the pivot, or a bag or mirror pressing on it.
- A damaged lever cable or plug. Himiway's manuals ask owners to check wiring and connectors for damage (Zebra manual).
How to confirm
- Power off. Take your hands off both levers and power on again. If error 25 clears, the code came from a squeezed lever.
- Squeeze and release each lever several times and check that it springs fully back.
- Power off and unplug one brake lever connector. Power on. Repeat with the other side. Himiway uses this to find which lever causes the error (Himiway error codes). Reconnect both before riding.
- While the plugs are apart, check for bent pins, dirt and moisture. See inspect and clean connectors.
- After any fix, confirm the motor stops as soon as you pull each lever. Our guide to checking the brake cut-off and throttle shows how.
Himiway's error code page links its own videos for the unplug test and the lever screw adjustment (Himiway error codes).
Fix options
Power on hands off and free the lever (easy)
Free. Clean the pivot and move anything pressing on the lever.
Adjust the lever screws (easy to moderate)
Himiway's second step is adjusting the brake lever screws, shown in the video linked from its page (Himiway error codes). Make small changes, then check that the motor still cuts out the moment you pull the lever. If it does not, undo the change.
Replace the brake lever (moderate, or Himiway after-sales)
If the code persists, Himiway asks for a video and the bike serial number to arrange a replacement lever (Himiway error codes). Its components store has listed a complete hydraulic brake set that includes the electronic cut-off, marked sold out when we read it on Nov 9, 2026 (Himiway components). A full hydraulic set swap means routing a brake hose and setting up the caliper, which a shop can handle.
Parts
- Brake lever
- Brake cutoff sensor
Videos
When to get a pro
Get help if braking feels soft or weak, the lever pulls to the grip, or the motor keeps running while you brake. Himiway's help center has the ticket form. See also e-bike brakes and Himiway troubleshooting.
Sources
- Himiway error codes, himiwaybike.com
- Zebra manual, cdn.shopify.com
- Cruiser manual, cdn.shopifycdn.net
- Himiway components, himiwaybike.com
- help center, himiwaybike.com
- Error 25: Brake Sensor Error: Ride1UP, youtube.com
- Adjusting a Motor Shutoff Brake Sensor, youtube.com
Stuck after these checks? Find a shop near you.
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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