Zip ties
Zip ties hold e-bike cables clear of moving parts. Keep spares and flush-cutting side cutters on hand, since most electrical part swaps end with new ties.
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Zip ties are the plastic straps that hold cables to the frame. On an e-bike they keep motor, sensor and brake cables away from the wheels, chain and cranks, and almost every electrical part swap ends with fresh ones.
What it's used for
Rad Power Bikes' controller guide for the RadRunner lists replacement zip ties and flat side cutters among the tools: the old ties are cut to free the controller, and new ones secure the cables after the new controller is plugged in (Rad RadRunner controller guide). Its battery tray guide also ends with zip-tying the cable away from moving parts (Rad battery tray guide).
What to look for
- A few lengths. Short ties for cable bundles and longer ones to go around the frame tubes.
- Flat side cutters. Cutting a tie flush leaves no sharp tail to scratch you or rub a cable. Rad lists flat side cutters for this job (Rad).
- Snug, not crushing. Pull ties firm enough to hold the cable, but not so tight they pinch it, especially thin sensor wires.
Tips
- Take a photo of the cable routing before you cut anything, as Rad's tray guide suggests (Rad).
- Check that the handlebar can turn fully both ways without pulling a cable tight.
- Keep cables clear of the brake rotor, tire and chain, and away from sharp frame edges.
- Cut ties carefully near cables so you don't nick the insulation. A nicked cable is a repair for a pro. See Inspect and clean connectors.
Where to buy
Any hardware store or local bike shop. See find a shop if you'd like a tech to tidy the wiring for you.
Guides that use it
Sources
- Rad RadRunner controller guide, support.radpowerbikes.com
- Rad battery tray guide, support.radpowerbikes.com
Stuck after these checks? Find a shop near you.
Guides that use this
- Bafang BBS01, BBS02 and BBSHD: replacement controller and display options
- Dead or discontinued e-bike display: picking a compatible replacement
- Fix a flat on a rear hub motor wheel, step by step
- Fixing a flat on an e-bike, step by step, and how to get fewer of them
- How to bleed Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
- How to inspect and clean e-bike and e-scooter connectors
- Hub motor e-bike dead controller: matching a universal KT style replacement
- Rad LCD display bikes dead controller or display: replacement options
- Rad Power Bikes RadCity 3, RadCity 4 and RadCity Step-Thru 3: error 30 on the LCD display
- Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus: error 30 or won't power on
- Rad Power Bikes RadMini 4: error 30 on the LCD display
- Rad Power Bikes RadMission: won't power on, or all pedal assist lights flash (error 30)
- Rad Power Bikes RadRover 5: error 30 or won't turn on
- Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus: error 30 on the display or the bike won't power on
- Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 1, 2 and Plus: error 24 or assist level 2 flashing
- Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 1, 2, Plus and RadExpand 5: error 30 or all assist lights flashing
- Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 3 Plus: error 30 on the RadUI display
- Rad Power Bikes Radster, RadWagon 5 and RadExpand 5 Plus: error 21 or 23 after climbing hills
- Rad Power Bikes Radster, RadWagon 5 and RadExpand 5 Plus: error 24 on the color display
- Rad Power Bikes Radster, RadWagon 5 and RadExpand 5 Plus: error 30 on the color display
- Rad Power Bikes RadTrike: error 30 or battery light flashing with a full battery
- Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4: error 30 on the display
- Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4: tire keeps going flat or blows out
- RadRunner dead controller or display: aftermarket replacement options
- Replace a shifter cable
- Universal throttle and pedal assist sensor replacements: what has to match
If these steps didn't fix it, find a shop near you in our partner network of shops that work on electric rides.
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