Your direct-to-consumer e-bike is acting up, and you're stuck. The throttle isn't responding, the motor cuts out randomly, or your bike just won't power on consistently. You've called around to local bike shops, but they all give you the same answer: "Sorry, we don't work on that brand."
Sound familiar? You're not alone. Riders with popular direct-to-consumer brands like Rad Power Bikes, Aventon, Juiced, and Lectric XP often find themselves in this frustrating situation. Traditional bike shops avoid these brands because they lack the specialized knowledge and testing equipment needed to diagnose complex electronic issues.
That's where Puget Sound Technologies steps in. We specialize in diagnosing and repairing the electronic components that keep your e-bike running smoothly: even the brands other shops won't touch.
What Our Diagnostic Service Covers
Our comprehensive Controller, Motor & Throttle Diagnostics service uses professional-grade testing equipment to pinpoint exactly what's wrong with your e-bike's electrical system. We don't guess: we test, measure, and verify to give you clear answers about what needs to be fixed.
Here's what we examine during a complete diagnostic:
Controller Testing: We check the brain of your e-bike system, testing voltage inputs, examining MOSFET functionality, and verifying that your controller is properly communicating with all connected components.
Motor Analysis: Using specialized equipment, we test motor phase wires, examine hall sensor operation, and check for internal motor issues that could cause performance problems.
Throttle Evaluation: We verify throttle signal output, test response curves, and determine if your throttle is sending the correct voltage signals to your controller.
The Most Common Issues We Find
After diagnosing hundreds of direct-to-consumer e-bikes, we've identified the most frequent problems that leave riders stranded:
Faulty Throttles Lead the Pack
In our experience, throttle failures are surprisingly common. A bad throttle might seem like a minor issue, but it can cause a cascade of problems that appear much more serious. Symptoms include:
- Intermittent power delivery
- Motor cutting out during acceleration
- Complete loss of throttle response
- Erratic speed control
The good news? Throttle replacement is usually straightforward and cost-effective compared to other potential issues.
MOSFET Failures in Controllers
MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors) are the switching components in your controller that regulate power flow to your motor. When these fail, you might experience:
- Complete power loss on one or more motor phases
- Reduced power output
- Controller overheating
- Burning smells from the controller housing
Our testing equipment can quickly identify which MOSFETs have failed, allowing us to determine if a repair is possible or if controller replacement is necessary.
Hall Sensor Problems
Hall sensors in your motor provide position feedback to the controller, enabling smooth operation. When these sensors fail, common symptoms include:
- Motor stuttering or jerking
- Difficulty starting from a stop
- Inconsistent power delivery
- Strange noises from the motor
We can test each hall sensor individually to identify exactly which ones need replacement, often saving you from unnecessary motor replacement.
Our Testing Process: No Guesswork, Just Results
When you bring your e-bike to us, we follow a systematic diagnostic approach that eliminates guesswork and gets to the root of the problem quickly.
Visual Inspection First
We start with a thorough visual examination of all electrical components. This includes checking for:
- Burnt or damaged wiring
- Corroded connections (those telltale green or white crusty deposits)
- Physical damage to controller housings
- Loose or disconnected connectors
- Signs of water intrusion
Voltage and Continuity Testing
Using professional multimeters and specialized e-bike testing equipment, we measure:
- Input voltage to your controller
- Output voltage from your throttle across its full range
- Continuity between motor phase wires
- Hall sensor signal output during motor rotation
- Ground connections throughout the system
Component-Specific Analysis
For controllers, we test MOSFET functionality and examine internal components for signs of failure. For motors, we verify phase wire integrity and hall sensor operation. For throttles, we check signal output curves and response characteristics.
This comprehensive approach means we can tell you exactly what's wrong: whether it's a $15 throttle or a more complex controller issue: before you spend money on parts or repairs.
Honest Pricing That Makes Sense
We believe in transparent, fair pricing that puts you in control of your repair decisions. Here's how our pricing works:
No Extra Charge for Small Parts: If we have compatible replacement parts in stock that cost under $10 each (like fuses, small connectors, or basic components), there's no additional parts charge beyond our diagnostic fee.
You Pay Only for What You Need: If we need to order parts for your repair, you pay only our cost for those parts: no markup, no hidden fees.
Prior Approval for Expensive Parts: If any required part costs over $10, we'll contact you before ordering anything. You'll know exactly what it costs and can decide whether to proceed with the repair.
No Surprises: Our diagnostic fee covers the testing and evaluation process. If you decide not to proceed with repairs, you're only out the diagnostic cost: not hundreds of dollars in parts you didn't want.
Why Repair Often Beats Replacement
When your e-bike's electronics fail, your first instinct might be to replace the entire component. But in many cases, repair is the smarter choice: both financially and practically.
Controllers: Repair vs Replace
A new controller for your e-bike can cost anywhere from $150 to $400 or more. But if the issue is a few failed MOSFETs or other repairable components, we can often fix your existing controller for a fraction of that cost.
Even better, repairing your original controller means no rewiring. Controller replacement often requires rewiring harnesses, reprogramming settings, or dealing with compatibility issues between new controllers and your existing components.
Motors: Targeted Fixes Save Money
Similarly, motor replacement can be expensive and complex. But if the issue is failed hall sensors (which we can replace for much less than a new motor), repair makes perfect sense.
Hall sensor replacement maintains your existing motor's power characteristics and mounting configuration, avoiding potential compatibility issues with replacement motors.
The Rewiring Factor
This point can't be overstated: when you repair existing components instead of replacing them, you avoid the time and cost of rewiring your e-bike's electrical system. Rewiring adds complexity, increases labor costs, and introduces new potential failure points.
Specialized Equipment Makes the Difference
What sets our diagnostic service apart is our investment in professional-grade testing equipment specifically designed for e-bike systems. While a basic multimeter can perform some tests, our specialized equipment can:
- Simulate controller load conditions
- Test motor performance under various power levels
- Analyze throttle response curves with precision
- Monitor system performance in real-time
- Identify intermittent faults that basic tools might miss
This equipment, combined with our experience working on direct-to-consumer e-bike brands, means we can diagnose issues that other shops simply can't handle.
Getting Your E-Bike Back on the Road
Don't let electronic issues keep you off your e-bike any longer. Whether you're dealing with throttle problems, controller failures, or mysterious motor issues, our diagnostic service will give you clear answers and cost-effective repair options.
We work on all the major direct-to-consumer brands that other shops avoid, and our honest pricing means you'll never pay more than necessary to get back to riding.
Ready to find out what's really wrong with your e-bike? Contact us today to schedule your Controller, Motor & Throttle Diagnostic service. We'll give you straight answers, fair prices, and get you back on the road as quickly and affordably as possible.
Your e-bike doesn't have to become an expensive paperweight just because local shops won't work on it. Let our expertise and specialized equipment solve your electronic issues the right way: with precision, honesty, and a focus on getting you riding again.