The e-Bike industry braking problem. POPcycles has the solution.
One of the biggest problems in the e-bike industry right now isn’t motors, batteries, or range.
It’s brakes.
At POPcycles, we’re seeing more and more e-bikes arrive with braking systems that are simply undersized for the weight and speed of the bike. Many riders assume weak braking, constant adjustment, or poor stopping power is “normal” on an e-bike.
It’s not.
The Industry Problem Nobody Talks About
Many entry-level and direct-to-consumer e-bike brands are building 60–90 lb bikes capable of 20–28 mph while equipping them with low-cost mechanical disc brakes, undersized rotors, or low-quality hydraulic systems.
The result:
Long stopping distances
Weak brake feel
Brake fade during repeated stops
Constant adjustments
Unsafe emergency braking performance
This has become such a widespread issue that entire online communities now discuss brake upgrades as a “required” modification rather than an optional upgrade.
Brands Commonly Affected
Some of the most commonly reported brands and models with braking complaints include:
Rad Power Bikes — especially older RadRunner and RadWagon models
Lectric — particularly early XP models with mechanical brakes
Engwe
Himiway
Heybike
PuckiPuppy
Amazon and AliExpress brands like Ancheer, Vivi, and Jasion
Many of these bikes use:
Single-piston calipers
Small 160mm rotors on very heavy bikes
Low-end mechanical systems
Budget hydraulic brands with inconsistent quality
In some cases, riders report brakes that require adjustment almost weekly just to remain usable.
Why This Is Dangerous
An e-bike carries significantly more momentum than a standard bicycle.
More weight + more speed = dramatically more stopping force required.
Yet many manufacturers cut costs by installing braking systems that would already feel marginal on a regular bicycle—let alone a heavy e-bike carrying a rider at 28 mph.
That becomes especially dangerous:
In traffic
On hills
In wet conditions
Carrying cargo or passengers
During emergency stops
The bike may feel fast and powerful… until you need to stop quickly.
The Good News: This Problem Can Be Fixed Properly
At POPcycles, we specialize in solving underpowered e-bike braking systems.
We don’t install cheap generic internet kits or questionable Amazon parts. We use proper bicycle-industry components that are correctly matched to the bike’s weight, speed, and intended use.
Depending on the bike, upgrades may include:
True hydraulic brake systems
Larger 180mm or 203mm rotors
Multi-piston calipers
Higher-performance brake pads
Improved heat management and modulation
The difference is immediate:
Stronger stopping power
Shorter stopping distances
Better control and confidence
Safer emergency braking
Most riders tell us the same thing after the upgrade:
“This is how the bike should have come from the factory.”
Don’t Ignore Weak Brakes
If your e-bike:
Feels difficult to stop
Requires constant brake adjustment
Makes noise or fades under braking
Feels unsafe at higher speeds
…it’s not something you should simply “get used to.”
In many cases, the braking system is the weak link—not the rider.
And it’s a problem POPcycles knows how to fix properly.
