Brose error 26: Motor completed an internal software reset
Code 26 is the drive unit reporting that an internal software reset has just taken place. It usually appears after a brief electrical disturbance, a brownout, or a momentary loss of contact somewhere in the wiring loom. As a result the motor cuts its own power and the walk-assist function is unavailable until the system is restarted; pedal-assist can come back immediately on a clean power-up.
| Drive system | Brose Drive (S, T, C - also used by Bulls, Rotwild, Fantic, BH, Trek Allant) |
| Severity | Warning |
| Keep riding? | Ride with caution |
| Typical cost | A dealer diagnostic and software reset is typically €30 to €80; if a motor, display, or wiring loom is actually found to be faulty, parts and labour usually run €120 to €900 depending on whether it is a harness, sensor, or full drive replacement. |
Likely causes
- Momentary drop in battery supply voltage or loose main connector
- Corroded or wet plug contact at the display, motor, or speed sensor
- Transient electrical spike from external source or static discharge
- Firmware hiccup during cold power-up or wake from sleep
- Water ingress into the motor housing or a pinched cable under the down tube
- Aging battery with high internal resistance causing sag under load
How to fix Brose error 26
- Pull over to a safe, flat spot and dismount before doing anything.
- Hold the control panel power button until the display and battery LEDs go fully dark.
- Wait at least 15 seconds so the internal capacitors discharge.
- Press the power button again and hold to switch the system back on.
- Confirm that pedal-assist and walk-assist return and that code 26 no longer shows on the next start-up.
- Inspect the battery mount and visible connectors for moisture or movement if the code reappears.
- Book the bike in with an authorised dealer if the warning returns on the next ride or assist will not come back.
Warranty: A genuine drive-unit fault that triggers code 26 inside the two-year system warranty is normally covered, but water ingress, crash damage, and any non-approved electrical work are usually excluded.
Typical cost: A dealer diagnostic and software reset is typically €30 to €80; if a motor, display, or wiring loom is actually found to be faulty, parts and labour usually run €120 to €900 depending on whether it is a harness, sensor, or full drive replacement.
Frequently asked
Can I reset brose error 26 myself?
Yes. Switch the system fully off with the control panel button, wait at least 15 seconds, then power it back on. If the code clears and assist returns, the reset is complete; if it comes straight back, a dealer needs to read the system with diagnostic software.
Is it safe to keep riding with error 26 showing?
No. Code 26 means the motor has just reset itself, and a second cut-out is likely. Treat it as a caution: ride slowly back to the workshop or home and avoid busy traffic until the system has been rebooted cleanly.
How much will it cost and is it a warranty job?
A stand-alone software reset at a dealer is usually €30 to €80. If a genuine component is at fault within the first two years, Brose, Bulls, Rotwild, Fantic, BH, or Trek will normally cover it under the system warranty; water, crash damage, and DIY wiring faults are not covered.
Related Brose codes
Manuals and video
Official source: Brose error code table, Pedego dealer service guide
Not an official Brose document. Compiled from workshop experience and public service information; details can differ per system version and bike brand.