Speed limit on the Bafang C961 / C965 and the legal position
Speed limit is a basic-settings item on the C961 and under Advanced on many C965 units. Aftermarket kits allow 12–40 km/h; OEM firmware locks it at 25.
Step by step
- Switch on, then hold + and − (up and down on the C961) together for about 2 seconds until the settings screen appears.
- Step through with power to Speed Limit (C961: after Wheel Size).
- If the value flashes, set it with + / −.
- C965 with the value locked: from the settings screen hold + and − again for 2 seconds to reach Advanced; enter 8018 when asked, then edit Speed Limit.
- Exit and save. Test ride: assist must stop at the number set.
- Return it to 25 km/h (15.5 mph) before road use in the EU/UK.
Tip: Legal assist cut-off on public roads: EU and UK 25 km/h (15.5 mph) with a 250 W nominal motor; USA 20 mph for Class 1 and 2, 28 mph pedal-assist only for Class 3 (state rules vary). Raising the limit above that turns the bike into an unregistered moped: no insurance cover in a crash, police can confiscate it, and the motor warranty is void. Keep the higher setting for private land only.
Can't find it?
The BBS01/02 controller's own limit (programming cable) applies if lower. A display limit above the controller limit does nothing.
Frequently asked
What is the maximum?
Usually 40 km/h on aftermarket firmware; the controller may cut earlier.
Legal in Germany?
25 km/h. A raised limit means driving without insurance: fine, points, and the bike is confiscated.
Locked and 8018 refused?
OEM firmware. Only BESST at a dealer, who will not raise it for road bikes.
Manuals and video
Videos found on YouTube and checked automatically; they are other people's work, not ours.
- Bafang speed limit settings #ebike GrippyMac
- Unlock Bafang M560 motor speed GreenBikeKit-Bafang motors and batteries services
- Bafang Maxdrive speed limit 더웡바이크TheWingBike
Other Bafang C961 / C965 (older BBS displays) guides
Bafang C961 / C965: switch km/h and mphBafang C961 / C965: set wheel sizeBafang C961 / C965: 3, 5 or 9 levelsBafang C961 / C965: password and 8018Bafang C961 / C965: backlight brightnessBafang C961 / C965: lights
Still stuck? Take a photo of the display and show it to a local e-bike workshop. Bring the bike's system name (e.g. Bosch Performance Line CX) and the exact code; that saves diagnostic time and money.