King-Meter error 23: Motor phase cable fault
The controller has detected an electrical problem on one of the three motor phase lines that carry power between the controller and the hub motor. When this fault is active, the display cuts motor assist, the speed reading drops to zero, and walk assist is disabled. The bike can still be pedalled unpowered, but no electric drive is available.
| Drive system | King-Meter SW-LCD / SW900 display |
| Severity | Dealer needed |
| Keep riding? | Do not keep riding |
| Typical cost | Expect roughly €20–€60 for a motor phase cable or connector repair at the bench, €80–€200 for a replacement controller, and €250–€500 for a replacement hub motor including labour. |
Likely causes
- Chafed or pinched motor phase cable, usually where it passes through the frame or near a swingarm pivot
- Loose or unseated phase connector at the motor side
- Loose, corroded or moisture-contaminated phase connector at the controller side
- Damaged phase wire inside the cable gland where it enters the hub motor
- Internal motor winding short or open circuit
- Controller phase-stage failure
- Battery current spike that the controller logged as a phase fault
How to fix King-Meter error 23
- Switch the system off and remove the battery before any inspection.
- Trace the thick motor phase cable from the hub motor to the controller, looking for cuts, melted sections or pinch points.
- Unplug both ends of the phase cable and inspect the pins and sockets for corrosion, bent contacts or moisture. Clean with contact spray and allow to dry if damp.
- Reseat both connectors firmly until they click or the locking ring is fully tightened, and make sure the cable cannot rub against the frame.
- Refit the battery, power on and check whether error 23 still appears with the wheel lifted off the ground.
- If the cable and connectors look perfect but the code returns, the fault is internal to the motor or the controller and requires dealer-level diagnosis with a programmer and clamp meter.
- Take the bike to an authorised dealer for phase-to-phase resistance testing, controller logging and any warranty claim.
Warranty: A genuine motor or controller fault discovered within the usual two-year warranty window is normally covered, while water ingress, crash damage and connector corrosion from poor maintenance are treated as owner responsibility.
Typical cost: Expect roughly €20–€60 for a motor phase cable or connector repair at the bench, €80–€200 for a replacement controller, and €250–€500 for a replacement hub motor including labour.
Frequently asked
Can I reset king-meter error 23?
Turning the system off and back on, or disconnecting the battery for a minute, will clear the display, but the code returns as soon as the controller runs a phase check and finds the same fault. The underlying wiring problem has to be fixed first.
Is it safe to keep riding with error 23 showing?
No. The motor assist is disabled, which on a heavy e-bike is a handling hazard in traffic, and continuing to power-cycle the system can mask a worsening connector or controller fault. Ride unpowered only to the nearest safe place to stop.
How much will fixing error 23 cost and is it under warranty?
A simple cable or connector repair usually runs €20–€60 and is borne by the owner, whereas a controller or motor replacement costing €80–€500 is typically covered if the bike is within the two-year warranty period and there is no sign of water damage or impact.
Related King-Meter codes
Official source: King-Meter SW-LCD user guide, section 6.9 Error Code Display
Not an official King-Meter document. Compiled from workshop experience and public service information; details can differ per system version and bike brand.