A Brose error code indicates that something isn’t right with the bike and that it needs attention.
Brose E-Bike Error Codes: How To Fix Them
Written by: Robbie Ferri | January 30, 2026 | Time to read 6 min
Your Brose motor is talking. It’s time to listen!
More about the Author: Robbie Ferri
Robbie is a UK-based ultra cyclist, former bike shop worker, and qualified bike fitter. Deeply passionate about e-Bikes and adventure cycling, he combines hands-on experience with real-world riding to help others go further on two wheels.
When it comes to modern e-Bikes, it’s not rare to have an error code show up from time to time. They appear to ensure the bike is running correctly and to protect it from potential damage.
Many errors are surprisingly easy to fix. Some can be more challenging; you might need to go to a dealer. In this article, we discuss the Brose error codes, their causes, and how to resolve them. So let's get started and tell you everything you need to know.
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Table of Contents
Complete List of Brose E-Bike Error Codes
Error code E010 - General System
Error code 31 - Motor Internal Fault
Error code 32 - Controller Communication Error
Error code 33 - Voltage Supply Error
Error code 34 - Torque Sensor Error
Error code 35 - Drive Unit Sensor Failed
Error code 36 - Power Supply Drop
Error code 37 - Overcurrent Detected
Error code 38 - Firmware Mismatch
When to Visit a Brose Certified Dealer or a Mechanic
Preventing Brose Electric Bike Error Codes
What are Brose motors?
Brose was founded in Germany in 1908, and its core business has been automotive mechatronics. They are best known in the cycling world for high-end e-Bike drive motors. They are used on Specialized, Bulls, Orbea, and many other bike brands.
The Brose motor is known for its compact, lightweight design and often features an internal drive-belt layout for smooth, quiet operation. With such technology and power, the motor includes a brain that can provide error codes.
- Brose Drive C: City-focused motor with ~50 Nm torque and smooth, efficient support for everyday urban riding.
- Brose Drive T: Trekking/all-round motor with ~70 Nm torque, ideal for longer rides and hilly terrain.
- Brose Drive TF: Speed-Pedelec motor variant tuned for faster S-Pedelec bikes (up to ~45 km/h).
- Brose Drive S: Strong mainstream motor with ~90 Nm torque, great for sporty e-MTB and varied terrain.
- Brose Drive S-Mag: Lightweight, high-performance version of the S model with ~90 Nm torque and very smooth power delivery.
- Brose Drive H: Heavy-load/cargo-oriented motor designed to handle heavier bikes and loads (e.g., cargo e-Bikes).
Complete List of Brose E-Bike Error Codes
Error code E010 - General System
Loose or damaged connectors, faulty motor or sensors, or even just a temporary glitch.
Turn the bike on and off for a reset. If you still get the error, check the wires and connections for damage. Still no luck getting a Shimano service center to diagnose the issue.
Error code 30 - Overheating
Typically caused by poor ventilation, low cadence and high assist modes, and long sustained loads at a high effort, like a big MTB or Road climb.
Let the motor cool by powering off or lowering the assistance level. Clean the possibly blocked Brose motor vents. If it continues to show an internal temperature sensor or motor issue.
Error code 31 - Motor Internal Fault
It could be caused by water ingress in plug connections, faulty internal wiring, or a motor or bearing issue.
Power the cycle (fully reset the electrical system). If it returns, seek expert help to determine whether a new motor is needed.
Error code 32 - Controller Communication Error
The motor and controller are not communicating correctly.
Check for loose or damaged wiring, and look for corrosion or bent pins at the connections. If that fails, take it to a shop for diagnostic testing.
Error code 33 - Voltage Supply Error
Incorrect voltage. It could be caused by a faulty battery, a poor connection at the connector pins, or a faulty battery management system (BMS).
Remove and reseat the battery first. Try cleaning any dirt or ingress from the bike's connecting pins. If that fails to work, test with another battery.
Error code 34 - Torque Sensor Error
The torque sensor in the Brose system isn’t measuring the correct pedal force, often due to sensor miscalibration, torque sensor failure, or crank and motor issues.
The first solution is to restart the bike or reset the system, while ensuring no pressure is applied to the pedals. If it keeps returning, get the torque sensor recalibrated or the motor serviced.
Error code 35 - Drive Unit Sensor Failed
This is when the speed sensor fails. It could be that the sensor has gone faulty or has wiring damage. You can also get this from water and dirt ingress in the speed indicator.
Inspect the sensor for bad writing and ensure the magnet aligns with the spoke sensor on rotation. Power Cycle (Full Reset) the bike. If it persists, either replace the sensor or have the dealer replace it.
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Error code 36 - Power Supply Drop
Sudden drop of voltage when being used. Often, it comes from a loose battery mount, a battery that momentarily drops power, or an internal battery issue.
Verify that the battery is connected correctly and securely fastened to the mounts. Inspect the battery terminals to ensure they are in good condition. If you're still getting the error, test another e-Bike battery.
Error code 37 - Overcurrent Detected
This means the motor is drawing too much current from the battery. This could be due to excessive assistance at low cadence, mechanical resistance in the motor, or a controller fault.
Start by reducing the assistance and pedaling faster. If this doesn’t resolve the error code, it’s best to have the motor support checked for an internal fault.
Error code 38 - Firmware Mismatch
The Brose motor support, display, and battery firmware are not communicating correctly because they are on different versions.
The best fix for this is to update the Brose motor software. Typically, this is something you would have the dealer do for you, or, on some bikes, it’s possible to do yourself.
Error code 39 - CAN Bus Error
Poor communication between the system components. Often caused by loose wiring or connectors, water damage, or faulty wiring.
Look for damaged or pinched wiring, with particular focus on the CAN wires exiting the motor. If all looks ok, it needs to be taken to a diagnostic machine for an e-Bike system check.
When to Visit a Brose Certified Dealer or a Mechanic
As expected, bike repairs are often simple and can be done yourself at home. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case with electric bikes, and you might have to get an expert opinion from time to time.
The time to visit a Brose service center or e-Bike mechanic is when you start to feel out of your depth and think you might be causing more harm than good. You should also see a mechanic or a Brose-certified dealer when there’s any risk to you or others around you.
Remember, unlike a regular bike, you are dealing with electricity, which can harm you and others around you and even cause fires if not handled correctly. We always advise proceeding with caution in any bike repair.
If you want to learn more about electric bike components, check out How to expand e-Bike battery lifespan, or How long does it take to charge an e-Bike battery?
Preventing Brose Electric Bike Error Codes
When it comes to preventing errors in the first place, there are some things you can do to ensure the least possible chance of them turning up. Here’s what you need to know.
- Regular Servicing - A well-maintained bike with planned maintenance goes much longer than a neglected bike that is waiting to break down. Always check the cables regularly for damage, too. The Brose belt maintenance kit is vital after a certain amount of use.
- Keep It Clean - A clean bike is a happy bike. If you keep your e-Bike clean, you can reduce error codes, as most common error codes are caused by water and dirt ingress.
- Ride It Properly - Riding with proper cadence and avoiding motor overload consistently will go a long way toward preventing error codes and extending the bike's longevity. Bikes such as Rad Power and Aventon are known for incredible reliability when ridden well.
- Update Firmwire - New firmware on bikes can often fix bugs and improve the experience. You can either update it yourself via an application or take it to the dealer to help avoid error codes. This is the same with Shimano Steps and the Bosch e-Bike system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Brose error code?
Are Brose error codes serious?
Not often, but they can, depending on the returned error code.
Can I keep riding with a Brose error code?
It’s not recommended because it can damage the bike's components. You often find bikes going into limp mode to protect themselves.
Key Takeaways
- Brose error codes indicate an issue with your bike.
- Not all error codes require you to take your bike to a bike shop or primary dealer.
- There are many ways to avoid these errors, such as through preventive maintenance.
