What is the reason why an electric vehicle jerks and doesn't move even though it has power?
3 Answers
Electric vehicle jerks and doesn't move even though it has power due to the following reasons: 1. Controller malfunction; 2. Insufficient power supply from the battery; 3. Poor contact in certain wiring connections; 4. Worn or poor contact of motor carbon brushes; 5. Short circuit in the wiring; 6. Burnt, stuck, or broken yellow, blue, and green phase wires of the motor. An electric vehicle, also known as an electric-driven vehicle, is divided into AC electric vehicles and DC electric vehicles. The commonly referred electric vehicle uses batteries as the energy source, converting electrical energy into mechanical motion through components such as the controller and motor, controlling the speed by adjusting the current size. Electric vehicles align with the national trend of energy conservation and environmental protection, facilitating short-distance transportation and playing a significant role in the national economy by saving and protecting energy and the environment.
Last time I had my electric vehicle repaired, I encountered this issue where it had power but wouldn't move and kept jerking. It was clearly a controller malfunction. The controller regulates the motor's operation, and if it's burnt out or has internal component short circuits, the signals become unstable, causing the motor to jerk erratically, have unstable RPM, and fail to start properly. Loose battery connections can also cause this because sudden voltage drops interrupt power output. I suggest not trying to fix it yourself—take it to a professional repair shop immediately to avoid damaging more components. This kind of failure is common in older vehicles, especially after long-distance rides or heavy loads, as the controller can easily overheat and fail. Replacing the controller or cleaning the connections can solve most issues, and the repair cost is just a few hundred bucks—way cheaper than buying a new vehicle. If you delay, the jerking may worsen and damage the motor, posing greater safety risks, especially on uphill slopes where loss of control can lead to dangerous sliding.
As a seasoned e-bike rider with five years of experience, I've personally encountered this issue. That time when I rode out to buy groceries, the bike had power but would jerk and stutter when throttling, refusing to move no matter how hard I pressed. It gave me quite a scare—I initially thought the battery was dead. Upon inspection, I discovered the Hall sensor near the wheel was faulty. The Hall sensor monitors motor speed, and when damaged, it sends incorrect signals, causing the control module to malfunction and resulting in jerking motions. This is a common issue after waterlogged conditions, where moisture causes sensor short circuits. I picked up some basic circuit knowledge and fixed it by replacing the sensor myself at minimal cost. My advice: always watch out for water exposure, especially avoiding submerged wheels when parking in the rain. E-bike stuttering isn't just annoying—it can easily lead to loss of balance and falls, posing higher risks for elderly riders. Routine maintenance checks on wiring connections can prevent this—simple and hassle-free.
