Learn how to switch your e-bike display from km/h to mph using display menus, P-settings, or apps—plus fixes if the setting won’t save.
Most e-bikes let you switch from km/h (KPH) to mph inside the display settings. Look for a menu item like Unit, MPH/KPH, Metric/Imperial, or sometimes a simple U option. After you change it, you usually need to confirm/save and sometimes restart the display for it to stick. If you don’t see a unit option, your bike may control units through an app or the controller firmware.
This blog shows you exactly how to switch your e-bike display from km/h to mph on common displays (including P-settings and app-based systems), plus what to do if the option is missing or won’t save.
Ebike Display Unit: km/h vs mph
km/h is kilometers per hour (metric). mph is miles per hour (imperial). Changing the unit doesn’t change how fast the bike actually goes—it only changes how the number is shown.
If you want a quick sense of the numbers:
- 15 mph is about 24 km/h
- 20 mph is about 32 km/h
- 28 mph is about 45 km/h
Before You Change Ebike Display Units
Before you dig into settings, it helps to know that unit changes can sit close to other options that affect how your bike behaves. Some displays place units, wheel size, and speed limit in the same menu area. If you accidentally change wheel size, your speed and distance can look wrong. If you change speed limit settings, the bike may cut assist earlier than usual.
A simple habit that saves headaches: take a quick photo of your current settings screens as you scroll, so you can put everything back if you bump the wrong value.
Change Units on Most Ebike Displays
Most electric bike displays follow one of three patterns: a normal settings menu, an advanced “P-settings” menu, or an app-controlled setup.
Using the regular settings menu
This is the most common method on commuter and consumer e-bikes. The exact buttons vary, but the flow is similar.
- Turn the bike on and let the display fully boot.
- Open settings (often a long-press on MODE or SET, or holding + and – together).
- Find Unit / MPH / KMH / KPH / Metric / Imperial.
- Select mph, confirm, and exit.
On some displays, the setting saves only after you long-press MODE/SET again or after you exit the menu.
Using advanced “P-settings”
Many generic and aftermarket displays (and some factory ones) store units inside P-settings. These menus may also include wheel diameter, speed limit, and assist tuning.
A typical pattern looks like this:
- Long-press MODE to enter settings
- Scroll until you see P items (P01, P02, etc.)
- Find the unit option (it may say Unit, U, 0/1, Metric/Imperial)
- Change to mph, confirm, then exit
If your display asks for a code, common defaults exist on some systems, but they’re not universal. If you don’t know it, your owner’s manual or the bike brand’s support page is the safest route.
If your e-bike uses an app
Some modern systems (especially mid-drive brands and smart displays) manage units in the phone app or region settings. If the display doesn’t offer unit switching, check:
- The brand’s app settings (units, preferences, region)
- Bluetooth settings inside the bike’s “connected” menu
- Whether the app requires a sync step after changes
After switching in the app, a quick power cycle of the bike can help the display update.
Where the Display Unit Setting Usually Hides
Even when displays look different, unit settings tend to show up under familiar labels. If you’re hunting through menus, look for:
- Unit
- MPH/KPH or MPH/KMH
- Metric / Imperial
- U
- General or System
- Display settings
Button behavior can also be confusing. A lot of displays use:
- Short press to move/scroll
- Long press to enter/confirm/save
If you change mph/kph and it “doesn’t work,” it’s often because the display never got the final save/confirm input.
Brand and Display Notes
E-bike brands use a mix of display systems, so here’s what to expect from common ones.
Bafang displays
Many Bafang displays include a unit toggle in settings, but some models put it in deeper menus. If you can’t find units in the basic menu, check the advanced settings area. Some Bafang setups also use a password to protect certain options.
Bosch
Bosch systems often tie settings to regional configuration and app settings (depending on model and display). If the display menu doesn’t offer units, check the companion app and any system preferences there.
Shimano STEPS
Shimano units may be adjustable through system settings or via Shimano’s supported app/service tools depending on the generation. If your display menu is limited, the app is usually the next place to look.
KT (Kunteng) style displays
KT-style systems commonly use P-settings and usually support mph/kph switching, but the label can be minimal (like “U” or “Metric/Imperial”). Be careful not to change wheel size while you’re in there.
SW900, M5, S866 and similar
These popular displays often place units in a P-menu. They usually support switching, but the save step matters—exit properly so the setting stays stored.
Direct-to-consumer brands
Brands like Rad, Aventon, Lectric, and others may use custom displays or app-linked settings. Some models allow unit switching directly on the screen, while others keep it in the app. If you know your display model name (often printed on the back), searching that exact model plus “mph kmh setting” is the fastest way to find the right button combo.
Common Problems and Fixes
If your electric bike won’t change from km to mph, it’s usually one of these situations.
The unit option doesn’t exist
If there’s no unit setting anywhere, your system may be locked to one unit by:
- the controller firmware
- regional configuration
- an app-only setting
In that case, check the brand app first, then the owner manual, then the display model documentation.
It switches, but won’t save
This is extremely common. The most likely causes are:
- You exited without confirming (many displays require a long-press to save)
- The display resets on power-off because the save step wasn’t completed
- A loose display/controller connection is causing settings to fail to store
- Low battery or an error state is blocking setting changes on some systems
Try changing the unit again, then intentionally confirm and exit the menu. If it still reverts, unplug/reseat the display connector (with the bike powered off) and try again.
The speed looks wrong after switching
If mph shows up but the number doesn’t match reality, units may not be the real issue. The usual cause is wheel size (or tire diameter) being set incorrectly. Fixing wheel size will bring speed and distance back in line.
Other causes include a misaligned speed sensor or a magnet that moved out of position on bikes that use an external sensor.
You changed a speed limit by accident
On many displays, the speed limit setting sits right next to unit settings. If your bike suddenly feels restricted, go back into the same menu and restore the old value. This is where having that photo of your original settings helps a lot.
Improve Display Speed Accuracy After Switching
Once your units are correct, you can make the display more accurate and easier to use. The biggest win is confirming wheel diameter matches your tires. Even a small mismatch can make your displayed speed and odometer drift.
Other useful tweaks (if your display offers them):
- Screen brightness/backlight for daytime vs night visibility
- Auto-sleep timing so the display doesn’t drain the battery
- Trip meter habits for maintenance tracking (tire wear, chain service, brake checks)
Safety and Local Rules
Switching km/h to mph is a display preference and doesn’t change the bike’s real performance. But if you also adjust speed-related settings while you’re in the menu, your bike may behave differently. If your area has e-bike class limits or local rules, keep your settings compliant and ride predictably around pedestrians and traffic.
Conclusion
Switching your electric bike from km/h to mph is usually a simple display setting change—find the Unit (or Metric/Imperial) option, select mph, then confirm and exit so it saves. If you don’t see the option or it keeps reverting, the unit may be controlled by an app, locked by the controller, or not saving due to a missed confirm step or a loose connection. Once mph is showing, double-check your wheel size setting to keep speed and distance accurate, and you’ll have a display that matches how you ride and track your trips.
FAQs
Why can’t I find mph in my display settings?
Some systems don’t allow unit switching on the display. Units may be controlled by an app, regional firmware, or a locked controller configuration.
Will changing km/h to mph change my top speed?
No—units only change how speed is shown. Top speed changes come from speed limit settings, wheel size settings, or controller tuning.
My display shows mph now, but the speed is inaccurate. Why?
Most of the time it’s a wheel size/tire diameter mismatch. Correcting the wheel setting usually fixes the speed and distance.
Do I need to restart the bike after switching units?
Some displays update instantly, others apply changes after you exit settings, and some require a power cycle. If it doesn’t update, turn the bike off and on.
What if my buttons don’t match these steps?
Look for the display model name (often on the back) and search that model’s manual. Displays vary, but the unit label is usually still Unit/MPH/KPH or Metric/Imperial.
