How to Install Reverse on an Electric Bike

Adding Reverse Function to a Tandem Trike with Magic Pie Motor

This guide explains how to install and operate a reverse feature on a tandem trike equipped with a Magic Pie motor. 

Wiring for Reverse

The motor wiring harness includes a cable with four colored wires: red, yellow, black, and blue.

The red and yellow wires are for the pedal assist function.

The black and blue wires control the reverse feature.

To enable reverse, you simply connect the black and blue wires through a toggle switch (or rocker switch). When the switch is toggled, it reverses the motor direction:

Switch ON: Motor runs in reverse.

Switch OFF: Motor runs forward.

Make sure the connections are secure, ideally soldered, to prevent disconnections during operation.

Installation Tips

Use any toggle or rocker switch you have available to control the reverse.

Solder the black and blue wires to the switch to ensure a reliable connection.

After wiring, your bike will be able to go forward or reverse by toggling the switch.

Testing and Speed Adjustment

Once installed, test the reverse:

Pressing the switch “on” engages full reverse speed.

Turning the switch “off” returns to forward motion.

With the Magic Pie controller, if you have a USB or Bluetooth connection, you can adjust the reverse speed setting to suit your needs.

For example:

On a larger vehicle like a four-wheel quad cycle, you can increase reverse speed.

On a tandem trike, it is safer to keep the reverse speed slow to avoid tipping over.

Summary

Adding reverse to your Magic Pie motor is a simple wiring modification that greatly improves trike usability.