Lift sensor

A sensor (usually in the handle or shell) that detects when the wheel leaves the ground. When triggered, it cuts motor power so the tire doesn’t spin freely while you’re carrying or tilting the wheel.

Lift sensor vs kill switch

The kill switch is a button you press. The lift sensor activates automatically based on tilt angle or handle position. Some wheels use one, some use both, and some combine them. The distinction matters when diagnosing unexpected shutdowns.

When it goes wrong

False activation while riding (wheel briefly tilts past the sensor threshold) can cause a momentary power cut. Miscalibrated lift sensors are a known cause of mysterious mid-ride cutoffs on some models.

555 take

Know whether your wheel has a lift sensor, where it is, and what triggers it. If you experience unexplained power cuts at low speed or while maneuvering, a lift sensor false trigger is high on the diagnostic list.