Stella guide
Stella front hub motor replacement
Has your Stella stopped giving assistance, or do you hear a ticking sound in the front wheel? This page shows you what tells you the motor needs attention — and just as important, what tells you it is not the motor. That difference can easily save you an expensive purchase you did not need.
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The signs
How to tell your motor needs attention
These are the signs we come across most often.
The battery drains too quickly
When the motor runs heavy, the battery drains faster. That also puts needless load on the battery and the controller, which can even fail from overload.
There is a ticking sound in the motor
This can point to a mechanical problem inside the motor, in the gears or the clutch (freewheel).
Worn gears or bearings
On many front hub motors the bearings, gears and the clutch (freewheel) can be replaced. Among others, we supply separate components for many motor types. Our article on the Shengyi 1310 shows how a freewheel is replaced.
Not enough grease in the motor
If there is too little grease inside the motor, or the grease is spread unevenly, the motor starts running dry and makes a lot of noise. The gears and bearings then wear faster. Bearings and gears can be replaced, and the motor can be re-greased.
The speed sensor board or its cable is faulty
In that case the motor stops giving assistance, or the speed is no longer shown on the display. The internals, the complete motor or the complete wheel can then be replaced. For the HD16 we show step by step how the internals are replaced.
The motor has overheated and burnt out
Here too, the internals or the complete motor can be replaced.
Before you order
It looks like the motor, but is it something else?
When a motor stops giving assistance, it is often a different problem. Run through these four before you order a motor.
The pedal sensor
If the pedal sensor is broken, the motor stops giving assistance as well. Switch on the walk assist: if the motor runs with that, the motor is fine and the sensor needs replacing. That saves you the most expensive part of the drive system.
The motor controller
The controller itself can also fail. The bike then gives no assistance even though the battery is full, and the display usually shows an error code.
The phase cables
The phase cables running from the motor controller to the motor can shake loose. They can be checked at the controller.
The connector
The connector may not be seated properly. On front hub motors it sits at the fork. Corrosion can build up there too, so the pins in the plug no longer make proper contact.
Find the right type
Parts for your Stella front hub motor
On many front hub motors you do not have to replace the whole motor straight away. Bearings, gears, the clutch (freewheel) and the internals are available separately. Among others, we supply separate components for many motor types.
Which motor is in your Stella?
Over the years Stella has used three generations of front hub motor systems. Look up your model year below to see which motor your bike has.
| GENERATION | YEARS OF MANUFACTURE | MOTOR | ITEM NUMBER / NOTE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st generation | 2015-2019 | Shengyi 1310 / 1312 | motor 40771, internal part 42200 |
| Shengyi 1412 | no longer available | ||
| Shengyi 1515 in 1412 version | internal part 42203 | ||
| Shengyi D 1312, disc brake version | |||
| 2nd generation | 2017-2020 | see 1st generation | |
| Shengyi 1612 | |||
| HD16 | 42330 | ||
| 3rd generation | 2020-present | HD16, the same motor as the latest 2nd generation | 42330 |
Please note: rim brake or disc brake. The D 1312 version is made specifically for bikes with a disc brake on the front wheel. So always check whether your bike has a rim brake (v-brake or roller brake) or a disc brake before you order a replacement motor.
Order it yourself
Motor parts for Stella
If you're unsure about the version, send us a photo of your current part.
Stella motors and motor parts
Need help?
Find a Stella service point near you
Are you unsure if it's really the motor, or do you not know which part you need? Then you don't have to figure it out yourself. Is your motor making noise? Often it is a combination of gears, bearings, and lubricants. When opening the motor, a specialist can make the correct diagnosis, allowing everything that is necessary to be replaced.
Enter your postcode to see where you can take your Stella. You can go to one of our service points, which work with original parts.
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No service point near you? Fill in the form on our Stella page and we'll find a mechanic for you.
Frequently asked questions
About the motor of your Stella
Is your question not listed? Contact us, we are happy to help.
What causes the motor to break down quickly?
We see that the front wheel motor breaks down the most because a cyclist pulls another cyclist. Due to the extra weight, too much peak load must be delivered, causing the gears, the bearings, and also the entire motor to break.
Does the motor need to be relearned after replacement?
Not for mid motors. For a front wheel motor or rear wheel motor, it may be good to relearn the motor. This can be done with Eleon systems using the Eleon dealer tool. The controller then learns what the normal resistance of the new motor is and adjusts the power accordingly. This prevents the motor from being overloaded, and the controller manages the battery voltage more efficiently. A service point with the Eleon dealer tool can do that for you.
The motor is making noise, what can I do?
Often it is a combination of gears, bearings, and lubricants. When opening the motor, a specialist can make the correct diagnosis, allowing everything that is necessary to be replaced.
How long does a Stella motor last?
That depends on usage. If you pedal hard yourself, the motor is less stressed. Environmental factors such as the landscape and weather conditions also have a significant impact: if a lot of elevation is gained, the motor is under heavier load, and high temperatures or rain and mud can cause a motor to wear out faster.
In practice, we regularly see that motors last more than 50,000 kilometers and still function well after 15 years. It is important that they receive timely maintenance. In particular, front wheel motors last much longer when gears, bearings, and lubricants are renewed after about 8,000 kilometers. For an average cyclist, this is often after 3 to 4 years.
Does every Shengyi motor fit on my bike?
No. The D 1312 version is specifically intended for bicycles with a disc brake on the front wheel. So always check if your bike has a rim brake (v-brake or rollerbrake) or a disc brake before ordering a replacement motor. Are you in doubt? Just give us a call, and we will figure it out together.
More about Stella
Related guides
Stella battery replacement
Which battery belongs to your generation, and is it really the battery?
Stella display replacement
Which display or control pad fits your Stella, and is it really broken?
Stella knowledge base
Manuals, error codes and repair instructions for your Stella.
Experiences
What our customers say
Knowledge centre focused on total service and sharing know-how, including about special electric bikes. In addition to listening, they are willing to help find solutions. They certainly don't shy away from difficulties. Where other companies gave up, they found the solution. Great service! Highly recommended.
Henk van Veen · 18-07-2025
Yesterday afternoon, a mechanic from Ebikepartners came by to help me repair quite a few Stella bikes. Everything went fantastically well, great service. Customers can be satisfied again.
Anonymous · 05-01-2025
What a fantastic company Ebikepartners is, set up by Gert. I was warmly welcomed with coffee and a very professional diagnosis was made of the problems with the Stella Copenhague. With a well-functioning bike, I was happily able to go home. Kudos to the friendliness and expertise of Peter.
Hans Staller · 18-02-2025
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