Video Guide

Watch first: If the stem will not rotate during assembly, watch this video guide before following the written steps.

▶ Watch the Stem Fix Video on YouTube

Your Favoritebikes e-bike arrives with the stem installed facing backward (reversed 180°). This is completely normal — the factory reverses the stem intentionally so the handlebars fold flat against the frame for safer, more compact packaging and shipping. Before your first ride, you will need to rotate the stem 180° to face forward.

If the stem will not rotate during assembly, watch this video first:

Some customers find the stem difficult to rotate by hand. This is because the factory bolts are tightened securely for shipping. The solution is simple: remove the display to access the top cap bolt, loosen the bolts, rotate the stem, then re-tighten everything. Follow the steps below.

Tools needed: 3mm Allen key, 4mm Allen key

Step 1: Power Off the Bike

• Press and hold the power button until the display turns off completely.
• Ensure the bike is on a stable, flat surface before starting.

Step 2: Remove the Display

• The display sits on top of the stem and covers the top cap bolt. You must remove it to access that bolt.
• Disconnect the 3 connectors at the bottom of the display.

• Using a 3mm Allen key, remove the locating screw on the display mount. Keep it in a safe place.

• Carefully lift the display off the mount. Do not bend the connector pins.

For detailed display removal instructions, see: Replacing the Favoritebikes Display

Step 3: Loosen the Stem Clamp Bolts

• Using a 4mm Allen key, loosen the two stem clamp bolts on the back of the stem.
• You do not need to remove these bolts completely — just loosen them enough so the stem can move freely on the steerer tube.

Step 4: Loosen the Top Cap Bolt

• With the display removed, you can now see the top cap bolt on top of the stem.
• Using a 4mm Allen key, loosen the top cap bolt by turning it counterclockwise a few turns.
• Do not remove the bolt entirely — just loosen it enough so the stem rotates freely.

Step 5: Rotate the Stem 180° to Face Forward

• With the bolts loosened, the stem should now rotate easily on the steerer tube.
• Rotate the stem 180° so the handlebars face forward (away from the rider).
• Stand over the bike, hold the front wheel between your legs, and align the handlebars so they are straight and perpendicular to the front wheel.

For a visual guide on aligning handlebars with the front wheel, see: My front steering (including the fork and handlebar) is wobbling and feels shaky

Step 6: Tighten the Top Cap Bolt

• Using a 4mm Allen key, tighten the top cap bolt by turning it clockwise.
• This preloads the headset bearings and removes any play in the fork and steering assembly.
• Do not overtighten — over-tightening may cause the headset to bind and make steering stiff.

Tool: 4mm Allen key

Warning: You must complete this step before tightening the stem clamp bolts in Step 7. Tightening the stem clamp bolts first will lock the stem in place, causing the top cap bolt to work against the clamping force instead of properly securing the stem and fork together. This can result in a wobbly or unstable fork.

Step 7: Tighten the Stem Clamp Bolts

• Once the stem is aligned and the top cap bolt is snug, tighten the two stem clamp bolts evenly in a crisscross pattern.
• Use a 4mm Allen key and tighten to 4–6 Nm of torque.

Warning: Always tighten the top cap bolt (Step 6) before tightening the stem clamp bolts (Step 7). Reversing this order may cause the fork to wobble and feel unstable. See this article for more details.

Tool and Torque: 4mm Allen key, 4–6 Nm

Step 8: Reinstall the Display

• Place the display back onto the mount, aligning it carefully with the connector pins.
• Using a 3mm Allen key, reinstall the locating screw.
• Reconnect the 3 connectors at the bottom of the display.
• Do not force the display or bend the pins.

For detailed display installation instructions, see: Replacing the Favoritebikes Display

Step 9: Power On and Test

• Press the power button to turn on the bike.
• Confirm the display powers on and functions normally.
• With the bike stationary, turn the handlebars left and right to confirm smooth, wobble-free steering.
• Check that the handlebars are aligned straight with the front wheel.

Still having trouble? If the stem will not rotate even after loosening all bolts, or if the steering feels loose or wobbly after reassembly, please contact our support team for further assistance.