diff --git a/libs/core/buttons.ts b/libs/core/buttons.ts
index 45cca1b6..ab3e3854 100644
--- a/libs/core/buttons.ts
+++ b/libs/core/buttons.ts
@@ -170,7 +170,6 @@ namespace brick {
         // this needs to be done in query(), which is run without the main JS execution mutex
         // otherwise, while(true){} will lock the device
         if (ret & DAL.BUTTON_ID_ESCAPE) {
-            motors.stopAllMotors();
             control.reset()
         }
         return ret