diff --git a/qt_ui/main.py b/qt_ui/main.py
index d721aed2..33630cdd 100644
--- a/qt_ui/main.py
+++ b/qt_ui/main.py
@@ -182,6 +182,7 @@ def parse_args() -> argparse.Namespace:
     speed_controls_group.add_argument(
         "--show-sim-speed-controls",
         action="store_true",
+        default=True,
         help="Shows the sim speed controls in the top panel.",
     )
     speed_controls_group.add_argument(