eBike Maintenance

So you’ve just bought a brand new electric bike, and you’re excited to get out and ride. Even though it’s not as exciting as hitting the road, it’s essential to get on the proper maintenance schedule and routine from the very beginning. This includes pre-ride maintenance, post-ride maintenance, regular maintenance schedules, and making necessary repairs as needed.

This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about keeping your new e-bike in tip-top shape throughout the years.

Everything You Need to Know about Electric Bike Maintenance

The secret to successfully owning an electric bike isn’t in the amazing rides you take. Instead, the secret lies in comprehensive and timely maintenance. Keep in mind there are some accessories you can buy that will help make maintenance easier. A clean cloth, for example, can help wipe away excess lube and dirt from the frame. Also, check the pressure gauge to keep your tires properly inflated.

Rain covers, such as an electric bike battery rain cover are another example of key accessories. This can be especially important if you wired your own battery to ensure proper protection. Additionally, water damage can occur due to bad weather conditions, which necessitates the need for regular bike cleaning supplies. These include water-resistant lubricants and cleaners that are specifically designed to clean a bicycle without causing any damage. Such items can help keep your bike in top condition even through the worst weather conditions.

Pre-Ride Maintenance

Proper e-bike maintenance starts before you even hit the road. If you don’t perform a comprehensive pre-check on your bike’s condition before you ride, you may exacerbate existing problems. Using a basic set of bike tools, you can inspect your bike’s components and chain, ensuring everything is working correctly. This routine inspection can help you identify any areas in need of service or replacement to keep your e-bike running smoothly.

Keep in mind that different aspects of your bike will require different maintenance methods. For example, there is a difference in how you maintain a belt vs chain drive for an electric bike. Use the following list to complete your pre-ride check:

• Battery Charge: Your e-bike’s battery is what provides all the power to the motor. While you can ride an electric bike without the power, you’ll want to be sure you have enough charge to last your entire ride.
• Tires and Wheels: Check your tire pressure to make sure it’s within the appropriate range. Make sure the wheels are tight, as well, and tighten if necessary.
• Brakes: If your brakes aren’t working correctly, then you may not be able to stop fast enough when needed. Roll your bike beside you and squeeze each brake lever. If the brakes are working correctly, then your e-bike should stop immediately.
• Lube and Chain: Your e-bike’s chain should be clean and free from debris to prevent damage to the bike’s internal components. Elevate the bike so the wheels are off the ground and spin the pedals to ensure the chain works appropriately. If necessary, re-apply chain lube.

Post-Ride Maintenance

After any ride, you should always do a post-ride check to ensure your bike remains in good condition. Use the following list to perform your post-ride check:

• Battery Charge: As soon as you get home, plug your e-bike into a wall outlet, so it’s fully charged and ready for your next ride.
• Tires and Wheels: Perform a visual inspection of your tires and rims. If you find any debris, use a rag to clear it away. Make note of any damage to either tires or rims and make the necessary repairs as soon as possible. You should also check your wheels for straightness.
• Frame: Clean the frame with a damp rag to prevent corrosion and rust.
• Chain: Clean the chain to prevent corrosion and rust. If necessary, re-apply chain lube.

Regular Maintenance Schedules

Like traditional bicycles, your electric bike needs regular maintenance that goes deeper than the standard pre- and post-ride checks. We recommend creating weekly, monthly, and yearly maintenance schedules. Our recommendations are as follows:

Weekly

Every week, you should be performing these maintenance tasks:

• Complete wipe down and cleaning. This includes chainrings, cassettes, and pulleys.
• Ensure all components are tight and functioning properly.
• Inspect front and back brake pads for wear.

Monthly

Every month, you should perform a more in-depth and comprehensive inspection and tuneup, including the following tasks:

• Degrease all chains and chainrings, and then re-apply lubrication.
• Check for firmware updates. This can usually only happen at a certified e-bike dealer or repair shop.
• Inspect all bolts and components to ensure there is no looseness.
• Lubricate brake levers and cables.
• Inspect the chain for wear and tear.

Yearly

Every year, or after 6,000 miles, you should do a complete overhaul of your electric bike. This includes disassembling the bike entirely, cleaning all components, and cleaning everything. During your overhaul, you may find components that need to be repaired or replaced. We recommend repairing or replacing them immediately. If you ride more often, you may need to perform an overhaul more regularly. That’s also important just to ensure your e-bike is still street legal.

Repairs as Needed

While having a regular maintenance schedule is necessary, there may also be times when repairs and maintenance need to happen outside of the schedule. Things like flat tires, worn-out brake pads, and damaged chains should all be repaired immediately. This way, you can keep riding safely. If you notice damage or issues during your pre- and post-ride checks, we recommend waiting to ride until the problems have been fixed. Or if you opt for a new one, learn more about e-bike sizes and how to get the right size for you. Additionally, you can check out Giant vs Specialized for a comparison of two highly regarded ebike manufacturers.

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