Top Tips for eBike Maintenance
The good news is your ebike doesn’t need anything too different from regular maintenance on a bicycle. Sure, there are a few extra additions that need to be looked after as well, but for the most part, you can just focus on normal cleaning and replacing. You can also take your ebike to most regular bicycle repair shops like Bike Addict for the bulk of the work you might need done on it.
This is a relief, because even though ebikes are becoming more and more popular, they aren’t the norm in terms of purchasing options. This means that you aren’t likely to find a specialist ebike repair and maintenance shop on every corner.
There are also a number of maintenance protocols that you can easily follow yourself at home. It’s actually quite important that you ensure you follow a regular routine of maintenance to keep your ebike in tip-top condition year-round.
The Basics Still Apply
The brakes are one of the first things you should be checking regularly. You can get up to some good speeds on a bicycle (ebike or regular) and it’s important to know that you can stop efficiently when you need to. An ebike is also usually heavier than most other road bicycles, making the brakes even more important
It’s best practice to give them a test and inspection before you hit the road. Loose parts can be a big concern, as can excessive wear on the pads and rotor. When you buy your ebike, make sure you get the specs for what’s considered a dangerous level of wear on your brakes and do not exceed that level without replacing them.
The tyres are another big area of concern. They need to be inflated properly before you hit the road and should be checked thoroughly for potential damage before each ride. You must always keep tabs on the level of wear on the tread and any issues on the side walls too.
Flat tyres are simple to change on an ebike with a mid-drive motor. The wheels come off the same way as they do on a conventional bicycle. However, a hub-drive motor is a bit different and you need to learn how to disconnect all of the electric connections before you can get the wheels off.
Pay Special Attention To The Chain
The chain on an ebike is a particular stress point. It often gets a lot more wear and tear than a regular bicycle because the motor allows you to go faster for longer. Additionally, the whole ebike is a lot heavier. While it’s important to lubricate and clean your chain regularly – how often will depend on how much you ride – it’s also crucial that you look out for wear and tear. Chains tend to stretch and weaken, so you need to monitor their condition on an ongoing basis in case it’s time for a replacement.
Consider investing in a chain wear tool that can warn you if the chain is starting to get too thin or too weak. If the chain takes too much strain or even worse, snaps entirely, this can cause major problems with your entire drivetrain and can cause you an injury too.
Tests and inspections play a major role in ebike maintenance, but the way you ride can also contribute to your bicycle’s longevity. Try and avoid the trap that so many cyclists fall into – keeping the bike in the smallest gear, regardless of what terrain or speed they are traveling at. Instead, use the full gear range while riding. This way, you won’t wear out the smallest teeth on the cassette. Replacing a cassette simply because you’ve been riding the one gear can be costly, and it’s completely unnecessary.
Battery Maintenance
The batteries used on ebikes are designed to be recharged thousands of times before they start to degrade. This means that you can happily top up your battery the night before you go for a ride so that you know you’ll have plenty of juice for the next day. In fact, you can and probably should top up your battery every chance you get.
If you’re planning to store your ebike for a long period of time, it’s best to keep the battery between 30% and 60%. If the battery is removable, be sure to disconnect it before you put it away for the winter.
Washing Tips
Keeping your bike clean and mud-free is a great way to extend its lifespan and reduce the need to replace components regularly. However, with an ebike you need to put in a little more effort than with a regular bicycle.
Before you start using any water or cleaning products make sure that you’ve covered the electrical connection point. This is where the battery connects to the junction box and other electronics, and it’s imperative that you don’t get water in here.
And, while a high-pressure hose may offer the deepest clean or the quickest results, avoid spraying down your ebike with one. The pressure of the jet can push water into the electronics, even if you think you’ve covered them properly.
By maintaining your ebike in the abovementioned ways, you’ll enjoy smoother, safer rides on whatever terrain you tackle.