All bikes need routine maintenance, whether they have a motor or not. When you upgrade to an e-bike, you’ll notice increased wear and tear as the components experience more extreme situations than a regular bicycle.
Here’s what you need to know about e-bike maintenance.
Maintenance Frequency
Many aspects of e-bike maintenance are the same as with regular bicycles. Certain aspects of an e-bike require more regular checkups, however, like the drivetrain and the tires. You can best increase your electric bicycle’s life span by washing it frequently and keeping all your components in tip-top shape.
Mud and grime can quickly turn into rust, so you should plan to wash your bike after any trips in wet weather. You should also lubricate your bike chain after every ride, and especially after washing and drying it.
How To Wash
Your e-bike’s motor and battery should be sealed and therefore not let in any water, but don’t tempt fate with a power washer. Instead, wash your bike with a cloth and bucket of water or a low-powered hose. Additionally, ensure the system is turned off before you begin washing.
Once you’ve washed the bike, dry it with a clean microfiber cloth. Steer clear of the disc brakes to avoid contaminating them with cleaning products used on other areas of the bicycle. Finally, remove any caked-on dirt from your charging ports with a small brush or cotton swab (but keep this port closed when applying water to the rest of your bike).
Battery Storage
Similar to car batteries, e-bike batteries work best and last the longest when you don’t leave them outside during cold winter months. Remove your battery and charge it indoors when the temperature begins to drop and put it back into your bicycle only when you’re ready to ride.
Now that you know what you need to about e-bike maintenance, get the most out of your bike and ensure it lasts for years to come.
