Electric bike maintenance: how to look after your ebike

A well-maintained e-bike looks great, performs even better, and lasts longer. It is also much safer to ride and, in the long run, maintains its value much better. 

But how exactly should you maintain your e-bike to ensure peak performance and durability?

Well, the good news is that caring for an e-bike isn’t hard. Like any other vehicle, all it needs is regular attention and a bit of elbow grease — and with the right care, you can catch small issues before they become problems. 

Join us as we explore the top tips for e-bike maintenance and discuss the best practices for keeping your electric bike in top form. 

Routine Inspection and Cleaning

Consistency is the secret to ensuring long-lasting performance in your electric bike, and you’ll achieve this through:

• Routine checks: Before every ride on your e-bike, you should do a quick check to ensure everything is in working order. Look over the frame for cracks or damage.
  
  Check all the bolts to ensure they're tight and haven't loosened over time. It's also important to glance at the wheels to make sure they're secure and not damaged.
  
  
• Regular cleaning: A clean bike can prevent wear and tear on its components. Hence the need to wash your bike regularly. Use a gentle cleaner and a soft cloth to wipe down the frame and components. 

While cleaning, closely inspect items such as the condition of the tires, the tightness of the chain, and any odd noises that might indicate something’s off.

Note: Only use a low-pressure hose on your electric bike. A pressure washer might force water into sensitive electrical parts.

Proper Charging and Battery Care

The battery is the heart of your e-bike. A healthy battery means a more reliable ride and fewer replacements over your bike's life. Here’s how to ensure optimum battery health:

• Maximise battery life: Always charge the battery according to the manufacturer's instructions. For most lithium-ion batteries, it's best to keep them between 20% and 80% charged. This helps extend the battery's lifespan.
• Ensure proper charging: Only use the charger that comes with your e-bike, as it's made to work with your specific battery. As soon as the battery is fully charged, disconnect it to avoid overcharging, which can harm battery health.
• Ensure proper battery storage: When not in use, store your e-bike batteries at the recommended level (around 50%) in a cool, dry place. Check the batteries every few months to keep them from going flat, and top them up if need be. 

Tire Inspection and Maintenance

Properly maintained tires can handle the extra weight and power of an e-bike, giving you peace of mind during your rides. Here’s how to ensure your bike tires stay in tip-top shape:

• Check the tire pressure: Correctly inflated tires reduce the chance of punctures and use battery power more efficiently. Check the tire pressure regularly, ideally before every ride, and inflate them as needed per the tire manufacturer’s instructions.
• Replace worn tires: Keep an eye out for signs of wear, such as visible tread wear, cracks, or frequent flats. If the tires are worn out, it's time to replace them to ensure you have good grip and safety on the road.

Brake System Checks

Brakes are an essential feature on any bike, and more so on e-bikes since they are generally heavier and faster. Regular maintenance and brake checks will provide you with the stopping power you need for safe biking. 

Here are tips to help keep electric bike brakes in proper working condition.

• Inspect the brake pads and rotors: Regularly check your brake pads for wear. If they look thin or you hear a scratching noise when braking, it's time to replace them.
  
  For disc brakes, examine the rotors for any signs of damage or excessive wear. If you notice any scoring or if they appear bent or warped, they will need to be replaced or straightened by a professional.
  
  For rim brakes, check the brake pads to ensure they are not wearing unevenly and that they make full contact with the rim.
• Test your brakes: Before heading out on a ride, always test your brakes to ensure they're responsive. Squeeze both the front and rear brake levers to make sure they feel firm and not spongy. 
  
  A soft or slow response could indicate air in the hydraulic lines or that the brake cables are stretched.

Note: If you're unsure about how to service your brakes, or if they're not working correctly after you've checked them, take your e-bike to a qualified mechanic.

Alternatively, you could get in touch with an expert from Biktrix, or seek the information you need from our comprehensive e-bike maintenance resources. 

Chain and Drivetrain Maintenance

A well-maintained chain and drivetrain help ensure a smooth ride, longer-lasting components, and fewer unexpected visits to the repair shop. Follow these tips so you can also enjoy these perks:

• Ensure proper chain care: Your e-bike's chain is what transfers the power from the motor to the wheels, so keeping it in good condition is key. Clean your chain regularly using a clean cloth and a degreaser.
  
  After cleaning, lubricate the chain with a product suited for e-bike chains, which often need to withstand higher levels of torque and may require a more robust lubricant.
  
  
• Service your drive: Your bike's drivetrain includes the chain, chainring, cassette, and derailleur. Over time, these parts can wear out, especially if you ride a lot or don't keep them clean.
  
  Check these parts regularly for signs of wear, such as stretched chain links, worn teeth on the chainring and cassette, or a derailleur that doesn't shift smoothly.
  
  
• Know when to replace components: If your chain is stretched or your gears are skipping, it might be time for replacements. Riding with worn-out components not only makes for a poor ride but can also cause damage to other parts of the bike.
  
  It's usually best to replace both the chain and cassette at the same time to ensure they mesh well together.

If you're unsure how to service these parts yourself, a professional mechanic can help keep your bike in top condition.

Software Updates and Electronic Components

Maintaining your e-bike's software and electronic components helps prevent glitches and ensures a reliable ride.

• Update your e-bike software: It’s important to keep your e-bike's software current. Manufacturers may release updates that improve performance, add new features, or fix bugs.
  
  Check your e-bike's manual or the manufacturer's website for how to update the software. Some electric bikes update wirelessly, while others might need to be taken to your local bike shop.
  
  
• Check the electrical connections: Regularly inspect all electronic connections to make sure they're secure and free of corrosion. Look over wires and connectors for signs of wear or damage.
  
  If any wires are frayed or connectors are loose, it could affect your e-bike's performance. Disconnect the battery before inspecting or adjusting any electrical components.
  
  
• Check your electronic components: After cleaning your e-bike and before going for a ride, give all the electronic components a quick test. Turn on the display to ensure it's functioning properly and check that the motor responds as expected.
  
  Test the throttle (if your e-bike has one), and make sure any electronic gear shifting is working smoothly.

If you encounter an issue that goes beyond basic checks, consult a professional service provider or contact Biktrix support to schedule a thorough inspection and repair.

Suspension System Checks

Maintaining your e-bike's suspension contributes to a smoother ride and helps protect other bike components from the stress caused by bumps and vibrations.

Regularly check the suspension for leaks, and keep an eye on the seals and stanchions for signs of wear or damage. Clean any dirt or debris from these areas after rides to prevent buildup.

Additionally, adjusting the suspension settings to match your weight and riding style can significantly improve your riding experience.

When to Seek Professional Ebike Service

While many electric bike maintenance tasks are straightforward and can be done at home, there will be times when you need to seek out a professional mechanic.

Complex electrical issues, deep software problems, or specialised mechanical work may be beyond the scope of routine home maintenance.

And even if your e-bike seems to be running fine, we recommend getting a professional tune-up at least once a year. Mechanics have the tools and expertise to catch issues that you might miss. 

They can also make fine adjustments that improve your e-bike's performance and efficiency. Regular professional inspections can spot potential problems early on, saving you money and hassle in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I check my e-bike's tire pressure?

It's best to check your bike's tire pressure before every ride. Maintaining the correct tire pressure ensures a smoother ride and better traction and helps prevent flats.

What's the best way to store my e-bike's battery when not in use?

Store your battery in a cool, dry place, away from extreme heat or cold. The ideal charge level for storing an electric bike battery for an extended period is around 50%.

How often should I have my e-bike serviced by a professional?

If you ride frequently or notice any issues, you should take your electric bike for a professional service at least once a year or more often. This can help you identify and fix problems before they become serious.

How do I know if my brake pads need replacing?

Check the thickness of your brake pads. If they are less than 1 mm thick, it's time to replace them. Also, listen for any scraping or squeaking noises when you brake, as these can be signs of worn pads.

Enhance Your Electric Bike Maintenance With Biktrix

Taking care of your e-bike doesn't have to be a chore. With regular inspections, cleaning, and maintenance, you can keep your electric bike running smoothly and extend its lifespan. 

And to make sure you’re doing all your e-bike care and maintenance as, and when you should, check out the Biktrix Help Center for in-depth guides and resources. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know for proper electric bike care. 

But If you can’t find what you’re looking for, just get in touch and we’ll have one of our experts help you out.