When it comes to electric bike ownership, one of the most important things to know about is maintenance. eBikes differ from regular bikes in a number of ways, but like regular bikes, they require periodic upkeep to stay in good riding condition. By taking proper care of your electric bike, you preserve the condition of your ride and help prevent issues from popping up in the future. Ultimately, keeping your eBike in good condition will save you time, money, and hassle, so learning when and how to maintain your bike is key. To help you make sure that your ride is in top shape, we’ll be going over guidelines for eBike maintenance.
Electric Bike Storage
Even when you’re not riding regularly, it’s important to make sure you leave your eBike in the right environment to preserve its condition. Try to store your eBike indoors or under some kind of cover, where it won’t be exposed to the elements. In addition, store your eBike somewhere that isn’t too hot or cold - extreme temperatures can damage your eBike battery.
Electric Bike Cleaning
Another key part of maintaining your eBike is keeping it clean. You’ll want to wipe off any dirt or grime that accumulates on your eBike after every ride. This is especially important during the colder months, when road conditions are generally worse and roads are usually being salted. Dirt, grime, and salt can all wear away at your eBike and cause damage if not cleaned. To clean your eBike, just use a damp cloth. Don’t spray or submerge your eBike in water - water can damage the electrical components of your ride, so it’s important to avoid it when possible.
Electric Bike Error Codes
If a problem occurs with the electrical components of your eBike, you might get an error code. These codes help tell you what exactly is happening with your bike and how to fix it. Your bike won’t be operational until it’s fixed, and we highly recommend you avoid trying to ride your eBike until the error code has been resolved. To find out what your specific error code means, check your user manual or consult our list of eBike error codes.
Electric Bike Maintenance Schedule
The mechanical components of your electric bike will require some regular maintenance. Your eBike’s user manual should contain a maintenance schedule for your specific model, but we’ve gone ahead and listed an example schedule here for your reference.
Before Every Ride
- Check wheel and pedal tightness.
- Check tire pressure.
- Check brake operation.
- Check the wheels for looseness in the spokes, axle nuts, or quick release.
- Make sure all fasteners are secured tightly.
After Every Ride
- Quickly wipe down with a damp cloth.
Weekly
- Lubricate the chain and derailleur wheels by brushing on or squirting chain lube or light oil.
- Lubricate the derailleurs by using oil and an oil can.
- Lubricate the brake calipers by using 3 drops of oil from an oil can.
- Lubricate the brake levers by using 2 drops of oil from an oil can.
Monthly
- Lubricate shift levers by disassembling them and using a lithium-based grease.
- Check derailleur adjustment.
- Check brake adjustment.
- Check brake and gear cable adjustment.
- Check tire wear and pressure.
- Check that the wheels are true and spokes tight.
- Check hub, head set, and crank bearings for looseness.
- Check that the pedals are tight.
- Check that the seat and seat post are tight and comfortably adjusted.
- Check the frame and fork for trueness.
- Check that all nuts and bolts are tight.
Every Six Months
- Lubricate brake cables by disassembling them and using a lithium-based grease
- Lubricate shift levers by using 2 drops of oil from an oil can
- Check brake pads and replace them if necessary.
- Check chain for excess play or wear.
Yearly
- Take your eBike to a bicycle mechanic to have them lubricate the bottom bracket, wheel bearings, and headset using a lithium-based grease.
- Lubricate the pedals, derailleur cables, and seat pillar by disassembling them and using a lithium-based grease
If you have any questions about specific issues you’re experiencing or how to maintain your bike, be sure to check out our frequently asked questions or reach out to our customer service; our support team is US-based, available M-F from 9-5 Central time, and ready to assist you with any problems you may have.
