To get the most out of your electric bike, often all that is required is a bit of elbow grease and soapy water. Taking proper care of your e-bike may seem like a chore compared to the joy of riding, but it doesn’t have to be a drag.
Follow these helpful tips to become your own bike mechanic and carry out the common maintenance tasks that will keep your e-bike working at its best!
Most maintenance tips carry over from traditional bicycles to electric bikes, giving you a comfortable and familiar place to start. However, since e-bikes are heavier and have additional electronic components, there are a few more considerations to keep your e-bike running in top shape:
A clean e-bike is a happy e-bike. Washing your e-bike not only brings out the bike’s original shine but also helps boost efficiency and reduce wear on the components. You’ll extend your e-bike’s performance by spending just a few minutes on a thorough clean every couple of weeks or after an especially mucky ride.
For the most part, washing an e-bike follows the same steps as washing a standard bicycle, but there are a few differences to watch out for:
E-bikes require the same TLC as standard bicycles, with a few additional considerations due to the motor and battery. All the basic maintenance guidelines apply to electric bikes when it comes to mechanical parts such as wheels, drivetrain, tires, and the frame. That said, e-bikes are heavier and more powerful than non-motorized bicycles and that extra force means proper upkeep is crucial.
Check that the brakes (likely disc brakes) are operating correctly so the e-bike can come to a controlled stop. Sufficiently inflated tires will prevent pinch flats that can occur when there isn’t enough air in the tires, especially given the added weight on electric bikes. Chain wear can be more prevalent on e-bikes due to the larger power transfer between the motor and drivetrain— watch for slipping gears or inaccurate shifting.
Fortunately, motors are some of the most reliable parts on an electric bike. The closed system and maintenance-free design mean they are unlikely to require any servicing. However, issues can arise on occasion so it’s best to refer to your e-bike’s manual or a qualified bike shop in those situations.
Taking proper care of your e-bike’s battery will maximize its performance and extend its lifespan. Manufacturers state that the service life of lithium-ion batteries depends on various factors such as past charging cycles and storage methods.
Many e-bikes have removable batteries to allow for on- and off-bike charging. Ideal charging conditions are at room temperature using only the charger specifically designed for your e-bike. Regularly charging the battery to at least 80% capacity helps keep the optimal level of performance. You should avoid regularly draining the battery down to zero and leaving it completely uncharged for long periods of time.
“We recommend that when you ride during summertime or you ride all year-round, charge it up after every ride so you are ready for the next ride. That way, you wont forget either. But if you’re not going to use your ebike for some time, store it at that 30-60% charge to prolong the battery life. When it’s freezing temperatures outside, we recommend charging the battery inside and store it inside because the freezing temperatures take quite a toll on the capacity of the battery and on the range of the bike.”
—Jonathan from Bosch E-Bikes (interview with GCN)
For long-term storage, it’s recommended to keep the battery at a charge status of 30-60% in a dry environment at room temperature. This figure is lower than the 80% capacity mentioned earlier which is more appropriate for daily charging, avoiding overcharging while still providing plenty of riding range. Accessories such as “trickle-chargers” can help maintain the optimal level of charge over time without overcharging the battery.
Over time— typically a period of several years— a battery will naturally lose capacity. When it’s time to dispose of an e-bike battery, it’s crucial to dispose of it properly to avoid environmental contamination and unsafe dumping. Sometimes you can return old batteries to the bike shop where you originally bought your e-bike. Riders can also dispose of batteries via Call2Recycle, the country’s largest battery recycling program with over 1,900 participating bike shops and drop-off locations.
Regular maintenance checks and cleanings help prevent issues from arising, but you’ll still want to service your e-bike from time to time. How often you’ll need to visit your local bike shop for basic servicing, however, will depend on how many miles you ride and in what conditions.
For recreational riders who ride about once a week or during weekends, a tune-up once per season should be sufficient. More frequent cyclists— such as daily commuters or high-mileage riders— will want to service the e-bike more often, around every 3 to 4 months. With heavy use, it’s natural that general wear or occasional mechanical issues will demand that your e-bike takes a visit to the shop. Keep an eye and ear out for diagnostic signs such as squeaks, rubbing, and other irregular sounds that could signal that it’s time for a check-up.
The complex electrical parts and warranty clauses of e-bikes mean that your local bike shop may not be prepared to properly service your model. It’s important to find a shop that’s qualified to work on the specific electric components on your bike if that’s where the issues are. For regular servicing or basic tune-ups, though, your local bike shop should be ready to help.
As a general rule, you should wash your e-bikes whenever it’s dirty. Riders in rainy or muddy areas will need to clean their bikes more frequently to avoid mucky wheels and stained frames. Give your e-bike a quick wash after every several outings, but fair-weather riders can get away with longer gaps between cleanings.
Absolutely! Electric bikes are highly water-resistant and can withstand heavy rain and frequent washing. The motor and battery are typically protected by heavy-duty seals to keep out moisture, including areas built into the frame to drain away water. Do not use a pressure washer which can damage water seals and bearings.
You can achieve a professional-level result with simple household items including a bucket of soapy water, a few brushes, degreaser, drying cloth, and chain lubricant. The job can be made easier with a bike stand and a hose, but, in a pinch, you can carefully lean your e-bike against a wall.
Yes, bike-specific cleaners are definitely the right choice for e-bikes. These products are the most effective at removing dirt and grime without damaging any protective seals or plastic parts on the bike. Get a set of biodegradable bike soaps, degreasers, and finishing liquids that bring out your e-bike’s true sparkle.
It’s not necessary to charge an e-bike after every outing, but you should aim for enough battery for your next ride. Keeping the battery around 80% will help maintain overall battery health in the long term. Many high-quality chargers also include technology to avoid overcharging so you don’t have to stress about straining the battery. Running the risk of slightly overcharging the battery may be better than completely forgetting to charge your e-bike!
Call2Recycle® is a leading consumer battery recycling program.
