{"id":11177,"date":"2022-10-31T14:16:12","date_gmt":"2022-10-31T19:16:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ourstreets.com\/?p=11177"},"modified":"2022-10-31T14:16:39","modified_gmt":"2022-10-31T19:16:39","slug":"electric-bike-maintenance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ourstreets.com\/electric-bike-maintenance\/","title":{"rendered":"Electric Bike Maintenance (Exactly What Needs To Be Done)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">What's In This Article<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#Be_Sure_To_Read_Your_Owners_Manual\">Be Sure To Read Your Owner\u2019s Manual<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Clean_Your_E-Bike_Regularly\">Clean Your E-Bike Regularly<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Keep_It_Warm_and_Dry_When_Possible\">Keep It Warm and Dry When Possible<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Inspect_the_Brakes_Regularly\">Inspect the Brakes Regularly<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Keep_the_Chain_Clean_Lubed_and_Tensioned\">Keep the Chain Clean, Lubed, and Tensioned<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Check_Tire_Pressure_Often_and_Keep_Tires_in_Good_Condition\">Check Tire Pressure Often and Keep Tires in Good Condition<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Maintain_the_Battery\">Maintain the Battery<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Lubricate_All_Pivot_Points_Bearings_and_Bushings\">Lubricate All Pivot Points, Bearings, and Bushings<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Pay_Attention_to_the_Controls_and_Accessories\">Pay Attention to the Controls and Accessories<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Maintain_the_Electric_Bike_Motor\">Maintain the Electric Bike Motor<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Take_It_to_an_E-Bike_Shop\">Take It to an E-Bike Shop<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<p>We all love the feeling of showing up to work on a bright, sunny day with a smile. But if you&#8217;re riding to work on an electric bike, you&#8217;ll be riding in style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ourstreets.com\/electric-bikes\/\" data-lasso-id=\"12297\">Electric bikes<\/a> are convenient, efficient, and fun to ride. But they also require maintenance to keep them in top shape. Like any other bike, electric bike maintenance is an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osti.gov\/biblio\/1024211\" data-lasso-id=\"12298\">integral part of bike ownership<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to keep your e-bike in top shape and avoid costly problems down the road, here are some simple maintenance tips that will keep your ride running smoothly for years or at least until you&#8217;re ready for a new one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span id=\"Be_Sure_To_Read_Your_Owners_Manual\">Be Sure To Read Your Owner\u2019s Manual<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Read your owner&#8217;s manual. This may seem obvious to some, but it&#8217;s easy to forget that the bike you&#8217;ve been riding for years is a complex piece of machinery with many moving parts. The best way to learn how everything works is by reading the manual and studying manuals of your bike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The manual will explain the usage of all the components on your e-bike, from the battery pack to its speed controller and motor. You will also find helpful information about troubleshooting problems with either part or all of your ride. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You will also find maintenance tips for keeping it running smoothly between repairs or replacements and<a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com.ph\/books?hl=en&amp;lr=&amp;id=qtpBX74mOqYC&amp;oi=fnd&amp;pg=PA3&amp;dq=electric+bike+maintenance+tips&amp;ots=vYhgg1qnZ5&amp;sig=1-xHWNgLJ3z1WeTdY4sj44KlSPI&amp;redir_esc=y#v=onepage&amp;q&amp;f=false\" data-lasso-id=\"12299\"> safety measures<\/a> that should be taken when working around electrical parts like batteries or motors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span id=\"Clean_Your_E-Bike_Regularly\">Clean Your E-Bike Regularly<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Regular cleaning will prevent rust and corrosion. Use a soft cloth to wipe down your bike after every use, especially if you ride in rain or snow. It&#8217;s also essential to clean the chain regularly so it stays lubricated and doesn&#8217;t wear out too quickly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cleaning products should be non-abrasive, water-based, and biodegradable; avoid those with petroleum distillates or alcohol, as they can damage paintwork and rubber seals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How often you clean your bike will depend on how much you use it, but if you ride regularly, then cleaning should be part of your routine. It&#8217;s a good idea to get into the habit of wiping down your bike after each ride; this way, it won&#8217;t affect your performance or safety when you&#8217;re on the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span id=\"Keep_It_Warm_and_Dry_When_Possible\">Keep It Warm and Dry When Possible<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Keeping your electric bike in a dry place is crucial to its longevity. Even though you might be able to ride through puddles and get caught in the rain, it&#8217;s not recommended that you drag your bike through or leave it in the rain for long periods. The same goes for leaving it out in the sun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If possible, keep the bike inside your house to prevent the battery from overheating and freezing during colder months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span id=\"Inspect_the_Brakes_Regularly\">Inspect the Brakes Regularly<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You should also inspect the brakes for wear. Check the brake pads and rotors for wear, and ensure they&#8217;re in good working order. If you find damage to either of these, you&#8217;ll need to replace them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure that your brake cables aren&#8217;t fraying, as this can cause issues with braking efficiency\u2014so if you notice any damage or fraying, it&#8217;s best to replace them before they cause any more problems with your bike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Look out for any build-up of rust or dirt on the brake pads and adjust them accordingly so that they contact evenly with both sides of each wheel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check if there is any foreign material on the brake pads, such as leaves or twigs, as these will reduce braking power by increasing friction between themselves and your bike&#8217;s wheels instead of just stopping from friction alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span id=\"Keep_the_Chain_Clean_Lubed_and_Tensioned\">Keep the Chain Clean, Lubed, and Tensioned<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The chain is one of the essential parts of your electric bike. It transfers power from your pedals to the rear wheel, propelling you forward. If the chain is dirty or in bad condition, it can wear out quickly and damage other components like gears and cassettes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When cleaning your chain, it&#8217;s essential to use the right tools. You can buy a specialized cleaning kit from an online or local bike shop. These kits have brushes, cloths for scrubbing, and unique cleaning solutions for e-bike chains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don&#8217;t want to spend money on a specialized kit, there are other ways to clean your chain. You can use household products like lemon juice and baking soda to scrub away dirt and grime. You may create a DIY degreaser by adding the proper amounts of these ingredients to some hot water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While cleaning your chain will make it look better, it&#8217;s not enough. You should also lubricate the chain to prevent rust and wear. This is especially important in humid environments where moisture can cause corrosion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, for protection against rust and wear, proper chain lubrication can maintain correct shifting performance by easing the chain&#8217;s interaction with the cassette sprockets and chainrings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After lubricating your e-bike&#8217;s chain, you should consider adjusting its tension. Only the proper tension can ensure a bike<a href=\"https:\/\/asmedigitalcollection.asme.org\/mechanicaldesign\/article-abstract\/123\/4\/598\/445688\/Effects-of-Frictional-Loss-on-Bicycle-Chain-Drive\" data-lasso-id=\"12300\"> chain&#8217;s proper operation<\/a>. Find the tightest spot on the chain to start with if you want to stop a bike chain from slipping or falling off. Adjust the chain&#8217;s tension so it can only be correctly raised or lowered by 1.5\u20132 cm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span id=\"Check_Tire_Pressure_Often_and_Keep_Tires_in_Good_Condition\">Check Tire Pressure Often and Keep Tires in Good Condition<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s essential to keep track of your<a href=\"https:\/\/dc.uwm.edu\/uwsurca\/2018\/Posters\/13\/\" data-lasso-id=\"12301\"> tire pressure<\/a>. If you don&#8217;t, you may have a flat when you least expect it. You should check your tire pressure every week or so and adjust it as necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tire tread depth can also indicate how well your tires are holding up. If worn down, they&#8217;ll have less grip on the road and could cause you to lose control of the bike in wet conditions (or even snow). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, if the tires are worn out too much, it could impact their ability to hold air\u2014so if this concerns you, then make sure that you regularly check both things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You should also check for signs of wear and tear on the actual surface of your tires by looking at them carefully; if there are any cracks or tears, then these need attention before they get any worse, so make sure that this happens regularly as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span id=\"Maintain_the_Battery\">Maintain the Battery<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Lithium-ion batteries are the best of the best when it comes to<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0378775318307055\" data-lasso-id=\"12302\"> e-bike batteries<\/a>. But even though lithium-ion batteries are so great, you can still do some things to make sure that yours stays fresh and healthy for as long as possible. Here&#8217;s our list of e-bike battery maintenance tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Charge Your Battery Regularly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The most important thing to ensure your e-bike battery&#8217;s longevity is to charge it regularly. The best way to do this is after every ride so that the battery never runs completely dry and becomes damaged or unusable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You shouldn&#8217;t overcharge your e-bike battery\u2014which means not charging it for too long\u2014and you shouldn&#8217;t leave it charging overnight (this will result in overcharging). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, if you&#8217;re going to be storing the bike for some time where it won&#8217;t be used\u2014say, during winter months\u2014it&#8217;s critical that you fully charge the battery before storage begins so as not to damage any cells within its cells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Keep the Terminals Clean and Dry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When cleaning your e-bike&#8217;s battery terminals, it&#8217;s essential to keep the terminals dry and clean. A damp cloth is sufficient to remove dirt and grime from the surface of a battery terminal; however, if you attempt to wipe away oil or grease with a wet cloth, you may cause corrosion in your battery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To protect your e-bike&#8217;s battery from water damage, dry off any moisture on its exterior with a dry cloth before reconnecting it to its power source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Utilize the Appropriate Charger<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You&#8217;ll need to use a compatible charger to ensure that your e-bike batteries are being charged correctly and safely. If you&#8217;re unsure whether your current battery charger will work with your e-bike, consult the manufacturer or read their manual to find out which type of charger they recommend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you have determined what type of charger is appropriate for your bike, make sure it&#8217;s compatible with the voltage and amperage ratings of each battery to avoid overcharging them. If a battery gets overcharged too often, it can degrade its capacity and lifespan significantly\u2014even more so than undercharging would.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Check for Cracks in the Battery Case<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s also important to check the integrity of the battery case. This can be done by carefully inspecting the battery for signs of damage or cracking in its casing, which could lead to a failure of the battery due to moisture or other elements getting inside it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Store It Properly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It would be best to store your e-bike battery in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and high temperatures. A garage or storage room is ideal. If you are keeping the bike outside, ensure it is covered so that no water or rain can damage it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are going to keep the battery inside your house, make sure it&#8217;s in a place where there isn&#8217;t too much humidity or moisture (i.e., close to kitchen sinks). To help ensure this, store it in a case or bag that keeps its surface dry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you follow these simple tips, your battery will last longer and provide you with many more miles of riding pleasure. It&#8217;s also important to remember that if the battery starts acting up, it may be time for a replacement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span id=\"Lubricate_All_Pivot_Points_Bearings_and_Bushings\">Lubricate All Pivot Points, Bearings, and Bushings<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An electric bike is a complex machine. It has many moving parts; the most important thing to remember is that all these parts need lubrication to function correctly. Lubrication keeps moving parts like bearings and bushings in good condition by decreasing wear and friction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A good lubricant like WD-40 will protect your e-bike&#8217;s pivot points, bearings, and bushings from rusting and wear, so you can ride the e-bike longer without replacing anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span id=\"Pay_Attention_to_the_Controls_and_Accessories\">Pay Attention to the Controls and Accessories<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s essential to keep an eye on the bike&#8217;s controls and accessories. Pay attention to the cracks, wear, and tear on any buttons or switches on your e-bike if they don&#8217;t work, as they should get them replaced as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Check for Loose Bolts and Wires<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Check your handlebars and pedals for loose bolts. If you find any, tighten them up with a wrench. It&#8217;s also good to inspect the wires that connect the battery to your motor and those that connect it to your throttle, if there are one. Any loose wires should be tightened or replaced with new ones if they are frayed or exposed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Check for Wear in the Pedals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, check the pedals. If you&#8217;re riding on a bike with traditional pedal systems, they&#8217;ll likely have a wear indicator that tells you when to replace them. Look for cracks in the body of your pedals and, if necessary, replace them with new ones. This can be done by screwing an old pair of pedals onto your new bike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Check for Cracks in the Frame<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have doubts about whether your bike is in proper working order, the best way to check it is by thoroughly inspecting the frame. Look for cracks and dents along the entire length of the frame, including where it attaches to each wheel. If you see any cracks or damage that could compromise the safety, bring your e-bike to a shop for repairs immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Check for Cracks in the Handlebars<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You want to make sure that your bike is safe and durable when riding it. Handlebars affect how you ride because they steer and control your speed. If you see cracks in the handlebars, replace them immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Check for Cracks in the Seat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The seat must be comfortable if you are riding your electric bike for an extended period. It should also be secure and not damaged in any way. This can be a major safety hazard if your seat has cracks or other visible signs of wear and tear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span id=\"Maintain_the_Electric_Bike_Motor\">Maintain the Electric Bike Motor<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The majority of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.technology.org\/2022\/06\/14\/is-this-the-smallest-e-bike-motor\/\" data-lasso-id=\"12303\">e-bike motors <\/a>are built to be maintenance-free. They are usually housed in a self-contained unit, so there is rarely any need to disassemble them. Electric bike owners can only keep the motor housing clean and watch for signs of wear and tear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If something does go wrong, it is always best to contact the manufacturer to replace the entire unit before attempting any repairs on your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span id=\"Take_It_to_an_E-Bike_Shop\">Take It to an E-Bike Shop<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re unsure about the maintenance of your electric bike, it&#8217;s best to take it to an E-Bike Shop. A professional mechanic can help you with any problems or questions and will provide the necessary maintenance for your e-bike. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They will be able to provide you with an honest assessment of the damage and advise you on what needs to be replaced or repaired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You should also consider investing in an annual tune-up from an e-bike repair shop if you plan on riding long distances regularly and want to ensure that your bike stays in top condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span id=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your electric bike is a valuable investment; with proper care, it can last for a long time. Proper maintenance is vital for your e-bike&#8217;s longevity and saving money in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may always ask a qualified mechanic at your local e-bike shop if you need professional help properly maintaining your e-bike. Your e-bike will perform at its best when everything is properly maintained, and if you follow these tips, it will be easy. Happy riding!<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What&#8217;s In This ArticleBe Sure To Read Your Owner\u2019s ManualClean Your E-Bike RegularlyKeep It Warm and Dry When PossibleInspect the Brakes RegularlyKeep the Chain Clean, Lubed, and TensionedCheck Tire Pressure Often and Keep Tires in Good ConditionMaintain the BatteryLubricate All Pivot Points, Bearings, and BushingsPay Attention to the Controls and AccessoriesMaintain the Electric Bike MotorTake &#8230; <a title=\"Electric Bike Maintenance (Exactly What Needs To Be Done)\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/ourstreets.com\/electric-bike-maintenance\/\" aria-label=\"More on Electric Bike Maintenance (Exactly What Needs To Be Done)\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":11181,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","inline_featured_image":false},"categories":[103],"tags":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/ourstreets.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Electric-Bike-Maintenance-600x400.jpg","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/ourstreets.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Electric-Bike-Maintenance-600x600.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Jason Hawkley","author_link":"https:\/\/ourstreets.com\/author\/jasonourstreets-com\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ourstreets.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11177"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ourstreets.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ourstreets.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ourstreets.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ourstreets.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11177"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/ourstreets.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11177\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11183,"href":"https:\/\/ourstreets.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11177\/revisions\/11183"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ourstreets.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11181"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ourstreets.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11177"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ourstreets.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11177"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ourstreets.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11177"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}