Electric bikes (e-bikes) have revolutionized commuting & outdoor riding, offering the perfect blend of exercise and convenience.
Regular maintenance is essential to keep your e-bike performing at its best. In this article we will cover all the main need-to-know points on e-bike maintenance; from battery health, tyre pressure, cleaning your e-bike and more.
- Electric Bike Maintenance Checklist & Guide
- Do electric bikes need maintenance?
- How often should an e-bike be serviced?
- Taking care of your electric bike
- Should I charge my e-bike after every use?
- Tyre Pressure
- Check your battery charge
- Be safe – Check your brakes and brake pads
- Keep an eye out for any loose parts
- Chain lubrication & cleaning
- Before Every Ride
- Monthly and Seasonal Maintenance
Electric Bike Maintenance Checklist & Guide
E-bikes have seen a monumental rise in popularity over the past few years, but just like any other bike or vehicle, they need proper maintenance & care to run smoothly.
Below we will cover some of the main talking points, issues and frequently asked questions that every e-biker should know.
Do electric bikes need maintenance?
Just like traditional bikes, or any other vehicle, electric bikes require regular maintenance to ensure they are running properly.
Regular maintenance is important to ensure you get the most out of your e-bike, as well as ensuring your own safety. Everyday maintenance can be carried out by yourself, but for more intricate repairs you may want to consider speaking to an expert.
How often should an e-bike be serviced?
Depending on how much you ride and what type of riding you’re doing, we recommend having your e-bike serviced every 6 to 12 months.
If you are trail-riding often or use your bike for downhill riding, you may consider getting your e-bike serviced more often. It’s also a good idea to have your bike serviced if it has been kept in storage for a long time, before heading out on a ride. You can easily book your bike in, at a time that suits you, using our online Bicycle Workshop Booking page.
Taking care of your electric bike
We will cover all the necessary checks & maintenance of owning an electric bike throughout this article, but here are some quick main points to remember:
- Keep your electric bike clean and drivetrain free of grime
- Make sure the components of your drivetrain are properly lubricated
- Check tyre pressure often
- Regularly check for loose bolts or parts that may have been damaged on your last ride
- Store the battery in a cool & dry place
- Leave your battery partially charged, never completely flat
- It’s discouraged to charge your e-bike overnight
Should I charge my e-bike after every use?
How often you charge your electric bike’s battery depends on how often you use it. Some experts recommend charging after every ride, as this can increase the longevity of your battery’s health and prevent its lithium-ion battery internals from degrading.
If you are taking shorter, regular rides then it may not be necessary. For long all-day sessions then you may want to charge after every ride.
Most experts agree that the optimum charge to leave your e-bike battery on is around 60 to 80%. This extends the life of your battery and ensures you keep on riding for years to come. It is often discouraged to charge your e-bike overnight, as this can lead to overcharging and damaging your battery.
For more on e-bike batteries, check out our Electric Bike Battery Care blog.
Tyre Pressure
Maintaining the correct tyre pressure isn’t just important for a smooth ride; it’s imperative for safety, performance and even battery efficiency.
The recommended tyre pressure for e-bikes can vary significantly from model to model, and also needs to take into account tyre size and rider weight.
Check the sidewall of your tyres for the manufacturer’s recommended tyre pressure, as this will always give you the most accurate guidance!
Check your battery charge
Eliminate any ‘range anxiety’ by checking your e-bike’s battery charge before heading out, making sure you have enough power to get you through your ride.
Checking your charge is also important for performance, as if your battery is low you may experience reduced assistance and less overall power.
Regularly monitoring your battery’s charge also allows us to know the battery’s health. If you are losing more power than usual on your everyday ride, it might be time to get your bike serviced or replace the battery.
Be safe – Check your brakes and brake pads
Checking your e-bike’s brakes is crucial to both safety and performance. Here’s both why & how you should check your brakes:
Why Check Your Brakes?
- Safety: Properly functioning brakes are essential for stopping quickly & safely, especially at higher speeds.
- Performance: Keeping your brakes well-maintained improves overall handling and control of your e-bike.
- Preventing Damage: Regular checks can help you identify issues before they lead to more serious problems, such as worn-out brake pads or damaged rotors.
How to Check Your Brakes
- Visual Inspection:
- Look for any visible wear on the brake pads. They should have enough material left and not be worn down.
- Check the brake cables (for mechanical brakes) or wiring (for hydraulic brakes) for any fraying or damage.
- Brake Test:
- Squeeze the brake levers while stationary to see if they feel firm & responsive.
- Check that both front & rear brakes engage evenly and smoothly.
- Pad Alignment:
- Ensure that the brake pads align correctly with the rim or rotor. They should make contact evenly and not rub against the wheel when not in use.
- Rotor Condition:
- Inspect the rotors for warping or damage. If they look uneven, they may need to be replaced.
- Test Ride:
- Take a short ride and test the brakes at low speeds. Listen for any unusual sounds and feel for consistent stopping power.
Keep an eye out for any loose parts
Loose components can lead to sudden failures while riding, increasing the risk of accidents. Ensuring everything is secure helps keep you safe on your e-bike.
Always give your e-bike a quick check-over before every ride, looking for loose bolts or any potentially damaged components.
Chain lubrication & cleaning
A clean and well-lubricated chain allows smooth shifting and efficient power transfer from the pedals to the wheels, enhancing your overall riding experience & performance.
Regular maintenance helps prevent wear & tear on the chain and other drivetrain components, extending their lifespan and saving you money on replacements.
How to Maintain Your Chain:
- Clean the Chain: Use a degreaser and a brush to remove dirt and grime, then wipe it down with a clean rag.
- Lubricate: Apply a suitable bike chain lubricant to the chain while rotating the pedals to ensure even distribution.
- Wipe Excess: After lubrication, wipe off any excess oil to prevent dirt from sticking to the chain.
Head over to our Cleaners & Lubes section for the best products for your bike!
Before Every Ride
Before heading out on your e-bike, it is important to have a quick pre-ride check. Using the information in this article, check your e-bike’s tyre pressure, brake responsiveness, the battery charge and have a visual inspection of cables and connections.
For tyre pressure gauges and other important tools, head over to our maintenance section.
Monthly and Seasonal Maintenance
As outlined in this article, it is strongly suggested to get your e-bike serviced every 6 to 12 months.
It is important to check bolts are tightened, components aren’t damaged and your motor is running efficiently. Whilst some of this can be done yourself, you can book online with Leisure Lakes Bikes to have your e-bike serviced by one of our Workshop Experts! Follow the link below for more information and to make a booking.
Have more questions about your e-bike?
You can always get in touch with one of our experts!
Want to try out a bike before you buy?
Contact your local store to arrange a test ride!
