With the rising popularity of electric bikes, more people are considering getting one. If you’re one of them or you’re a proud owner of a new one, there are some things you need to know about how to properly care for and maintain your ebike to make sure it runs smoothly for years to come.
Since an ebike is still a bicycle, it requires basic maintenance as a standard bike would. And we’re here to give you some tips on how to get the most out of your ebike.
Electric Bike Maintenance
Before you head out for a ride, give your ebike a once over. Check if the tires are properly inflated, the brakes are working, and the ebike runs smoothly without any problems. If you have a higher powered rear hub or are a rider over 200lbs, a regular spoke tension check is advised as well.
Clean Your Ebike Regularly
Like every other bicycle, your ebike gets dirty no matter the frequency of use. If left unclean, dust and grime can affect the components of your ebike, which can lead to breakdowns. Make it a habit to wipe your ebike down after every ride, taking care to remove any excess mud and ensuring the motor and battery are clean.
Give your ebike a proper cleaning every few weeks with a low pressure wash or hand wipe depending on your manufacturer’s suggestions. While most ebike motors and batteries are water-resistant, it’s best practice to remove the battery before washing your ebike. Be very careful not to get water into the battery contacts or any parts that may have been exposed. Give it a thorough cleaning and wipe it dry with a towel or cloth to remove residual moisture. Use a bike lube on the moving parts of the bike, such as the chain, front and rear mechanisms.
Maximize Battery Range
When you think of electric bikes, one of the things you probably think of is how far can you go with it? It’s not a surprise that riders want to make the most out of their ebikes. The good news is, extending the range of your ebike battery is pretty straightforward.
- Charge your battery regularly
- Go easy on the throttle
- Use a lower setting on your pedal assist
We’ve got more tips on how to increase your ebike’s range and ebike charging tips.
Brake Check!
Since ebikes are heavy but fast, it requires an adequate stopping power:
- Check and adjust the brakes regularly. Watch out for loose parts or excessive wear before you head out for a ride. When you have the time, perform a thorough brake inspection. If you find something that is beyond your capabilities, take it to the bike shop and have the experts inspect and do the needed repairs.
- Replace brake pads and rotors as needed. Check manufacturer specs for the wear level that signals the need for replacement.
Take good care of your tires
Check pressure regularly. Ride quality depends a lot on the inflation level of the tire. Once you find your “happy place” of inflation between the upper and lower limits printed on the tire, make sure it’s in that range. Checking tire pressure regularly can alert you to a slow leak or other possible issues.
If all of your preventative steps fail, or you hit an unavoidable road hazard, you may need to service your tires. Never fear! It’s just as easy as changing the tire and/or tube on a regular bike.
If you’re more of a do-it-yourself king of person and you want to change your Cruiser Bike tube tire, you may refer to this video.
Need to remove the front and/or rear wheel of your Boogie Cruiser? Then watch this.
If in doubt, check in with your local bike shop and see how they can help.
Take good care of your chain
The ebike chain gets a high level of wear and tear so you need to keep an eye on it and have it serviced regularly.
- Regularly clean and lubricate your chain. To minimize grit and grime forming on the surface of the chain, you would want the lube to remain inside. Wipe the chain off with a rag to remove old oil and dirt, then apply fresh lube to it as needed. Wipe the chain again to remove the excess lube because it will attract more grit. Check out a helpful video here:
- Check and repair or replace the chain regularly. It’s important to maintain your chain or else your drivetrain will suffer from too much wear.
There’s no need to clean and oil if your ebike has a belt drive system. Just keep an eye on normal wear and tear then get it replaced based on the recommended schedule from your bike maker.
Follow these tips to keep your ebike in the best condition. If you’re a new ebike rider or thinking about getting one, read up on the difference between pedal assist and throttle mode or get tips on how to ride an ebike safely to get you prepared.
