Electric Bike Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance is crucial for ensuring your electric bicycle performs as well as it was designed to, making your rides more comfortable and safer. This also saves you money since simple checkups and light repairs cost less than handling major breakdowns. Furthermore, keeping your bicycle in tip-top shape is easy, especially if you own an Avant e-bike powered by Ferla, as these models are extremely low-maintenance. Anyway, this guide covers all the essentials to help you make your electric bicycle last for years.

How to Wash Electric Bike: Step-by-Step Guidelines

Dirt not only has a visual impact but also leads to wear and tear, causing a wide range of functional problems down the road. This is especially true if the dirt builds up and clogs the chain. Here’s how to wash an electric bike properly:

1. Disconnect the battery and displays and wipe them down using a damp cloth.

2. Soak a lint-free cloth, soft sponge, or brush in a soap solution or specialized bike shampoo and clean the drivetrain and chain. You can also invest in a chain scrubber for hassle-free dirt removal.

3. Clean the frame, tires, fenders, and wheels, and proceed to remove debris from other bike components like the handlebar, saddle, and cargo area.

4. Dry your bike thoroughly, reattach the battery, and lubricate the moving parts.

How to Make Your e-Bike Perform at Its Best: Efficient Electric Bike Tips

Keeping an e-bicycle in its top condition does not require much work. The following electric bike maintenance tips will come in handy.

• Battery care and charging tips: to make an e-bike battery last longer, it’s important to charge and store it in the correct way. Here’s what you should know to maintain the battery’s health:

• Charge and store the battery in a dry, cool place. The ideal room temperature is 10°C to 20°C.

• Use a charger produced by your bike’s manufacturer so as not to damage the battery.

• Avoid excessive discharging when the battery is not in use for a long time. It’s better to top it up at least once per month.

• Do not overcharge the e-bike battery, as this degrades its internal components and reduces the number of charge cycles. 

• Never leave the battery unattended while charging.

• Brake checks and maintenance: slightly roll your 2-wheeled bike forward and squeeze its brake levers to check the stopping power. In addition, inspect the pads and replace them when necessary (when they get thin, worn, etc.). You should also check the brake cables and adjust them if stretched.

• Tire pressure management: well-inflated tires provide traction and stability when cycling, help avoid excess friction, and improve ride quality on different terrains. Therefore, check the tire pressure regularly using a standard bike pump and keep it at the recommended level (look for the advised PSI on the side of the tire). 

• Motor and component inspection: an e-bike motor tends to look after itself. It’s traditionally placed in a self-contained unit, and you rarely need to remove it unless something goes wrong. To maintain the motor, clean its housing and the surrounding area regularly and watch out for signs of wear and tear.

• Lubrication of moving parts: sufficient lubrication is an essential part of e-bike maintenance, as friction between the moving components affects their condition in the long run. Use dry lube if riding in a dry environment (e.g., in summer) or wet lube when cycling on rainy days. It’s also important to prevent the lube from getting onto the wheel rims and disc brakes.

Creating a Bike Maintenance Schedule

A well-thought-out maintenance schedule will help keep your bike in its best condition, making your cycling experience as pleasurable and smooth as possible. Here’s a daily, weekly, and monthly checklist for you to keep in mind: 

Daily/Pre-Ride Maintenance:

• Check the tire pressure and adjust it according to the recommended PSI

• Test the brakes to make sure they are responsive

• Charge the battery so that it has enough power for your ride

• Make sure the lights are working correctly

• Inspect the bike for signs of damage or loose parts

Weekly Maintenance:

• Clean electric bike and lubricate the chain

• Double-check the tire pressure

• Inspect brake cables and pads for wear

• Make sure the battery contacts are clean

Also read: Best Electric Bike Tips for Daily Commuting

Monthly Maintenance:

• Inspect all the nuts and bolts on your bike and tighten them if needed (especially those on the wheels, seat, and handlebars)

• Check if the gears are shifting smoothly and adjust them in case of a malfunction

• Assess the condition of wheel spokes, paying attention to their integrity and tension

• If your bike has suspension, check it for proper function