Electric bikes are an extremely popular modern alternative to ordinary push bikes – particularly with people who want that little extra power to help get them around. E-bikes provide all the benefits of a standard bike, but with the bonus of assisted travel, plus a few other perks!
Whether you’re looking for an e mountain bike or electric road bike, the e-bike has helped many of us to get out cycling who might not feel they can keep up with friends or family on a regular bike. However, electric bikes require just as much maintenance (if not more) as a standard bike. In this post, we discuss our 4 top tips for electric bike maintenance.
1. Take care of the battery
With electric bikes, the most important feature is the battery. Without it, your e-bike simply wouldn’t have any power and it is up to you to make sure the battery is fully charged up. There are several things you should do to look after your electric bike battery:
- Always keep the battery topped up and charge your e-bike after every ride.
- Never leave the battery fully discharged as this can damage it. Always charge your electric bike within 24 hours of your ride.
- Avoid extreme temperatures such as frost. Frost can harm the battery so do not leave your e-bike outside in cold weather.
- Always switch your electric bike off when you’re not using it. This will help preserve the battery power and prevent it from running out of juice.
2. Check the main components
Although there are more components than on an ordinary bike, it’s the ordinary parts that require the most attention on an electric bike. Things like the tyre pressure and brakes are still essential components and your e-bike couldn’t run without them. That’s why checking the main parts should be a vital part of your electric bike maintenance routine.
- Check the wheels and tyres: Low tyre pressure is one the largest causes of punctures and shouldn’t be ignored. Make sure your e-bike tyre pressure isn’t too low before setting out and make sure the wheels are firmly attached. And just in case, get yourself a puncture repair kit.
- Check the handlebars: Ensure your handlebars are secure and that the stem is secure in the front forks. This is crucial before setting out as wobbly handlebars can affect how you ride your e-bike and a simple check could help to avoid any accidents on the road.
- Check the gears and brakes: Give your gears a go and make sure you can easily change from one gear to another. Then test your electric bike brakes are working well. Most of our e-bikes have hydraulic disc brakes which require very little maintenance apart from the brake pads. Keep an eye on your brake pads and make sure they are in good condition.
- Check the lights: It’s always a good idea to have a set of front and back working e-bike lights. Give them a try and make sure they are working properly. Most lights are rechargeable, so make sure they have a full charge before setting out.
3. Keep your e-bike clean
It might sound obvious, but keeping your electric bike clean will help to keep it in the best condition. You don’t need anything special to do the job, but a good bike degreaser will come in handy when breaking down the oil and grit on the e-bike chain. The four items you’ll need are:
- Clean rag
- Dry towel
- Light cleaner
- Mild bike degreaser
First, try giving your e-bike a clean using a low-pressure stream of water or damp cloth in gentle motions. If the dirt is stubborn, use a mild bike decreaser and apply it with a soft brush. Dry off with a towel to buff it up and give your electric bike a nice shine. And that should be all your e-bike needs! It’s a good idea to make a habit of wiping away dirt regularly and using a bike body care cream to keep your e-bike paintwork looking fresh.
Top tip: you should never need to use a hose or pressurised water on your electric bike. This action could wear down the electrical equipment and cause corrosion to the parts. Protect your e-bike even further with Muc-Off Bike Cleaner – the ultimate protection for bike batteries and components.
4. Use bike chain lubrication
Chain lubrication helps fight against electric bike chain wear which occurs over time. It’ll also help prevent that old squeaky bike noise and improve your pedalling – a win-win! Simply grab some latex gloves, apply the oil to your e-bike chain (there’s usually a nozzle for easy application) and leave it to work its magic for a few minutes before wiping off with an old rag. However, be careful not to over-lubricate as the oil will find its way into the inner parts of the chain without applying too much.
Thinking of buying an e-bike? We have a huge selection of electric bikes that are perfect for beginners and pros alike, including a variety of great options from the biggest electric bike brands such as Cannondale, Cube and Specialized.
If you’re new to e-bikes, we’d recommend trying a hybrid e-bike for more versatility. Some of the best electric bike hybrid models include the Cube Touring Hybrid Pro 500 Electric Bike or Specialized Turbo Como 4.0 700C Low Entry Electric Bike.
But we also offer a great range of electric mountain bike models including the Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC Actionteam 625 Kiox and Cannondale Habit Neo 1 Electric Bike, and road e-bikes like the Cannondale Super Six Neo 3 Electric Bike and Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp Carbon Evo Electric Bike.
For more information on any of our electric bikes, contact us today. Call us or visit our bike shop in Bournemouth on 01202 775588 or our Poole store on 01202 749674; our friendly team are always more than happy to assist you with any questions. We also offer 0% finance solutions and a first bike fitting for free. Find your dream e-bike from Primera Sports today!
