We recommend checking that your tires are inflated before every ride, but other components can be inspected after every few rides. It’s also a good idea to complete a tune-up every riding season. Learn more in our other blog about how often e-Bikes need maintenance.
Essential City E-Bike Maintenance Tips
Written by: Rémy Rossi | November 8, 2024 | Time to read 4 min
Taking care of your new electric bike means you’ll have a reliable set of wheels that will last for years to come. I’ll share the most important maintenance tips for your e-Bike as it navigates the hustle and bustle of our busy cities.
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
👋 But wait, what is Upway?
We are the leading provider for buying and selling e-Bike online. At Upway, you can get your next
e-Bike for up to 60% off retail prices, in new or like-new conditions.
Basic E-Bike Maintenance Tips
The simplest maintenance tasks can help your electric bike enjoy a long life operating at its best. Join me as I break down the most essential maintenance tips for your electric bike to help run at its best and prevent it from, well… breaking down.
Maintenance Metaphysics
Now, let’s get meta for a minute. Stay with me, what I’m about to share has helped me keep my bikes healthy and offers a useful way of thinking about regular bike care. Proper maintenance is about two things: diagnosing any issues and then fixing them. Ride with your eyes and ears open for any squeaks, rubbing noises, or problems with handling. For example, if you notice a squishy ride, your tires may be under inflated and if you can’t stop quickly, the brakes need attention.
This approach is especially appropriate for maintaining the best city e-Bikes that ride through bad weather, bumpy streets, daily commutes, and anything else the hustle and bustle of our cities can throw at them. Such frequent and heavy use can knock parts out of alignment or simply increase overall wear and tear on your city electric bike.
Pay attention as you ride in case you notice something that needs to be fixed— staying ahead of the problem helps avoid bigger, more costly repairs down the road.
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The “ABC Not-So-Quick” Check
You may already be familiar with the pre-ride ABC check to ensure a bike’s air (tires), brakes, and chain are in working order. Some people add the “quick” label as a reminder to check that any quick-release skewers are tightened and that this safety inspection only takes a few seconds.
But the ABC check is not only about safety—it helps you monitor the health of your e-bike. As you breeze through the inspection, take your time to notice any irregularities and make adjustments. Pumping up the tires may require an extra minute or two, but that’s much better than getting stranded later on with a flat tire electric bike!
A is for Air
Make sure the tires are inflated to their recommended levels. Not only does this make your e-Bike more efficient, but it can prevent pinch flats and sluggish handling. Beyond inflation levels, check your tires for signs of wear, including the sidewalls.
B is for Brakes:
Roll the bike forward and squeeze the brake levers to test your bike’s brakes. A common problem is brake rubbing and eventually, you’ll need to replace the brake pads. Most e-Bikes have hydraulic disc brakes which require very little maintenance.
C is for Chain:
A rusty or gunked-up chain is bad news for a bike and can cause additional wear on the gears. Keep the chain clean and well-lubricated for the best performance. Many city e-Bikes have a durable belt drive so you can skip this step!
Wash your e-Bike
As the adage goes: a clean e-Bike is a happy e-Bike. Regularly washing your e-Bike minimizes accumulated dirt and grime that causes unnecessary wear on bike parts, especially mud-loving electric mountain bikes. E-Bikes are designed to get wet but some models recommend removing the battery before a wash-down.
Grab a bucket of water or hose to rinse your bike, with extra points for soap and degreaser on the drivetrain. The motor and battery are protected with heavy-duty seals and drainage holes direct water away from electrical connectors. Thoroughly dry the e-Bike and lubricate the chain, and you’re good to go!
Motor and battery maintenance
Lucky for us, the sealed design of e-Bike motors and batteries means they require very little maintenance. If you notice any problems with the motor, you can contact the manufacturer or contact your local bike shop that specializes in e-Bike repair. All Upway e-Bikes are checked by our team of professional technicians and come with a one-year warranty.
Batteries are the most valuable part of an e-Bike and are worth taking good care of. They don’t really require upkeep but there are a few tips for maximizing the performance and lifespan of a battery. Try to store the battery at room temperature and keep it charged up— this will also ensure that you have enough juice for your next ride.
Starting with a high-quality electric bike makes a big difference regarding how long its motor and battery will last. For buyers interested in used electric bikes, the Upway mechanics team rigorously inspects its e-Bikes and provides a one-year warranty on all of its city bikes, from folding models to cargo e-Bikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I maintain my bike?
Should I charge my e-Bike after every ride?
Yes— keeping the battery fully or nearly fully charged ensures you have enough range for your next range and maintains optimal battery charge levels. Modern batteries are much better equipped to avoid problems from overcharging.
How do I keep my e-Bike battery healthy?
Store the battery at or around room temperature and avoid prolonged exposure to the elements or extreme cold which can decrease performance. For long-term storage, try to keep the charge level between 30%-80%. Charging the battery after every ride is perfectly fine, too.
Key Takeaways
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