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 E-Bike Maintenance Tips
Written by: Rémy Rossi | May 19, 2025 | Time to read 6 min
Taking care of your new electric bike means you’ll have a reliable set of wheels that will last for years to come. Here are the most important maintenance tips for your e-Bike.
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.
The simplest maintenance tasks can help your electric bike enjoy a long life operating at its best. In this article, I’ll break down the most essential maintenance tips for your electric bike to help it run at its best and prevent it from, well… breaking down.
Maintenance Metaphysics
Now, let’s get meta for a minute. What I’m about to share is a useful way of thinking about regular bike care and has helped me keep my bikes healthy. Issues arise from regular use and repairs are a natural part of cycling, but staying on top of them can save you from any big headaches.
Proper maintenance is about two things: diagnosing problems and then fixing them promptly. Identify any issues by riding with your eyes and ears open, taking notice of any squeaks, rubbing noises, or problems with handling. For example, if you notice a squishy ride, your tires may be underinflated, and if you can’t stop quickly, the brakes may need attention.
This approach is especially effective for maintaining e-Bikes ridden through bad weather, bumpy terrain, and any other demanding conditions. Heavy use, muck, and big impacts can knock parts out of alignment and increase overall wear and tear on your 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.
Proper maintenance is about two things: diagnosing problems and then fixing them promptly. Identify any issues by riding with your eyes and ears open, taking notice of any squeaks, rubbing noises, or problems with handling. For example, if you notice a squishy ride, your tires may be underinflated, and if you can’t stop quickly, the brakes may need attention.
This approach is especially effective for maintaining e-Bikes ridden through bad weather, bumpy terrain, and any other demanding conditions. Heavy use, muck, and big impacts can knock parts out of alignment and increase overall wear and tear on your 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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“ABC Quick” Check
You may be familiar with the famous, pre-ride “ABC check”. This quick inspection ensures that a bike’s air (tires), brakes, and chain are in proper working order. Some people add the “quick” label as a reminder to check that any quick-release skewers are tightened— this prefix also affirms that the entire process only takes a few seconds.
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. Belt-driven e-Bikes have a durable nylon belt drive, meaning 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.
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 your local bike shop that specializes in e-Bike repair.
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 battery 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.
6-Month E-Bike Maintenance Check
It’s worth taking the time to inspect and tune up your electric bike every six months. Often, this timing coincides with the start of riding seasons anyway, ensuring you’re ready to roll when the weather’s right.
Here are the key areas to inspect during a 6-month bike maintenance check:
- Brakes: Inspect brake pads for wear and replace if needed. Test brake performance to ensure proper stopping power.
- Tires: Inspect tread wear and identify any damage like cuts or dry rot. Inflate tires to the recommended PSI.
- Chain: Examine the chain for wear, stretch, and rust. Use a chain checker tool to assess its condition. The added power of e-Bikes places extra wear on metal chains.
- Drivetrain & gears: Check that the derailleur is properly adjusted for smooth shifting. Inspect shifting cables and housings, and the wear on the cassette and chainrings.
- Wheels: Check for trueness, properly tight spokes, and smooth-rolling wheel bearings. True the wheels if they are out of alignment.
- Motor & battery: Test ride the e-Bike and ride through all pedal assist levels, ensuring that the battery maintains a sufficient charge.
- Frame condition: Check for any cracks, dents, and other signs of damage to the frame. Clean the frame to protect the paint and keep your e-Bike shiny!
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
- Regular “ABC Quick Checks” help catch small issues early—air, brakes, and chain health are foundational.
- Clean your e-Bike often to prevent damage from dirt and grime, especially after rough rides or bad weather.
- Motor and battery care is minimal, but proper storage and regular checks ensure long-term performance.
