How to Save Money on E-Bike Repairs: DIY Maintenance Tips
Written by: Rémy Rossi | December 9, 2024 | Time to read 5 min
DIY maintenance and e-Bike repairs can save you money and get you back to riding in no time. Find out which repairs you can do at home and when you’ll need professional help.
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.
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DIY E-Bike Maintenance Tips
These useful tips are well worth it and can help solve and diagnose issues before they snowball into bigger problems. When it comes to bike repair, a bit of self-dependence goes a long way so you can get back to riding without having to visit your local bike shop for minor fixes. But if you miss your local mechanics, by all means, drop by and say hello!
1. Invest in a home tool kit
2. Use a multimeter to check the battery
One of the best DIY tools to have as an e-Bike rider is a multimeter. It’s a handheld device with black and red wires with metal tips that measure electrical current. Place the metal tips (called probes) on the battery’s terminal to check its condition. This way, you can quickly diagnose any electric issues and determine if the battery has lost capacity (this happens gradually).
3. Inspect the motor
Problems with the motor may originate from the controller. As any IT person will tell you, first try turning off the system and then turning it back on again to reset the issue. Controllers are pretty simple pieces of kit and don’t fail too often, but may require bringing your used e-Bike to the shop for a professional inspection.
4. Brake adjustments
One of the most common bike repairs is brake adjustment. Brake pads gradually wear down over time and brakes can get knocked out of alignment, plus they’re pretty easy and cheap to fix at home. Keep an ear out for sounds from brake rubbing or squeaks that indicate something is off. Most electric bikes have hydraulic disc brakes which require a bit more know-how to work on.
5. Buy good-quality, but not race-quality
Another way to save money on your electric bike is by purchasing good quality parts. There’s no need to splurge on the fanciest pro-level stuff for marginal efficiency gains— you’re getting a boost anyway. But good-quality tires, brake pads, and other replacement parts will last much longer, saving you money in the long run.
Wondering what electric bike is best? The same logic applies to complete bikes. Investing in a high-quality e-Bike will save you money and headaches down the road. Upway has a huge selection of brand-new and pre-owned electric bikes at great prices, including a one-year warranty.
When to seek professional help
If you feel out of your depth when it comes to fixing your e-Bike, the mechanics at your local bike shop will be happy to help. Electric bikes are much more complex than standard bikes and can suffer from complicated electrical issues like motor breakdowns, controller malfunctions, or short circuits. Those problems require specialized tools and technical expertise, especially to avoid further damaging the bike.
If your e-bike is under warranty, attempting significant repairs on your own could void it. Some shops specialize in repairing certain e-Bike brands like Aventon, for example. Seeking professional help is the safest and most reliable option, and I highly recommend it. And making friends with the mechanics at your local shop is a bonus!
Regular e-Bike maintenance tips
Prevention is the best medicine, and taking good care of your e-Bike can help avoid unexpected issues. These cost-saving tips help your affordable electric bike stay, well… affordable!
- Routine Checks: Regularly inspect the battery, motor, and wiring for wear or damage. As you ride, take notice of any odd sounds or a loss in performance.
- Battery Care: Keep the battery charged, clean the contacts, and avoid full depletion.
- Clean and Lubricate: A clean bike is a happy bike. Clean your bike and lubricate the chain and gears to avoid gunk build-up and maintain performance.
- Check Tires and Brakes: Ensure tires are properly inflated and the disc brakes are functioning properly.
