How to adjust brakes on e-Bike ?

Electric bikes have experienced a surge in popularity as a sustainable and efficient mode of transportation. With more people embracing this eco-friendly alternative, ensuring they are equipped with well-functioning brakes for optimal safety is essential. Brakes are crucial for controlling the speed and maneuverability of e-bikes and ensuring a rider's confidence on the road.

Whether riding mountain e-bikes designed for hilly terrain or road electric bikes designed for speed and performance, understanding the difference between hydraulic and mechanical brakes, plus knowing how to tighten your brakes, is essential for your safety and peace of mind.

For those considering, “Should I get an electric bike?” understanding how electric bikes work, including their braking systems, is essential. Electric bike systems use different types of brakes depending on the model and design. However, disc brakes are the most common brake system in newer electric bikes. As a rule of thumb, mechanical brakes appear on cheaper e-bikes while hydraulic brakes are the more premium solution. 

Due to their superior stopping power and performance, disc brakes are used in brands like Specialized electric bikes or models like the Aventon Sinch or Super73 R. Disc brakes on an electric bike consist of a circular metal rotor attached to the wheel hub, a type of shiny metal disc. Near the brake rotor, they have a clamp-like device called a brake caliper, which holds brake pads that press against the discs when you squeeze the brakes, helping you stop the bike.

Disc brakes offer reliable stopping power, excellent modulation and are less affected by wet conditions, making them a popular choice for electric bikes.

Knowing when your brakes need tightening is essential for maintaining safety while riding an electric bike. Loose brakes can compromise your ability to stop quickly and effectively. This can lead to issues such as extended braking distances and reduced control over the e-Bike. With less control over the e-bike, you may be at an increased risk of accidents or collisions.

Properly tightened brakes ensure quick, reliable stopping power, providing you with the confidence and control needed for a safe riding experience. If you notice any of the following signs, inspect your e-bike brakes and have them tightened:

• Spongy brake lever: If your brake lever feels soft or spongy when squeezed, it may mean your brakes need tightening.
• Increased lever travel: If you need to pull the brake lever further than usual before the disc brake pads engage, it's a sign that adjustment is necessary. This could indicate a loose or damaged brake cable.
• Excessive brake pad wear: If the brake pads are wearing down unevenly or have become thin, it's time to adjust the brakes. Typically, 1 mm or less in thickness indicates you need to replace the pads and tighten the discs.
• Reduced stopping power: If you experience a noticeable decrease in your bike's stopping power, it could mean loose brakes. For example, stopping takes much longer or requires an extended distance.
• Brake rubbing or dragging: If you hear or feel rubbing or dragging when pedaling, it suggests that the brakes are not properly adjusted. It may be time to assess their condition and tighten accordingly.

Maintaining the brakes on your e-bike is essential to safe riding. Assessing and tightening your bike brakes is a simple process you can do at home every few months, depending on how much you ride.

There are two types of disc brake systems and both are found commonly on electric bicycles, mechanical disc brakes and hydraulic.

The former uses brake cables, which can be fine-tuned using the barrel adjusters, or re-tightened more comprehensively with a little bit of know-how and a hex tool or screwdriver. Barrel adjusters are only suitable for minor adjustments and fine-tuning, not major changes. 

Over time a brake cable will stretch and loosen from its original tautness, and this is what causes the feeling of sponginess or poor reaction to your use of the brake lever. A brake cable can be retightened a few times, but eventually they do wear down – at which point they require replacement. Luckily they're a very cheap product to replace in the grand scheme of cycling. 

If your e-bike has hydraulic disc brakes, things become a little more complex. The brakes are controlled by fluid, with the use of the brake lever sending brake fluid down the tube to the brake caliper, which builds pressure and engages the brake pads against the disc rotor. Where mechanical disc brakes require you to loosen a nut to free the gear cable and pull it tight, hydraulic disc brakes are more complex. The fault is usually due to the presence of air bubbles in the fluid, which reduces the efficiency of the system. The process of removing these air bubbles is called 'bleeding' and it can be tricky to master. Unless you're an experienced and confident home mechanic we'd advise you to get the help of a professional bike shop mechanic. 

If you're in the market for a new e-bike with a modern disc braking system, check out our selection at Upway. We offer a range of used electric bikes, including renowned brands like Blix and Trek electric bikes with both mechanical and hydraulic brakes.

Whether you're a daily commuter, an adventure seeker or simply looking for a leisurely ride, Upway has the perfect e-bike to suit your needs. Explore our collection of affordable electric bikes and start your next cycling adventure with confidence.