As the weather warms up and spring approaches, it’s time to start thinking about getting your electric bike ready for the season. From checking tire pressure and brakes to cleaning and lubricating the chain and inspecting lights and ebike battery, taking care of your electric bike will not only prolong its lifespan and reduce component wear, but will also improve performance on the road.

In this article, we’ll cover all the essential tools and tasks to keep your electric bike in excellent shape. If you’ve never done basic ebike maintenance, it can feel daunting at first, but our ultimate guide can help save you money at the bike shop with preventative care steps, best cleaning tips, and storage practices to prolong battery life.

Before we dive into the maintenance tasks, let’s make sure you have the necessary tools. Having the right tools on hand will make the process much easier. Here are some essential tools for electric bike maintenance:

• An adjustable wrench

• A set of Allen keys. (We recommend purchasing a small, inexpensive torque wrench set like this one or this premium one. It will keep you from over-tightening and/or stripping screws and bolts.)

• A chain breaker tool

• A bike pump with tire pressure gauge

• A set of cleaning brushes

• Bike degreaser (or a non-toxic degreaser like Simple Green)

• A clean cloth to wipe your ebike dry

With these tools ready, you’re all set to maintain your electric bike effectively. Much of the maintenance that you perform of an electric bike is the same as that you would do on a regular bike, so it might already be familiar to you.

 Before you ride this season, it’s a good idea to perform some basic safety checks to ensure that your electric bike is in proper working order. Here is a maintenance checklist you can follow to tune up your bike and keep it in top shape.

• Check the tire pressure and inflate tires if needed. You should not exceed the PSI rating on the tire sidewall. But you can inflate tires a few PSI below the recommended rating for a slightly more cushiony ride.

• Inspect the brakes to ensure they are functioning correctly. Consult your manufacturer instructions for the proper way to adjust your brake levers and calipers, and make sure that the brake rotors are not bent. Clean rotors and pads with water and rubbing alcohol and allow to air dry.

• Ensure that all bolts and screws are tight. Using a torque wrench can save you headaches down the road from screws that are too tight and/or too loose.

  Many bike components with have the recommended torque specs printed somewhere on them. These are typically between 5-10 Newton meters (Nm) a measure of force equal to foot-pounds. Over-torqued screws can compromise the safety and the integrity of the bike’s components over time.

• Test the gears to make sure they shift smoothly. While there are different kinds of shifting systems, most of them work similarly, using cables to actuate gear derailleurs on the front and rear of the bike.

  Shifting cables should be kept clean and lubricated wherever they are exposed to the elements, and you should thoroughly clean between gears to remove road grime that gets in the way of smooth shifting.

• Verify that the lights are working. If your bike has brake lights or turn signals, have a friend verify that these are working as you ride.

• Check that the battery is adequately charging.

Regular cleaning and lubrication of your electric bike’s components are a vital part of electric bike maintenance. Here’s how to do it:

Start by rinsing your bike with a gentle stream of water to remove any dirt and debris. 

Then, use a cleaning brush with mild soap to scrub the frame, wheels, and other parts.

Focus on cleaning the chain and derailleurs as they collect a lot of dirt and grease. 

Use brushes to clean these parts well, being careful not to get soap on brake pads, rotors, battery and motor. 

If you have a removable battery, take it out before cleaning.

Wipe your bike dry with a terrycloth or microfiber towel.

Once your bike is clean, it’s time to lubricate the moving parts.

Apply a small amount of bike-specific lubricant to the bike chain and derailleurs.

Wipe off any excess lubricant to prevent dirt build-up.

Clean brake pads and rotors with a soft cloth and some rubbing alcohol and allow to air dry.

Even with regular maintenance, electric bikes can sometimes encounter common issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

If your bike suddenly loses power, check the battery connections. Ensure that they are secure and clean. If the issue persists, consult your bike’s user manual or contact the manufacturer for further assistance.

If you notice your bicycle having difficulty shifting gears, it may require some adjustments. Use the Allen keys to fine-tune the gear cables and ensure that they are properly aligned with the gears. 

Adjusting gears is a trial-and-error process that can be frustrating, and it is best performed while your bike is mounted on a repair stand.

If you don’t have a stand or space to mount your bike and tune the gears, you may need to take your bike to a professional to have the gearing properly indexed and aligned.

For other issues such as squeaking brakes or loose bolts, a simple inspection and tightening should do the trick. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to reach out to a professional bike shop for help.

The battery is one of the most critical components of an electric bike. To ensure its longevity, follow these care and maintenance tips:

Avoid exposing your bike’s battery to extreme temperatures, as this can negatively affect its performance. Additionally, always store and charge the battery in a cool and dry place. Never store an electric bike outside, and if you are riding in extreme temperatures, make sure to take breaks to keep the battery from overheating.

If you won’t be using your electric bike for an extended period, partially charge the battery to around 50%. This helps maintain the battery’s overall health.

Finally, when charging the battery, ALWAYS use the charger provided by the manufacturer. Avoid using incompatible chargers, as they may damage the battery or pose a safety risk. Also, purchasing an electric bike that is UL Certified is recommended, since these are rigorously tested for their risk of electric bike battery fire.

Properly adjusted brakes and gears are essential for a safe and smooth ride.

To adjust the brakes, locate the brake levers and check if they engage the brakes properly. If not, use the barrel adjuster located at the brake levers or the calipers to fine-tune the tension until the brakes respond as desired.

Additionally, ensure that the brake pads are aligned with the rotors and adjust the calipers if necessary.

For adjusting the gears, start by shifting the chain onto the smallest chainring and cog. Then, use the barrel adjuster located at the rear derailleur to align the guide pulley directly beneath the smallest cog.

Shift through the gears to confirm smooth shifting. If needed, make minor adjustments using the barrel adjuster until the gears shift seamlessly.