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It’s been a long hard winter, and for many of us, the most difficult of our lives. But at last, spring is finally here, and with restrictions starting to ease and the possibility of even more eBiking, we thought you might like some tips to rejuvenate your electric bike after the harshness of winter.

So here are a few maintenance tips to get you started.

Your Electric Bike Battery

Before you head out on your eBike for the first time, you’ll want to charge up your battery so that you don’t end up having to make the long ride back home unassisted.

If possible, avoid charging your battery to 100%. Ebike Batteries can degrade over time. The longer they stay charged at a higher voltage, the more chance they may start to degrade. If you’re not planning on riding your e-bike for a long while, it’s best to avoid leaving your battery fully charged and is best stored at around 60% charged in a dry place at room temperature.

However, you should fully charge the battery once every few weeks to balance the cells and improve the batteries’ overall capacity for a more extended period. It’s a bit like exercising its muscles, so it doesn’t get weak. You may need to rebalance the cells if it hasn’t been used for a few months so allow a bit more time for this.

Just as you should only fully charge up your battery every three weeks or so, it’s best not fully discharge it all the time. It is recommended that you recharge your batteries when it has between 30% and 60% of its charge remaining. Check your user manual for proper charging instructions.

Drivetrain

Most eBikes like, traditional bikes, have a drivetrain consisting of the pedals, cranks, chainrings, chain, cogs and derailleur. These parts need to be well-lubricated to prevent wear and tear; after a few months of storage, your drivetrain will likely be quite grimy. The temptation is to jetwash the parts down; however, the water will cause rust and could cause damage to the bikes electrical components, significantly reducing your bike’s lifespan.

To clean the drivetrain properly, prop your bike upside down, use an old toothbrush, a clean cloth, and a bottle of chain degreaser and some rubber gloves (wear these). With the cloth, rub the degreaser into the chain, gently scrub with the toothbrush, removing all the dirt, and repeat this process for all the gears and other drivetrain parts. Once cleaned, apply a modest amount of lubricant to the chain, gears etc., for best results, don’t use a general lubricant such as WD-40. We would recommend using a lubricant specially designed for eBikes.

Many riders leave their bikes in top gear when cycling, which wears out the chain/cassette/sprocket (and motor) – ideally, start in a low gear and work your way through the gears.

Some eBike manufacturers, including Riese and Muller, use components such as hub gears and hydraulic brakes. These are high-end and low maintenance bike parts and should be ready for use with a light clean, removing any dust or other residues from the road. Please give them a safety test before heading out. Please check your user manual for best practice guidance.

Tyres

Check your tyre pressure. Deflated tires will damage the rims and tires, putting extra strain on the motor and draining the battery quicker. Low pressure may also indicate a puncture. Check to ensure that the tires are in good condition; if the tread is worn or the sidewalls are starting to crack, it’s time to invest in new tires.

Brakes

Check your brakes stopping power; when you pull the levers, they should engage the brakes with a gap between the lever and grip. If the brake lever touches the grip, the brakes will need adjusting, and any worn parts will need to be replaced.

If the brake pads look like they’re wearing down, now is an excellent time to replace them.

Your bike may feature mechanical disc brakes, rim brakes or hydraulic disc brakes, and proper maintenance techniques will vary. Please refer to the user manual to see how to service your brakes, or contact one of our friendly expert technicians for advice.

Why should you choose Electric Bike Sales to get your bike serviced or repaired?

In 2005 we opened the UK’s first specialist e-bike only store. We offer you the best upgrades and services that are not available anywhere else. We pride ourselves on our after-sales service and are there for you for the entire life of your eBike. We hate waste, so guarantee that you can keep your eBike on the road for as long as you want to use it regardless if parts become obsolete. You can also trade your eBike back when you wish to upgrade – someone else will love your old one.