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Much like any car, e-bike maintenance is essential! With so many intricate components, parts will eventually need replacing. The good news is that with regular care, you can significantly extend the life of your bike.
If you’re anything like me, my e-bike isn’t just a way to get around; it’s part of my daily freedom. That extra boost up hills, the breeze on early morning rides, the way it makes a long commute feel simple; all of that depends on one thing: keeping my bike in good condition.
I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that a little maintenance goes a long way, and it’s the difference between a ride that feels good and one that leaves you halfway home.
If you’re not already doing so, it’s always wise to check in with the experts—either at your local bike shop or directly with the manufacturer. Below are my six key tips for maintaining an e-bike.
You can also find a local electric bike repair shop in Australia here: Bike Shop Directory.
Inspection Frequency
E-bike components can sometimes fail before their expected lifespan. To avoid surprises, it is suggested to inspect all primary components at least once a month. However, some elements, such as bolt tightness and folding-bike locking mechanisms, should be checked daily or weekly.
Standard components
When performing your regular checks, the three main mechanical areas to focus on are: brakes, drive-train, and tires.
- Brakes: Look for wear, loose parts, and especially the cleanliness of your brake pads and rotors (if applicable). I’ll cover brake care in detail further below.
- Drive-train: Skipping gears is the most common sign of an issue here. Excessive wear and uneven cassette teeth are another contributing factor.
- Tire conditions: Tires are often overlooked, but proper inflation is critical. Well-inflated tires reduce pedalling effort, help prevent flats, protect the rims, and reduce accident risks (especially the nightmare scenario of a tire detaching from the rim).
Electrical components
While mechanical parts are straightforward to check, your e-bike’s motor and battery deserve special attention.
Things to look at when checking the motor are:
- Oily residue: The motor has metal parts rotating, so yes, there is oil in it (no standard car oil). Rare, but if you see oil on the casing, investigate.
- Damage to the motor casing: Micro-cracks would allow water and grime to go into the system.
- Performance changes: Excessive noise, reduced power output, and increased pedalling effort. If you notice any of these, it is recommended to take it to the bike shop for a thorough inspection and test.
Most modern controllers will alert you if the motor has a fault, but I still recommend regular visual and functional checks.
Battery Performance
It is essential to make sure the battery is healthy, so practice the following habits:
- Minimum charge: It is recommended to avoid dropping its charge below 25%. This will protect the battery cells from losing their charge when in use.
- Temperature: Extreme heat and cold harm battery cells. Avoid riding if it’s over 38°C. Cold weather affects the range, too. Worth noting if you ride in winter.
- Charging: Remove the battery from the frame if possible.
- Charging time: Many models come with a Battery Management System (BMS). If your bike doesn’t have this tech, it’s essential to disconnect it after reaching 100% charge. This will prevent overheating the cells.
Read More: eBike Batteries – The 2025 Beginner’s Guide
Brake System Checkups & Condition
Before riding a bike, you need to check the brake system. Regardless of the system used (hydraulic, mechanical, or V-brakes), these should be inspected:
- Loose components. Manually inspect the brake pads, piston structure, and screws
- Excessive wear on the pads. Often heard as a squeal when braking.
- Brake lever compression tightness. If the lever travels too far when braking, it may mean cable stretch
- Does the brake lever stay engaged? The lubricant inside the tubing might be solidified.
- Rotors’ minimum thickness. This one could be tricky to assess. Each manufacturer has their own specification, which would be the starting point for measurement. Look for noticeable discoloration (overheating effects) and scoring marks.
Some extra tips:
- Riding in the rain. Giving the brakes a quick rinse will remove any fine particles trapped between the pads and rotors. Wipe to remove oily surfaces.
- Braking style. Due to friction, rotors and pads overheat. It is recommended to do intermittent braking (press and release) rather than continuously pressing the brakes.
- Replacing elements. If you decide to replace the rotors, it would be good practice to replace the pads as well (though not essential).
How often should you check an e-bike braking system? It will depend on your riding style, riding frequency, and terrain conditions. This could be before every ride, or in a year. However, look for signs indicating that the braking system is not performing as expected.
The Drive-Train System
The drive-train system is responsible for transferring the motor force (torque) onto the tires. For that, it endures tough wear and tear, especially every time a gear shift is applied.
Consider the following to increase its endurance:
- Changing gears. Ease off pedalling when changing gears (e.g., stop pedalling for a second).
- Remove the built-up grime. It is a good idea to do so after riding on gravel or wet rides. A toothbrush is a good tool.
- Lubrication is essential. Lubricate after washing or when you hear chain noise. Use an e-bike chain lubricant.
- Chain tension. Chain skipping is an indication that either the chain or the cassette is worn out, or the chain tension is not optimal. A simple test is pushing the chain down in the mid-length and observing how far it drops. It should not be more than 1 cm.
The Smaller Components: Bolts, Wires, and Locking Mechanisms
Bolts, wires, and locks secure every single part that comprises an electric bike. A good habit is to carry a little bike multi-tool for quick tightening whenever something feels loose or rattly.
For folding electric bikes, locking mechanisms holding the frame together MUST be inspected before each ride. Check how tight the lock is, its bolts, and if the frame feels solid. You should take the e-bike to a nearby bike shop if the previous inspection fails.
The Tires
As mentioned previously, the tires will be responsible for keeping you on track. Aside from looking at the tire tread conditions, you MUST ensure proper air tire pressure.
A simple way to find out is by noticing the e-bike’s stability when taking small humps on the road. If you feel a rattling movement, it could mean a tire with low air pressure (especially the rear one).
Generally speaking, the tire pressure should be:
- Road bike tire between 80 and 100 psi
- Gravel bike tire between 40 and 50 psi
- Mountain bike tire between 25 and 40 psi
Overall, a simple check at the tire specs will tell you what the manufacturer-recommended tire pressure range is.
E-Bike Maintenance Guide Final Thought
E-bike maintenance isn’t just about avoiding costly repairs; it’s about keeping your rides smooth, safe, and enjoyable. By checking the mechanical and electrical components regularly, you’re protecting both your investment and your own safety.
From my own experience, the little habits like carrying a multi-tool, rinsing brakes after a rainy ride, or topping up tire pressure, add up over time. Your e-bike will thank you with reliable performance and many more kilometres of trouble-free riding.
