How to keep your e-bike working properly throughout the year
Photo by Aditya Wardhana on Unsplash Cycling gained huge popularity during the pandemic, with lockdown orders meaning people had to find new ways to pass the time and stay fit. Whether you’re more enthusiastic about the environmental benefits of cycling or the health benefits it can offer, there’s always a good reason to get out on your bike. But if your two-wheeled weapon of choice is an electric bike, then you’ll know they don’t come cheap. And you’ll want to do all you can do to protect your investment by regularly maintaining your equipment to keep it in good condition. Fortunately, taking proper care of your e-bike doesn’t necessarily have to involve complicated DIY maintenance. Here are three simple things that anyone can do to keep it working properly throughout the year.
Keep it clean If you’re brave enough to ride your e-bike during the rainy autumn and winter months, you can expect to create quite the mess. With mud splashing across the tires and the frame, it’s important to clean your e-bike more often at this time of year, especially if you’re still going on frequent rides. Depending on the model, each manufacturer makes different recommendations for how to best clean your e-bike. It’s generally advisable to avoid pressure washing, since this can damage the bearings and affect performance. Instead, a damp cloth is usually recommended – be sure to wash as soon as possible after a ride to avoid the dirt and grime becoming engrained. Focus on storage Any maintenance efforts you make throughout the year will be undone by using improper storage facilities for your e-bike. Not only will bike storage help to protect your equipment from the elements, but it also drastically reduces the risk of theft. E-bike batteries are particularly vulnerable to both damp conditions and theft, so safe storage is essential. There are so many different affordable storage options available, so you can be sure that you’ll find one that works for you and your space. When storing your bike, you’ll also want to charge up the battery. Where possible, you should avoid overcharging it, since this can damage its performance in the long run. It’s also important to avoid overheating the battery – where possible, keep it out of direct sunlight and high temperatures. Regular services Just as you would with your car, it’s highly recommended that you schedule regular services for your e-bike with a retailer or manufacturer. Of course, if you play your part and keep on top of your bike’s maintenance, it likely won’t need a service as regularly – providing it hasn’t sustained any damage. You’ll also want to consider how frequently you plan on riding it, or have ridden it over the past year. For instance, if you’re looking to make the most of the summer weather, it’s a good idea to get a service at this time, to make sure you’re safe on your trips. It’s generally accepted that you should schedule a maintenance appointment once every six months to a year.
To sum up As we’ve explored, e-bike maintenance needn’t be a chore. Getting into good habits of scheduling regular services and always cleaning your bike after a ride will ensure that you can get out and enjoy all the benefits an e-bike can provide. It will save you both time and money in the long run.
Article written by Ross Hansen from Hansen Ross Media
