Tips for maintaining your E-BIKE
Posted by CARLOS GALDÓN on
The best way to enjoy your E-BIKE is to carry out good maintenance to extend the useful life of all its components.
The main maintenance of an E-BIKE is similar to that of a conventional bicycle: frequently check the condition of the brakes, periodically check the pressure of the wheels and keep the mechanical moving parts well lubricated, such as the gears, the chain or the sprockets. But, being an E-BIKE, it will need some extra care of the special elements to keep it in perfect condition; battery, motor and components of the electrical system.
The correct maintenance of an E-BIKE is not complicated, you should pay special attention to the following:
Battery maintenance
A good daily maintenance of the battery of an E-BIKE is essential. It is one of its differentiating elements and for the battery to last in perfect condition there are several things to keep in mind.
First of all, it is important to use the manufacturer's charger. When charging, first connect the connector to the battery and then to the plug, and when the charge is full, first disconnect the charger from the plug and then the connector from the battery. In this way we are protecting both elements, as there is the likelihood of a spark that could burn the battery or engine connector.
On the other hand, we should avoid discharging the battery completely and not expose it to overcharging, as this can affect its properties. Also, if you are going to store the battery for a long period of time, it is best to store it half-charged to increase its lifespan.
Our last recommendation regarding batteries is to wait a couple of hours in an area with average temperature after returning from a route, as it is not good to charge the electric bike just after finishing a route with extreme temperatures. It is very important to take these environmental factors into account, because extreme temperatures can seriously affect the autonomy of our E-BIKE.
Maintenance of the electrical system
If you notice any type of failure in the electrical system components; sensors, motor, electronic anti-theft system, display or controller, go to the technical service and avoid manipulating it in order to get a correct solution of the failed component.
Washing
Cleaning, drying and oiling your bike after every ride will keep it looking its best and its components lasting longer.
There are several factors to consider when washing your E-BIKE; you can get the electronics wet, but it is advisable to remove the battery and protect the controller. Never use a pressurised water system to wash it, and always try to dry the components by hand.
It's that simple to keep your electric bike clean, but if you want to know more, in another blog post we explain in detail how to properly wash your E-BIKE.
Wheel and brake maintenance
A good maintenance of the wheels and brakes of our bike is essential to keep the bike in good condition and to be able to ride safely.
These are two of the elements that we must take care of the most for our safety. Firstly, periodically check the condition of the tyres. To do this, change the tyres when they are worn and make sure that the tyre pressure is adequate, taking into account the weight of the E-BIKE, the weight of the user and the type of tyre.
You should also check the adjustment of the spokes at least once a year, as they may be deformed due to impacts or the weight of the bike itself. And, regarding the brakes, check them frequently, bleeding them when necessary, paying attention to the tension of the lever and adjusting the tensioners next to it. You should also check the condition of the pads, discs or shoes, if your model has them.
Other elements
But that's not all, there are a few other things we should not overlook when looking after our bike. It is important that the gears are correctly adjusted in order to ride comfortably and safely. If we see that any gear does not enter well or jumps, we must tighten and adjust the rear derailleur, we recommend that this is done by a professional. It is also advisable to regularly tighten the screws of the pedal cranks, the seat post, the handlebars and, on those bikes that have them, to keep the pannier rack and mudguard well fixed.
To finish with some more general advice, avoid going out on days with heavy rain and muddy areas, as this can damage many parts of your bike as they dry out.
And if possible, store your E-BIKE in a shady place or with a waterproof cover, as the sun will eventually damage the paintwork. Also, to extend its service life, remember to leave the chain on the small sprocket, as this is where the least tension is generated.
Finally, it is advisable to have your bike serviced once a year by an official service centre to ensure that it is in good condition.
Folding, touring or mountain bike, following these simple recommendations to take care of your E-BIKE, you will ride with maximum safety and efficiency, enjoy!
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