There is no set time period for the amount of servicing you should be doing on your electric bikes as we all ride in different conditions and ride different amounts, but in short the more riding you do, the more maintenance you should be doing, especially if it is in bad condition.
Regular servicing not only ensures optimal performance but also prolongs the lifespan of your electric bikes. In this article, we will walk you through the key steps involved in servicing your ebikes, empowering you to keep them running smoothly for years to come.
Speed Sensor
Speed sensor servicing should be done before every single ride on your electric bike. You're gonna have a magnet on the rear of the bike, and it could be screwed onto the spokes of the bike or it could be housed in that rear disc, but you just need to make sure these spokes are nice, secure, and clean because if they're not clean, you're not going to get a reading going to that speed sensor, and getting a reading of how fast that rear wheel is spinning.
Now if you've got the ones that screw onto the spokes, just make sure they are nice and secure, and they do have a habit of either sliding down the spoke. They can fall apart or fall off completely.
Battery
The battery on your ebike is a sealed unit and it doesn't require any maintenance as such, but every couple of months or so or more, if you're riding in bad conditions, it's a great idea just to whip it out, give it a quick wipe over with a damp cloth. Also, inspect those terminals on there, just make sure there's no corrosion building up or any moisture
You can get some water dispersed and sprayed on the battery, and then give it a quick wipe over.
BTW, store the battery separately when not in use, I mean several months. You don’t have to do that if you only have 2 or so days off your ebike.
Gear Shifting and Drivetrain
Remember to Inspect the gear-shifting mechanism for any misalignment or stiffness. Make necessary adjustments to ensure smooth and precise shifting. Clean the whole drivetrain, including the chain, cassette, and derailleur pulleys, using a suitable degreaser and lubricant. A well-lubricated drivetrain reduces friction and improves overall performance.
Tires
The tires are another important component of your electric bikes for adults. Make sure that your ebike tires are properly inflated based on the recommended PSI and that they do not have any cracks or tears. If the tires are worn down or damaged, you should have them replaced for your own safety.
Use Lubrication
Many components on your ebike need to be lubricated to keep working smoothly. You can use a light oil or lubricant to lubricate them. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the type of lubricant to use and how often to apply it because using too much lubricant is not going to do any good to your ebikes.
Brakes
The brakes are one of the most important components on your ebike. No matter what kind of brakes you are using, mechanical or hydraulic brakes, you need to check them out regularly. Make sure that the brakes are working properly and that the brake pads are not worn down. If the brakes are not working properly, you should have them serviced by a professional.
Chain
The chain is the part of your ebike that connects the pedals to the rear wheel. Since it is always exposed to the external environment, an ebike chain can easily get rusty or damaged. So, if your ebike chain is rusty, get off the rust with a remover like WD-40.
Also, if the chain is worn down completely, do remember to replace it for your own safety.
Test Ride and Final Checks
After completing the servicing tasks, take your ebike for a test ride in a safe and open area. Pay attention to any abnormal noises, vibrations, or handling issues. Double-check all the previously inspected components to see if there are more adjustments needed. My final tip is: never ride out on your ebike before it is fully serviced in case you run into some safety issues.