{"id":37457,"date":"2022-05-30T14:17:34","date_gmt":"2022-05-30T14:17:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tru-tension.co.uk\/?p=37457"},"modified":"2022-05-30T14:17:55","modified_gmt":"2022-05-30T14:17:55","slug":"6-top-tips-for-maintaining-an-electric-bike","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tru-tension.co.uk\/6-top-tips-for-maintaining-an-electric-bike\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Top Tips for Maintaining an Electric Bike"},"content":{"rendered":"

Any experienced cyclist will tell you that the key to keeping a bike in top form is through regular cleaning and servicing.<\/p>\n

While an electric bike and a regular bike have similar components, you may be wondering whether the same level of maintenance is required for both.<\/p>\n

When dirt and mud combine with grease and water, they can form a paste that sets in the mechanisms of your bike, meaning that regardless of the power of your battery, the same issues that affect the performance of a regular bike will also cause gradual wear on your e-bike.<\/p>\n

In this article we will be sharing our 6 top tips for e-bike cleaning and maintenance, as well as the top-quality products we recommend to keep your bike in the best possible condition.<\/p>\n

1.Cleaning and Lubricating Your E-bike Drivetrain<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Taking care of your drivetrain and gears is crucial to the overall performance of your e-bike. You won\u2019t experience the benefits of a powerful battery if your drivetrain is neglected, causing grinding gears and your chain to shift as you ride.<\/p>\n

With an e-bike, power from the motor increases the force on the drivetrain components and can cause increased wear, so it\u2019s even more important that you carry out regular maintenance.<\/p>\n

We recommend using a drivetrain chain cleaner<\/a> that has a degreaser, so you have a good surface to apply a lubricant<\/a> after you have washed your bike.<\/p>\n

Cleaning a drivetrain chain is easier said than done, especially if you\u2019ve been for a particularly hairy ride and now your bike is caked in mud.<\/p>\n

Removing tough dirt from each nook and cranny of your drivetrain chain can seem impossible. For this reason, we recommend using a brush<\/a> to gently work away the dirt in between each link.<\/p>\n

E-bike chains need to be lubricated more frequently than regular bike chains because of the stress caused by the motor. Frequent chain lubrication will ensure that your transmission runs smoothly.<\/p>\n

Ideally, you should be lubricating your drivetrain chain after each ride, preferably after you have cleaned and dried your bike.<\/p>\n

2. Caring for your E-bike Battery<\/h2>\n

Replacing an e-bike battery can be expensive, so you need to know how to take care of (and avoid damaging) the one you have.<\/p>\n

Luckily, it\u2019s relatively easy to prolong the life of your battery with simple care.<\/p>\n

When you remove the battery to charge or store it, make sure to gently brush away the dirt that has accumulated and set around the connections with a dry cloth.<\/p>\n

When storing your battery, you need to make sure that you keep it in a cool, dry place, and check that the battery is neither flat or fully charged. A partially charged battery of around 30-60% is ideal for storage.<\/p>\n

We advise that you never leave your battery charging for a prolonged amount of time, as over-charging can lead to damage of the battery, where it will no longer be able to maintain the highest level of charge.<\/p>\n

3. Maintaining your E-bike’s Spoke Tension<\/h2>\n

If your e-bike features a hub motor, you may find that you have more issues with spoke breakage than you would with a regular bike. Due to stress caused by the power of the motor, the chance of spoke breakage is much higher.<\/p>\n

This can be prevented by carrying out regular check-ups to adjust your spoke tension.<\/p>\n

4. Avoid Excessive use of water when cleaning an E-bike<\/h2>\n

After a particularly intense bike ride, we have heard horror stories of cyclists who sink their bike into a river or canal to rinse away mud and dirt. However, it\u2019s crucial that you never fully submerge your bike.<\/p>\n

While both the battery and the motor are sealed, water can still find its way through the seals of these components and damage them. This is also why you should never use a pressure washer on your e-bike.<\/p>\n

The water can also emulsify the oil and grease on the body of your bike, causing further damage to components, bolts and bearings.<\/p>\n

The best way to clean your e-bike is by using a dry cloth with a waterless cleaner<\/a> that can lift dirt and polish the surface of your bike without needing to rinse it away.<\/p>\n

5. Cleaning E-bike breaks<\/h2>\n

E-bike brakes are put through the wringer. Not only do they work harder than the brakes of a standard bike (due to the generally higher speeds), but e-bikes also are a lot heavier than regular bikes, adding to the pressure on your brakes.<\/p>\n

Again, the best way to preserve your brake pads and surfaces is through frequent cleaning and maintenance.<\/p>\n

Keeping the brake pads and surfaces clean is essential because dirt can cause damage through wear, and any wear on the brake pad can significantly hinder their performance (which is the last thing you want, trust us!).<\/p>\n

When it comes to cleaning your brake pads, you need to take the same considerations as the rest of your bike and avoid using too much water. What you will need to care for your brake pads is a clean rag and a brake cleaning product<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also worth bearing in mind that when you thoroughly clean your brake pads, you\u2019ll have to bed them in again. You can do this by taking your bike for short rides, and repeatedly stopping and starting again using the brakes.<\/p>\n

6. Keep and eye on your E-bike tyres<\/h2>\n

Your e-bike tyres will get more wear for the same reasons your brake pads will: you can travel for greater distances due to the motor, and the weight of the e-bike is more than that of a standard bike.<\/p>\n

The weight of the bike can cause problems because flint shards from the road are more likely to be forced deeper into the tyres.<\/p>\n

You have to be vigilant of this or you could end up with a puncture. That\u2019s why we recommend that you check your tyres for flint shards after you have been for a ride. By carefully removing flint shards, you can prevent bedding them further into your tyres the next time you take your bike out.<\/p>\n

E-bike tools and care products from Tru-Tension<\/h2>\n

Your e-bike tyres will get more wear for the same reasons your brake pads will: you can travel for greater distances due to the motor, and the weight of the e-bike is more than that of a standard bike.<\/p>\n

The weight of the bike can cause problems because flint shards from the road are more likely to be forced deeper into the tyres.<\/p>\n

You have to be vigilant of this or you could end up with a puncture. That\u2019s why we recommend that you check your tyres for flint shards after you have been for a ride. By carefully removing flint shards, you can prevent bedding them further into your tyres the next time you take your bike out.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>