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E-Bikes, like any other cycle, will require routine maintenance; however, don't be put off by the electrical component, as it will normally require little care.
Many non-eBikers believe that electric bikes are plagued by maintenance concerns, but this is simply not the case. If the user follows the fundamental procedures to maintain the bike functioning, it won't need much more than a regular bike. After all, if you take care of your eBike, it will take care of you.
Most dealers will provide a complete set up on the bike, which is vital because the eBike must be appropriately set up in the first place in order to perform properly.
Once the eBike has been bedded in, some dealers will provide another complimentary service. This is useful and should be used because it can take a few miles for new bolts to bed in, cables to extend, and so on. By returning it after the bedding-in period, you can have it all re-tightened and the brakes and gears checked, among other things. This is also a good time to replace that awfully uncomfortable saddle, adjust the handlebars slightly, and make any other minor adjustments to provide a more comfortable ride.
Here are some general cycling guidelines to get you started:
Cleaning
Maintain the cleanliness of your E-Bike. Clean it after each ride, if feasible, with bike-specific cleansers. Do not use a jet wash or similar as this can force out oil lubricating the bearings and also compress water into the internals, corroding vital components. When using a high-powered hose, take care not to shoot water into the hubs, bottom bracket, headset, or anywhere else that is generally oiled throughout.
Some bike shine products can leave a layer of protection over the paintwork, allowing your eBike to look like new for a longer period of time. But be careful not to get this stuff too close to any braking surfaces!
Use a mild spray oil to lubricate the cables, preferably one that dries and leaves a PTFE layer. If you apply a lubricant that remains moist, dust may adhere to it on your next outing, causing additional problems and causing the cable to seize. (PTFE will dry but leave a lubricating coating.)
When not in use, keep the bike in a dry, out-of-the-way location.
Tyre Care
Maintain correct tyre inflation. This will help to prevent uneven tyre wear. It will also make things easier for you because the bike will roll with less resistance. As a result, the motor works less and the range is increased. This can make a bigger difference than you believe. (Tire pressures are always displayed on the side of the tyre.)
Understand how to repair a flat. Flat repair on a bike with a mid-drive engine is the same as it is on a traditional cycle. Hub-drive motors, on the other hand, are more complicated, needing you to understand how to separate and re-join all of the electric connections required.
E-bikes are significantly heavier than traditional bikes due to the addition of a motor and a battery, as well as a stronger frame to handle those components. As a result, it's critical to have a solid set of tyres below your e-bike.
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Charging
Since batteries can be recharged thousands of times, even frequent riders will enjoy several years of use before needing to replace a battery. So charge the battery whenever an outlet is available. For this reason, commuters may keep a separate charger at work.
It is preferable to store the battery with a charge of 30% to 60% for long-term storage (check your manual for details). It's also worth noting that freezing temperatures can quickly drain the lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes, so keep your battery (or the bike if the battery isn't removable) in a warm place when the weather turns chilly.
Battery handling
Since batteries are heavy and expensive, use caution when attaching and detaching them. Always follow the battery care and charging recommendations provided by the e-bike manufacturer. (A faulty battery can potentially produce dangerously high levels of heat.)
there are steps you can take to increase the life of your battery. For example, keep it topped up, don't let it to discharge for long periods of time, don't leave it in the blazing hot sun for long periods of time, and don't leave it out in the freezing cold for months if it's not in use.
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Riding
Eco mode (or whatever your bike's lowest assist level is called) extends battery life. Turbo (the top mode), on the other hand, swiftly depletes it. A greater cadence (faster pedal rotation) is also a more efficient technique to cycle.
Wind resistance: Even on a calm day, you encounter wind resistance merely by moving forward. The effect is roughly exponential, which means that increasing speed from 10 mph to 15 mph (by 50%) necessitates doubling the energy output (which both you and your battery contribute on an e-bike) to compensate for the consequent increase in wind resistance.
So, if you're getting close to the end of your battery's range, going a little slower can let you go farther on less charge. Of course, there is little you can do to counteract the impacts of a naturally occurring headwind—just be aware that it will deplete your power more quickly if you wish to maintain a particular speed.
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Braking
A bike that is both heavy and fast (which is almost all e-bikes) must have appropriate stopping power. Check and adjust the brakes on a regular basis. Look for obvious faults, like as loose parts or excessive rotor and pad wear, before each ride. Perform a more thorough brake inspection in between rides. If you are not comfortable undertaking maintenance beyond the evaluation phase, get your brakes inspected and repaired by a professional.
Replace brake pads and rotors as soon as possible. Check the manufacturer's specifications for the wear level that indicates the need for replacement.
Because of the bulk and speed of an e-bike, your chain experiences a high level of general wear and tear. Chains can only be so beefy due to tolerances inside drivetrain components. So keep an eye on the chain and service it on a regular basis.
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Lubrication
After cleaning, use a good chain oil to keep the chain lubricated; make sure it is not left dry. In the winter, use wet lubricant, and in the summer, use dry lube. (Wet lube remains wet, while dry lube dries.) Clean and lubricate your chain on a regular basis. You want the lubrication to stay inside the chain to prevent grit and grime from accumulating on the surface.
Typically, this entails wiping the chain with a rag to remove old oil and debris, and then applying fresh lubrication carefully. Then, wipe away any excess lubrication because it will only draw additional grit. (Lubes labelled "dry" are a suitable choice for fair-weather riders.)