Did you know that an electric bike is an excellent investment in your health, your savings account, and your neighborhood? A huge increase in electric bike sales and ownership of e-bikes in the United States shows that people all over the country are discovering the many benefits they provide. You can tailor your workouts to your desired level of fitness thanks to the pedal and throttle combination. You can reduce the amount of money you spend on gasoline and car repairs. You can even rely on the whisper-quiet motor to enjoy the peace and quiet throughout your neighborhoods by reducing noise and emissions.
And like all good investments that provide so many benefits, it is important to protect them. Proper e-bike maintenance is the key to keeping your bike running great year after year. Especially with so many supply chain issues causing shortages in parts and service, it is more important than ever to keep up on your e-bike maintenance to ensure your investment in an e-bike continues to reward you. Below we discuss four of the most common and effective ways for keeping your bike in good condition.
Wash Your Bike More Frequently
Not only will washing your electric bike frequently keep it looking good, but it will provide lots of other benefits and protection, too. Even if you do not regularly ride on dirt trails or in mud, it is a good idea to clean your bike often to remove dust, grime build-up, and debris that may be getting into your bike system. Pay close attention to the chain and gears, as those areas will tend to accumulate a mixture of dirt and gunk mixed with oil from the chains. A simple chain lubricant and a cloth to wipe it with will remove most of the build-up.
When washing your frame, be sure to remove any electric components such as the battery. Check our guide for installing and removing your bike’s battery. The batteries are waterproof; however, it is best practice to remove the battery if you know you will be soaking the e-bike. Do not use a powerful jet spray on your bike and do not submerge the bike underwater.
Spray your bike down gently with warm water to loosen up the dirt and mud and remove any debris that may have stuck to your bike. Once the bike is wet, you can take a cloth or non-abrasive sponge with some liquid soap and a bucket of water to clean the bike frame. Do not scrub the chains or gears with soapy water or a sponge. Remember, you will want to rely on the oil lubricant only with a dry cloth to clean the chain after your bike is dry. The more you use your bike, the more often you will want to clean it.
Store Your E-bike in a Dry Environment
As with all electrical products, a dry environment is preferable when storing your electric bike. You do not want to leave your bike outside in the rain and snow or a humid environment if it can be avoided. There is a small possibility that leaving your bike in poor weather conditions could affect the life expectancy and the electric circuit of the display and battery. It may also begin to show signs of corrosion or damage to the electrical components if left in a wet area.
Storing your e-bike indoors while not in use is the best way to avoid damage or issues with the bike. Wherever you store your e-bike, make sure you do not stack or hang anything on top of the bike. It should be secured and out of range of any cloths, chemicals, or items.
Use the Correct Charger and Allow Full Charging
It may not be obvious, but good charging habits can be a routine part of good e-bike maintenance. Himiway e-bikes can travel quite far on a single charge, but after each ride, and during storage, you will want to use the correct charger and let the battery fully charge. All Himiway bikes come with a dedicated battery and battery charger, so you do not need to purchase an additional one unless you need it. Fully charging the battery will maximize its life and reduce the risk of a sudden loss of power. Do not let the battery die if it can be avoided.
If you find you are not able to allow enough time to let the battery fully charge, consider using a second battery for longer or more frequent rides. The Himiway Battery Charger operates in fast charging mode and the bike will be fully charged in about 7 hours. Charging your bike overnight is a great option to always be ready for your ride to work each morning.
Caution: never attempt to disassemble the battery.
Inspect the Brakes Every Month
Visually check the mechanical parts of your bike often and check the brakes at least every month. Because an e-bike helps power you along, it may be more difficult to notice issues with the brakes compared to a traditional bike. Ensure your cables are all attached firmly, and that the brakes are not bent, damaged, or working incorrectly.
To test your brakes, roll the bike along next to you as you walk and press each brake on the handlebar. The bike should come to a quick and complete stop. If the bike does not stop all the way after depressing the handle brake, and you do not see any obvious issue such as a loose brake cable, you will want to have the brakes checked and readjusted by a professional e-bike maintenance shop.
Proper e-bike maintenance is one of the best things you can do to improve the longevity, quality, and safety of your e-bike. Remember to wash your bike often, store your bike in a dry environment. fully charge your battery, and check your brakes at least once a month or before each ride. Simple tips like these will ensure your investment lasts as long as possible and will improve the overall experience of owning and riding your electric bike.
