Electric bike brake pad life: when should they be replaced?

• How often you ride: The more you pedal, the more wear you feel. It makes sense.
• Type of terrain: a forest track or stony downhill will put more strain on your brakes than a smooth road.
• Weather conditions : Rain, mud and cold accelerate wear and tear. One outing in the rain can sometimes wear out as much as several rides in dry weather.
• Total weight: An electric MTB is heavier than a conventional bike, putting more pressure on the brake pads, especially if you're carrying panniers or making stop after stop in town.

As far as figures are concerned, organic pads last an average of 1,000 to 3,000 km, while semi-metallic ones can last 3,000 to 5,000 km, sometimes more if you brake gently. As for metal pads, they offer the longest service life, but more on that later.

Why talk about classic bikes here? Because it's a good reference to see the difference in longevity. On a lighter muscle bike, some organic brake pads can exceed 4,000 km without too much effort. With an electric bike, the extra weight (motor, battery, reinforced frame) often reduces this longevity by 20 to 30%. Don't panic: this doesn't mean you have to change your brake pads every month. You simply need to be aware that an EAB puts more strain on your brakes, and so you need to be a little more careful to stay safe, because worn brake pads on a muscle bike will have less of a negative impact than on a heavier electric bike often propelled at 25 km/h.

If you're in any doubt, a thickness gauge can give you a clear answer. You slide the tool between the disc and the pad: if the available space is greater than it should be (or if you find almost no pad left), the sentence is clear. Make way for the new pads!

• Composition: resin-based, with fibers.
• Advantages: they are often softer and quieter. They provide a very pleasant braking feel, which reassures comfort-seeking cyclists. They heat up less quickly under light braking.
• Disadvantages: their durability is not phenomenal, especially in the rain. In muddy or rainy conditions, water and debris can quickly wear them down.

On average, you can expect a VAE to last between 1,000 and 3,000 km, depending on use and maintenance. That's more than enough for city use with few inclines.

• Composition: mixture of resin and metal particles.
• Advantages: they combine the smoothness of organics with the robustness of metallics. They are better able to withstand heat, making them ideal if you regularly make long descents or hard braking.
• Disadvantages: greater noise than organic models, especially if they have not yet been broken in.

If you're a multi-purpose user, this is often the solution of choice. We're talking about longevity of up to 3,000-5,000 km, sometimes more if you're careful and clean your discs regularly.

• Composition: sintered metal, sometimes called "sintered platelets".
• Advantages: ultra-resistant, perfect for all-weather or mountain riding. Their heat resistance is exemplary.
• Disadvantages: more noticeable noise at first, and braking that can feel a little "harsh" for some.

They can easily exceed 5,000 km, or even more, if your driving style is measured. But if you often brake "at the last second", this longevity can take a hit.

Let's face it, pads wear out no matter what. But you can always save a few hundred extra kilometers by adopting certain reflexes.

The earlier you brake, the less thermal shock your brake pads will suffer. Instead, brake gently, smoothing out your deceleration. Of course, in an emergency, you squeeze the levers without hesitation, safety first. But in everyday life, thinking ahead improves the life of the braking system.

Dirt and road dust act like insidious sandpaper. A simple soft cloth, a specialized disc brake cleaner and a little time on your hands can do wonders. Avoid greasy products, as they can contaminate the lining and reduce braking efficiency.

A badly centered caliper or seized piston can cause permanent friction. The result: premature brake pad wear and a hot brake disc. If you hear a slight, continuous rubbing, take a look or make a quick adjustment. Sometimes all it takes is a few turns of the Allen key to solve the problem.

Mountain, city, mixed road: each configuration deserves its own pad type. There's no need to go all-metal if you're only doing a few city trips. And there's no need to go organic if you're going down Alpine passes every weekend. The use/performance/noise comfort equation must guide your choice.

You've made the diagnosis. You see that your platelets are at the end of their life. It's time to take action.

• Average replacement frequency: Generally speaking, a check-up every 1,000 km is not a luxury. If a change is necessary, you'll see it in the thickness.
• Tools required: Allen key to suit your calipers, screwdriver, pliers, safety pin (or retaining screw), clean cloth.

After installation, take a short break-in period. Brake moderately about ten times. This will allow the pad surface to adjust to that of the disc.

Prices vary according to type and brand.

• Organic plates: between 10 and 25 euros per pair.
• Semi-metallic plates: between 15 and 35 euros.
• Metal plates: up to 40 euros, sometimes a little more for top-of-the-range brands.

In a workshop, you'll need to factor in the cost of labour: often around twenty euros or more, depending on the reputation of the repairer and the complexity of the job (hydraulic vs. mechanical brakes). If you do it yourself, you'll save this cost, but you need to be comfortable with mechanics and have the right tools. Some brands, such as Shimano, Magura, SRAM or Tektro, offer practical kits with everything you need.

As we've already said, neglecting your brakes means neglecting safety. A VAE can weigh 25 kg or more, not counting the rider. Braking must be beyond reproach.

At least once a month, take two minutes:

• Turn the wheel by hand and listen. A constant rubbing noise? Alignment problem.
• Look at the surface of the disc: is it bluish, veiled or excessively striped?
• Test the lever: does it go in too far?
• Check the visible plate thickness.

In addition to braking failure on a descent (a nightmare!), a bad brake can damage your discs in the long term. If your brakes don't grip properly, you're tempted to brake harder, overheating the system. And if your disc heats up too much, it can warp. Better to react early than pay for a new disc and caliper.