Tips for maintaining your electric bike

Don't worry, bike maintenance is actually quite simple. You don't need to be an experienced mechanic for routine maintenance. By following our tips, you should be able to preserve your precious machine.

What a pleasure it is to start the day with a clean bike... There's no secret to that. Every time you get home, you need to wipe off the dirt, even if it's just a quick wipe with a clean cloth. It only takes 5 minutes and a little elbow grease, and frankly, it's worth it.

Your bicycle chain must always be properly lubricated. Correctly doesn't mean covered in grease! It should leave a thin film of grease on your fingers when you touch it, no more.

But maintaining your chain means more than just lubricating it from time to time. That would be like putting on clean clothes without washing. You need to degrease it regularly (with a suitable degreasing product), and then apply a few drops of chain lubricant to the links. That way, your chain will never turn black, and you won't get any grease on your pants or calves...

Periodically, it's a good idea to check the condition of the various components: the chain (using a chain tester, for example), which is subject to greater torque due to the engine, the pattern of sprocket and chainring teeth, the integrity of cables, and the visual condition of your brake pads or disc brake pads.

Also check the tightness of your bike's various components, such as wheels and other parts, using wrenches (flat or allen). Be sure to observe the tightening torques recommended by the manufacturer on components (especially carbon parts!).

An electric bike is not very different from a muscle bike, as we have already said, but there are still some specific instructions to follow:

• Take care of your battery to prolong its life.
• Update the bike's electrical system .
• In the event of a problem or error message, contact a bicycle dealer for diagnosis. Never attempt to disassemble the motor or battery.
  
  

On the other hand, some components, particularly the drivetrain, are subject to greater stress than on a conventional bike. This can lead to more rapid wear, so you'll need to keep a close eye on them if you're riding a lot, or with the maximum mode on all the time.

Dirt and mud get into every nook and cranny of the bike. If you never clean your bike, it will not function properly. These ingredients, mixed with grease and water, form a paste that coats sprockets, chainrings, chain links, brake calipers, rims... In short, a disaster for these mechanical parts. And what's more, it doesn't look very good.

To clean your electric-assist bike, we recommend investing in a workshop stand (designed for electric bikes weighing up to 25 or even 30 kg). It doesn't cost a fortune - between 50 and 70 euros - and it's much more practical and better for your back.

Here are the steps to follow for a nickel-plated bike:

Remove the removable battery and light (if possible).

Above all, don't use a high-pressure jet, as this could damage the electrical components: they're waterproof under normal conditions (cleaning with a hose or in the rain), but they won't withstand this amount of pressurized water. You could also damage the most fragile mechanical components.

Apply a suitable product to the sprockets with a brush. Then use a double brush or chain cleaner for the chain itself. A cleaning box may be necessary if the derailleur is regularly subjected to mud or dirt.

We recommend Muc-Off Bio Drivetrain Cleaner, which is harmless to your mechanics and to the planet, but you'll find eco-responsible products at Decathlon too. Then wipe clean with a dry cloth and leave to dry while you take care of the rest of the bike.

Washing-up liquid or a little white vinegar diluted in water may suffice, or use a degreasing cleaner to remove stubborn dirt. Dry with a soft cloth to preserve the paintwork. For transmission components, a hard-bristled brush (a toothbrush will do) will make the job easier. Don't forget the lighting, wiping the light-diffusing surface and even drying the interior, which can accumulate moisture (bad for battery-operated ones).

A word of advice: protect your brake discs when cleaning. These components don't take well to cleaning products, which can irreversibly damage their proper functioning.

Use a few drops of "all-weather" or "dry weather" lubricants (depending on your habits).

• Every time you go out, it's messy if you're a fan of MTB or if you are riding in difficult conditions (rain, salty road, etc.).
• A thorough cleaning once a month under normal conditions is the minimum... But in absolute terms, whether it's a road bike, a VTTAE, or anything else, the ideal is to wash it every 2 rides... If you have the courage!

Generally speaking, the battery is the most expensive part of the EAB to replace (between €500 and €1000).

Although battery ageing is inevitable, since it has a limited lifespan, you can slow down the deterioration process by taking good care of your battery:

• Careful storage : if you're not going to use your battery for several weeks, or even months, we recommend removing it from the bike and storing it in a dark place, at a temperature of between 10 and 20°C. The cellar - if not damp - is the ideal place to store your battery until the warm weather returns!
• Shocks : batteries are sensitive to shocks, and a fall from human height can damage them permanently. Be very careful when removing it from the bike! If your battery stops working after a fall, it will need to be diagnosed.
• Discharging and recharging : To extend the life of your battery, avoid leaving it fully charged or discharged for long periods. If you're not going to be using the bike for a long time, remember to charge the battery as little as possible to prevent it from remaining flat for too long. According to Bosch, a charge level of between 30% and 60% is ideal for long-term storage.
• Climatic conditions : don't leave your battery in the sun for hours on end, or in very damp places, and put it in a sheltered place when it's freezing.

Good to know: when properly maintained, a lithium battery (the material found in the vast majority of EABs) can withstand 500 to 1000 charge cycles. This number of cycles is given as an indication, and represents the number of charge cycles your battery can withstand without seeing its autonomy (too) degraded.

Once this number has been exceeded, you can continue to use your electric bike without replacing the battery, as long as the range remains sufficient for your use! To see for yourself, it's quick and easy to test your electric bike's battery.

Most e-bike manufacturers offer regular application updates.

Depending on the make and system of your bike's motor, these firmware updates can help increase torque or extend battery life. More secondary, they provide other useful upgrades (screen display or functionality with an application).

You don't have to visit your dealer for every new update. Unless it's a major correction, you can consider an annual update at the time of servicing to be sufficient. What's more, the latest electric bikes can be updated via an application (such as Bosch).

It's all very well to maintain your bike yourself. But we strongly advise you to have it serviced by a professional about once a year. The mechanic, who is better equipped and more knowledgeable than you, will be able to see and correct any defects you may have overlooked. He will also be able to give you a reliable diagnosis of the condition of the various parts.

If you need to call in a professional, here are the prices you can expect for the most common operations (excluding parts prices):

These rates were observed in June 2021 by the association UFC Que Choisir, and include labor only.

The average cost of updating the Bosch System is €25. (Except Bosch Smart System connected with update via application, free of charge).

Good to know: An overhaul will cost you between €60 and €100, but allows you to check all your bike's critical points! Here's what a good overhaul should include:

• Adjustment of front and rear brakes and cable tension.
• Bleeding of both hydraulic brakes (including oil)
• Checking of all tightenings
• Headset adjustment
• Unveiling of the wheels
• tires pressure and general health check
• Lubricating your bicycle transmission
• Lubricating the bottom bracket
• Checking the wear of your transmission: chain, cassette, chainrings
• Adjustment of front and rear derailleurs.

• Give your bike some love by cleaning it regularly - it'll love you back!
• Check the pressure of your tires regularly, do not drive under-inflated.
• Keep an eye on the wear and tear of your bike's mechanical components: chain, sprockets, cables, brakes...
• Take care of your battery to extend its life.
• Do an annual check-up for software updates, but also to take stock of your bike's condition.