Electric bikes, or eBikes, are a popular mode of transportation and require maintenance similar to conventional bikes. However, there are some differences that are worth noting.

Brakes

The brake pads on an eBike may wear out faster due to the added weight and speed generated by the motor. If you frequently ride on hilly terrain or at high speeds, it’s important to regularly check the condition of your brake pads and replace them as needed.

Drivetrain

The drivetrain of an eBike may also wear out faster than a conventional bike, requiring a chain replacement sooner. Opting for a belt drive or internally geared hub can significantly extend the maintenance intervals for the drivetrain.

Battery

Like a mobile phone battery, the battery on an eBike will gradually lose some effectiveness over time. This reduction in performance should be minimal and should not affect the overall performance of the bike. If you notice any unexpected behavior from the battery, you should reach out to your dealer or the manufacturer for troubleshooting help.

Motor System

Some eBikes with rear wheel motors may require more maintenance due to the motor’s location and the associated wiring. At Propel, we only sell eBikes with mid-drive motor systems powered by Bosch, which are known for their reliability and easy access to parts and support. The motor system may also require occasional software updates, which can be performed at any Bosch-certified dealer. 

Tires and Tubes

Like a conventional bike, eBikes require regular maintenance of their tires and tubes, including checking tire pressure, fixing punctures, and replacing worn-out tires.

Traditional Bike Maintenance

In addition to the above-mentioned maintenance items, eBikes also require the same maintenance as conventional bikes, such as checking the condition of the wheels, cleaning the bike, and lubricating the moving parts.

While eBikes require similar maintenance to conventional bikes, it’s important to keep in mind the differences and take the necessary steps to ensure the longevity and performance of your bike. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to the our team of experts for support.

What kind of maintenance does an eBike require?

Most electric bikes don’t require much more maintenance than a non-electric bike. If you’re riding faster or going up and down hills pretty often, you’re likely to find that your brake pads may need replacing sooner than if your commute was mostly flat, as just one example.

On an electric bike you might find that the drivetrain may wear out a little faster, meaning you might need to replace the chain a little bit sooner than you would need to on a non-electric bike.

In that case, as mentioned before, many people opt for a belt drive and an internally geared hub, a set up with significantly longer maintenance intervals.

Most traditional bike shops will be familiar with most of the maintenance required on an electric bike, as it’s often the same or similar to a traditional bike. It’s important to note that some shops might be less willing to work on lesser known or direct to consumer brands due to concerns about safety and liability. Propel usually only works on bikes we sell in part for this reason. There have been many lawsuits brought to shops in the past where the shop had to defend a faultly product they didn’t sell because they were the last one to touch it. 

Some hub motor electric bikes can require more maintenance when they have a motor in their rear wheel and some of the wiring can make those jobs more of a challenge.

This is just one of the reasons why we only sell eBikes with mid-drive motor systems powered by Bosch eBike Systems. When there is any service or maintenance required, we know how to support our customers and if we need anything from the company (from replacement parts to knowledge and support) we know Bosch will be there for the life of the bike.

If you’d like to know more about why we chose to exclusively work with Bosch, check out this video: Why Propel Only Works with Bosch.

Outside of the traditional bike maintenance (e.g. tires, brakes, drivetrain, etc.), the motor system might occasionally need software updates–which you can get at any Bosch-certified dealer.

Like a cell-phone battery, your bike battery will gradually lose some effectiveness over time, but it should not be very noticeable. If you notice anything unexpected with your battery, you can reach out to Propel for troubleshooting help.

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eBike Maintenance FAQs

It’s a good idea to clean your eBike after every ride, especially if you have been riding in muddy or dusty conditions. A clean bike will not only look better, but it will also help extend the life of the components.

Yes, the chain on your eBike needs to be lubricated regularly to keep it running smoothly and to prevent rust and wear. You should use a lubricant that is specifically designed for use on bike chains.

You should check the tire pressure on your eBike before every ride, as low tire pressure can lead to poor handling, increased rolling resistance, and a greater risk of flat tires.

It’s a good idea to recharge the battery after every ride, even if you haven’t used it to its full capacity. This will help ensure that the battery is always fully charged and ready to go when you need it.

The frequency of brake pad replacement will depend on how often you use your eBike and the type of riding you do. However, a general rule of thumb is to replace the brake pads when they are worn down to about 1-2mm in thickness.

Again, the frequency of service will depend on how often you use your eBike and the type of riding you do. However, a good rule of thumb is to have your eBike serviced at least once a year, or more often if you notice any issues.

While a pressure washer can be an effective way to clean your eBike, you should be careful not to use too much pressure, as this can damage the components. It’s best to use a gentle spray or a bucket of soapy water and a soft brush to clean your eBike.

Yes, you can ride your eBike in the rain, but you should take extra care, as wet conditions can affect the handling and braking of the bike. You should also dry the bike thoroughly after each ride to prevent rust and corrosion.

Ideally, you should store your eBike indoors, in a dry and cool place. If you are storing your eBike for an extended period of time, you should remove the battery and store it separately, as this can help extend its life. It’s not recommended to leave the battery on the charger for exteneded periods and if you plan to store the eBike for a long time it should be at close to half a charge. Ideally use it every couple of months to keep the battery in good health.

If you have a problem with your eBike that you can’t fix yourself, you should take it to a qualified eBike mechanic for repair. They will be able to diagnose the issue and provide you with the best course of action to get your eBike back up and running.