How to take care of your electric bike

MORE THAN TRANSPORTATION

Whether you wish to save fuel, prioritize your primary mode of transportation, or simply seek a reliable companion for weekend strolls or mountain biking adventures, an electric bicycle is a significant part of your life, and you intend to know how to take care of it.

An E-Bike is more than the sum of its components. For many, it is a lifestyle, an extension of their being.

Beyond exaggerations, knowing how to take care of our machine will make a difference in preparing the E-Bike for the tests of time.

TO TAKE CARE IS TO LOVE

The moment we buy an electric bicycle, we are entering into a long-term commitment.

Like any similar document, there are certain rights and duties to adhere to. In the case of an E-Bike, the only requirement is to have fun! The demands should come from ourselves because it is truly worthwhile to live in a sustainable world with bicycles everywhere.

Any object, when handled with care, can last for many, many years! The electric bicycle is no exception. We should avoid 'pushing' our machine. The medium/long-term advantages can be fantastic, provided we have a trustworthy E-Bike by our side.

CLEANING DUTY

The initial steps involve considering how shiny a bicycle should present itself.

The level of dirtiness depends precisely on how we use it. An everyday bike, with a dusty saddle and slightly 'blackened' handlebars, might be immaculate to the eyes of an MTB fan. Technically, there should be some cleaning after each use. According to the BOSCH official website, water is almost always an ideal solution, if not in vapor form, and high-pressure machines should be avoided when applied directly to the electric contacts.

The cleaning concept revolves around routine. Failing it can lead to accumulating tasks, and we all know how humans work under procrastination. Delaying tasks, intending to do them tomorrow, usually means that they will never be done. Grab a tissue and start giving some love to your E-Bike.

Corrosion is a real enemy here. It's no secret that materials deteriorate with time. Anti-corrosion agents that preserve materials, such as plastic and seals, are the way to go. A shiny bicycle is a happy bicycle.

CLEANING RECOMENDATIONS

When cleaning, remove the battery and, if possible, the display. If you cannot remove them, then the solution is to isolate everything with a simple cloth or even kitchen film. High-end brands have already anticipated situations where water might enter places where it should not be. There is no need to panic; the solution is to thoroughly dry the parts and then apply an anti-corrosion agent.

If we pedal near the sea or deep in the mountains, atmospheric conditions can be exceptional.
Remember: humidity is 'evil' for almost everything!

In short, take special care of the electric components, which should be dry at all times. If necessary, use a tissue or piece of cloth to remove dust and humidity.

Other details to consider when cleaning the bicycle: take a look at the distribution steel chain/carbon belt drive to remove any traces of debris hidden in the 'teeth.' Sometimes, strange objects get stuck to the tires, such as small pieces of wood or metal, that can pierce the material and cause a flat tire. Register any hits on the frame, such as scratches, which can often be reduced with polish or matte spray paint. Take special care with any loosened screws that may need adjustment.

CLEANING PRODUCTS

In the E-bikes world, proper maintenance is key to ensuring longevity and optimal performance.
Using specialized cleaning products designed for E-Bikes becomes crucial in this regard.

These specialized solutions are formulated to gently yet effectively clean the delicate electronic parts, batteries, and displays without causing damage. They often feature water-resistant formulas, protecting your E-Bike from potential water-related issues and ensuring it remains in top-notch condition.

By investing in these specialized products, you're not only preserving the aesthetics of your E-Bike but also preventing corrosion, extending its lifespan, and contributing to sustainability efforts with eco-friendly formulations. Make cleaning your E-Bike a breeze while safeguarding its functionality with the precision of specialized cleaning products.

Charging batteries

In the E-Bikes world, where innovation meets sustainable transportation, the importance of charging your bike for specific periods of time cannot be overstated.

It's a small yet impactful investment in the performance, longevity, and efficiency of your electric companion. By adhering to recommended charging practices, you not only ensure a smooth and reliable ride every time but also pave the way for a sustainable and enjoyable experience in the long run.

Below, you'll find an example of the recommended charging times for 500Wh and 625Wh batteries from half to full with different chargers (Compact Charger - CC, Standard Charger - SC, Fast Charger - FC).

500Wh Battery - CC 3.5 to 7.5 hours; SC 2 to 4.5 hours; FC 1.2 to 3 hours.

625Wh Battery - CC 4.2 to 8.8 hours; SC 2.1 to 4.9 hours; FC 1.4 to 3.7 hours.

LISTEN to YOUR e-BIKE

In the case of BOSCH engines, it's expected that between Eco mode (maximizing battery saving for optimal efficiency and component life expectancy) and Turbo mode (providing top assistance for the best performance components can handle), there is an increase in 'noise' while pedaling.

Climbing or navigating uneven terrains also puts components under stress. Instead of dismissing any suspicious sound, it should be checked to better understand your best friend.

Undoubtedly, taking care of our E-Bike's 'health' is essential. You don't have to be an overly attentive owner, or else pedaling would become a significant chore.

Have fun! And remember to listen to your electric bicycle.

PEDALING CADENCES

The most efficient way to pedal is under high-cadences.

The faster we pedal with the least effort, the friendlier it is to the components.

We can feel the bike pushing itself, either very smoothly or harshly, with us on top of it. Generally, a motor that is too noisy and seems to be dragging itself, or a super silent engine, are situations to be particularly taken into account.

TIRES

Proper tire pressure is vital.

On the sides of the rubber, you can find references to the recommended PSI or BAR (units of air pressure). Ideally, adjustments should be made based on the bicycle’s overall weight, rider’s size, cargo, and terrain conditions. Electric bicycles, being heavier than conventional bikes, are designed with this in mind. However, the care remains the same. The right conditions for tires not only affect the efficiency of the E-Bike but also impact the motor performance.

E-Bike tires can hold a minimum amount of pressure, allowing you to pedal a bit further, which can make a difference in reaching a workshop or your home. Brands like Continental, Schwalbe, and Michelin have been producing electric bicycle tires for many years.

BRAKES

Another aspect to note is the sound coming from the brakes. If you hear a metal-to-metal scratching noise, it indicates that the pistons are touching the brake disk (or the wheel, in the case of rim brakes).
The task is simple to understand but may be a bit challenging to perform. A mere one or two millimeters adjustment is often enough to solve the issue. It's a test of patience, but necessary. Pistons play a crucial role in the action of the brakes. If they become too soft, braking efficiency will diminish.

Furthermore, pistons will need replacement at some point. After all, braking is an integral part of the riding experience. Fortunately, they are affordable and easy to replace.

derailleur

The chain 'jumps' from cassette to cassette, and sometimes even misses, often due to a faulty derailleur or brake.

These are common situations with a derailleur system but can be easily addressed on-site if you have the necessary spare parts. Regularly applying oil to the chain is critical to prevent such occurrences. In the case of an internal gear hub, malfunctions are less expected, and if paired with a carbon belt drive, even better—no need for lubrication.

Keep an eye out for debris and dust between the chain sockets or belt 'teeth.' Similar to tires and inner tubes, having spares at home is a good idea. 'Dry' lubricants are ideal for preventing dust and debris accumulation in the chain.

maintenance

In the case of electric bicycles, some components require regular updates.

Make a note in your calendar for routine visits to the retailer.

The drive unit, battery, and display may need updates over time.
Certain issues, like strange noises from the motor, can often be resolved with a simple software update.