Electric bikes are the latest eco-friendly trend, and they are becoming more and more popular due to their ease of usage and practical benefits, especially for those living in the city. Electric bikes consist of an electric motor as well as a pedalling system, so if the battery runs out, you’re still able to move around on the bike without too much trouble. The batteries are also rechargeable, meaning you can often plug your bike in when you get to your destination so it’s ready for your successful return journey.
However, e-bikes do need proper care and, if they are not looked after properly, this can result in trouble, including accidents or irreversible damage, which will cost you more money than the original purchase in the end.
Here are some tips for taking care of your new investment:
1. Tires
Having properly inflated tires will give you a better range regarding energy, but it will also give you much better control if you need to swerve or move to avoid a potential collision. Also, check that your tires aren’t worn down, as bald tires will reduce your grip on the road, making it more likely that you’ll slip or skid, especially in wet weather.
Tires will be totally worn after every 2,000 miles and should be changed. Regularly check the treads to ensure that every journey you make is a safe and efficient one.
2. Motor Maintenance
Most motors on these electric bikes are simply constructed and don’t need a lot of maintenance, but you should still give your motor some attention. If something doesn’t sound right, always get it checked out to prevent irreversible damage to your e-bike.
3. Battery Maintenance
The battery is the most crucial aspect of the electric bike and, before you charge it up to get going, always read the instruction manual as different batteries will require different care methods. Battery replacements can be very costly and so it is essential that you follow the rules for the battery provided with your bike to ensure long-lasting, reliable energy flow for your riding.
4. The Brakes
Brakes are imperative to safety. They are your front line of defence against accidents, and so making sure that they are always in good working order is important. Brakes can be cheap to replace so always get yourself some new ones when you notice wear and tear. This will cost much less money than if your brakes were to fail and you were to have an accident damaging your whole bike, hurting yourself, and damaging another person’s car or bike.
5. The Bolts
Make a habit of tightening up the bolts on your bike as regularly as you can. This will protect you against lost and moving parts, which in turn will prevent accidents or more serious damage to the bike. Always check the bolts before each journey, and it’s advised to check them after every long journey too.
6. Clean It Often
This may sound like a simple piece of advice, but cleaning your bike will remove unwanted dirt and grit. In turn, this can protect the mechanisms of your motor and your brakes. Keeping your bike clean and tidy can keep the bike running better and make it more efficient on your battery life. When cleaning, always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
7. Lubrication
It’s essential to lubricate any moving parts of your bike once per week or more if you ride often. This will ensure proper movement and reduce the speed of wear and tear occurring on the bike parts, saving you money from avoidable replacements or breakages.