Preparing your e-bike for the Spring
Most bikes need a little TLC and now, after the winter, is a good time to give your ebike a service. In this blog. We are concentrating on those items that are special to ebikes in preference to items that are common to all bikes.
But First – The Tyres.
Underinflated tyres are the most common reason for poor performance on an electric bike. The added rolling resistance will reduce the range of the battery on your e-bike. Tyres need to be inflated to their recommended pressure. This can always be found embossed on the side wall of the tyre, but it is usually difficult to find! For rough guidance only, a standard 26”road tyre will be inflated between 45 -60psi. Alternatively, 27.5”or 28” tyre between 55- 80psi. MTB tyres usually recommend a lower pressure, and these tyres reduce range as well.
The Battery
The most expensive and perhaps most vulnerable component is the battery. If the ebike has been stored, the battery should have been protected from frost. Fully charge the battery and use the test button to ensure that it has taken a full charge. The battery charger should indicate when the battery has finished taking a charge.
Some ebike batteries “Go to sleep” when stored for a winter and will not operate when re-fitted to the bike, unless thay have been plugged into the mains to “Wake them up”. This usually only takes a few seconds
The Electrics
Fit the battery to the bike so that you can test that the electrics are working properly. To do this you need to lift the back wheel off the ground. Switch the bike ON and check that the Rider Display is illuminated properly. If the bike has a rotation Pedal Assist sensor, when you turn the pedals, the motor should turn ON. While turning the pedals, operate the power settings on the rider display. You should see the motor responding to the different settings.
When the bike is fitted with a torque sensor, you will probably have to ride the bike to ensure that the power system is operating correctly.
Brake Sensors
Many ebikes are fitted with brake sensors, (a second wire coming out of the brake lever). While turning the pedals to operate the motor pull the brake levers individually to ensure that the motor cuts out before the brake pads engage. A failed brake sensor can stop the bike from working completely. This is a “fail safe.” If one of the brake levers does not cut out the motor, then it should be repaired or replaced.
Lights
Many e-bikes now have lighting systems integrated into the main battery. Test that they are working. Some of the wiring is rather delicate and can become unplugged.
If any special ebike component is not working, you will probably need to contact your bike dealer or supplier for spares. Hikobike carry comprehensive ranges of spares for all their ebike models.
Cleaning the bike.
Avoid using hoses and especially power washes on e-bikes as the electrics are not designed to take this pressure. Use soap and water with cloths or a brush or a proprietary bike wash solution. Take care to clean around the bottom bracket and any pedal assist rotor. Build-up of dirt in this area can cause the e-bike not to work. There is also a range of silicones which you can use to make your e-bike shine.
Chains and Gears.
If your e-bike has a Mid motor then all the power of your pedalling and the motor power is transmitted through the chain. Over a reasonably short time, this can cause the chain to stretch and eventually break. A bike shop can test the chain for wear. When replacing a chain on a mid-motor bike, it is worth purchasing one of the latest special e-bike chains. Make sure the chain fitted is compatible with the number of gears on your bike.
Chains that are badly stretched badly stretched and worn need replacing. You may find that it has worn the gear cassette as well. Look at the cogs, especially on the top gears that you probably use most, to ensure that they have not become really pointed. If they are in bad shape the new chain may not run smoothly over the cogs and you will need to replace the cassette as well.
It is false economy to ignore chain wear for too long.”
Finally.
When you have all the e-bike side of your bike working properly, you still need to do the bike parts such as brake pads, brake cables, break bleeding, check nuts and bolts, tyres for perishing and wear (especially if they have ever been ridden “flat” with a puncture). You might treat yourself to new hand grips or saddle.
When you have completed everything, ride away confident that you ebike will give you many miles of enjoyment.