Feb 20, 2022

The Ultimate Ebike Maintenance Schedule & Guide

Now that you have your new ebike, you are wondering “What kind and how often do I need to maintain it?” Regular maintenance is vital to the safety and longevity of an ebike. In the same manner as car maintenance, ebike maintenance is a simple task that, once it becomes routine, will seem as natural as wearing your shoes before leaving the house, and it will become as easy as 1, 2, 3!

Your electric bike needs six "different" maintenance schedules to ensure safety and durability, many of which you probably already follow without realizing it. Some items may seem difficult at first, but once you figure out how to do them, they will also become second nature to you. Do not be intimidated by this relatively long list. You just need to get used to it.

PRE-RIDE CHECKLIST

Before each ride, check tire pressure, ensure brakes function properly, confirm the battery is charged, inspect the chain and drivetrain for wear, and verify that lights and reflectors are operational.

This should take you around 5 minutes with a little practice!

TASK	TOOLS	INSTRUCTIONS
Check Tire Pressure	Tire Pressure Gauge	Check tire pressure is within the range specified by the manufacturer. The range or limits can be found on the sidewall of the tire. Fill or release air as necessary.
Inspect Brakes	N/A	Whilst rolling your ebike besides you, pull on one of the brake levers. The ebike should come to a stop immediately. Repeat with the other lever.
Check Headset	N/A	Pull the front brake and rock the ebike forward and backward. There should be no play in the handlebar mount. Tighten if needed and re-test.
Clean & Lube Chain	Chain Lube & Rag	With the tires of your ebike off the floor, grasp the chain between the back gears and pedals with a clean rag. Spin the pedals a few times so that the chain runs a few cycles through the rag, cleaning off any dirt. Apply lube as instructed by the manufacturer.
Check Wheel Tightness	N/A	Check that each wheel's axle nuts are tight and there's no wheel wobble. Tighten as needed.
Check Battery Charge	N/A	Turn on your ebike and ensure it is sufficiently charged for your journey.

POST-RIDE CHECKLIST

After riding, clean off dirt and debris from the frame, tires, and under the saddle. Check tire pressure and inspect for any new wear or damage.

If you practice a little, you should be able to complete this in less than 10 minutes!

TASK	TOOLS	INSTRUCTIONS
Inspect Tires & Rims	N/A	Look for debris and damage on the rims and tires.
Check Shifter & Derailleur	N/A	With your ebike tires off the floor, turn the pedals and shift through the gears. Your ebike should shift seamlessly. Additionally, check the derailleur for any debris.
Wipe Down Frame	Clean, damp rag	Take a rag and wipe the frame of the ebike. Whilst doing so inspect for any damage and cracks.
Wipe Down Chain	Clean Rag	With the tires of your ebike off the floor, grasp the chain with the rag and spin the pedals a few times so the chain runs through the rag (The frequency of this step is dependent on both climate and the terrain you ride in. Some may need to do it daily others every month).
Check Pedals	N/A	Give your pedals a once over to check for any cracking.
Check Wheel Straightness	N/A	Turn each wheel in turn whilst looking straight down the tire. You should observe no wobble.
Charge Battery	Battery Charger	Put your battery on the charger so your ebike is fueled and ready for your next adventure.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Follow a structured maintenance schedule: perform weekly checks on brakes and gears, monthly inspections of the chain and suspension, biannual adjustments of brakes and gears, and an annual comprehensive service.

Note: The checklists below may be labeled by a specific timescale, but these time scales are aimed at the daily rider. If you're just a weekend warrior or an intermittent, casual rider, your ebike may not need these tuneups as often.

Doing some further research and purchasing the tools and equipment necessary to complete these lists can be beneficial for your long term financial health; plus, you become more knowledgeable and in tune with your daily ride.

WEEKLY EBIKE CHECKLIST

Weekly, inspect brakes for responsiveness, adjust bike gears as needed, lubricate the chain, and examine tires for wear or damage.

An easy task that can be accomplished with basic bike tools.

Clean the chainrings, cassette, and derailleur pulleys
Check and tighten the crankset
Brake pads should be inspected

MONTHLY EBIKE CHECKLIST

Monthly tasks include inspecting the chain for rust or wear, cleaning and lubricating suspension sliders, lubricating brake and gear cables, and greasing all drivetrain components.

Performing a more thorough inspection and tuneup requires some in-depth research and special materials, but they are not hard to locate.

Chain water should be checked
Clean and lubricate suspension sliders (if applicable)
Lubricate all brake and gear shifting cables
Grease and lubricate the chain and all chainrings, both front and rear.
Lubricate all other drivetrain elements, such as the derailleur and chain

SIX MONTH EBIKE CHECKLIST

Every six months, adjust brakes and gear shifters for optimal functionality, lubricate brake and gear systems, ensure the drivetrain operates smoothly, true the wheels, check the bearing system, and inspect all bolts and cables.

Many places call this a complete tune-up, and it is recommended twice a year for daily users and once a year for weekend warriors and casual riders. Most places charge around $100 for this service.

Make sure the brakes are working properly
Check the gear shifters for proper operation
Be sure to lubricate both the brakes and the gear shifters
Make sure the drivetrain works normally
Be sure to true your wheels
Check your bearings
Make sure all bolts are tight

ANNUAL CHECKLIST

Annually, perform a comprehensive service including a full inspection of the bike, professional servicing of complex components, and replacement of worn parts to ensure safety and performance.

The annual checklist combines everything from the six-month checklist with a complete breakdown of your ebike, checking all its components are working as they should, cleaning said components, lubricating them and reassembling your bicycle. For daily commuters and serious riders, this should be done annually. Weekend warriors and casual riders probably need this only every 18 months to 2 years.

FINAL WORDS

Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and performance of your e-bike. Adhering to a consistent maintenance schedule ensures safety, reliability, and an enjoyable riding experience.

You can take your ebike to your local ebike service center if you're not comfortable with any of the elements listed in the checklist above. These highly knowledgeable technicians are often able to identify any problems as second nature.