Basic Electric Bike Maintenance Tips You Should Know

If you're looking for guidance on how to maintain your eBike, you're in the right place! Today, I'm excited to share some essential tips to help you keep your ride in top shape. Proper maintenance is vital for ensuring a smooth and safe riding experience. Whether you're a new rider or have been enjoying your eBike for some time, these key maintenance tips will help you get the most out of your ride. Let’s dive in!

## 1. Battery Maintenance

To extend the life of your eBike battery, it's important to avoid certain practices. Steer clear of heavy loads, high temperatures (above 30°C/86°F), letting the battery stay fully discharged for long periods, and exposing it to direct sunlight. Instead, aim for low-load usage and store the battery at around 20°C/68°F, keeping the charge levels between 30% and 60%.

When it comes to charging, only charge to 100% if you plan to ride the next day; otherwise, charge to about 60% if you won’t be riding for a week, topping it off the day before your ride. Always charge indoors at a stable temperature, away from extreme conditions and flammable materials. 

When storing your battery, charge it to 30% to 60%, remove it from the ebike, and keep it in a cool, dry place away from moisture and extreme temperatures. To maximize usage, avoid fully depleting the battery on every ride; try to leave about 20% charge remaining, as frequent deep discharges can shorten its lifespan.

By following these straightforward tips, you can maintain your eBike battery in great condition, ensuring reliable power for all your adventures. 

## 2. Brake Maintenance

Brakes are very important for eBikes. If your eBike has hydraulic disc brakes, you won’t need to do much maintenance until the brake pads wear out or the brakes need to be bled. You should bleed the brakes if they feel soft or spongy when you press the pedal. Also, if your brake pads are thinner than 1.5mm, it’s time to replace them.

It's crucial to keep an eye on the hydraulic brake system for good performance. Regularly check the brake fluid level and its condition. If you see any leaks or discoloration, fix these issues quickly.

If your eBike has mechanical brakes, you will need to make regular adjustments. Brake cables can stretch over time, which can make the brake levers sit closer to the handlebars and reduce braking power. To keep everything working well, make small adjustments to the brake lever spacing as needed.

##3. Derailleur Checks

Another common maintenance task is adjusting the derailleur. Over time, the derailleur can move a bit, which can cause problems like clicking or grinding sounds when you change gears. To fix this, start by putting the chain on the lowest gear. If you need to, use the barrel adjustment to tighten the cable. Also, check the limit screws to make sure the derailleur is in the right spot, so the chain doesn’t fall off the gears.

## 4. Tire Pressure Checks

Keeping your bike tires at the right pressure is really important for your safety and how well your bike performs. When your tires are properly inflated, you’ll enjoy better handling and have a smoother ride. To find out the right tire pressure for your bike, just check the numbers printed on the side of the tire. It’s important not to overinflate or underinflate your tires. For example, the Wallke H9 AWD with 4" fat tires should have a pressure between 5 PSI and 30 PSI.

Make it a habit to check your tire pressure regularly, since it can be hard to tell when it’s too low. A simple tire pressure gauge can help you make sure your tires are at the right level. If you’re riding on the street, aim for a pressure between 22-25 PSI. If you’re going off-road, lowering the pressure to about 18-22 PSI can give you better traction and a more enjoyable ride.

## 5. Spoke and Wheel Inspection

It's important to regularly check your bike's spokes and wheels for any looseness. If the spokes are too loose, it can cause bigger issues down the road. A simple way to check is to run your fingers along the spokes to see if they feel evenly tight. If you notice any loose spokes, you can use a spoke wrench to tighten them gently.

## 6. Bolt Checks

It's important to regularly check all the bolts on your bike, particularly for dual motor electric bikes. As you ride, the vibrations can cause bolts to become loose, which can create safety issues. Make sure to look at key areas like the brakes, suspension, crankset, wheels, headset, and steering stem. We recommend conducting a visual check every month or every 300 miles to identify any loose bolts before they develop into more significant issues. 

In conclusion, keeping your eBike in good condition is essential for a safe and enjoyable ride. By following these easy maintenance tips, you can ensure your bike runs smoothly and lasts for years to come. Happy riding!