Tips for Maintaining Electric Bike

With the increasing awareness of environmental protection and the advancement of technology, electric bikes have become the new favorite for travel. To ensure the excellent performance and long service life of electric bicycles, proper maintenance is very important. This blog will provide you with some tips on electric bicycle maintenance, covering the key parts such as batteries, motors, brake systems, and tires.

Table of Contents

Battery Maintenance

Timely charging

Lithium batteries should avoid complete discharge. It is best to start charging when the remaining power is 20%-30%, and do not wait until it is completely exhausted.

Control charging time

Avoid overcharging. The charging time is usually 6-8 hours. When the charger shows full (green light on), the power should be unplugged in time to avoid charging for too long and causing battery heating or damage.

Pay attention to the charging environment

Ensure that the environment is well ventilated during charging. Avoid charging in high or low temperature environments, especially in summer, do not charge in direct sunlight. In winter, you need to keep warm, but avoid excessive temperatures.

Gentle use

Try to assist manpower when starting, going uphill or accelerating to avoid instantaneous high current discharge, which will reduce the impact on the battery. Avoid frequent sudden braking to reduce energy consumption and protect the battery.

Use the charger correctly

Use the original or adapted charger, do not replace it at will, and ensure that the charging voltage and current match the battery. Check the status of the charger regularly and replace it in time if it is damaged.

Regular maintenance

Keep the battery and connector clean to avoid corrosion and poor contact.

Storage precautions

When storing batteries, make sure they are fully charged and place them in a dry, cool place. Avoid storing or using them in extremely hot or cold environments to prevent battery performance degradation.

Motor Maintenance

Keep the motor dry

The motor has a delicate internal structure. Avoid direct contact with water when riding, especially on rainy days or on flooded roads, to ensure that the motor does not get wet. If the motor gets wet accidentally, turn off the power immediately and send it to a professional repair station for inspection as soon as possible.

Check the condition of the motor regularly

Pay attention to whether the motor makes abnormal sounds (such as buzzing, clicking, etc.) when it is running. Abnormal sounds may mean that internal parts are loose or damaged. In addition, check the temperature of the motor housing regularly. Overheating may be a sign of excessive load or internal fault.

Avoid overloading and long-term full-speed operation

Long-term full-load operation or high-speed operation of the motor will accelerate the wear and aging of the motor parts. Try to drive at gentle acceleration and reasonable speed to reduce the pressure on the motor.

Regular cleaning and inspection

Wipe the outside of the motor with a dry cloth to remove dust and debris to prevent foreign matter from entering the motor. Check the motor housing for cracks or damage and ensure that the fasteners are not loose.

Timely lubrication

Although most modern motors are enclosed designs and do not require regular lubrication, for those with exposed bearings or gears, the right amount of lubricant should be added regularly according to the instructions in the manual.

Professional maintenance and repair

For the internal maintenance of the motor, such as replacing brushes, checking Hall elements and other complex operations, it is recommended to be performed by professional maintenance personnel to avoid self-disassembly and cause greater damage.

Comply with usage specifications

Avoid overloading, violent collisions or improper use, and follow the instructions in the electric vehicle manual, which will help reduce unnecessary losses of the motor.

Brake Maintenance

Regular inspections

Perform a comprehensive inspection of the brake system at least once every six months, and more frequently if you frequently drive on bad roads or uphill or downhill.

Adjust brake pad clearance

Make sure there is a proper clearance between the brake pad and the wheel hub (or the brake disc if it is a V-brake or disc brake). Too tight will cause brake drag and increase energy consumption; too loose will affect the braking effect. Use the appropriate tools to adjust the brake line tension or brake rocker arm position according to the vehicle model and brake type.

Check brake pad wear

Brake pads are consumable parts and their thickness needs to be visually checked regularly. Generally speaking, when the brake pad thickness is less than the minimum recommended by the manufacturer (usually about 2-3 mm), it needs to be replaced.

Replace brake pads

Replace severely worn brake pads in a timely manner according to the instructions or video tutorials. When replacing, pay attention to choosing brake pads that match the original specifications to ensure braking effect and compatibility.

Clean the brake disc or wheel hub

Use a soft cloth to remove dirt and rust from the surface of the brake disc or wheel hub, and avoid using irritating detergents to prevent damage to the brake material.

Lubricate the brake wires

Brake wires (or oil pipes in hydraulic brake systems) also need to be checked regularly to ensure that they are not rusted or worn. For cable brakes, you can apply a proper amount of special cable lubricant to keep them smooth.

Check the brake switch

Confirm that the brake switch (usually integrated in the brake handle) is working properly and can quickly cut off the motor power when braking to avoid the motor still providing power in an emergency.

Tighten screws and accessories

Check whether the screws of various components of the brake system are tightened, including the brake handle, brake line fixing screws, etc., to prevent safety hazards caused by loose screws.

Professional maintenance

For complex brake system problems, such as brake disc deformation, hydraulic system oil leakage, etc., it is recommended to seek professional maintenance personnel for inspection and repair.

Tire Maintenance

Maintain proper air pressure

Check tire pressure regularly to ensure it meets the manufacturer’s recommended standards. Insufficient air pressure increases rolling resistance, causing tires to overheat and wear faster; excessive air pressure may reduce comfort and grip. When the temperature drops in winter, tire pressure will decrease, and more frequent inspections are required.

Avoid parking in extreme environments

Do not park e-bikes in humid or direct sunlight for long periods of time. Humid environments accelerate tire aging, and high temperatures may cause tire material performance to deteriorate or even explode. If long-term parking is required, consider covering the tires with moisture-proof items.

Clean tires regularly

Remove dirt, gravel and other debris from the tires, especially salt and snow melting agents in winter, which will corrode the tire rubber. Use a soft cloth and mild detergent for cleaning.

Check tire wear and damage

Regularly check the tire surface for cuts, cracks, foreign objects embedded or abnormal wear. If there is a more serious degree of wear, the tire should be replaced in time. Wear of the outer tire affects grip, and the inner tube also needs to be replaced if it leaks frequently.

Reasonable selection and replacement of tires

Choose appropriate tires according to the riding environment, such as tires with better grip and cold resistance in winter. When the tire reaches the manufacturer’s recommended service life or is severely worn, replace it in time.

Avoid overloading and violent operation

Overloading will increase tire wear, and the vehicle load limit should be observed. Avoid sudden braking and sharp turns, which not only cause great wear on the tires, but also affect driving safety.

Regular inspections and proper maintenance can not only improve your riding experience, but also significantly extend the life of the vehicle and, more importantly, ensure riding safety. If you encounter a problem that you cannot solve yourself, seek help from professional repair services in a timely manner to keep your electric bicycle in the best condition.

DUOTTS S26 Electric Bike