How to prepare your electric bike for Spring

Spring is here! It's time to get your bike out of storage and give it a quick eye test to assess the overall condition of your bike. Also it’s important to do regular maintenance to help your ebike stay in top condition and keep it working for years.

You will need:

• - Bike cleaner 
• - Cloths
• - Chain oil 
• - Brake fluid
• - Bike pump 

Regular Cleaning

First, remove the battery ahead of cleaning to ensure safe practice and allows you to clean from the frame underneath. Start washing the ebike with water and scrub it with a cloth or a brush to remove the dirt from tricky places like the pedals, between the tires and brakes. You can also use a damp cloth to clean the electrical components, bearings, motors, seals and hubs. Do not use jet wash as the water will infiltrate the electrical components and cause damage.

Ebike Battery

Battery is typically an essential part of an electric bike or scooter. Even when you are not using the scooter daily, make it a habit to charge it every two or three months to prevent it from degenerating. Charging the battery for too long may also cause damage to it. It is recommended to store it at about 75% full. You can detect that your battery is getting old if it’s not capable of holding a full charge for longer hours. The best decision is to replace the battery with a new one.

Tire Pressure

To check for your tires’ proper pressure, look at the sides of your tires to find the recommended PSI. If you can’t find one, your e-bike manual will also give the proper PSI. Also make sure that the tires are in good condition by examining the bike tread. If the tread is worn down or the sidewalls are cracking, then it’s time for new tires. 

Seat

Tighten and adjust your bike seat before using it for the first time. A loose seat can lead to trouble and an uncomfortable ride. Also do not forget to do a quick check for any loose screws, bolts nuts or anything else on the bike. 

Brakes

Brake pads will wear out after a period of use and will require adjustment to ensure it works perfectly. Make sure your brakes are responsive – grip and release the brake levers and visually make sure the callipers move to rim or disc accordingly. The brakes should not stick and should fully stop the wheel in motion. It’s also important to note if there’s a change in the sound of your brakes: a squeaking or rubbing for instance. If this is the case, we recommend you to take your electric bike to your local Ebike Universe store to have our mechanic look over it.

Chain 

Examine your chain and ensure there is no rust, not stiff links and it’s adequately lubricated. Even if you cleaned your chain before the winter stash, make sure the drive chain is greased thoroughly. Use chain oil to keep it lubricated after cleaning. You can use wet lube in the winter and dry lube in the spring and summer. Wipe off excess grease to avoid excess dirt clinging to the chain and wearing it down.

Bring it to the Shop

If you find one of these problems and you’re not comfortable doing work on your own, take your bike to a bike shop and get your bike serviced by professionals. Ebike Universe is available to answer your questions about electric bikes, electric scooters or mobility scooters. You can reach us at 1-800-929-7196 or you can visit our website at www.ebikeuniverse.com to find an EbikeUniverse store near you. We have locations in Toronto, Mississauga, Calgary, Vancouver, Montreal - Quebec City, and St John's - NewFoundland. Don't forget to follow our social media accounts for more updates! Have a safe ride!