6 Things We Do to Keep Our Electric Cycles Running Like New
Tips & Tricks4 min read
Electric cycles are gaining worldwide popularity thanks to how affordable and sustainable they are compared to other EVs. Also, the sheer value proposition they provide, in terms of simplicity, convenience, and versatility, is unmatched.
Today, electric bicycles remain slightly more expensive than regular bicycles. They are an investment and must be checked occasionally to ensure they perform efficiently. Like any other machine, if you take care of your electric cycle, it’ll take care of you.
How we maintain our electric cycles to keep ‘em sparkling inside out
You can do most of these maintenance activities yourself, from the comfort of your garage, without too many tools. Still, leave the maintenance of the electrical components to a professional ecycle specialist or the authorised dealer you bought your electric cycle from. We will outline a few simple practices to help you have a long and happy experience with your electric bicycle ownership.
KEEPING YOUR ECYCLE CLEAN
Regularly cleaning your electric bicycle is something that isn’t highlighted often enough but goes a long way in maintaining the health of your ride. You could lightly hose it down after every ride or maybe every few days and rinse off any dirt clinging to the bike, but avoid using a high-pressure washer because you don’t want water seeping into sensitive electrical or mechanical bits. ALWAYS remove the battery before the washup!
Check high drivetrain components like the chain and gears for accumulated dirt or foreign particles. Wear and tear is usually higher if you live in regions with wet conditions, so you might have to check your electric cycle a little more often.
Image Source Gently wipe down your electric cycle after and store it in a dry area. Storing your electric cycle in a damp or humid area might result in corrosion of the electrical parts and contact points, which can cause issues down the line, so ensure it’s kept in a dry area. During casual use, watch for anything that might appear amiss.
Every once in a while, you could give your bike a deep clean to check that the derailleur and all the hard-to-reach areas around the wheels are free of contaminants.
TYRES: Keep ‘em rollin The tyres need inspecting to ensure they don't have any cuts or haven’t begun fraying. On electric MTBs, checking the lugs on the tyres is a good idea - this helps catch any loss of traction or a puncture when you least expect it. Replace worn-out tyres if necessary. This will improve reliability by a considerable margin.
BRAKES: Stop when needed Gaining speed with a reliable way to slow down is safe for obvious reasons. Brake pads and callipers must be checked for wear and cleaned of debris and grime. Inspect brake pads regularly for wear and replace them as needed. Worn-out brake pads can lead to reduced braking efficiency and potential accidents.
CHAIN AND SPROCKET: Don’t be chained These are the most important components on your electric cycle that need regular cleaning and lubrication to prevent rust and reduce friction. Inspect the sprocket for worn teeth and replace them when necessary.
WHEELS: Get ‘em aligned It is an often ignored aspect of ecycle ownership. Poorly aligned wheels can increase friction-related wear and tear and even wobbling at speeds. But this process needs specialised equipment and may require you to visit a professional.
BATTERY: Charge ‘em up The battery and motor are the most expensive components on your ecycle and may need an annual check-up to ensure they work efficiently. Diagnostic software can check their functioning and give the user an accurate representation of their health. E-cycles throw up error codes only when there’s something seriously wrong with any components. Contact our manufacturer for assistance on where and how to get your electric cycle serviced.
Also, take care that the battery and charger are not covered with anything when you keep your ecycle in storage. They can heat up considerably when charging and be a fire hazard, especially if you leave oily rags on them.
Disconnect the battery when the electric cycle is out of use for an extended period. It will gradually lose charge, so it’s best to top it up regularly. Avoid storing the ecycle for long periods without charge – maintaining a 30-60% charge is ideal for long-term storage. And if temperatures tend to drop in your region, it’s best to store your ecycle battery indoors at room temperature. This will prolong the battery life.
So there you have it! The basics of ecycle maintenance are at your fingertips. With some care and pampering, your electric cycle should serve you faithfully for its lifetime, making it worth every buck you spend.
