Going green is the need of the hour. With the Air Quality Index of Indian cities getting poorer day by day, decreasing our over-reliance on conventional vehicles and adopting electric mobility is a step in the right direction. The Government of India has also undertaken several measures to boost electric mobility in India under the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan of 2013.
Electric bikes are one of the best alternatives for urban transportation. Apart from helping curb air pollution, one of the most significant advantages of an e-bike is that it requires minor maintenance. Regular upkeep is necessary to keep it in running condition and minimise the risk of incurring high expenses on its repairs in the future.
Below are a few essential maintenance tips that can help you keep your electric bike in tip-top condition:
Regular cleaning of your e-bike
You need to wash or clean your e-bike regularly. It will help keep off the dirt, dust, and debris and protect the engine from foreign particles.
It would help if you cleaned or washed your e-bike at least once or twice every week. It's not advisable to use a pressurised hose or direct stream of water to wash your electric bike as its electrical parts can get wet and malfunction. Instead, you should use a low-pressure water stream. You can also use a damp rag to clean your e-bike and wipe it with a dry cloth.
Lubrication of moving parts
Proper lubrication of all moving parts of your electric bike is necessary. It will prevent the blocking of the chain and enable all mechanical parts of your e-bike to move correctly without grinding against each other.
You can either take your e-bike to a service station or apply lubricant yourself. If you're doing it yourself, remember to use a lubricant to all major moving parts of your bike to ensure that they keep working in the proper manner.
Keep checking the tyre pressure
Another important thing you need to do to maintain your electric bike is to keep checking the pressure on its tyres frequently. The tyres separate a vehicle from the road or, in other words, a vehicle stand on its tyres. Hence, properly inflated tyres are essential for your bike to run correctly on the road.
Under-inflated tyres can become a reason behind the poor performance of your e-bike. Worse, it can cause road accidents. Soft tyres increase the amount of drag and hence, affect the balance and stability of a two-wheeler. Also, running your e-bike on soft tyres will consume more power, and therefore, the battery may drain out more quickly.
Take care of the battery
The battery is the most critical component of an electric vehicle. It is the battery that provides power to an e-bike so that it can run. Therefore, you need to take good care of your e-bike's battery. You should properly charge your battery, and as a responsible bike owner, make sure that it's used correctly. Before attempting to charge your e-bike's battery for the first time, carefully read the manufacturer's instructions. You can find them in the instruction manual of your e-bike.
It would be best if you tried to keep your bike's battery at least above 30 per cent all the time. Try not to use any random bike battery charger for charging your bike's battery. Instead, use the one provided by the bike manufacturer only. Also, remember cool temperatures can quickly drain your e-bike's battery. Hence, park your bike at a heated place if the weather in your area turns frosty.
Replace brake pads if required
Check the brake pads of your electric bike every time before starting a ride. Take a good look at how they are holding up. It's very crucial to ensure that the brake pads of your e-bike are effective, or else you run the risk of a serious road accident.
If you find any problem with your e-bike's brake pads, replace them without any delay. Brake pads can be quickly and cheaply replaced when necessary. If you want, you can also check with your insurance company if it covers replacing the brake pads.
Go for the shut-down mode if you're not using your bike
These days, many electric bikes come with a shut-down switch that switches off the e-bike completely. In a situation when you know that you won't be using your e-bike for several days, you should go for the shut-down mode. This will help in conserving the battery of your e-bike. Keeping your bike in switch-off mode will also increase its life cycle and efficiency.
Common e-bike maintenance mistakes to avoid
When it comes to the maintenance of your e-bike, do not commit these mistakes-
- Deep discharging the battery
Letting the battery reach 0% capacity can significantly reduce its overall life.
- Overcharging overnight
Charging the battery continuously after it is full can degrade the battery cells over time.
- Cleaning with high-pressure water
Using high-pressure water can force moisture into electrical components, potentially causing damage.
- Ignoring tyre pressure
The tyre pressure needs to be right (not high or low) for the electric bike to run smoothly.
- Using incorrect chargers or lubricants
Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines when choosing chargers and lubricants to avoid unnecessary damage.
Additionally, you should not ignore the importance of two-wheeler insurance in maintaining the longevity of your bike. Consult the insurance provider and find a comprehensive bike insurance that fits your needs.
When to seek professional help for your e-bike
While you can handle basic cleaning and inspections at home, there are times when professional assistance is necessary:
- Battery issues
If you experience significantly reduced range or notice swelling, seek a professional battery check immediately.
- Electrical faults
Persistent problems with connectors, wiring damage or malfunctioning display panels should be assessed by a technician.
- Brake servicing or replacement
Worn-out brake pads or issues with hydraulic components must be repaired or replaced by professionals for safety.
- Suspension, bearings or major drivetrain work
For complex parts like suspension and drivetrain systems, professional service ensures optimal performance.
- Electrical fire risk
If you notice unusual smells, overheating or smoke while charging, stop using the bike and get it inspected right away.
Conclusion
The tips detailed in this blog can help you maintain your e-bike and keep it in excellent condition. However, remember, even after keeping your electric bike well, you can't rule out the chances of mishaps and damage completely. For such issues, it's advisable to keep your e-bike financially secure with the right two-wheeler insurance policy. It can offer coverage tailored for electric bikes and keeps you fully protected. Combine vigilance with regular servicing, and you can enjoy a reliable and efficient e-bike for years to come.
FAQs
1. How many times do I need to charge my electric bike?
Charging your e-bike after each ride is ideal but avoid letting the battery drop below 20%. Periodic top-ups help maintain long-term battery health.
2. Can I clean my e-bike with water?
No. Use a damp cloth only. Do not use high-pressure pipes as they can damage the fragile electrical gears.
3. Is two-wheeler insurance necessary for electric bikes?
Yes. At a minimum, third-party cover is legally required. However, a comprehensive bike insurance policy offers better protection, especially for high-value parts like the battery and motor.
4. What should I do if I detect battery swelling or overheating?
Stop using the battery immediately and contact a certified technician for a thorough inspection or replacement.
5. How often should I replace brake pads?
This depends on your riding frequency and conditions. Inspect the brake pads every few months and replace them when they show signs of wear or reduced braking performance.
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