To keep your electric bike looking as good as the day you bought it, it’s important to take good care of it.
In Quebec, one of the main problems you’ll encounter is the arrival of winter. Fortunately, the experts at Ecolectrik are here to share everything we know about electric bikes, including the importance of maintaining your e-bike battery in winter.
Pourquoi entretenir son vélo électrique toute l’année
It’s easy to think that maintaining your electric bike is a task that only needs to be done once or twice a year. However, it’s important to maintain your bike throughout the year. This is how you’ll ensure maximum performance on every ride.
Electric bike battery maintenance in winter
A good quality electric bike can be used in both summer and winter. However, during winter use, it is particularly important to protect the battery. To make this easier for you, here are the main rules to follow:
- Keep your battery indoors when not in use
- Always recharge your battery at room temperature
- If you anticipate a long period of inactivity, keep your battery at 70%
With these rules in mind, you can maximize the efficiency of your bike throughout the winter, as well as extend battery life.
Entretien du moteur de vélo électrique
Generally speaking, an electric bike motor is designed to last without repair. Maintaining an electric bike motor usually involves using it responsibly and ensuring it isn’t too dirty.
However, if you notice a problem with the operation of your bike, it is recommended to deal with a professional rather than trying to repair it yourself.
Cleaning and protecting the frame and components
It is very important to regularly check and maintain your bicycle to keep it in good condition. Here are the main components that you can maintain yourself:
- The frame
- The transmission
- The brakes
- The tires
For the frame, simple regular cleaning with bicycle soap will suffice. This will protect your bike from damage caused by dirt that accumulates during use.
Regarding the drivetrain, it needs maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Therefore, it’s important to clean your drivetrain every 150 to 250 km. To clean this component, simply soak the drivetrain in a container of degreaser. Then, scrub it with a brush. Once clean, proceed to lubrication, preferably with a lubricant specifically designed for electric bikes. Using the right lubricant will ensure a longer lifespan.
Next, if you notice that your brakes aren’t working as well as they used to, you’ll probably need to give them a good cleaning. Since e-bikes often use disc brakes, you should use rubbing alcohol to clean them properly without damaging them. A simple rub with this product will suffice.
Finally, as with any bicycle, it is always important to ensure that your tires are inflated to the pressure expected by the manufacturer.
If you perform regular maintenance, your bike will be able to serve you for many years!
Storing the electric bike during the winter
If you are not the type to do a lot of cycling in winter, it would be better to put it away for the cold season.
Although the electrical components are protected from water, it’s not a good idea to leave your bike outside for extended periods. Prolonged exposure to cold and damp conditions can seriously damage your bike’s motor and other mechanical parts.
Ideally, a heated shed or garage will keep your bike protected from the outside temperature without taking up much space. Otherwise, although it can sometimes be difficult, you should bring your e-bike inside and find a place for it to rest.
Regardless of the situation, keep the lithium e-bike battery indoors at a charge level of approximately 70%. Then, check once or twice during the winter that it is not losing its charge too quickly when disconnected.
If you follow these tips, your bike should be ready to go on the first day of spring!
When to call in a professional
It can sometimes be hard to admit it’s time to call in a professional. However, if your bike’s motor or battery seems to have a problem, it’s not recommended to try and repair it yourself. To ensure optimal performance, trust the experts.
At Ecolectrik, our repair and maintenance service workshop is always ready to serve you!
Ecolectrik Québec, your electric bike experts in Quebec City on the North Shore, near Beauce Saint-Prosper and Saint-George.