E-bike spring check: How do you get your electric bike ready for the season?

When the days get longer again, the temperatures reach double-digit plus degrees and nature awakens, the desire to ride a bike increases again. Because without the cold and wet, you will certainly have the most fun riding an e-bike.

However, your bike with an electric motor needs a full check after the winter. Only then will you be able to move safely on the roads. You will also increase your riding comfort if the brakes, chain and tires are working optimally. A bike check will also tell you whether any worn parts need to be replaced.

In this e-bike check, we at myvélo will show you how to put your beloved bike through its paces and prepare it for the new cycling season. It doesn't matter whether it's an electric folding bike , an e-mountain bike or an e-bike trekking .

What is particularly important when spring cleaning an e-bike?

Ideally, you've already given your e-bike a thorough cleaning before hibernation. But your e-bike may still be a bit dusty during the winter months.

Maybe you even rode your e-bike in the cold season, so that moisture and dirt left their mark. Either way, a thorough cleaning is a must in order to maintain your electric bike afterwards, check that it is working properly and identify defects more easily.

When cleaning, make sure that electronic parts do not come into contact with water unnecessarily. To clean, remove the battery and the on-board computer. Clean the motor and battery contacts more carefully with a dry cloth.

For the basic cleaning , water, a cloth and possibly a special bicycle cleaner are sufficient. You can work on the hard-to-reach areas with a toothbrush or a coarse brush. Then let your e-bike dry and then polish it with a soft cloth.

High-pressure cleaners or steam cleaners are not normally necessary for cleaning your electric bike. The electric motor and other bicycle parts are very robust. However, improper use of these cleaning devices can sometimes lead to damage and force dirt and water into the bicycle bearings. This also removes the important lubricating films.

How to care for and maintain the electric bike after cleaning?

After cleaning, you can lubricate and oil individual components of your e-bike . These include the chain, bearings, gears or bike hubs. Many components have permanent lubrication, but checking and re-lubricating them doesn't do any harm.

The chain, on the other hand, needs to be oiled more often during the cycling season. Always make sure that no oil or grease gets on the brake pads, as this can impair the braking effect. The best way to remove excess oil is with a dry cloth.

Also check that the screws are tight . The saddle, handlebars, mudguards, pedals and luggage rack must be tight. If the screws are too loose, the bike parts can fall off. But make sure not to tighten the screws too much. A torque wrench will help you do this. You can find out the correct torque for each screw in the manual.

What should you look for in an electric motor and battery?

The electric motor and battery together form the heart of an electric bike . That's why you should pay the most attention to them when checking your e-bike. If you haven't used your e-bike during the winter months, the battery may have become deeply discharged . This is generally not ideal, as it shortens the lifespan and reduces the battery's capacity.

That's why you should plan to charge the battery regularly next winter when necessary, but never to 100%. A charge level of around 40 to 60% is sufficient. This way the battery will last longer and be more powerful. You should also not store your battery at temperatures that are too low. Storing it at room temperature is better.

After winter, always check your battery for dents, cracks or other damage. If there is any damage , do not charge the battery under any circumstances; instead, take it to a bicycle repair shop. Also inspect the charger for damage, corrosion and dirt on the plugs and cables.

Then inspect the motor housing for damage. If you find any damage, it is best to go to a bicycle repair shop . You can also have the battery capacity checked there. The motor of an electric bike is usually maintenance-free. If you hear unusual noises when pedaling, it is a good idea to have a specialist troubleshoot the problem.

After you have charged your battery, insert it into the e-bike and after switching it on, check that the display is working properly . If you cannot solve the problem, it is best to contact a specialist. Also check the plug connections for any signs of corrosion and clean them. You can also treat the plug connections with contact grease.

Also make sure that the software on your on-board computer is up to date. Sometimes the manufacturer releases updates that increase the range of functions and have a positive effect on riding comfort. If you cannot or do not want to carry out the updates yourself, your bike dealer can help. Perhaps you are no longer satisfied with your electric motor? Then take a look at our shop, where you can buy myvélo e-bikes with a Shimano mid-engine.

How to maintain the brakes of an e-bike?

After the heart of the electric bike, functioning brakes are extremely important. Therefore, first check the brake discs or brake pads . Are the brake discs perhaps dragging? Are the brake pads perhaps already worn? With rim brakes, you can tell how long the brake pads are still in use by looking at the notches or test grooves. If these are no longer visible, then it is time to replace them.

Also test the smooth movement of the brake levers and the brake pressure . You can use a little penetrating oil to loosen up stiff brake cables. Older brake cables may need to be replaced. Always check the brake cables for damage such as breaks or cracks. Hydraulic brakes may need to be bled. You can either do this yourself or have a bicycle repair shop do it.

How to maintain chain, pinion, chainrings and gears?

Clean your drive thoroughly, as it is a wearing part. You can use a chain wear gauge to measure the wear on your chain. If your chain has stretched, you should replace it. Otherwise, the pinions and chainrings will wear out faster.

After cleaning, you can apply oil and grease to the chain, pinions and chainrings again. However, make sure that the chain is not too smeared, as this will attract dirt. It is therefore best to wipe the chain again with a cloth.

Then take a short test ride to check that the gears work smoothly . If the gears work smoothly, then everything is fine. However, if you have problems shifting gears and the chain "jumps", then a closer inspection at the bike shop is recommended.

How to get e-bike tires ready for spring?

Check your e-bike tires for wear on the sidewalls and treads. If the tires have cracks or foreign bodies and appear porous, then extreme caution is advised. Above all, check the tread depth of the casing . Sometimes the tread is already very worn, so changing the tires is a good idea. Also check that the wheels are working properly and that the spokes are in place.

After a winter break, the air pressure in your tires may have dropped. You can read the recommended tire pressure on the sidewalls of the tire, where the respective minimum and maximum pressure are indicated.

As a rule, narrower tires require a higher tire pressure than thicker tires. With a compressed air pump with an integrated pressure gauge, you can quickly reach the recommended tire pressure. Otherwise, you can also inflate your e-bike at many bicycle dealers.

Start the cycling season safely with an e-bike check

A spring check of your electric bike is important to ensure that it is safe and functional. After all, you want to enjoy cycling and reach your destination safely. You will also enjoy a well-maintained electric bike for longer.

You can do a lot of the work yourself, as you read in our guide. However, if you notice any problems during the spring check, then go to a competent bicycle repair shop . Perhaps your e-bike is a bit old. Then read the myvélo blog to find out what 's new in women's e-bikes .

How do I clean my e-bike properly?

A thorough cleaning is essential to maintain your electric bike, check its functionality and identify defects more easily.
When cleaning, make sure that electronic parts do not come into contact with water unnecessarily. For basic cleaning, water, a cloth and possibly a special bicycle cleaner are sufficient.

What should be taken into account during maintenance?

After cleaning, you can lubricate and oil individual components of your e-bike. You will need to oil the chain more often during the cycling season. Always make sure that no oil or grease gets on the brake pads. Also check that the screws are tight. The saddle, handlebars, mudguards, pedals and luggage rack must be tight. If the screws are too loose, the bike parts can fall off.

How do I prepare my tires for spring?

Check your e-bike tires for wear on the sidewalls and treads. If the tires have cracks or foreign bodies and appear porous, then extreme caution is advised. Above all, check the tread depth of the casing. Also check the functionality of the wheels and the fit of the spokes.