It's Time to Repair and Maintain Your E-Bike
As autumn turns into winter, it's the best time to check and maintain your e-bike parts. While cleaning or inspecting, you might notice that some components need repair. When communicating with customer service online or explaining issues at a repair shop, you probably already know the basic parts—like the headlight, bell, brake, or rear rack. However, some more technical component names may be hard to describe.
Understanding your e-bike's parts not only helps you express repair needs more accurately but also gives you more confidence during daily maintenance, tuning, or parts replacement. In the long run, mastering these English cycling terms allows you to communicate easily with riders around the world—because they’re the common language shared by global cyclists.
E-Bike Frame & Structure
Front Fork： Connects the front wheel to the frame. Some models feature a suspension fork, which helps absorb shocks on rough terrain. Fiido models equipped with suspension forks include: Fiido M1 Pro, Fiido Titan, Fiido T2, Fiido C11/C11 Pro, and Fiido Nomads. If the fork is damaged, it may cause unstable steering or front-wheel wobbling, which could lead to accidents. For mechanical damage or broken oil seals, replace or repair the fork promptly.
Handlebar： Controls steering and holds the gear and brake levers. Flat bars are common for commuting, while drop bars are used on road bikes. Regularly check if the bolts are tight. If you notice cracks, bends, or heavy wear, replace the handlebar immediately—looseness or breakage can cause loss of control.
Stem： Connects the handlebar to the front fork and adjusts handlebar height and angle. Always make sure it's tightly locked after adjustment; otherwise, it may suddenly drop during riding due to inertia.
Saddle ： The part you sit on, affecting comfort and posture. Prolonged exposure to sunlight may cause the cover to dry and crack; rainwater can soak into the padding, leading to mold or sagging. If minor cracks appear, use waterproof glue or repair patches; for larger damage or collapsed padding, replace the saddle promptly.
Seat Post： Connects the saddle to the frame and allows height adjustment.
Crank： Connects the pedals to the chainring and transfers power. A damaged crank may cause noise or resistance when pedaling. If loose, cracked, or noisy, check and repair or replace the bottom bracket promptly.
Tire： One of the most vulnerable parts, since it contacts the ground directly. It affects grip and comfort. Replace immediately if cracks, punctures, or severe wear are found.
Rim： The metal outer ring that holds the tire—crucial to the wheel's structure. A deformed or cracked rim can cause wheel wobble, brake failure, or even breakage. Regularly inspect for dents, cracks, or scratches. Slight warping can be trued; serious damage requires replacement.
Spokes： Connect the rim to the hub and maintain wheel tension and balance. Broken spokes cause wobbling and unsafe riding. Check spoke tension regularly and replace broken ones immediately.
Seat Stay： Connects the seat tube to the upper rear wheel area, supporting the rear wheel and maintaining frame rigidity. It's prone to weld fatigue or cracks from overloading or frequent bumps. If you notice cracks, loosened welds, or deformation, stop riding immediately and take it for inspection or repair.
Chain Stay： Connects the bottom bracket to the rear axle—the most stressed part of the frame. It can rust from moisture or mud buildup.Clean the lower stays and nearby chain areas regularly, keeping them dry and rust-free.
Fender Stay： Thin metal rods supporting the mudguards to keep them stable and prevent rubbing against the tire. If screws loosen or rust, the fender may wobble or fall off. Check regularly for tightness or rust; replace if bent or broken.
E-Bike Drivetrain
Chain： Transfers pedaling power from the crank to the rear wheel. Clean and lubricate regularly. Replace immediately if stretched or damaged to prevent wear on the cassette and chainring.
Chainring： Mounted on the crank and determines gear ratios. Worn, missing, or bent teeth can cause slipping and reduce efficiency. Replace if teeth are sharp or damaged.
Cassette / Freewheel： The rear gear cluster adjusts speed ratios. Worn or broken teeth cause chain skipping. Clean regularly to prevent dirt buildup. When replacing a worn chain, consider replacing the cassette at the same time to prevent premature gear wear.
You can find more drivetrain maintenance tips in “Guide to Maintaining Your E-Bike's Transmission System.”
E-Bike Braking System
Brake Cable ： Transfers braking force from the lever to the caliper—mechanical systems use cables, hydraulic systems use oil. Frayed cables or leaking hoses can cause brake failure. Fix any issues immediately.
Brake Rotor Disc ： Mounted on the wheel and clamped by the caliper to slow down. A bent or worn disc causes vibration, noise, and reduced braking power. Keep rotors and pads clean and oil-free.
E-Bike Electric System
Motor： The core component providing pedal assistance—the “heart” of an e-bike. Common types include mid-drive motors and rear hub motors. Motors can be damaged by water ingress, overheating, or impact—for example, after riding through deep puddles, long climbs, or crashes. If you notice unusual noise, heat, or inconsistent assist, stop riding immediately, check for loose or wet cables, and take it to a professional repair center to prevent burnout.
For Riders
Now you've learned more about your e-bike's key components—from the frame structure to the electric system. This knowledge helps you better communicate with mechanics and handle daily maintenance or parts replacement with confidence.
If you want to know more about how to maintain and extend your e-bike's battery life and performance, check out our guide “How to Maintain Your E-Bike.” And if you're curious about other e-bike component names, feel free to leave a comment—we'll keep sharing more practical cycling knowledge and tips!
