Electric bikes are a pretty expensive investment. Therefore, it's in your best interest to give them the best care you can so they can last. One of those is putting them in shape during a change in season, like the start of spring, after you use/store them through the harsh winter weather.
Winter and spring have different demands, and not adjusting to match can spell doom for the bike. For that not to happen, we've compiled a list of some practical maintenance tips to do on your e-bikes in response to spring riding. You'll also learn some year-round tips to help keep your bike in shape.
How to Maintain an e-Bike During Spring?
Here are some maintenance tips for your bike in preparation for spring riding.
1.Inspect the Brake System
It starts with identifying the type of brake your bike has, whether mechanical disc brakes, hydraulic disk brakes, or rim brakes, and ensuring it's in top shape. A minor adjustment might be all you need to do, but sometimes, the breakpad can be faulty and need replacing. Check your bike's owner's manual on how to go about it, and if you can’t handle it yourself, call an expert.
2.Check the Drivetrain
The drive chain helps propel your bike forward, and a problem with it would hinder your ride. At the start of spring, the lubricants you apply would've attracted enough dirt or dust to make it grimy. Therefore, you'll need to use a new lubricant.
Understand that you'll need to clean the dirty lube off before applying the new one, which you should do when you clean the bike. Other times, the problem with the drive chain might be more than what a lubricant can fix. Luckily, you can buy a new compatible one and install it to get your bicycle moving smoothly.
3.Check the Tire Pressure
Your tire is another if that needs to be alright to ensure a smooth riding experience. If you store your bicycle for the winter, the tires would've most likely depressurized come spring.
Riding in depressurized tires can cause damage to your rims. In this case, all you have to do is inflate the tire to the proper pressure that you can find written on the sides of the tires or your bike's manual.
Sometimes, the start of spring might coincide with when the thread in your tire is worn down or the sidewall is cracking—both situations demand a new tire. Replacing the tire entails removing the damaged one and installing a new, compatible one.
4.Inspect Your Battery
The battery is responsible for powering your bike's motor and its electrical components. Without it, you won't enjoy that assist that makes it enjoyable to ride. If you store your bike throughout winter, there's a high chance that the battery has run down and will need a recharge.
Simply connect it to a power source and let it charge. If you use the bike in winter, it's also a good idea to check the voltage and charge it if it's low. Before you store your battery, charge it fully and recharge it every two months to help keep it in shape.
5.Wash the Bike
It doesn't matter whether or not you ride your bike during winter; it deserves fresh cleans at the start of spring. Use soap and water to wash the bike, but you should be careful of the electrical components, which can get damaged if they come in contact with water.
Use just a little water and a soft brush to remove the dirt from the bike. This process can be lengthy, but it's worth it if you do it right. It will ensure your bike is clean and ready for a fresh spring ride.
How to Upgrade Your Bike For Spring Riding?
Getting your bike ready for the spring season isn't just about running traditional maintenance–a good upgrade of the necessary accessories can also transform it. The components might not necessarily be problematic, but who says you can't change if there's a better-padded seat in town? Upgrading accessories like the headlight can help you ride in low light conditions.
You can also get a better seat to enhance overall comfort, especially if you plan to ride more. Inspect your helmet and replace it if need be. In fact, it isn't illegal to have two if you see a more stylish and effective one. You can also have a new cargo box or storage bag or make your bike look more attractive with decorative accessories. It's all about how much you're willing to invest in it and the level of comfort you desire.
How Much Does it Take to Maintain an e-Bike During Spring?
Whether you have a folding e-Bike or a regular one, you wouldn’t need to spend much on maintenance if you aren't changing many components. If you store it well during winter, nothing serious should go wrong with your bike. However, not storing or using them well in winter can cause problems with different components, and they can set you back a few hundred dollars if they're serious.
Understand that you'll command additional costs if you take the bike to a professional for service and repair. The cost of this repair varies depending on your location, and you should research your local price range.
What are Some Safety Precautions You Should Take for Your Bike During Spring?
You've completed maintenance, and it's time to unfold your bike and let it hit the road. Remember that you're partly responsible for making the road safer, and you should try to do so. Wear your helmet always, no matter how short the ride distance.
Obey traffic signals and use hand signals to alert other road users of your intentions. Above all, be wary of pedestrians and other cyclists, and you'll enjoy every pedal of your bike during spring.
Conclusion
Maintaining your bike at the start of spring shouldn’t be hard, provided you use them well in winter. Just minor adjustments here and there, and you should be good to ride. However, don’t hesitate to fix a major issue if you find one, or take it to a pro to do it for you if you can't. All these maintenance tips work for both regular and foldable e-Bikes.
Before riding your e-Bike properly during spring, you should do a test ride. It would give you a better insight into the appropriate maintenance practices you're supposed to run and enable you to diagnose problems better.