3/7

Inspect and Adjust

As mentioned earlier, the extra weight and torque of E-bikes puts more strain on the components, or moving parts, of your E-bike. Regularly inspect your major components, and especially look for:

• Brake pad wear,
• Chain stretch,
• Chainring wear,
• Headset tightness (hold your front brake and rock the bike backward and forward to make sure there’s no play),
• Damage to rims,
• Proper tire air pressure, and
• Tire wear or damage.

As with any new bicycle, it’s normal for the brake and derailleur cables to stretch. Typically the manufacturer will recommend taking it into a shop to have them adjusted, after you ride it a designated amount of miles. But if your brakes start to feel mushy or the bike stops shifting smoothly, that’s a sign that the cables probably need adjusting.

4/7

Maintain the Battery

To get the maximum life out of your battery, recharge your E-bike after each ride. If you are not planning on riding it again for two weeks or more, check manufacturer guidelines for storage. Currently, most recommend putting the bike in storage mode (if available) with the battery charged at around 80%. Check the charge level every two weeks, and if it drops below 75%, charge it back up to 80%. But be sure to follow manufacturer instructions, as battery technologies are evolving quickly and requirements could change.

5/7

Store It in a Mild Environment

E-bike display panels are typically LED, which should not be stored in direct sunlight. I use a sock to protect mine, and it works effectively. Also, you should ideally store your e-bike in a shaded, cool environment. E-Bike batteries (which have a lithium battery chemistry) can be damaged if they get too hot or cold. Typically, that means a range of 32 to 100 degrees, but it’s important to check your specific manufacturer’s recommendations to maximize both the longevity of the battery and your safety.