Maintaining an electric bike: how to do it every time

The motor, the heart of propulsion, is one of the key components of an electric bike. It is he who provides the necessary assistance for pedaling. It is responsible for propelling the bike by converting electrical energy from the battery into movement. In the case of hybrid bikes, it takes care of energy recovery when braking to recharge the electric bike battery. It can be located in the hub of the front wheel, the rear wheel or at the bottom bracket.

The brakes

Another of the most important components of the bicycle and which are the most exploited, are the brakes. The speed of the bicycle being greater than that of a conventional bicycle, the braking is therefore by nature more powerful and more often used. This repeated use can gradually wear them out.
Regular maintenance of an electric bike's brakes is essential to extend their lifespan and avoid their complete replacement. An e-bike can be equipped with pad brakes or disc brakes. Disc brakes use special pads to brake or slow down the e-bike by pinching a rotating disc attached to the wheel. On the other hand, pad brakes stop and slow down the wheel by pressing directly on its rim.

Regarding brake maintenance, the method varies depending on the type. It is recommended to bleed your brakes every 2 years.

• For bicycle disc brakes, annual or bi-annual bleeding is recommended to ensure proper long-term operation. Fresh fluid helps maintain piston efficiency and extend seal life.
  

• When the brakes show signs of malfunction, such as decreased responsiveness, unusual noises during hard braking, or loss of bite, it is time to intervene.
  
  
• For shoe brakes, a simple visual inspection can determine their state of wear. If the surface of the pad is smooth and free of signs of wear, it must be replaced. It is recommended to replace the pads in pairs to ensure optimal braking and maximum safety.

Checking a bicycle's brakes should be done regularly, paying particular attention to the brake pads and levers before each ride. Brake cables and discs require more in-depth checks, which can be carried out every six months to a year.

Battery

The battery constitutes the energy supply of the electric bicycle , storing and delivering the electricity necessary for the motor. The battery capacity determines the range of the bike, i.e. how far you can travel before needing to recharge it. Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used in electric bicycles due to their lightweight nature and ability to provide consistent power. Unfortunately, traditional batteries weigh between 2 and 4 kg, which can quickly become bulky. Also, recharging is done via a brand-specific charger. Some batteries like the Anod battery go against this variability. offering lighter batteries that are compatible with universal USB-C chargers.

Characteristic	Anod battery	Typical batteries on the market
Weight	650g	2-3 kg (4x heavier)
Charging interface	USB-C	Mainly with proprietary chargers
Additional functions	Can be used as an external battery for smartphones	Rarely
Charger powers included	Anod 65W mini charger	Varies, often less powerful
Place of manufacture	France	Varies, often in Asia
Ability	80Wh	300-700Wh
Full charge time	1h15-1h30	3-6 hours
Autonomy	30-70km	40-100km

The electrical & electrical system

An electric bike's electrical system includes all the cables, connectors, and controls that connect the motor, battery, and other components. It allows you to control engine power, change electric assistance levels and display various data such as speed, distance traveled and charge level. Acceleration information is transmitted directly to the engine via the electrical system.
Although these items are designed to be low maintenance, it is essential to exercise caution when cleaning other parts of the bike to avoid damaging them.

The Basics of Maintaining an Electric Bike

General cleaning

Maintaining your bike regularly helps extend its durability. By regularly removing dirt and dust, you reduce wear and tear on its parts. Here are some tips that can make your job easier:

• Be sure to disconnect the battery before starting cleaning. This will avoid any risk of short circuit or electrical damage.
• Use warm water and a mild detergent to clean the frame and other parts of the bike.
• Use a sponge or soft brush to remove stubborn dirt and stains.
• Be sure to protect sensitive electrical components such as the motor, controller and electrical connections.
• For hard-to-reach parts, like brakes or derailleurs, use a toothbrush or a special bicycle brush to clean them thoroughly.
• Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe down all parts of the bike, making sure to remove any moisture.
• Once the bike is completely dry, you can reconnect the battery and check that all electrical components are working properly.

Detailed maintenance routine

To keep your electric bike in good working order, it is essential to follow a regular maintenance process.

• Check tire pressure regularly: It is recommended to check tire pressure once a week and keep it within the manufacturer's recommended range. For city electric bikes and hybrids, the recommended pressure is between 2.5 and 5 bar.
  
  
• Inspect the brakes : Make sure the brake pads are not worn and are properly aligned with the rims. You can visually check the condition of the pads: If they are very thin, worn to the limit or even completely missing, it is time to replace them. You might also notice cracks or missing pieces on the pads, which is another sign of wear.
  
  
• Check the chain or belt and derailleurs regularly : Clean them regularly to remove accumulated dirt and grease in the case of a chain.

Inspect your e-bike's front and rear lights : Make sure they are working properly and the batteries are sufficiently charged.

Contraindications

Certain precautions should be taken to ensure the safety and proper functioning of the electric bicycle after cleaning.

• It is not recommended to handle the electrical components of the bicycle without having the necessary knowledge.
• Avoid servicing an e-bike during rain or extreme weather conditions.
• It is also important not to use harsh chemicals when cleaning the bike.
• It is advisable to avoid high pressure jets for deep cleaning your electric bike.
• It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for electric bike maintenance and not attempt to repair complex problems without professional help.

Battery maintenance

After several years of use, the battery may show symptoms of degradation such as a reduction in its apparent power (we notice that its capacity decreases more quickly on journeys of the same distance), until the day it no longer recharges. not at all.

The longevity of an electric bike battery is influenced by various factors such as the quality of its manufacturing, the type of cells used, as well as its capacity. Typically, a well-maintained battery can withstand between 500 and 1,000 charge cycles, which often equates to several years of regular use. However, some battery technologies have managed to extend their lifespan by combining different power systems.

Whatever your battery model, taking care of it is important. So here are some tips to extend the life of your battery and maintain its performance over time:

• Charge your electric bike battery correctly.
• We recommend that you do not allow the battery to completely discharge before recharging it. Additionally, it is important not to let the battery completely discharge for long periods of time, as this can damage its energy storage capacity.
• It is best to recharge it regularly, even if it is not completely empty.
• We advise you to store your e-bike battery in a cool, dry place when not in use.
• Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures, as this may affect its performance.
• It is recommended to always use the battery charger supplied by the manufacturer, unless using batteries compatible with universal chargers.

Checking and greasing components

To check the wear of mechanical parts, it is essential to carry out a quick inspection regularly.

• When it comes to lubrication, it is important to use the appropriate lubricant and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for frequency and amount of lubrication.
• If your bike is equipped with a chain, it should be lubricated regularly. If your bike is equipped with a belt, no lubrication necessary!

Chains are generally less durable than belts. The belts can support heavier loads and are not likely to derail given the lack of a derailleur. The advantage of the belt is above all that it is less messy than a chain. In fact, it does not grease, so there is no risk of staining during maintenance of the part. On the other hand, they are generally more expensive
Chains, on the other hand, are less noisy and require more maintenance because they are more prone to breakage. Don't worry though, they can easily be replaced in the workshop, and if you maintain them well, their lifespan can be extended. They are more sensitive to external conditions such as sand, mud or water.
It is therefore essential to choose the most suitable system according to your specific needs.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

When you encounter problems with your e-bike, it's important to know how to identify and resolve them yourself.

• First of all, make sure to check your battery health regularly. If you notice a decrease in battery life or charging problems, your battery may be defective. In this case, you can consider replacing it or having it repaired.
• Next, check your bike's electrical connections. Make sure they are secure and that there are no damaged wires. If you notice any broken wires or loose connections, you can repair them yourself using appropriate tools.
• If you are having braking problems, it is important to check the condition of your brakes. Make sure the brake pads are not worn and are properly aligned with the rims. If necessary, adjust or replace them.
• Additionally, check your chain tension. A chain that is too tight or too loose can cause shifting problems. Use a chain tension tool to adjust the tension correctly.
• Finally, don't forget to regularly check the condition of your tires. Make sure they are well inflated and that there are no cuts or excessive wear. If you notice problems, such as frequent punctures, you may consider replacing the faulty tire.

When to call a professional?

It's important to know how to recognize the signs that an electric bike needs to be serviced or repaired by an expert. If you notice that the battery is not charging properly or that the engine power is decreasing significantly, it is likely that adjustments or repairs are necessary. Likewise, if you hear unusual noises while pedaling or feel abnormal vibrations , it is best to have your bike checked by a professional. If you find that you are having difficulty reaching the usual speed or that the battery life is decreasing abnormally, this is a clear sign that your electric bike needs an expert.

Recommended products and tools for maintenance

When owning an electric bike, it's essential to have the right tools on hand to carry out regular repairs and maintenance. Here is a list of essentials that you may already have at home.

First of all, a screwdriver set is a must, including both Phillips and slotted screwdrivers. Next, a set of different sized Allen keys, up to 8mm, is essential for fine adjustments on e-bikes.

Next, multigrip pliers come in handy for many tasks, from tightening nuts to holding parts in place. A bicycle pump can be useful for managing punctures and keeping your tires at the right pressure.

The last recommended tool is a set of Torx wrenches, especially the T25 Torx wrench, is often used on e-bikes for specific components.

With these essential tools, you will be well equipped to maintain and repair your electric bike efficiently.

The Anod advantage: a bike designed for simplified maintenance

The Anod Hybrid bike was designed with the aim of simplifying its maintenance as much as possible. For this, it is, for example, equipped with a belt rather than a chain, thus promoting its durability and considerably reducing maintenance requirements. An added benefit of using a belt is that it does not require lubrication, eliminating any risk of getting dirty during maintenance. Don't hesitate any longer and come book your Anod Hybrid test today.

Anod also offers a dedicated application that makes it easier to manage the maintenance of your electric bike. This application not only integrates automatic reminders for maintenance, but also a personalized maintenance logbook. So you will receive reminders for oil changes, periodic services and other necessary maintenance tasks. You also have the ability to record all maintenance carried out on your bike, including dates, parts replaced and repairs carried out.

Conclusion

Regular maintenance of your e-bike is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable riding experience. Regular maintenance helps extend the life of your bike, ensures your safety on the road and maximizes its performance. Adopting a regular maintenance routine is therefore essential to fully enjoy your electric bike. By taking care of your electric bike, you also help preserve the environment by promoting an ecological mode of transport.