eBike Maintenance: 5 Activities I do the Most

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Video from Park Tool - Indexing Rear Derailleur
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Timecodes:
0:00 - Intro
0:36 - Cleaning Brakes
2:20 - Cleaning eBike
3:42 - Indexing Rear Derailleur
5:21 - Flat Tires
8:06 - Battery Maintenance

[@tonys2924]

Surprised no mention of chain/drive train cleaning and lubing. That's by far my most common maintenance item, other than the occasional top-up of air in the tires.

[@chuckmarble2365]

I was surprised too. It's the most common maintenance I do on my eBikes (I usually clean/lube my chains every few weeks or every few hundred miles, depending on how often I'm riding each one).

[@EBikes420]

I ordered my e-bike 7 months ago today and picked it up 3 days later from RTG E-bikes here in my city. They offer Free maintenance for the 1st year, they fix and tighten everything that needs doing. I'm not confident nor do I have space to change tires on my e-bike, if I ever get a flat, I will pay RTG E Bikes to fix it since they're experts on my e-bike. I clean it every time I ride if it gets dirty, I use a wet cloth with dish soap and one to dry it. Thank you for this video 😎

[@surfinguitarist]

I use my EBike to commute to work so I have weekly, monthly, and storage maintenance (live in Oregon so only ride about 6 months a year). Weekly maintenance consists of tire pressure, chain cleaning & lube, brake check, and general cleaning. Monthly I check the tires for any damage, tighten spokes, check for any loose bolts throughout the bike, and lube all of the other parts on the bike. For storage I do a thorough cleaning and follow the 80% rule on the battery. I typically store the bike and battery in my garage that never really gets below 40 degrees all winter. So far so good, after 1200 miles I've only had to replace the brake pads once and had one flat tire (I use Flat Out in my tubes). I have not had to adjust the derailleur because I rarely change gears (usually leave it at 7). I have had to adjust the brake levers and may need to add more fluid eventually.

[@SMG-lz1zq]

Brakes are the #1 thing for me. Cleaning, changing flats and chain lubrication are next. Funny, when my derailleur goes out of adjustment, I somehow get it dialed in again through trial and error, sometimes not knowing what I did to get them working again, lol.

[@1bottlefed]

Couple of quick notes: The pads on most bikes can be swapped side to side which will reverse the direction of the rotor to pad....this will often prove beneficial. Also when removing the rear wheel shifting into the smallest or next to smallest (some bikes the chain gets crowded when on the smallest rear cog) will lessen the amount of tension on the chain. Lastly I see lots of good ideas on ways to lessen the danger of charging.....however one seldom mentioned and easy to do thing is to Never charge a hot battery.....always let the battery return to room temps after riding before charging.

[@rabbithomesteading3797]

Good tip on the brake pads!

[@stevegriffith7236]

Good info 👍

[@marcs4091]

I clean and oil the fork before every ride, wipe down the chain with those blue shop towels, get the heavy stuff out of the derailleur, add a little oil to the chain, wipe off the excess. When I wash it wash it, I use a 2 gallon sprayer from the hardware store, just powerful enough to get the dirt off, but not enough power to break anything.

[@sammyjames1929]

Tires: Why don't you use Flat Out Sportsmans Formula🤔 Thought that's what everyone has been using the last few years. Works phenomenally. The worst I ever have to do is add air, and that's with 4 ebikes over 3 years and 10k miles. So yea, it works.

[@reubengarcia4773]

I have 2 20”deer step throughs. I do basic maintenance and always use spray detailer to avoid water. I listen to both bikes during a ride just to keep them in top shape. Preventive maintenance is a must because these bikes aren’t cheap. Great advice on taking pictures before so assembling will be easier. Appreciate this video 👍😉

[@keithgriffin9004]

FYI, when repairing your tire and you go to re inflate the tire, pay attention to the RIM line. Make sure your Rim line is equal all the way around the rim or your tire is going to wabble up and down. That rim line is your measuring guide to ensure that the tire is centered on the rim correctly. This will prevent wheel hop.

[@RayHenry100]

Thank you. Mine would be 1. Brake adjustment/disc cleaning 2. Tire checks 3. Cleaning 4. Re-charging usb powered lights 5. Battery recharging

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

I put my battery inside my BBQ grill with lid closed and vents closed. I have 2 magnetic range hood fire extinguishers, attatched to the underside of the bbq lid. Just a good old webber kettle will do the trick.

[@MarkSmith-js2pu]

Make mine medium rare please

[@rickitynick4463]

Pretty sure anything that comes out of that barbecue will be well done

[@rayrussell6258]

For me: Checking air pressure, add air as needed. I've had my Aventure 2 since May, so far no flats. Hope to keep it that way, because I don't think I'll ever want to play around with that rear drive and gear mechanism.

[@MrT-tn4qe]

+1 on the tire liners. Been using Mr. Tuffy's. I don't like how the Tannus becomes flat over time. It basically flattens out over time from the air pressure in the tube making them too thin to stop anything. They don't tell you up front that you're supposed to take the air down out of the tires after every ride to avoid them flattening down. Mr. Tuffy's I like because it's a hard rubber/vinyl strip that is strong enough to block thorns and glass, most causes of punctures through the flat soft parts of those fat tires. Tannus is ok on mountain bikes, and if you have a compressor and typically air down and adjust your bike before and after each ride, but Mr Tuffy is a set and forget type of option and works well for my bigger heavier fat tire ebikes

[@gonerydin4225]

We got 2 Aventon Aventure.2s in July. Our first ebikes at age 70. One has 160 miles on it. The other has 500 miles. Haven't had to repair or adjust anything beyond initial assembly. Brakes and shifters all work fine. No tire problems. I cleaned and lubed one chain at 300 miles. They are pretty dirty because we ride about 50% off road and gravel. Maybe will wash them at 1000 miles. With winter coming, I wish they had 12v power ports so I could use my electric vest. : )

[@loumon2]

Check bolt/screws occasionally, especially when using aftermarket racks and such

[@moonshotsilver]

I think when you get your bike start working on preventive measures to help you enjoy your ebike experience with less hassle. Put in the tire liners and have a full cleaning kit so you can keep your bike looking great. Buy bike locks with soft coatings so you don't damage the paint on the bike. Put on some clear sticky armour for those parts that get knocked the most. Put on a good mirror so you can see cars approaching from behind. Lots of those super small mirrors won't give you enough visability so get one that will actually keep you safer. Store it under the TV so it will drive your Mrs crazy hahaha unless she's a keeper then store it on her treadmill. You will go far

[@JethroXP]

I hose mine off after almost every ride. I don't use high pressure though, and I do ride mostly on gravel trails which get pretty muddy. I also have Muc-Off bike cleaner and a soft bristle brush for getting the difficult stuff off. The electronics are all IP65 or better rated, so a bit of low-pressure water doesn't hurt.

[@FreakyT333]

I check and adjust tire pressures often. Less frequently since I started putting flat out in all my bikes but still do it before longer rides. Also wipe off grime from shocks each ride.

[@Busdathead]

Yeah nice for those who need know , I would say "Brakes" are the #1 priority next to tire liners !!!!!!

[@ronh5623]

I not only add tire liners I add Flat Out to the tubes. Goat heads and other stickers do penetrate the side of tires and its additional protection.

[@garangeradventures6255]

Brake maint is number one for me.

[@MonteBraunstein]

I clean my front shocks every ride Just a quick wipe with a clean micro I lube the forks every week or so with WPL fork lube

[@piepkwiep4312]

- Tighten the saddle bolt - Clean the chain and derailleur pulley wheels. - Check for broken spokes - Buy a new higher quality rear tire and use the two remaining for the front.

[@MrT-tn4qe]

I always have to tighten bolts yea good call

[@jimbo4203]

I get wet sand gravel everywhere ! A good wash and chain maintenance is a must, brakes get cleaned at this time too , almost a weekly routine but sometimes I get a few weeks in before maintenance

[@graemetunbridge1738]

Ebikes are harder on the drive train than pedal bikes. Frequent chain oil and clean recommended. Replace the chain and casette as required.

[@tenrozzero]

1.Keeping the chain clean and oiled correctly 2 Making sure the tire pressure is set to the correct psi before each ride 3. Make sure the Lithium battery has enough of a charge before going riding 4. Check brakes for wear (disc pads) being spongy or very little pressure at the brake levers...and if so ....bleed brakes and add mineral fluid back for good pressure. 5. Tighten up all hex bolts every few weeks and any other type that is on the bike. Use Loctite on bolts that may vibrate loose if needed 6. Use the appropriate cleaner or furniture polish wax to keep bike looking like new 7. Listen for any unusual sounds the bike may have started making.....this could be a warning something is going bad or something isnt right

[@rabbithomesteading3797]

Almost 400 miles on wired freedom. I did have to mess with the derailleur limit at first because it was skipping between 1st and 2nd gear. And I did crash it and bend front rotor. Fixed. Also same crash I think cracked plastic tightening band on pedal assist power button. Tightening does nothing but open the crack. It stays on but it moves when I hit buttons haven't fixed yet. I thought kickstand was down one and let it go and dropped ruined after market mirror. No real preventive maintenance. Other then that its just a dirty mess of a bike sitting here ready to role! lol Nice video! TY!

[@jon9947]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@cleoterrell8913]

I use the same method for cleaning my bike quick detail spray with carnuba wax and micro fiber towel. But I have a major problem with flat tires. I got my 2nd E bike o Christmas day..And at the time of this comment, I just got finished changing my 3 Rd flat tire on a 26 x 3.0 wheel. When II had my 26x 4.0 fat tire bike I put almost 1500 miles on it and never had a flat on my current bike, 155 miles 3 flat tires.

[@jimmyjames8736]

Citizen, you chose really good info to present and hit every point perfectly.

[@jeffa2006]

good video, thank you!

[@IMBruceECLECTIC]

Great video...great information and tips! Thank yiu!!

[@donatas8787]

Thank you

[@MarkSmith-js2pu]

Good point on the directional arrow!! Speaking from experience!

[@roguewar88]

Bravo! Excellent content! I just discovered your channel tonight. I really enjoyed this video and the ones on your personal build and the wired freedom review. I live also in North Carolina, Durham. It looks like you live in a nice area. I would love an e bike, but can't afford one. I purchased a bike in Charlotte a few years ago, and kind of wish that I had seen the wired freedom. Anyways, great content.

[@CitizenCycle925]

Thanks for checking out my content! I'm in Clayton.

[@key39075]

One probably need (but hope not) a much bigger extinguisher for a battery fire; battery fire videos look terrifying. They mostly catch fire during charge or when forgotten on the charge and the system somehow doesn't properly avoid overcharging of some cells. The reason is generally cheap cells, bad design or faulty/cheap BMS but it doesn't mean quailty cells never burn.

[@legokid201]

I agree. He needs a much bigger Class D fire extinguisher. One that is specifically for metal fires.

[@emergentform1188]

Great info dude, thanks!

[@CitizenCycle925]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ofwolfandmanii]

I put a set of Shimano B01S on my wired freedom and haven't heard a sound out of them in 2000 miles.

[@Thomas-yr9ln]

My front wheel is my motor I have a trike. Plus I use flat out. The years of having bikes my experience the more age the tire has the more easily its punchered even if the tire still has a lot of thread. Rubber becomes more tender with age.

[@ActivityPhoto]

Note on long-term storage of the Evike batteries it’s not 80% it’s more like 50 to 70% for long-term storage like for winter storage where you’re not gonna be riding the bike. 60% probably the best bet.

[@johnwilson7809]

Most manufacturer's of the batteries are saying 80%.

[@DYNABIKE1]

How about after every ride just wipping down the chain ? Lots of road grit comes off easily and saves gears later.

[@johnwilson7809]

Try using the wax-based lube. Dirt has a harder time sticking to that.

[@Xtrafix2015]

I was just screaming at you while watching this and then you brought the fire extinguisher out😅 thanks for thinking out loud❤

[@AccordionSqueezer]

Don't charge your batteries anywhere near all the other ebikes, because a battery fire would destroy all of them. Get a flammable liquid container to charge your batteries in. It will contain the fire, but not the smoke. I lost 2 ebikes in a fire. I was lucky to get me and my dog out alive. All the damage could have been avoided if I took the precautions

[@mickeyscott635]

Clean & lube chain every 100 k or more. Check tire air before every ride.

[@davidintexas783]

Question: How often do you need to take apart the hub motor to lubricate it?

[@armyguy91357]

Chain cleaning and lube every 10 rides (20 miles avg.) or so.

[@Sherman1862]

any opinion on what is better, Mr Tuffy or Tanus inserts, or even Flat Out too???

[@norm8380]

You could also get fire blankets

[@cherylnewell9912]

I have 2 e bikes and so fari have had to replace a pedal lever.

[@MarkSmith-js2pu]

Slime + Brake Pads = New Pads

[@BanditMC]

I disagree with some of the things you said but advice is advice fair enough, but the fire extinguisher thing. Pretty much all fire extinguishers will not extinguish a lithium battery fire. I personally seen lithium batteries burn while underwater. This too is just an opinion but I keep a bag of sand in my bike area. You could easily smother a smoldering battery giving you enough time to push it out of your house with a board or broom or whatever. Good video keep up the good work.

[@johnwilson7809]

His fire extinguisher said "for lithium batteries".

[@sotheamam1244]

I changed tires while it in the bike alot faster for me.

[@dolphcrane6420]

Im in Michigan and got my bike aug 25 and now have 509 miles, I noticed the brake noise at times then when I rain ride they clean up. I deal with the noise, there is tons of dust from road construction. I ride 9 miles a day round trip to and from work. My bike is pretty dirty all the time.

[@williambray4134]

It's worth noting that not all E-Bikes have a quick disconnect for the motor wire.

[@johnwilson7809]

Really? That would be a huge "no buy" for me. How would you get the rear tire off?

[@williambray4134]

@@johnwilson7809 Yep. The wire to the motor would have to be disconnected at the controller. This may or may not be an issue depending on where the controller is located. My ANZA 750 has a quick disconnect set up.

[@diegocastillo5400]

What locks do you use/recommend?

[@groovr22]

Awesome video, sir..! I'm hitting the Subscribe button..!

[@CitizenCycle925]

Awesome, thank you!

[@vaios99]

Dealing with Lithium-ion batteries is potentially really dangerous... There is no fire extinguisher in the world that will put out a lithium-ion battery fire. The battery will burn until all the dielectric stuff in it is burnt no matter what type of foam, gas, or water you through at it. And since these are ebike batteries, with some having capacities of nearly a kW/h, we are talking about a really serious fire hazard... Like burning house down fire hazard. So always treat them with respect, never leave them unattended while charging and try to charge them away from stuff that will catch and transmit fire in the case of the battery catching fire itself…

[@hchickpea]

Agree. Those little fire extinguishers are just a false sense of security. I had a defective cell phone that I took out back to my range and shot it with a 9mm. You would think Satan himself was coming out out of that thing, cloaked in fire and brimstone. No joke, just that tiny battery shot flames over two feet and the smoke was nasty. Imagine what all those making a 48 vt battery can do.

[@bizzfo]

Store batteries separately inside a conditioned space. Don’t leave it outside in a shed or garage where it can bake or freeze. This is true for all lithium based batteries (tool batteries etc.). And yes, try to store the battery at a 50-60% charge, never ever at 100% or near 0.

[@johnwilson7809]

Battery manufacturers say long term storage at 80% charge.

[@bizzfo]

@@johnwilson7809 they say 80% mostly because they know people won’t look at the state of charge each month and over time the charge will go lower. So starting at 80 allows for a safety factor for that drop. If you’re watching your batteries the optimal storage charge is what I noted, 50 - 60.

[@johnwilson7809]

@@bizzfo Curious where you are getting that from.

[@johnwilson7809]

@@bizzfo Curious where you are getting that from.

[@jpmyles1560]

Do you have them in size 20 inch?

[@captain-jonny]

Is an ebike (hub) motor supposed to "pulse" power?

[@khanrides]

Checking air pressure weekly

[@Greatgadgetsgear]

On Chinese non branded hydraulic brakes how do you know what bleed kit to get? Thanks

[@CitizenCycle925]

The few brake bleed kits i have purchased have all come with multiple adapters included.

[@Greatgadgetsgear]

@@CitizenCycle925 Thanks

[@StefanRandall]

I have 4 e-bikes. My bikes that don’t have a motor disconnect , I flip bike take off wheel and bungee it to the frame chain stays . Then I can change tube tires etc….

[@johnwilson7809]

A no motor disconnect would be a "no-buy" for me. That's insane.

[@Gary-1091]

I don't think I saw this one answered so I will ask... Do you lubricate your chain at all? How frequent and what lubricant do you recommend?

[@johnwilson7809]

I use a wax-based chain lube. It doesn't attract dirt like oil does. But it's not good in wet rides.

[@j.ramirez7865]

Fat tire e-bikes (26x4) have tubes right?

[@CitizenCycle925]

Yep

[@DEVILDOG1964]

WHAT GRIT IS FINE SAND PAPER?

[@CitizenCycle925]

220

[@kalef1234]

This was all just normal bike maintenance!

[@tentman4fun]

We're do you buy your breaks

[@johnwilson7809]

Brakes can be bought at Amazon or Walmart.

[@matthewholzmueller6292]

Every two rides I'll do a LS V8 swap.

[@ActivityPhoto]

Brian, I’ve been wanting to ask this question for sometime. You have a lot of videos coming out riding or talking whatever are you doing this full-time now? By this I mean KZbin😊

[@CitizenCycle925]

I am full time youtube for the moment. I was laid off from my regular job so I am taking some time to see if I can make a living from youtube. Still trying to figure out a way to make money without making my channel one big commercial...

[@ActivityPhoto]

@@CitizenCycle925 Sorry to hear that but wish you the best of luck. I seriously don’t understand why you don’t have more subs as I believe you have the best e bike review channel on KZbin.

[@quantumfx2677]

Reviewing the new Starrun S20 Electric Bike compact ebike would be interesting, I believe its 750 wt motor at 1200watt and just may be one of the most powerful folding ebike that can climb hills with ease. Nice little bike

[@marcs4091]

Again unless you're dealing with an excessive amount of goat head Thorns there's no reason to be getting hardly any Flats with these fat tires. Forget about the tire liners the Slime and all the other gimmicks, next time you get a flat figure out why and go from there. I have my suspicions, I think it's a combination of overinflating, also might be those cheap Kenda tires that everybody is using( the ones that cost a lot of money). Use a good Rim liner switch to Chao Yang,( they've been making fat tires long before electric bikes were a thing) keep your PSI below 15, ( anything more than that you're probably going to have problems, these tires were originally designed to be run between 6 to 10psi) I Average One Flat every 5 years. It's not that nonsense you hear people say (" everybody's experience is different") ts that experience makes the difference, try to learn from others, maybe talk to your local mountain bike shop.

[@Silverado2021]

Black freedom coming soon. The battery will never enter the house. Charging to 80% most of the time increases the life of the battery.