How to do common ELECTRIC bike maintenance

[@jwebbw]

Here's something that you might want to cover in a follow up ebike maintenance video. After about 10 months of riding my ebike and approximately 2000 miles, I experienced a noise coming from my rear hub that sounded like bad bearings or a card in the spokes of a kid's bike kind of sound. Well, I went to my bike manufacturer's website and checked out a video on bike noises and found out that it needed to be lubed in the hub area. I would have thought that area of the bike would have been well greased for many years to come. So anyways, I laid my bike horizontally to the ground, derailer side facing up, and sprayed some teflon dry lube into the axle area between the last gear and the frame of the bike and then let gravity do its work. Well, to my surprise, the sound which seemed to be an extensive repair went away within a few miles of riding. I hope that this may help someone out there....take care.

[@Samkoutloud]

Thanx

[@TheTrendTrade]

not all heroes wear capes

[@Samkoutloud]

Only heroes that fly wear capes!! @@TheTrendTrade

[@shadwell749]

@@SamkoutloudBatman can't fly and wears a cape

[@tabasco260]

Yeah that's not really going to cut it. You need to open up the hub motor and put some white lithium grease in there. I guarantee it's dry as a bone in there after 2000 miles.

[@lindalabiosa-ul1jg]

I'm so happy with your teachings. I'm 67 years old and I have learned so much with you. And now how to service an ebike. I really appreciate your work. Thank you for taking the time to teach us.

[@JosephCioffi]

Yes it was a big help for me too😊

[@Hamradio54730]

Always great to see enthusiasm in people passionate about life and others. At 76 years young I still am young at heart and have an e-bike to continue that journey. Blessings. Gus, wd9gus

[@sandracloke6268]

Thank you so much for this information. I am 80 and just ordered an E-Trike and will definitely want to keep my trike in working condition.

[@FrankLadd]

An ebike really helped my rehab and now I can do stairs and ride a normal bike too. If I had to have just one bike it would be my Lectric Lite. Thanks for the great videos!

[@KevinAugustt]

Out of all the incredible ebikes you choose one of the light entry ebikes as your number 1? Hmmm

[@darmstead7]

Wow somebody who ACTUALLY SHOWS YOU how to do E-Bike maint! Thought I would never find one sheesh!

[@zanzy001]

I know this is late, but besides the batery segment, what difference was this to regular bicycle maintainence?

[@timrossmultimedia]

I can't tell you helpful and encouraging this video has been. My wife and I are 70 years old and we just can't seem to grow up! So... our next BIG adventure is getting into e-biking. And we can't do anything halfway. I am determined to improve my bike maintenance skills and your videos kock it out of the park. One more thought... I've been a TV broadcaster (weatherguy) for 45 years and someone needs to tell you how great your presentations are. You're such a communications pro and it makes a HUGE AND POSITIVE difference. Hats off from us for the info and expertise you are sharing... we REALLY appreciate you. Our very best to you in all aspects of your life going forward. TIM

[@markcollins457]

I made the mistake of using way to much lube on the derailer it attracts sand and dirt. I actually opened the instruction manual and they described cleaning and proper maintenance. Your overview of maintenance is something everyone should pay attention to. Thank you.

[@EbikeSchool]

Yes I generally lube the chain and wipe off the excess. Theoretically I should lube the derailleur's pulleys but I don't do it too often. Too much though and you've definitely got a mess on your hands.

[@jaaklucas1329]

A little trick..dont use gooey lube. WD40 or teflon chain spray. Solvent cleaners that leave a residue of lube.

[@CarlaHoward-u2k]

Five-star presentation. Very clear and understandable. I bought an ebike yesterday, and I'm so thankful you did this video!

[@Michael-wv2vn]

I always wondered what you guys did with all the bikes. This is an excellent idea to share them with the community. I hope this program works out well for everybody.

[@ricomon64]

I think it's awesome that you're passing the bikes on to those who need them.

[@daytonabeachUSA]

They’re excellent for a roofer on probation with 3 dui

[@Boobtube.]

@@daytonabeachUSA gotta get those roofs done at all costs.

[@carpelunam]

lmao I've been thinking about how ebikes are perfect for people with duis​@@daytonabeachUSA

[@leosarmiento4823]

You are truly a good human. Keep up the great work....

[@3636lk]

E bikes are so new to me, so many to choose from. I love the information you give us about them including videos like this that Teach us the upkeep of these bikes. Thanks for all your efforts

[@crooker2]

Great video! Make sure... You check the tire's maximum pressure rating before filling. I changed my Kenda fat tires (26x4) and filled them to 24psi (per what I read online). When the tire popped off mid ride (that was fun), I noticed that the tire was rated to a MAX pressure of 20psi. Refilled it to 16psi and its running happy now.

[@nickcalcperc]

Lots of great info here. Ebikes can really change the world and your videos are a great help.

[@Maris-W]

I'm so excited I found this video. I'm waiting for delivery of my first e-bikes in a few days and was combing through KZbin for maintenance advice, not having ridden any bike for years. You have a great way of explaining the what, why, and how for even newbies like me. Thanks so much from a new subscriber!

[@EbikeSchool]

Glad to have you aboard!

[@yondaimehokage2281]

I really like the passion you have for ebikes.

[@dgreensotr]

Good review of bike maintenance items. It's important that people know that there are temperature limitations on charging lithium batteries. I used to design battery charging circuits before retiring.

[@thevantuyls]

Thank you for your videos. I bought your DIY Lithium Batteries book. The book and your videos combine for amazing increase in my understanding of the battery packs. This video helps understand the whole bike.

[@matityahubermanfalk3127]

RE: Disc brake adjustment. Tuning the lever only moves the outer pad. To tune the inner pad there's an Allen head on the back of the caliper. You can either adjust it in place through the spokes, or take it to adjust. You want to tune the outer pad first, and then the inner one.

[@jasondoyle1037]

That is very true.,and important. With a cable type calliper it is only by adjusting both the inner and outer pads and proper alignment of the whole calliper you can do the adjustment properly. That is certainly the case with my cable operated brakes anyway.

[@matityahubermanfalk3127]

@@jasondoyle1037 I made that mistake with my first set of cable actuated disc brakes. Resulted in the disc bending in slightly by the time I was corrected.

[@h.j.j9611]

Micah, just wanted to say Hi. Noticed that you graduated from U of Pittsburgh and, as Pittsburgh residents, you know that biking here it is always uphill and downhill. Thanks to all of the bike trails around this area my wife and I (both seniors) do enjoy getting on our bikes and riding for a a couple of hours a few times a week. Although we don't have ebikes, your tutorials on ebikes are ever so helpful as we are seriously thinking about buying one for each of us . With today's video I now feel comfortable with checking my bike without fear of breaking something. Love your youtube posts! Thanks

[@devinm.6149]

Would recommend, going uphill is so much quicker & easier going uphill with an e bike as a opposed to a standard bike; I commute 10 miles to & from work on hilly terrain, so I speak from experience.

[@Schirginator]

Thanks for these great reminders, Micah.

[@5688gamble]

I used to think the idea of hydraulic brakes on a bike was weird, but now I have them. Man, I'd never go back! The responsiveness, the level of control and confidence that I feel knowing that I can go from lightly feathering the brakes all the way to locking the wheels with very little effort tallowing me to use more fine motor control to carefully adjust my speed- oreover I worried such strength would lead to more skidding- but it is the opposite, because you can fine tune braking force easily with only two fingers- allowing more grip on the bars for steering- but also keeping your braking on the threshold for more controlled and ultimately faster braking with less wear! I had to keep adjusting my old brakes constantly, I haven't adjusted my brakes in months and they are just as good as they were the day I bought it. I thought that maintenance would be harder, but there hasn't needed to be any, so if I need to learn to bleed a hydraulic system occasionally then so be it! I ust love how they respond, how I can stop quickly, even with one finger, but still feel more control and feedback than any cable system. I am a convert to hydraulic brakes! No contest, they are the best!

[@bernarddavis1050]

Hydraulics are a no-brainer. There is a reason why rod brakes disappeared from automobiles in the 1930s.

[@IsInteresting]

Everything so simple and well explained. I love your give away idea. Very helpful for those in need.

[@TimeTheory2099]

I found out after I bought an E-bike online that none of the local bike shops in my city won't work on, or repair E-bikes that they don't sell. I'm an electronic tech so I can troubleshoot most things, but having trouble getting repair parts from the manufacturer.

[@skotwilt]

i was wondering about that . whod work on mine if it ever breaks. lol

[@marklee1451]

Totally Cool Video - Love the attitude - Thx

[@biker1581]

Thanks, I am new to ebikes, will definitely try doing the maintenance as much as I can, the bike shop gets pretty expensive even for minor repairs, so thank you!

[@erikmalmberg7319]

In also new to ebikes just got a EMTB

[@danbiddle138]

Hey Micha, I’m new to your channel and to the Electrek channel. I’ve watched many of your E-bike reviews and they’re all great! Thank you for all the help!

[@finlaymartins272]

This is an excellently made video. A must watch before attempting any maintenance!

[@howard922]

Several times you mentioned cable stretch as a reason for the need to adjust, cables are pre stretched these days so it's either pad/block wear or slipping cable grip. 😊

[@Solvang_circus]

That shimano shifter goes bad after like 1k miles just a heads up

[@banksarenotyourfriends]

I found that if you crash hard enough you can make it go bad after just 250 miles! 😅

[@dipdip7250]

@@banksarenotyourfriends or even just 80 miles!!

[@rydoggo]

@@dipdip7250 I've gotten down to 20.

[@susanjensen5787]

Mine had to be replaces at 850 miles

[@aseretaretrom4807]

Mine does not work on day one

[@gord6696]

You definitely have one of the best ebike channels and you've helped me decide which one's best suited for me. Thanks and keep up the great work!

[@ajakkz96]

This is great! Thanks!

[@Xandrapeach]

I loved this vid, I ran to adjust my rear derailleur when I heard I could do that.

[@ashrafmraish]

You always educate us in joyful way, great way to let people get the use of e-bike. I live in syria and the e-bike we have for sale is very heavy with old battery type (led acid), i usually used my old bike for commute to my work its 30km distance. I wish to be able to get a light weight one. At the end it just a wish. Thank you so much for your efforts it highly appreciated.

[@jiml4987]

Have you considered making your own battery pack? I am curious if the materials are available for a diy project.

[@ashrafmraish]

​@@jiml4987 yes I did consider that but since the sanctions on Syria and the government restrictions through customs make it very hard to get anyting that you need it. The available electric bikes are very heavy (check the link below) so the upgrade will not be effective. On other hand living in third floor make hard to carry that heavy bike. And laking of electricity (2hours every 5hours) needed fast charging battery.

[@jiml4987]

@Ash Mraish I wish more people would talk about sanctions and the impact it has on generations. The politicians enforcing embargoes should be locked up for crimes against humanity. The reason I became an engineer was hobby grade remote control cars, helicopters and quadcopters. I built my first electric car when I was 13 from a $25 VW beetle. I couldn't even imagine how my life would have turned out not having resources available for projects. The link didn't post. Similar to the old style gas mopeds?

[@ashrafmraish]

@@jiml4987 totally agreed, the problem with sanctions it hearts the normal people not the governments.. Which is sucks.. I'm a projects consultant and i understand the joy you had when you build something or even create it, we try as much as we can to create unique ways to keep going especially with the lake of electricity.. In my area its better the before but alot still facing 10 hours without electricity. Imagine you can't do simple things because there is no fuel. Try to type on google search "Syria Hot Selling 600W Electric Bike for Sale".

[@johnaz1018]

Wow thank you for the good camara use showing the derailleur adjustments and the simple explanation.

[@lbillie3103]

Thanks...you gave me a lot of useful info I needed to know but had no one to ask.

[@lpphelps7479]

I’ve been watching and learning I can do it myself

[@ronsteitz4535]

I bought my E-Motto bikes in Sept 2011 from Menards. They have and still are giving me great service to this day. These bikes are heavier and well built with little or no maintenance. Tires and batteries have been my only replacement items over the years. I use my bikes on road use only for doing errands. These new bikes seem very high maintenance for the average user.🤔

[@juliauwanto]

Best bike,battery channel i know

[@DanielLopes-jt8yl]

I tell myself I know this stuff but watch it anyway and appreciate your reacquainting. Very important along with tightening whatever. Good advice!

[@Nphen]

Here in Lansing, MI there's a "Bike co-op" that runs out of an old auto shop twice a week. Volunteer mechanics fix up donor bikes to sell, and teach local kids, parents, and riders how to fix their own bikes and assist with low-cost repairs. When they get bikes donated, they sell them at a reasonable cost to fund the co-op. Maybe you could find something like that down in Florida, or start your own. The Lansing bike co-op works because it's in a working class neighborhood where there are adults who might need\ an affordable bike or ebike to get to work. If you're willing to deal with the challenges of a low-income neighborhood, that's where I could see your ebike school find a physical home to help folks get transit.

[@steveoprea739]

Thanks for the information on derailleurs ....my MokWheel City bike only has 400 miles on it and the chain pops off every once in awhile. I'm going to try to adjust the low and high nuts on the derailleur and rear nut . I hope this resolves the problem!!

[@creakinator]

Nice explanation. Thanks.

[@kharris0465]

I treat my e-bike like a pet. It gets pampered. I'm hitting 5900 miles since October 2022 and it still rides like brand new. 🚴🏼‍♂️

[@AEFisch]

Super easy thing to add to mech brakes adjustment. Same tool, before tension, loosen caliper mounts just a little, squeeze lever to center and re tighten before doing the cable.

[@GG-ud1ib]

It nice of you, to attempt to help out others.

[@DonJoyce]

Kudos for your ebikes for good program.

[@MrJAFFA75]

Id love an e-bike and been thinking about wanting one for a while. I live in an area where there are a lot of steep hills so walking or peddling is a killer especially at my age... Love the vids, Keep up the good work. 8-)

[@harootal_haroot3989]

Really wonderful, simple and precise explanation, a skilled person, with knowledge and breadth of thought, a useful video for the simple person and the professional alike.

[@fredrickpemney3915]

Great video learning alot. I could use a bike to commute to work

[@fonz_yoke]

I love what you are doing with your program.

[@middleburyastrology]

Heck yeah Micah.. love your show and enthusiasm and good nature :) Purchasing an ebike for my son and I last year has been some of the best $ I could have spent on the family. Love the thought of you getting this bike out to someone who could really use it. Really great to see.

[@andrinabroussard1972]

Micah thank you for this channel! I bought an eBike and felt very comfortable with my selection due to all of your videos. This was another great one! Ty! 👍🏽

[@LetArtsLive]

Working on hydraulic brakes I got oil on room it's not exactly easy to do alone. After trial-and-error I figured it out and I'd like to win a book LOL

[@jonathan1976xxx]

Good video I enjoyed that. peace love and harmony to all 🙏💚

[@ChrisBFerguson]

Very good video. Same thing happened with me with a kickstand. Also you definitely have to do more brake maintence with mechnical brakes than hydraulic.

[@bruce3412]

Hi, I enjoyed your video very much. love the tips on maintaining a bike

[@timklein5850]

Thank you so much! This help a lot. I'm getting an E. bike this spring and it was really nice to know some of these tips!

[@bFlattheOriginal]

Good on ya Micah!

[@alanflatau1685]

GREAT JOB YOUNG MAN GOD BLESS BROTHER 🙌

[@Adrian-zy6ie]

You are amazing!! I am so glad you are giving back. It inspires me

[@IanLundholm]

I need to stop putting off this kind of maintenance. Thanks for the information and motivation!

[@1979davemc]

Good video, the first part is relevant even for non-ebikes as well.

[@steveshepherd333]

Another really interesting, informative and engaging video … especially as I’m new to e-bikes and their maintenance….I’m sure this info. is going to be invaluable in the future, and will help make my electric velocipede a safer machine to drive/ride. Much thanks once again, Steve, Bristol, U.K. 🙏🚴👍🏻

[@HH79]

Thank you for a good video and I like your attitude to help the less fortunate. Keep up the great tutorials

[@singlespeed2760]

Thanks for doing this video. Some people don’t have access to a local bike shop and/or money to pay to have their bike serviced.

[@EUCXR]

I love all your videos. Love from nyc

[@cncnutz]

Thanks for the battery advice. That is my biggest concern.

[@jcarter8765]

Another quality video, Micah.

[@Skiridr22]

These are some vary important maintenance tips, great episode 👍🏾

[@achow5719]

Thanks for the (derailleur) maintenance instructions, Micah.

[@W0rldCitizen]

Great Video! Love the idea of you giving away the bikes your given to test to someone in need.

[@marysiakohut345]

I have been watching your videos for years. Great job clear and concise. Do you have time to answer technical questions.?

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

I have a Jetson bolt Pro E bike and the manufacturer says to fully charge the battery. Always charge your e-bike to full battery capacity and unplug it when it's done: Do not leave it charging overnight or for extended periods of time. Before storing your bike for long-term stretches, fully charge your bike-and then charge it again once a month until you resume regular riding.

[@jamesdeornellis5727]

Thanks for the info. Makes me more confident on maintaining my bikes.

[@matthewk2725]

Really enjoy your channel and your down to earth demeanor, congratulations on the success of your channel, I've learned a lot from watching you! 🤙

[@michaeljohn7467]

Thanks, i am learning more about ebike maintenance I had some bolts n nuts come loose The plate that my battery connects to a screw kept coming loose, i kept having to tighten it for awhile n wouldn't tighten fully n kept spinning, the screw head was on outside n the nut of whatever was in the inside so i couldn't tighten the nut , then one day i tighten it n it fully tightened n it stayed tight, people watch out cause if one screw comes loose on battery plate others might on the plate One day i took ebike to bicycle store n was seeing if i could buy a front basket to fit my ebike, we had to move my display that shows my speed n watts, well one screw n nut on one side was almost fully loose, so we tighten that up So far no to important nuts or screws came loose that i know off n i do some ruff off roading at times

[@SpotlightGraphics]

As a new e bike owner i appreciate this

[@ronritchey6307]

Love your videos. as a newbie, I find your content informative and educational. My physical degradation due to age is limiting my ability to endure longer distance bike rides. The e-bike seems to fit the bill for my new norm.

[@brockedwards5896]

That is awesome that you are giving away those E-bikes!

[@emmettpickerel5016]

I like the idea of hydraulic brakes, but my experience with them varies greatly from the low-maintenance one. The hydraulic brakes on the Carbo X (which I used for about 4 years) required a full bleed and fluid change at least every 6 months (lots of braking on steep hills).

[@michaelwagner6410]

If it's a bike that I'm gonna be doing 35+ on the road with cars on ide want to have the hydraulic with the extra maintenance. For 25mph E bikes and below a good pair of mechanical brakes is perfectly fine.

[@lego22304]

Awesome that you are giving away the ebikes you don't need to those that can really benefit from them.

[@shaunhall960]

Micah, thanks so much for the e-bike giveaway! This is going to help so many people!

[@johnmicahel]

Great video. You speak to us normal. You give Great tips. Really, really great vids. I mean that.

[@JustClayify]

Love your content. That Ride one up Roadster is the cleanest stealthiest E bike out there.

[@nomadbill]

Great video- thank you. Also good luck with the contest. Im sure u will find someone that needs an e-bike. Great program!

[@gregsudell2069]

Really really helpful info clearly presented. Brilliant!.

[@susanjensen5787]

Thank you for this video i can fix the derailer now hopefully

[@paul_dz]

A good video for all bike riders - thanks.

[@elijahnelson4674]

Learn a few things. Thank you for your videos! They have taught me a lot.

[@OyeTravelogger]

Kindly make a video on how to do the oil properly to disk breaks and bike chain, Both are still needs in e-bike as well, Thank you mate

[@dynamicgecko1213]

This is actually a good video for a beginner like myself. Thanks!

[@jeromebauer3057]

I know that you don’t have to pay for the e-bikes that you test and are now going to start giving away, but it shows how generous that you are!

[@kenpitman]

Great channel with great advice, thanks

[@Nalladolla32]

Love all of your videos. Always very informative. Thank you.

[@kenjohnson5498]

I'd love to build a long range trike with a trailer with a solar set up to charge on the go. But....don't know how lol

[@terrysmith386]

Love your channel it's great especially the maintenance part I know quite a bit but I've forgotten alot too plus picking up on little things that help alot also

[@blackcatjazzin]

Just discovered your channel, it's terrific. I could use this neat e-bike as a starter, thank you so much.🤗

[@stevievilles]

You have an amazing channel! Love the videos. They are entertaining and educational.

[@warrenscorner]

That sounds like a great program! Thanks for the videos.