So you've got your new ebike and now your wondering, 'What kind and how often do I need to do maintenance?'. Much like conventional bicycles, ebikes need regular maintenance to ensure their safety and longevity. Ebike maintenance, much like car maintenance, is a simple task which, once it becomes routine, will seem as normal as putting your shoes on before leaving the house, and will be as easy as 1, 2, 3!
To ensure safety and longevity your ebike needs 6 “different” maintenance schedules, many of which, without realizing, you’re probably already undertaking. Other items may, at first, sound difficult but once you’ve worked out how to do them they will also become second nature. So don't let this relatively long list intimidate you. It's just a matter of getting into a routine.
PRE-RIDE CHECKLIST
With a little practice this will take you around 5 minutes!
POST-RIDE CHECKLIST
Again, with a little practice this will take you less than 10 minutes to finish!
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES Important - The checklists below may be labeled by a specific timescale however these time scales are directed at the daily rider. If you're just a weekend warrior or intermittent, casual rider then you ebike is going to need these tuneups less frequently. If you're a daily rider then doing some further research and purchasing the tools and equipment necessary to complete these lists may be to your long term financial benefit; plus you get to become much more knowledgeable and in-tune (pun intended) with your daily ride.
WEEKLY EBIKE CHECKLIST
An easy undertaking, which can be done with basic bike tools.
Wipe down chainrings, cassette, and derailleur pulleys and check for proper alignment
Inspect brake pads
Check hardware for proper torque
Oversee the condition of the frame, looking for any damage
MONTHLY EBIKE CHECKLIST
A more in-depth inspection and tuneup which requires some in-depth research and special, but not hard to find, materials.
Check brake pad alignment and brake cable tension
Verify if derailleur is shifting properly and check chain stretch
Lube all braking and gear shifting cables including drivetrain
Check spoke tension and true wheels if necessary
Tighten any accessory mounting (rack bolts, fender hardware, and confirm alignment)
SIX MONTH EBIKE CHECKLIST
This is also known as a complete tune-up in many locations and is recommended twice a year for daily users and one a year for weekend warrior or casual riders. This costs around $150 at most ebike tune-up locations.
Adjust brakes to ensure proper functionality
Adjust gear shifters to ensure power functionality
Lube both brake and gear shifting systems
Ensure drivetrain is working as normal
True your wheels
Check bearing system
Safety check all bolts
Inspect all cables and housing
ANNUAL CHECKLIST More of an addition to the six-month checklist, the annual checklist involves everything from the six month checklist along with a full breakdown of your ebike, checking all the components are working as they should be, cleaning said components, lubing them and putting your ebike back together. For daily commuter and serious riders this should be completed annually. For weekend warriors or casual riders it is probably only necessary every 18 months to 2 years. A FINAL WORD If you’re not comfortable with undertaking any of the elements mentioned in the checklists above then take your ebike to your closest ebike service center and tell them what you want done. Often these highly knowledgeable techs can detect any problems as second nature. Again, before you go and spend $150 tuning your ebike every six months, it is important to consider how often you use your ebike. Head down to your local Aventon ebike service center and give them the details of your usage and they’ll be able to advise you on how often you should get your Aventon ebike serviced. With regular service and maintenance your ebike will last your well into the future!