© 2022 Avadar, All Rights Reserved
How to Clean Your Electric Bike
Jul 20,2022
We know that taking care of an electric bike sounds like a boring task, there is not much to add to that, and in most cases it is. But cleaning is a very important process that must be taken seriously, otherwise, you could permanently damage your electric bike.
To wash your bike properly, you do not need a lot of time. You just need enough space, patience, your favorite music, and some cleaning products.
It’s not only about riding a clean electric bike, but also about safety because too much dirt accumulated in the brakes or battery compartment can lead to a serious accident.
How often should I Clean my electric?
There is no exact answer to the question of how often you should clean your e-bike. It depends mainly on how often you use it in a week, what kind of terrain you ride on and what time of year you use your e-bike.
For example, an electric bike will not get that dirty if you use it twice a day in the city, but if you have to ride it through mud, rain, snow or sand, then you need to wash it at least once a week.
If you rarely use your bike, you can wash it once a month, at most once every two months, but do not extend this period. Dirty water, dirt and other particles tend to stick to the chain of the e-bike. This will make pedaling more difficult and damage the chain.
Washing an electric bike every weekend sounds tedious, but when we think of the benefits of doing so, a bucket and a sponge seem to be our best friends.
What do I need to wash my e-bike?
The first thing you need is patience. Especially if you are doing it for the first time. The second thing you need to clean your electric bike is space.
It could be your yard, your garage, your garden,… anywhere you can fit your e-bike and still have enough space to move around comfortably without making a mess.
Once everything is settled, you will need the following things:
- Bucket filled with water
- Soap or bike cleaner
- Sponge and brushes
- Disk brake cleaner
- Bicycle degreaser
- Chain lubricant
- Owner’s manual
- Polyethylene film
Preparing the electric bike for cleaning
- Check your electric bike’s owner’s manual to see how much water it can handle. Usually, this value is indicated on the first pages of the manual with the letters “IP”, the higher the number, the more waterproof it is. However, if the number is low (for example, 38 or less), it is better to leave the hose on, because too much water pressure can damage everything inside.
- Remove the display (if you have one). If you cannot remove it, for example because it is attached to the steering wheel, cover it with plastic film to protect it from water.
- Remove the battery. The manuals usually say that you can leave it in place as long as it is protected enough not to cause a short circuit. After all, electric bikes must withstand harsh weather conditions such as rain and snow, but to avoid minor complications, we advise you to remove the battery.
- For more comfort, you can turn the e-bike upside down so that it rests on the handlebars and the seat. You can also cover both parts with plastic wrap to protect them from water. This way you can turn the wheels comfortably without destabilizing the e-bike itself.
Electric bike cleaning
- Start cleaning your electric bike with water. Use a small glass to scoop water from a bucket, or use a garden hose.
- Then you can clean it with a small rag or brush to remove dirt from hard-to-reach places like pedals, between tires, and brakes.
- Do not worry if water gets into the battery compartment because it is equipped with small internal drainage channels. The plugs are sealed with a special material that protects them from water, corrosion and general damage.
- Clean the gear (chain, sprockets, cassettes, front derailleur) with a bicycle degreaser. Leave the cleaner for 5 minutes and then wipe it with a damp cloth or thick paper, but proceed slowly to reach hard-to-reach places.
- Now go to the brakes and clean them with disk brake cleaner. Wipe them slowly and try not to use homemade cleaners. They usually have a bad effect on the performance of the brakes.
After cleaning the e-bike
Use a dry cloth to remove water residue from the bike. Do this patiently, because if you leave small traces of water or moisture, your bike will become even dirtier in a shorter time. Pay special attention to the battery compartment. Before you reinstall the battery, the battery compartment must be completely dry.
Now that you know how to clean an electric bike, there are no excuses! All you need is a little patience and a few things you can easily find at home or the nearest hardware store. Take good care of your electric bike, you’ll not regret it.