E-bike service

Proper maintenance of your e-bike is one of the most important things you can do to extend the life of the bicycle and ensure your safety in road traffic. Due to the stronger drive and greater weight, electric bicycles are more susceptible to wear-and-tear than conventional bicycles. In addition, there are technical components, like the battery, motor, and display, all of which have their own special maintenance requirements. In this article, you will learn about what maintenance you can perform on your e-bike yourself, when it makes sense to have it serviced in a workshop, and what a service check should include. 

Performing e-bike maintenance yourself

There are many things you can do yourself to keep your bicycle in good running order, including:

  • cleaning the e-bike
  • keeping the air pressure optimal
  • checking the lighting system
  • checking tightness of all screws
  • checking the brake pads
  • checking and lubricating the chain
  • battery care

Regular cleaning protects your e-bike from water damage and road dirt (and, if you live in an area with winter road maintenance, road salt). Once stubborn dirt has settled in for weeks or months, it is much more difficult to remove. Never use a high-pressure water cleaner or aggressive cleaning products; just wash your bicycle gently with a soft cloth and water (plus a mild soap if necessary). Your bicycle shop may also carry cleaning products specially designed for bicycles. If possible, remove or cover sensitive components such as the battery and display before washing to prevent water from entering them. 

You should also check your bicycle regularly for optimum tyre pressure, the functionality of the lighting system, the tightness of all screws, and any wearing of the brakes and brake pads. Lubricating and oiling the chain every 500 to 800 kilometres is recommended. Finally, always handle the battery with care.

How do I care for my e-bike’s battery?

To keep your e-bike battery in the best possible condition, maintain a charging level between 30 and 70%. Always use the original charger and avoid exposing your battery to extreme temperatures in summer or winter. If there is anything about your battery that you are unsure of, contact your dealer.

More about the Bosch e-bike battery

Is it worth taking my e-bike to the workshop for service?

Regardless of your own expertise, it is certainly worthwhile to take your electric bicycle to a workshop for service at regular intervals. The mechanics have the necessary knowledge and tools to professionally maintain your e-bike, and especially its more complex components such as the motor, battery, and display.

What is done during service on an e-bike?

During a service check of your e-bike in a specialist workshop, all electronic and mechanical components are thoroughly examined. The mechanics look at the chain or drive belt, the gears, spoke tension, brakes and brake pads, bottom bracket, display, battery, charger, and motor. Motors such as the Bosch Active Line or Performance Line are generally low maintenance. With special diagnostic tools, the e-bike workshop can perform diagnostics on the electronic components, detect error codes and carry out system updates. The specialist workshop will also preventively replace any parts that are exhibiting wear.

How often does an e-bike need to be serviced?

In addition to maintenance as required, you should have your e-bike serviced at least once a year or every 2,000 kilometres. A service inspection comprehensively checks your e-bike for wear and replaces any worn parts that need replacement. Inspection and service allows the mechanic to detect wear-and-tear and any repair needs at an early stage, which helps prevent breakdowns and accidents. 

More about the e-bike service inspection

When does an e-bike need to be serviced?

In addition to the inspection, your bicycle should also be serviced in the workshop on a regular basis. We recommend you have your e-bike serviced at a specialist workshop at the beginning and end of the cycling season. If you have rarely moved your bicycle during the winter months, this is the time to make it fit for summer and checked for wear and damage. And after a summer season of intensive use, it is good to take a look at what parts may be wearing out or in need of repair. 

How much does an e-bike service inspection cost?

This will depend very much on the work that is done in the course of your service inspection. The cost of a software update is generally in the low double-digits, and you can expect a fairly complex maintenance and service inspection to cost between €45 and €90, depending on the workshop. In addition, there is the replacement of worn parts and any materials needed, plus any additional labour. However, we can say with confidence that despite the expense, regular maintenance and inspection of your electric bicycle pays off: the costs in the event of an accident or serious breakdown can be much higher, and a well-maintained bicycle keeps you as safe as possible on the road. 

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