E-bike servicing: 7 things you should know

An e-bike requires to be serviced regularly almost as much as a car. Furthermore, due to its greater weight and typically higher demands, an e-bike is exposed to more wear and tear than a conventional bicycle. But how often does my e-bike need to be serviced? What is done during an e-bike service? And what are the actual costs? We answer these and other questions in this article.

"If you love your bike, push it" is a well-known saying. As cycling enthusiasts, we’re naturally unimpressed by that. Instead, the motto should be: "If you love your bike, look after it". Or in the case of e-bikes: "If you love your e-bike, send it to be serviced." As with cars, e-bikes can also be serviced regularly. The following sections show you what you should bear in mind.

Important: Regular servicing helps to identify and rectify potential problems at an early stage before they lead to serious safety risks or expensive repairs.

1. Why your e-bike needs to be serviced

Imagine the first big e-bike tour of the year. Nothing can dampen the joy faster than unexpected problems with your e-bike. Regular servicing helps to identify potential problems at an early stage and rectify them before they lead to serious safety risks or expensive repairs. When your e-bike undergoes a service, it is essentially a complete check-up to make sure it is working properly, with every aspect thoroughly checked. A reputable dealer will point out the option of servicing when you buy your e-bike.

2. E-bike servicing: how often and when you should carry it out

Such an e-bike check makes particular sense in spring, after your electric bike has been standing a lot over the winter months. Accordingly, we recommend that you have your e-bike checked once a year at the start of the season. For optimum maintenance, we even recommend having it serviced twice: one at the end and one at the beginning of the season. If you use your e-bike a lot, we also recommend having it serviced after around 2,000 kilometres. If problems occur between the service intervals, you can have the required repair work done at the same time as the servicing.

The first service of your e-bike should take place after one year or 2,000 kilometres at the latest. Depending on the bike dealer, the first service may be due 300 or 500 kilometres after purchase. You should definitely clarify this, as having your e-bike serviced properly may affect your warranty claim.

3. You can have your e-bike serviced here

There are various options available to you for having your e-bike serviced. One option is to go directly to the specialist dealer where you bought your e-bike. Many specialist dealers offer special service packages or service plans for the models they sell. Alternatively, there are independent bike workshops that specialise in e-bikes. They may offer a wide range of services - from standard maintenance to specific repairs. Reviews from other customers can give you an insight into the quality of the services.

Practical: You can find your nearest KALKHOFF dealer in our KALKHOFF dealer search.

4. E-bike service checklist: What it involves

A thorough e-bike service covers various areas. This is how the dealers ensure that your bike is running reliably. This includes checking the brakes for wear and correct adjustment, checking the tyres for wear and correct air pressure, and checking that the gears are working smoothly.

Electronic components such as the motor, battery and display are checked for error codes and the need for software updates. Important mechanical parts such as the frame, handlebars and seat post are checked for damage and to ensure they are securely fitted. The service also includes the lubrication of moving parts to reduce wear and extend service life. 

Please note: The details may vary slightly from retailer to retailer. The respective shop will provide precise information on what work is being carried out and why.

Here, we have listed the most important to-dos of a typical e-bike service:

- E-bike software: reading out error codes, checking the current software version, software updates if necessary
- Motor: Performance check, sensor check, troubleshooting if necessary
- Battery: Checking the battery's status, verifying its lifespan, and performing troubleshooting if necessary.
- Display: Performance check, check cable connections, troubleshooting if necessary
- Brakes: Performance check of the brakes, adjustment if necessary, replacement of the brake pads if necessary
- Gears: Gear serviceion, cleaning and lubricating the chain, and adjusting the gears if necessary.
- Tyres: serviceion for damage, pressure check, and replacing the tyre and inner tube if necessary.
- Lighting system: serviceion of lighting system, replacement of any defective parts
- Bicycle: Checking the strength of the frame, handlebars and other components, tightening bolts to the correct torque.

5. E-bike service costs: What does an e-bike service cost?

The cost of an e-bike service can vary depending on the scope of the work carried out and the location of the workshop. In general, you can expect to pay between 50 and 150 euros. This price range refers to a standard service without the replacement of wearing parts. 

Should additional repairs or the replacement of parts be necessary, the costs may increase accordingly. Some garages also offer service packages or annual maintenance contracts, which can be more cost-effective in the long term.

6. Mandatory e-bike servicing: To what extent is servicing mandatory?

Although there is no statutory servicing obligation for private e-bike owners, we recommend this for safety reasons and to maintain the performance of your e-bike. You should always see servicing as a preventive measure to avoid accidents and expensive repairs.

Please note: Specific requirements or service intervals may be specified for commercially used e-bikes or those that are used as part of a leasing contract. Find out about your leasing conditions here.

7. Can I do service the e-bike myself?

Theoretically yes, but in practice, very few people are able to do so. A basic service can only be carried out with a high level of technical knowledge and specialised tools. This can include the serviceion and maintenance of components such as tyres, brakes, and chain.

However, special tools and expertise are required for more complex systems such as electronics, motor, and battery. For these areas, it is advisable to consult a specialist. A professional service ensures that your e-bike is fully functional and safe.

Everything you need to know about servicing your e-bike: Summary

A comprehensive e-bike service is essential to ensure the safety, performance and longevity of your e-bike. It includes checking mechanical and electronic components, from brakes, tyres and gears to the motor, battery and software. While simple maintenance tasks such as checking the tyre pressure or cleaning the bike can be carried out by some e-bike owners themselves, more complex tasks such as checking the electronics or updating the software require specialist knowledge and special equipment.

Although servicing is not a legal requirement, it is strongly recommended for safety reasons and to avoid expensive repairs. Always remember: An investment in regular servicing is an investment in the reliability and safety of your e-bike. Or as we said at the beginning: "If you love your e-bike, send it to be serviced."