By now the cold winter weather is behind us and spring is in full effect. That probably means you are keen to get on your electric bike and explore the great outdoors.
But, what if your Ebike was neglected during winter? Then you may need to prepare your Ebike first by performing some basic DIY maintenance checks, equipping yourself with the right accessories, and following some essential safety tips are all great ways to prepare both your Ebike and yourself for spring cycling.
Why Spring Prep Matters for Ebike Riders
There are many reasons why preparing your Ebike this riding season is important. Ebikes left unused or under-utilised for long periods may exhibit signs of wear and tear. Dry and rusty chains, under-inflated tyres, and loose nuts and bolts are all signs of an Ebike in need of a service.
Exposure to cold weather can impact the performance and longevity of an Ebike’s electrical components. Batteries stored in below freezing temperatures may not last as long on a single charge as they once did.
For these reasons, perform a pre-ride check before embarking on a spring cycling adventure.
Essential Pre-Ride Checks
Below is a brief rundown of the key components to check during a pre-ride inspection. Most Ebike tool kits contain everything you need to perform a pre-ride check. They typically contain a multitool, minipump, and puncture repair accessories.
Charge the Battery
The battery is the lifeblood of your electric bike, supplying power to the motor and electrical assist capabilities. Check the connectors for dirt, rust, grime, and corrosion.
Then use a clean dry cloth to remove these surface impurities.
When storing your battery for long periods (especially in winter), store it at a temperature range of 10°C to 25°C. Also, ensure the battery’s charge at 40 to 60%. Ensure the battery is fully charged before embarking on your first spring ride.
At Heybike our lithium batteries can hold a charge for several months even when left unused for long periods. By following our manufacturer guidelines, you’ll enjoy a long-lasting battery that will keep you riding for longer.
Inspect the Braking System
Precise braking is vital to avoiding sudden obstacles and maintaining a safe speed. Therefore, you should test the braking system before your spring time ride.
Ride a short distance then squeeze on the front and rear brake levers; first all at once, then separately. Are the levers too touchy, bringing you to a complete stop too soon?
Do you have to squeeze really hard on the levers to stop? Either way, adjust the brakes until you can stop safely and efficiently.
Inspect the brake pads or hydraulic discs for wear and tear. If the brake pads are 1mm or less in thickness, have them replaced immediately.
Similarly, for hydraulic disc brakes, if there's a reduction in braking power, noise, or a spongy/hard pedal feeling, braking pads or braking oil may need replacing.
Check the Tyre Pressure
The correct tyre pressure helps you keep more rubber on the surface. Not only does this increase your traction and stability but also help you absorb the shock and impact of rough surfaces and minor bumps.
To check the tyre pressure, refer to the sidewall on the tyres. They’ll tell you the recommended PSI range. Your tyre size will determine which PSI range is right for you.
The recommended PSI range for mountain bikes is usually 36 to 65 PSI and for city bikes is about 75 to 100 PSI.
Check the Drivetrain
The drivetrain on an Ebike enables you to pedal forward and change gears. After a long period of inactivity in winter the drivetrain’s components will need degreasing and re-lubricating.
To service your drivetrain, flip your Ebike upside down. Thoroughly clean the chain with a degreaser and dry cloth to remove dirt, grime, and other impurities. Apply lubricant to the chain. Then slowly rotate the pedals backward, ensuring an even distribution of lubricant.
Test the Lights & Electronics
Testing the lights on your Ebike will help you remain visible in low visibility conditions. Meanwhile, testing the electronics will ensure your display screen and electrical assist capabilities are working correctly.
If your Ebike has reflective lights on the rear frame and wheels, thoroughly clean them to ensure maximum visibility. Ensure the front light is illuminating at its intended brightness, replacing the bulb if necessary.
If your Ebike has a display screen, interact with it to ensure it’s easy to see and responsive to your inputs. Test the different pedal assist levels. If the pedal assist is too fast or slow, slow to kick in, or cuts out randomly, have it serviced by a professional.
Clean the Electric Bike
Cleaning your Ebike after a rough winter is a great way to improve its appearance and keep it properly maintained. Dirt, salt, and snow can get caked into the frame’s surface and if left untreated, could lead to corrosion and wear.
When cleaning an Ebike, avoid spraying high-pressure water directly on the electrical components. Doing so could result in moisture damage to the battery or motor necessitating a costly replacement.
Create a cleaning solution of warm water and mild dish detergent. Dip a sponge into the solution and thoroughly clean the frame of any surface impurities. Once finished, use a dry cloth to wipe down all wet areas.
Extra Protection for Spring Weather
Spring usually offers favourable riding conditions. It’s warmer than autumn and winter, and cooler than summer. However, rain and storms can still occur, resulting in damp conditions and muddy surfaces.
Investing in the following equipment can help protect you and your Ebike in spring.
- Cover: Made of thick and durable waterproof fabric, quality Ebike covers are double stitched and heat sealed. They help eliminate the risk of moisture damage. Use one if you cannot store your Ebike undercover.
- Rear rack: Increase your storage capacity by attaching a rear rack to your Ebike’s frame. Use it to transport all kinds of goods, from groceries to work supplies, without the burden of wearing a backpack. Rear racks are typically included free of charge with any purchase of a Heybike electric bike.
- Fender: Also known as mudguards, fenders are secured to the front and rear frame. By covering the top half of your tyres, they help prevent mud and moisture from hitting you or your clothes, keeping your clothes and frame cleaner.
Ride Smart: Spring Safety Reminders
Aside from equipping yourself with the right accessories, following rider safety tips is essential to protecting yourself and others. Follow these tips to stay safe during your spring cycling adventures.
- Wear a Helmet: Wearing a helmet effectively reduces the risk of sustaining a head injury in certain situations. When purchasing a helmet, ensure it conforms to current regulations, is the correct size, and is fastened securely to your head.
- Know the Rules: Stay updated on the relevant Ebike laws in your local area, especially before riding incertain national parks and on trails. In most cases, where you can ride a traditional pedal bike you can also ride an Ebike, but there are exceptions. Refer to your local council or national park website for confirmation.
- Be Visible: When riding in low visibility such as fog or at night, wear bright clothing that is easy to see from a reasonable distance. Also use your front light when necessary to illuminate the path ahead and be seen by others.
Ride Into Spring With Confidence
Coming out of winter and into spring is an exciting time. No more cold freezing nights, only fresh air and sunshine. By following the steps in this article, you’ll be ready to ride into spring safely and confidently.
To elevate your spring cycling adventures, explore our electric bike range today. Discover how our Ebikes can help make your daily commutes easier and more enjoyable.
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