E-bike Maintenance tips for an effortless Spring!

So, you had the very best of intentions to keep on cycling through those dark cold months. Saving on the travel expenses, while keeping active seemed like a no-brainer, yet, somehow life got in the way and somehow the bike’s stayed in the shed over the last 3 months. Sound familiar? You’re not alone! Yes, just like our hedgehogs and dormice, many bikes find themselves hibernating over winter. 

As the cold winter months draw to a close, many e-bike owners feel that resurgence of enthusiasm and are eager to dust off their saddle and hit the road once again. 

After months of inactivity, it’s important to take a few steps to ensure that your electric bike is ready to pedal. Here are some tips to get you back in the saddle! 

Top Tips to ensure your Ebike is road ready after winter

1. Inspect your tyres: Tyres can lose pressure over time, especially when they sit for long periods of time. Check the tire pressure and inflate them to the recommended PSI (you can locate the PSI on the actual tyre or on your Volt Manual). Inspect your tyres for any cracks, punctures, or signs of wear. If you notice any issues, replace your tyres before going for a ride.

2. Check your brakes: Brakes are an important safety feature on any bike. Make sure your brakes are working correctly by testing them before heading out on a ride. If your brakes are not functioning properly, have them serviced by a professional bike mechanic.

3. Clean your bike: Winter weather can be tough on bikes, and your ebike may have collected dust, dirt, or grime over the winter months. Give your bike a thorough cleaning before your first ride of the spring. Use the Muc Off ebike care bundle or mild soap and water to wash your bike should do, and then dry it thoroughly.

4. Test your lights: If you plan to cycle at night, it’s important to make sure your lights are working properly. Turn on your lights and check that they are functioning correctly. 

5. Lubricate your chain: A well-lubricated chain is essential for smooth and efficient riding. After cleaning your bike, lubricate your chain with a Muc Off – All Weather Lub or a quality bike lubricant. This will help to prevent rust and corrosion, and will ensure that your chain runs smoothly.

6. Check your gears: Make sure your gears are shifting smoothly and correctly. If you notice any issues, have your gears adjusted by a professional bike mechanic.

7. Check your battery: If you followed the battery maintenance guidance, your battery should have been stored at approx. 30-50% capacity (never completely empty!). So now is the time to test it out by fully charging it and taking it for a ride.

With luck, these steps went smoothly AND by following these tips, you can ensure that your ebike is in tip-top condition, READY for a safe and enjoyable ride this spring! You are now set to have some serious fun, safely, just remember to always wear a helmet (Dashel has some very nice ones), obey the highway code, and stay aware of your surroundings while riding. Happy cycling!