Electric bike repair is a common task that the most avid riders need to take into consideration.
From recharging your battery to ensuring the connections are tight, you’ll likely have to troubleshoot your ride at some point.
Let’s go over the top electric bicycle repair tips you can do at home and when to find professional eBike repair.
Why Is My Electric Bike Not Working?
Before you begin taking your bike apart, it’s essential to ask yourself what the problems are first.
Depending on the situation, there are certain repairs to be done for specific components.
For example, an issue with the handlebars could also relate to a problem with the throttle.
Consider answering these questions before going forth with electric bicycle repair:
Is the battery charged?
Although it seems straightforward, it’s often that eBike owners inadvertently forget to charge their rides.
If you’ve tried to start your bike and have found it refuses to jump to life, it could mean the battery is dead.
Ensure you plug the battery in to charge after you are finished with a ride so that it’s ready for next time.
Is the charger working?
If you are experiencing numerous issues with your bike not having a charge, it could be the charger’s fault.
To check it, all you have to do is plug it into the wall and note any indicator lights that appear.
If nothing illuminates, it could mean the charger is defective and needs to be replaced.
On the other hand, your charger could have an incorrect voltage for your battery size.
You’ll want to make sure you choose a charger that can handle the amount of power your battery has.
Otherwise, it won’t be able to charge it altogether or at all.
Are there signs of physical damage on the bike?
In instances where you see noticeable damage to your bike, it could mean internal damage, as well.
Riders who have accidental crashes can expect to replace a couple of parts.
We recommend inspecting the damaged area to determine if any further repairs or replacements are needed.
Is the e-brake engaged?
This feature is dependent on the model you purchase, but most eBikes have an e-brake.
If that function is enabled, the throttle likely won’t be able to turn the motor on.
Check the brake and disengage it if necessary.
Then, test the throttle a second time.
If the issue persists, it could be a problem with the controller and motor, as we explore below.
How Do I Fix My Electric Bike?
If everything seems to be in relatively good condition, but your bike still isn’t working, it’s time to troubleshoot.
Fortunately, determining the problem with bike accessories can be relatively simple.
Battery Concerns
Here are the most common battery concerns that eBike riders should be aware of and how to address them:
Low Voltage
Riders who find their bikes don’t have as much power as before could be dealing with a low voltage problem.
Over time, the quality of batteries will degrade, causing them to hold a significantly lower charge.
To check the voltage of your eBike battery, you should invest in a voltmeter.
You’ll then need to connect the negative and positive prongs of your battery to the voltmeter.
The device will provide you with a reading that will tell you the voltage output.
If it’s less than what you expected, it could mean that you need a battery replacement.
Dead Battery
Electric bike batteries can take a long time to get a full charge, which is expected.
When your battery has been sitting dead for extended periods, it will need a lot longer to get full.
It can be beneficial to let the battery charge for eight consecutive hours to see if it gets full.
If it has been charging for at least eight hours and still isn’t working, you’ll need a replacement.
This problem could occur for several reasons, whether it’s been unused for too long or overcharged in the past.
Battery Connectivity
The more often you ride your bike, the looser its components will become, including the battery.
You might notice that your battery prongs will get misaligned with the other circuits in your bike.
When this happens, you’ll need to remove the battery and realign the prongs so that they fit properly.
It’s best if you can use a wrench or a small pair of pliers to manipulate the prongs to the correct position gently.
To test if the battery is working, put it into your charger and see if the indicator lights work.
If so, you can reinstall the battery, and your bike should be working.
Controller Issues
Aside from the battery, there could also be problems with the eBike’s controllers.
Poor Speeds
The controller is one of your eBike’s most important components.
As its name suggests, it’s responsible for controlling all of the tasks your bike completes.
One of these tasks is the speed, which can be affected by broken or loose wires.
If your bike has started to give you lower-than-normal speeds, we recommend exposing the controller.
Then, trace the wires from the controller to all of the other components to check the wire quality and tightness.
Low speeds could also result from a dead or dying battery, which is something to note.
Controller Randomly Turns On/Off
If you’ve determined there aren’t any loose wires, the controller could be at fault.
Most eBikes come with short-circuit protection and overheating protection.
Owners who notice their controllers are working intermittently are typically dealing with high- or low-temperature variations.
When the controller overheats, it will automatically turn off to prevent the device from catching fire.
This issue can arise from misuse, improper upgrades, or generic wear and tear.
At this point, you will need to consider replacing the controller, as temperature control is essential.
Water Damage
It can be beneficial to buy a waterproof eBike for the sole reason of protecting the controller.
If you know you don’t have waterproofing and have ridden your bike in the rain, water could have entered the controller.
One of the top recommendations is to give the bike more than 24 hours to dry completely before running diagnostics.
Once dry, try turning the bike on and check all of its functions, including the LCD.
If there’s significant water damage, you’ll have to replace the entire controller.
Improper Controller Wiring
When you make upgrades to your electric bike, you’re likely to make a couple of mistakes.
Improperly wired controllers are an easy issue to fix, as you only need to rewire the components.
Check the colors of your wires and the inputs on the controller to ensure they are accurate.
With the bike running, keep an eye on the connections to see signs of damage.
For example, melted wires or the smell of melting wires means improper contact.
If there are specific parts that smell like burnt plastic, they could be defective and need replacement.
Motor Concerns
Lastly, there could also be issues with the motor itself.
Here are the most common motor problems and how to troubleshoot them:
Chainstay Motor Connection
Once you’ve gone through troubleshooting the controller, you should know all the wire connections are tight.
If you’re still experiencing problems with your eBike not starting, though, it could be the chainstay motor connection.
This is where your bike’s chain is located and is near the rear hub of the motor mount.
Check the frame to ensure it’s connected correctly and that the chain or belt is properly installed.
You might also find that your chain needs to be replaced, which is typical for electric bikes.
Over time, you will need to change your chain, primarily if you use it frequently.
Motor Inhibitors
Checking your motor inhibitors is another standard troubleshooting tip for dealing with the motor.
This component will turn the motor off when the brakes are engaged, making it an essential safety feature.
Sometimes, the inhibitors can move even when the brakes aren’t engaged, resulting in the throttle not working.
You’ll want to access the motion cut sensors, which are generally near the throttle and behind your LCD.
Repairing the motor inhibitors will require professional assistance, as you could need to replace the switch or brake levers.
Attempting to repair them without experience can cause the brakes to disconnect while riding.
Do Electric Bikes Need Servicing?
Professional repairs are essential to the longevity of your bike.
Although you can do most electric bike maintenance at home, professionals can address and repair any issues.
You should take your eBike in every six months for a tune-up, depending on how much you ride it.
If you use your eBike every day, you might want to have it checked every 800 miles, while casual riders should consider 1200 miles.
Riders with limited repair experience should always seek professional eBike repair to protect their investment.
Improperly diagnosing and correcting problem areas can lead to significant bike damage and personal injuries.
Fortunately, finding a service station should be relatively easy, especially if you live in a big city.
eBikes have boomed in popularity as a more eco-friendly method of transportation on public land.
As such, it will be easy for you to find the perfect shop to get regular maintenance from.
At-Home Electric Bike Maintenance
To make sure your investment lasts for years to come, follow these eBike maintenance tips you can do at home:
Maintain Your Tires
One of the most important maintenance tips is to make sure your mountain bike tires are in tip-top shape.
Not only should they be full of air, but the tread should also be in good condition.
It can be beneficial to invest in an air pump that you can use at home for air top-ups.
Regular Brake Inspections
As one of the essential components of your eBike, make sure you always check the brakes.
You’ll want to check if the stopping power is in working condition to prevent accidents.
If you see significant signs of brake damage, it’s time to book a professional service appointment.
Maintaining Your Chain
Another essential part of electric bike maintenance is to check if the chain or belt is regularly maintained.
The chain is responsible for making the entire drivetrain work correctly and can cause expensive damage.
It should be cleaned and lubricated regularly for optimal performance.
Electric Bike Repair: Final Thoughts
Electric bike repair can give you the ability to keep your eBike in pristine condition.
With the help of seasoned professionals, you can have any problems effortlessly diagnosed and fixed.
However, it’s also vital that you conduct regular maintenance at home.
