E-Bike Maintenance Schedule: Keep Your Bike Running Perfectly

An e-bike that's maintained properly lasts twice as long as one that's neglected. Here's the schedule that keeps everything running, broken down by frequency.

Weekly (5 Minutes)

These quick checks prevent small issues becoming expensive ones:

1. Tyre pressure: Check with a gauge, inflate to recommended psi. Under-inflated tyres waste battery and wear faster.
2. Brake function: Squeeze both levers, ensure firm bite and no rubbing.
3. Chain lubrication: Quick visual check. If dry or noisy, one drop per link and wipe excess.
4. Lights: Front and rear working? Charge if battery-powered.
5. Quick visual: Any loose bolts, damage, or unusual wear?

Monthly (30 Minutes)

1. Deep chain clean: Degrease, scrub, dry, re-lubricate properly.
2. Brake pad inspection: Check remaining material. Replace below 1mm.
3. Tyre inspection: Look for cuts, embedded glass/flints, sidewall damage.
4. Battery connector check: Clean any visible corrosion, ensure firm connection.
5. Bolt check: Stem, handlebars, seat post, pedals, axles — hand-tight with appropriate torque.
6. Display and controls: All buttons working? Software up to date?

Quarterly (1-2 Hours)

1. Full brake service: Clean rotors with isopropyl alcohol, bed in new pads if replaced, check cable/hose condition.
2. Wheel true: Spin each wheel and check for wobble. True if more than 2mm deviation.
3. Headset check: Lift front wheel, turn bars. Any notchiness means the headset needs attention.
4. Drivetrain wear: Measure chain stretch with a chain checker. Replace at 0.75% (mid-drive motors are harder on chains).
5. Battery health check: Note your typical range — if it's dropped significantly, investigate.
6. Suspension service (if equipped): Clean stanchions, check for oil weep, ensure smooth action.

Annually (Professional Service Recommended)

1. Full motor system diagnostic: Dealer check of motor, controller, and sensors.
2. Battery capacity test: Measure actual Wh remaining vs original spec.
3. Bearing check: Bottom bracket, headset, wheel bearings — replace if rough.
4. Hydraulic brake bleed: Fresh fluid annually maintains consistent feel.
5. Full cable/hose replacement (if needed): Gear cables stretch, brake hoses age.
6. Software update: Ensure motor firmware is current.
7. Frame inspection: Check for cracks at welds, pivot points (full-sus), and dropout faces.

Mid-Drive Motor Specific

Mid-drive motors (Bosch, Shimano, Brose) are harder on drivetrains:

• Chain: Replace every 1,500-2,500km (vs 3,000-5,000km on hub motor bikes)
• Cassette: Every 2-3 chains
• Chainring: Every 3-4 chains
• Shifting adjustment: More frequent due to higher chain forces

Hub Motor Specific

Hub motors are simpler but have their own needs:

• Motor bearing check: Listen for grinding. Annual inspection.
• Spoke tension: Hub motors stress spokes differently. Check more frequently.
• Connector integrity: The cable to the hub is vulnerable. Inspect regularly.

UK Winter Additional Tasks

Between October and March:

• Clean and re-lube after every wet ride
• Apply anti-corrosion spray (ACF-50) to exposed metal
• Check for salt damage if riding on gritted roads
• Increase brake pad check frequency (grit accelerates wear)
• Store battery indoors in freezing conditions

DIY vs Professional

Tools You Need

• Track pump with gauge (£30)
• Chain checker (£10)
• Allen key set (3-8mm) (£15)
• Torque wrench (£40)
• Chain cleaner tool (£10)
• Degreaser and chain lube (£15)
• Isopropyl alcohol for brakes (£5)

Total kit cost: ~£125. Pays for itself after 2-3 services you'd otherwise pay a shop for.

For battery-specific maintenance, read our battery guide or the Sur-Ron battery care article.