E-bike maintenance guide!

Your e-bike accompanies you on all terrains, but have you ever thanked it by offering it real maintenance? Here's how to take care of your car to keep it on top, season after season.

Why maintain your electric bike?

An e-bike is a great investment and an indispensable companion for exploring powerful and agile trails. However, its electronic components require regular maintenance to ensure longevity and efficiency. Neglecting maintenance can significantly reduce the life of the battery and motor, two key components on which the range and performance of the electric bike depend.

Whether you're a casual rider or an off-road enthusiast, adopting proper maintenance practices can maximize your riding pleasure while protecting your gear.

So learn how to protect your e-bike from weather damage, shocks, and premature wear for more reliable and long-lasting adventures.

Cleaning Basics

When you clean your e-bike, you need the right method to protect the electronic components. If used incorrectly, this can damage the battery, motor, and sensors of the e-bike, reducing the range, power, and reliability of the machine.

Before you begin, you should remove the battery and check that the power is off. This simple precaution will prevent water from entering the circuit and protect the connectors from oxidation. Avoid using a pressure washer, as the powerful spray can force moisture into the motor or cables, causing irreversible damage.

Once the e-bike is immobilized, focus on degreasing the drivetrain (chain, flywheel, derailleur), an essential step to remove dirt and abrasive residues that accelerate wear.

Then clean the frame and components with a mild, non-corrosive cleaner specifically designed for bicycles so that you don't damage surfaces and materials.

Finally, rinse with warm water to avoid leaving traces of limescale, then dry each component thoroughly with a microfiber cloth, paying particular attention to hidden areas such as electrical connections.

Battery Care

An e-bike battery is more than just an energy tank, it's a strategic element that directly impacts your riding experience. Its battery life and longevity depend on rigorous maintenance, built-in smart charging practices, proper storage, and active monitoring. By following these steps, you can avoid costly expenses and enjoy a reliable power supply, even for hundreds of miles.

Properly charge the battery

You should avoid letting the battery fully discharge to 0%, or leaving it at 100%. These habits can stress the battery and reduce its capacity in the long run. Partial charging is recommended, ideally between 20% and 80%, to keep it chemically sound.

Best Storage Method

If you don't plan to use your e-bike for a few weeks, for example for winter storage, don't store it with the battery fully charged or empty. A charge level between 40% and 60% is ideal for minimizing battery degradation.

Store the battery in a dry, mild environment (10°C to 20°C), away from direct sunlight, radiators, or uninsulated garages. Repeated exposure to temperatures below 0°C or above 30°C can cause irreversible damage.

👉 For LANKELEISI electric mountain bikes with 48V lithium batteries, it is recommended not to go below 20% charge in order to preserve the life of the cells. Also remember to recharge every 2 months if you don't use it in winter.

Handling and monitoring

A well-maintained battery also requires regular inspection. Check its metal connectors for corrosion, dust, etc. If necessary, gently wipe with a dry cloth or soft brush. Also pay attention to its appearance: swelling, cracks or leaks of fluid are warning signs that it needs to be replaced immediately.

It's best to get into the habit of checking the remaining battery life and discharge rate every time you go out. A sudden drop in performance can indicate an unbalanced or prematurely aged battery, sometimes requiring calibration or professional intervention.

Transmission System Maintenance

The transmission mainly transmits the power of the engine to the rear wheels, and its good condition determines smoothness, quietness and efficiency. A poorly maintained chain, a worn cassette or a dirty derailleur can reduce battery life, create unnecessary noise or even cause a derailment on a climb. To avoid these inconveniences, it is crucial to carry out adequate and regular maintenance.

Regular degreasing to remove dirt

Dirt, sand, and greasy residue can act as abrasives and accelerate the wear of the chain links and teeth of the cassette. Use a biodegradable degreaser that is less aggressive to the environment and components, by applying the product to a chain brush or cloth.

Pay special attention to critical areas such as derailleur sprockets and chain rollers. Then rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly to prevent corrosion.

Field-Friendly Lubrication

Selecting the appropriate lubricant is essential. In dry, dusty environments, choose a dry lubricant, such as wax or Teflon-based, which is less likely to attract dirt. On the other hand, wet lubricant is preferred on rainy or muddy terrain because it is more resistant to washing.

Apply lubricant to the moving chain and wipe off any excess to prevent dust buildup. Clean and relubricate the transmission after each muddy ride to remove abrasive particles.

Wear control

Excessively worn chains can damage the cassette and sprockets, increasing repair costs. Measure its elongation with a wear tester: if the index exceeds 0.75%, replace it immediately.

Also check the teeth of the cassette and sprocket. Asymmetrical, pointed or bent teeth indicate significant wear and tear and should be replaced. A damaged flywheel will reduce the precision of shifting and increase the risk of derailment.

By incorporating these movements into your daily routine, you'll extend the life of your drivetrain, save energy, and ensure a consistently smooth ride even on the most technical terrain.

Engine maintenance

The battery of an electric bike is the component that converts the energy of the battery into pedaling power. Their proper operation is essential to ensure stable performance and avoid sudden failures. Unlike mechanical parts, these components require special attention, including thorough cleaning and active monitoring for warning signs.

Cleaning the sensor and connections

Sensors (cadence, torque, speed) and electrical connectors are sensitive to dust, moisture and electrostatic discharge. After each ride, gently wipe these areas with a dry anti-static cloth. Avoid using liquid products or damp cloths as they can cause a short circuit.

Pay close attention to cables and plugs, checking that they are properly connected and free of corrosion. If necessary, use a clean contact spray to improve conductivity, but always follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

Regular inspection

Unexplained power outages, unusual noises, or unusual vibrations are signs that should not be ignored. They may indicate motor imbalance, bearing damage, or firmware issues. Also visually inspect the engine for cracks, signs of impact, or water ingress.

If in doubt, consult a LANKELEISI professional: Mid-drive motors are complex systems and their disassembly often requires specific tools. The intervention of an amateur can void the warranty or aggravate the damage.

General Inspection of Mechanical Parts

Your e-bike is based on a balance of electronic and mechanical components. Regular inspections of key components such as brakes, suspension and tyres are essential to ensure safety, comfort and performance, especially on rough terrain where every detail counts.

Brake pads for electric bike

Brake failure can put your safety at risk. Check the brake pads regularly for wear: If the brake pads are less than 1.5 mm thick, they should be replaced immediately.

Also check the disc for deep scratches or deformations, which would indicate a loss of efficiency.

For cable brakes, adjust the tension to prevent excessive lever travel. For hydraulic brakes, check the fluid level and bleed the system if the lever seems spongy.

Electric Bike Tires

Terrain-specific inflation improves grip and reduces the risk of punctures. Choose 2 to 2.5 strips on hard surfaces and 1.5 to 2 strips on soft surfaces.

For tubeless tires, check for sealant leaks every 3 months. If you have an inner tube, check it after a flat tire to avoid a recurrence due to a stuck foreign object.

Maintenance frequency and schedule

Regular, scheduled maintenance is essential to avoid unexpected breakdowns and extend the life of your e-ATV. By adjusting interventions based on usage intensity and driving conditions, you can maintain optimal performance while reducing repair costs in the long run.

Maintenance after each ride

After an off-road or muddy ride, take 10 to 15 minutes to do a quick cleanup. Wipe the frame and components with a damp cloth to remove abrasive dirt, then lubricate the chain if necessary. Also check the tire pressure and tighten loose screws (bike saddle, frame). These simple actions prevent debris buildup and premature wear.

Monthly/quarterly inspections

Perform a thorough inspection every 1 to 3 months, depending on how often you use it:

• Brakes: Brake pad thickness, brake disc alignment, hydraulic fluid level.
• Drivetrain: Chain wear, cassette and sprocket condition.
• Tires: tread wear, sidewall integrity (cuts, cracks).
• Electronics: The sensors are working properly, the connectors are clean and dry.

5 common mistakes to avoid

Even with the best of intentions, some maintenance mistakes can shorten the life of your e-bike or impair its performance. Here are the most common ones to avoid:

1. Wash the ATV with a high-pressure jet

Why it's a mistake:

Water pressure can force moisture into electrical components, bearings, or the motor. This promotes corrosion and damages internal circuitry.

What to do instead:

Use a soft cloth, sponge, and bucket of soapy water. Rinse with a light trickle of water, without insisting on sensitive areas.

2. Grease the chain without cleaning it first

Why it's a mistake:

Applying lubricant to a dirty chain creates an abrasive paste that wears out the transmission prematurely.

What to do instead:

Clean the chain first with a suitable degreaser, then dry it before applying a thin layer of lubricant.

3. Leaving the battery plugged in for too long once full

Why it's a mistake:

Prolonged overloading can cause chemical degradation of lithium cells and reduce overall battery life.

What to do instead:

Disconnect the battery as soon as it is full. If your LANKELEISI charger switches off automatically, that's a good thing, but it's best not to leave the battery plugged in for hours unnecessarily.

4. Forgetting to check the tightness of the screws after an off-road ride

Why it's a mistake:

Vibrations on rough paths can loosen certain elements such as the handlebars, pedals or luggage rack. This can cause accidents.

What to do instead:

Run an Allen wrench on the key points after each ride: stem, pedalboard, drum holder, etc.

5. Store the bike in a damp or poorly ventilated area

Why it's a mistake:

Moisture attacks metal components (rust), but also electronic circuits.

What to do instead:

Store the mountain bike in a dry place, at room temperature, preferably away from extreme variations (ventilated garage, dry cellar, indoor room).

Conclusion

By following these simple yet essential tips, you can extend the life of your e-mountain bike and ride with confidence.

✅ Are you using a LANKELEISI? Find our personalized advice for each model on our blog.