Bike maintenance guide
As with any bike, ebikes require regular maintenance to stay safe and fun to ride.
Click on a heading below to learn more about ebike maintenance, and check out the Owner's Manual HERE for recommended maintenance for your model.
Recommended Maintenance
Below is a list of regular maintenance activities you can expect to perform while owning a bike:
- Inspect the bike.
- When: Before each ride
- How: Periodically and before each ride, check the bike components for signs of improper alignment, security and function. See the Pre-Ride Safety Checklist section HERE for more information.
- Clean the bike.
- When: As needed
- How: Clean with a moist rag and non-corrosive biodegradable cleaners. Do not use a pressure washers or hose to clean the bike. This can cause water damage to electrical components and will likely void the warranty. See the Bike Cleaning section below for more details.
- Perform maintenance checks.
- When: Once a year
- How: Consult a local, certified, and reputable bike mechanic, or check if Velofix mobile service is available in your area.
- Replace brake pads.
- When: As needed
- How: Ebikes travel at higher speeds and have more momentum because of the weight of the powered components, so brake pads normally wear down faster than a traditional non-powered bike. Make note of any changes in brake stopping power or uneven brake wear. Brake pads must be replaced when the amount of pad material is less than 1 mm. To learn more information about brake pad replacement, click HERE.
- Inspect the paint.
- When: As needed
- How: Visually inspect the paint on the frame. If the paint has become scratched or chipped in the metal, use touch-up paint to prevent rust. Clear nail polish can also be used as a preventative measure.
Check out our How Often Does My Bike Need Maintenance? article on The Scenic Route for more information, or our Getting Help article to learn about resources for any bike-related questions.
Regular maintenance of any bike is key to ensuring the best possible performance and reducing wear and tear on systems. Ideal service intervals vary depending on use conditions. We generally recommend inspections, service, and necessary replacements be performed at the time and distance intervals described below, but have your bike serviced more frequently if you ride aggressively, with heavy payloads, or in harsh conditions. Have your bike inspected immediately if you notice problems or your bike has been involved in a fall or other accident.
Have your bike inspected by a certified, reputable bike mechanic after any fall, crash, or accident, as these can cause damage (visible or internal/not readily apparent), make your bike unsafe, and lead to serious injury or death. Be particularly cautious about using a battery that has experienced a significant impact from a fall or crash; a damaged battery may not show external signs of damage. Using a damaged battery or charger can create additional bike damage or a fire hazard.
AFTER BREAK-IN PERIOD OF 50–100 MILES (80–160 KM)
Inspect
- Check all cables and the chain for stretch.
- Check spoke tension and the trueness of the wheels.
- Check all bolted connections for loosening and ensure they are tightened to required torque values (see “Tools and torque specifications” section in your bike's Owner's Manual).
Service
- Have a certified, reputable bike mechanic perform a thorough tune-up.
Certain components can stretch or loosen during any bike’s break-in period, which can lead to component failure and potential injury or death. Be sure to have a certified, reputable bike mechanic perform a thorough tune-up after this break-in period or sooner if you notice any problems or if you ride aggressively, with heavy payloads, or in harsh conditions.
WEEKLY, 100–200 MILES (160–320 KM)
Inspect
- Check hardware for proper torque—see “Tools and torque specifications” section in your bike's Owner's Manual.
- Check drivetrain for proper alignment and function (including chain, freewheel, chainring, and derailleur).
- Check wheel trueness and spoke tension, and check for quiet wheel operation (without spoke noise).
- Check frame for any damage.
Service
- Clean frame by wiping frame down with damp cloth.
- Clean and grease the chain.
Replace
- Replace any components confirmed to be broken or damaged beyond repair by Rad Power Bikes Product Support or a certified, reputable bike mechanic.
MONTHLY, 250–750 MILES (400–1200 KM)
Inspect
- Check brake pad wear, alignment, and the brake lever tension.
- Check for proper shifting and proper derailleur cable tension.
- Check chain stretch.
- Check shifter cables for corrosion and fraying.
- Check wheel trueness and spoke tension, and check for quiet wheel operation (without spoke noise).
Service
- Clean and lubricate drivetrain.
- Check crankset and pedal torque.
- Clean shifter cables.
- Tension spokes and true wheels if any loose spokes are found.
Replace
- Replace shifter cables if necessary.
- Replace brake pads if necessary (typically when the pad material is thinner than the backing plate).
EVERY 6 MONTHS, 750–1250 MILES (1200–2000 KM)
Inspect
- Inspect drivetrain (chain, chainring, freewheel, and derailleur).
- Inspect all cables and housings.
Service
- Standard tune-up by certified, reputable bike mechanic.
- Grease bottom bracket.
Replace
- Replace brake pads.
- Replace tires if necessary.
- Replace cables and housings if necessary.
Clean your bike regularly to keep it in safe and working order and extend the life of the bike and its components. Rain, grime, rock salt, and dirt can damage the chain over time, and cleaning your bike and chain regularly will help keep your bike safe and fun to ride.
Check out our bike cleaning article HERE to learn how to clean your bike.
Check out our Three Quick Tips To Prevent Ebike Corrosion post on The Scenic Route for more tips on cleaning your bike, or click HERE to read tips on keeping your bike clean after riding in various weather conditions.
Riding on the beach or in coastal areas exposes your bike to salt, which is very corrosive and can damage electrical and mechanical components. Follow the recommended cleaning and maintenance practices to help increase the longevity of your bike when ridden through salty or dirty environments. Damage from corrosion is not covered under warranty, so take extra precautions when used in coastal areas or areas with salty air or water.
Over time, your bike may require adjustments to keep it safe and fun to ride. Take a look at our adjustment guides below to learn how to keep your bike in great shape so you can keep riding Rad!