Bike maintenance is essential to ensuring that your E-Bike riding experience is both safe and enjoyable. In this article, we will outline some regular and periodic maintenance activities for owners to expect.
Regular E-Bike Maintenance
Below is a list of all the E-Bike maintenance activities you should expect to perform over time.
Before each ride
Inspect your E-Bike
Check the bike components for signs of improper alignment, security, and function. Our New Owner’s Guide has more information on pre-ride inspections, click here to learn more.
As needed basis
Clean your E-Bike
Never use pressure washers to clean your E-Bike; instead, use a moist (not wet) cloth and non-corrosive cleaners. Avoid water damage to prevent your warranty from being voided.
Check out our Bike Cleaning and Rust & Electrical Damage Prevention Guide for more information.
Replace brake pads
As E-Bikes carry more weight and travel at higher speeds than regular bikes, their brake pads normally wear down faster than on non-electric bikes.
To ensure that your E-Bike remains safe to ride, check brake pads regularly and replace them when they are worn. For more information on this, check out our article on Brake Pad Replacement.
Inspect the paint
Visually inspect the frame on the E-Bike. Also, pay attention to chips. Use touch-up paint to prevent rust.
Once every 6 months
Perform maintenance checks
Consult a local, certified, and reputable bike mechanic. Explore our repair network to locate options in your area.
Bike Maintenance Schedule
Ensure your E-Bike's safety and optimal performance by regularly inspecting and maintaining it. We generally recommend inspections and service based on the distance intervals outlined below but advise more aggressive riders and riders who live in hilly or humid areas to inspect their bike immediately if any issues arise or after a fall or other accident.
Note: Have a certified, reputable bike mechanic inspect your bike after any fall, crash, or accident to ensure its safety and prevent potential injury or death. Pay special attention to the battery after a crash, as even if there are no visible signs of damage, it may still be damaged and cause further bike damage or create a fire hazard.
50-100 Miles (80-160 km)
How Often:
- Right after Break In Period
Inspection Required:
- Inspect all cables for damage.
- Check the chain for stretch.
- Check wheel spoke tension and the trueness of the wheels.
- Check all bolted connections for loosening and ensure they are tightened to recommended torque values. See New Owner’s Manual for more information on this.
Service Required:
- Have a certified, reputable bike mechanic perform a thorough tune-up.
Note: A certified, reputable bike mechanic should perform a thorough tune-up after the break-in period, or sooner if you ride aggressively, with heavy payloads, or in harsh conditions, to prevent component failure and potential injury or death that can occur due to stretching or loosening of components.
100–200 Miles (160 - 320 km)
How Often:
- Every Month
Inspection Required:
- Check the 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 the frame for any damage.
- Check all bolted connections for loosening and ensure they are tightened to recommended torque values. See New Owner’s Manual for more information on this.
Service Required:
- Clean the E-Bike frame and touch up the paint if necessary.
- Clean and grease the chain.
Replace:
- Replace any components which have been damaged beyond repair.
- Contact Bandit for replacement parts and a reputable bike mechanic to perform this procedure.
250–750 Miles (400–1200 km)
How Often:
- Every 3 Months
Inspection Required:
- Check brake pad wear, alignment, and the brake lever tension.
- Check chain stretch.
- Check shifter cables for corrosion and fraying.
- Check wheel trueness and spoke tension.
- Check for quiet wheel operation (without spoke noise).
Service Required:
- 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.
750–1250 Miles (1200–2000 km)
How Often:
- Every 6 Months
Inspection Required:
- Inspect the drivetrain (chain, chainring, freewheel, and derailleur).
- Inspect all cables and housings.
Service Required:
- Standard tune-up.
- Grease the bottom bracket.
Replace:
- Replace brake pads.
- Replace tires if necessary.
- Replace cables and housings if necessary.