Category Archives: Repairing Guides

How Long Do electric bicycle Brakes Last? 

How Long Do electric bicycle Brakes Last? 

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The brakes of an e-bike are very important as they are one of the safety factors in a bike. So owning an e-bike means taking good care of your bike brakes. So we can clarify the answer to the above question through the paragraphs below. Let’s find out how long your bike brakes last.

Normally the manufacturers say that ebike brakes can last about five years. But this depends on how you use it and the manufacturer’s quality of the parts. So, according to the quality, it might vary from 2 to 5 years maximum. As the internet says, the rim brakes endure 3000miles, and the disc brakes endure 6000miles. So this is the lifespan of the brakes, but there might be another problem. Because there will be some parts (pads, rotor) that you might have to change over the years.

So the parts inside the brakes don’t need much analysis. You can know if you have to whether to alter them without much effort cause it’s all numbers. You can measure them and find out.

How do you determine when to replace the brake rotors on your e-bike?

1-Following the Manufacturing guides

Usually, all the manufacturers provide a rotor with a minimum thickness. But there’s a limit to that, so when you reach the limit, you have to change the rotor. So before that, you should measure the sizes of the thickness; it’s a must to measure to see if it is worn out or not. Because the wearing out can affect the pads directly, so you might have to change the rotor and the pads both at the time. It’s better if you change it before extending the minimum thickness.

2- Comparing the thickness of both rotor sides.

So another way is comparing the thickness of your ebike rotor. It’s a must to check both sides. You will be able to find the difference between them. The difference should be less than 2 mm in length, so if it is more than 2mm, you should change the rotor of your ebike.   

3-Checking the braking surface using a paper clip.

So you might not have the required tools to measure your rotor’s thickness, but there’s another way that might help. You can use a braking system using a paper clip surface to check the thickness. Slowly pass the clip on the surface, and if that feels rough or feels like it has something in the end, it means You must alter it. the rotor immediately before its effects on the pads.

4- If you start hearing noise while riding.

Another way to find out is when you start hearing a nice while riding your bike. This noise typically increases when you use the brakes too much. This can be a result of your bent rotor. To know that, you should put it on a horizontal surface and check if the rotor is horizontally aligned or has gaps within the surface and the rotor. Most people might suggest that you can rebend a bent rotor, but it is not working. So instead of trying to fix your rotor by rebending it, you should go for a change. Be quick, or else you might harm the brake pads too.

When should you change your ebike brake pads?

One of the essential parts of an e-bike is their brakes pads. Because the safety of the rider and also the other people around the rider depends on the brakes. Imagine if you’re riding faster on your bike and see some people crossing the road, so you apply brakes to stop the cycle. But it doesn’t work! This can cause danger for both parties, and you’ll also get into trouble. So why cause a problem when you can simply change it when you see you have worn out brakes?

So usually, the minimum thickness of an e-bike brake pad that needs to change is 1mm. so when your brake pads reach this amount, you should immediately change it.

We discussed in the previous part when to change the brake rotor, and here we will be discussing when to change the brake pads of your ebikes.

1- When you start hearing a squealing noise while using ebike brakes

So there are some signs that will show you when to change the brake pads and of the frequent signs is the squealing sound. This will be out by the bike when you use the brakes. This sound is deafening and clear, so you can clarify that you should change the pads as fast as possible. This problem doesn’t only occur in used brakes but also in newly new brake pads. This is because of the poor quality of the product. So when you’re buying an e-bike, it is a must to check; you should take a good look into the quality of the parts of your bike. 

2-Using a caliper to measure the thickness.

Here’s one of the easiest ways to determine your brake pads’ thickness. It is by using a caliper. This can clarify whether you want to change the pads or not, so typically, if the thickness of your brake pads is 2 mm or more, it is acceptable to an extent, but if the thickness reading is below 1mm, it’s a sign that you should replace the brake pads of your bike.

3- Use business cards to measure ebike brakes pads thickness.

You might not have the required instruments to check the thickness of your brake pads because not everyone has a caliper in their home. So instead of a caliper, you can use a business card. Usually, the business cards are 1mm thick. So if the brake pads and the business cards are not equal, you can clarify that the thickness is below 1mm. This means you should replace the brake pads.

4-Needing extra effort using the lever

In some situations, you might figure out that it needs more effort to press the lever to decrease your bike’s speed. So that means that you should change the brake pads. So we can say this is one of the important signs as you can discover this only when riding the bike. But this is quite risky. Because if you want to stop or reduce the bikes in urgent situations, you might not be able to, so it’s better if you check the thickness of the pads using the above methods before taking your bike on a ride. 

5- Oily ebike brake pads.

Another way to determine when to change the brake pads is when the brake pedals look dark in color, more like they have oils on the surface. They usually are worn out from grease and oils, so these can appear on the surface of your brake pads. If you see this, you can immediately replace the brake pads, so you won’t have to face difficulties on the roads when riding the bike. This is the most appreciable sign as anyone can see it with bare eyes without using any equipment. 

What Makes The Brake Pads Wear Out Fast?

There can be many reasons that can change the efficiency of your ebike brake pads. These are some of the factors that affect the lifespan of the brake pads

  • Quality of the brake pads used in your bike
  • Type of material used for your brake pads 
  • Weather conditions of where you ride your ebike
  • The environment is where you’re riding
  • Weight of the bike and the rider
  • The way you apply the brakes when stopping( riding style)

What Type of Brake Pads for eBikes Is Best? 

  

Typically there are no perfect brake pads that fit perfectly to all riding conditions. They have different type of quality and has many advantages and disadvantages varying from product to product. It differs according to the riding conditions you’re under.

If you’re having trouble with choosing what type of brake pads you should use for your ebike, you must read the following options. As we said, there are no perfect matches, but there can be many benefits from each kind. Read the article and decide what you’re going to choose for your ebike.

Mainly there are three types of brake pads. These consist of different components, and you can use them for various purposes. Here as follow,

  • metallic brake pads
  • organic brake pads
  • semi-metallic brake pads

Sintered/ metallic brake pads 

These brake pads consist of metallic components. So because of their metallic Nature, they are effortless to use and very durable for bike riders with different riding styles. And also, these pads don’t wear quickly. It takes some time to wear off because of the quality of these pads. And also they have a strong braking power. These work so well in wet conditions and sharp descents. The metallic particles used to make these pads handle high-temperature levels, but the heat that comes within the brake pads transfers heat to the caliper. 

This can cause damage to the brake pads. These types of brake pads need some time for bedding in. so before taking it for a ride, you should warm it up a little bit; after that, you will be able to experience the whole performance of your bike. This problem for some riders is that these pads make a loud noise. But also, these are very helpful when riding on rocky and muddy roads and wet conditions. Metallic pads are best for those conditions, so you do not have to worry about the noise, as this has many advantages.

 

Pros;

  •   Wearing off is slow  
  •   It works perfectly in wet conditions and on steep dives  
  •   able to handle high temperatures

Cons;

  •   makes a loud noise  
  •   needs to be in a “bedding in” time 
  •   can cause damage to the caliper

Organic brake pads

This brake consists of carbon, fiberglass, Kevlar fibers, and rubber in a mix of resin. They work perfectly when there’s not much weight on them, or your riding style is very calm. So not recommended for aggressive riders and also overweight riders. This is because they have soft components. Unlike metallic pads, these do not make any noise when riding. Riders should put heavy stress on this rotor of the bike. They only need a short bedding time, so this is convenient to use as it doesn’t need much of a warm-up before taking fr a ride. 

As with every other brake pad, there are also many advantages as well as disadvantages. one of the problems is that you can’t use them on long descents as it won’t work very well in that condition. Because if you take this for longer rides, the braking pads will get heated. When there overheat, the organic pads won’t work well and will have weak braking power because the soft components get wet quickly. But these are best if you like to ride your bike peacefully without loud noises. You can ride on flat, smooth surfaces with these organic brake pads.

  Pros;   

  •   organic pads don’t make any noise
  •   Doesn’t need much time for “bedding in.”  
  •   very convenient on brake rotors

 

  Cons;  

  •   Wear off easily and quickly  
  •   Can’t bear high-temperature conditions  
  •   won’t work well in wet and slippery conditions

Semi-metallic brake pads 

These pads are a mixture of organic and metallic compounds. You can even notice in the name too. Typically, this has both the features, the disadvantages, and the advantages are similar. Semi-metallic pads are much more durable than organic pads but have weak braking power as metallic pads. Also, they don’t make a loud noise like the metallic but are not as quiet as organic pads even. These pads do not wear off quickly and are able to handle high temperatures. It also needs much bedding in time and works perfectly in wet conditions. 

These pads are best for people who are interested in both organic and metallic pads as it has both features. So if you want the benefits of both of them, you can use this but don’t forget that it also comes with the disadvantages of these two. So before choosing what is best for you, you can consider the pros and cons of both organic and metallic pads and decide what type of brake pads is best for you. According to the price, the metallic pads are the most expensive and the cheapest is organic brake pads. So you can go for s semi-metallic pads if you prefer both.

  Pros;  

  •   Works better in wet conditions
  •   doesn’t make a loud noise like metallic pads
  •   the “bedding in” time is shorter than sintered brake pad 
  •   wear off process is slower than the organic brake pad

Cons;

  • weak braking power
  • because it has both components, the performance is not well at sometimes

In conclusion, we can say that you can change your ebike brakes in 2 to 5 years of use. This depends and varies according to your riding style and using the parts correctly. With the above information provided in the previous paragraphs, you might get an idea of when to how to replace the brakes of your ebike. It is also a must to check the pads and the rotor of your bike brake every two months of use if you want to keep your bike healthy and perfect.

 

Can I use a normal bike rack for an e-bike?

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What are e-bikes?

Bicycles that have an electric motor to help you pedal is called e-bikes or electric bikes. The motor is dependent on the rechargeable battery that is in the e-bike. It powers the motor. The motor assists you and makes pedaling much easier. It certainly makes our lives better since it is a unique invention. Famous e-bike companies such as Ariel Rider are catching the eye of people worldwide. The motor power depends on your pedaling pace and the chosen support level. With many modes to choose from, helping you balance the pedaling power and battery life. A lot of cities are already setting up e-bike charging points, so it would be helpful if your e-bike runs out of power while cycling. It is up to you to decide whether you want to ride with it with full effort or not with the help of the motor.

 

How do they work?

The battery pack powers the motor and controls how it functions. Gears can set the speed you wish to cycle at, just like how it is on a regular bicycle. All the components contribute to the weight of your bike. The sensors monitor the speed of the bike and turn the throttle while assisting the pedal movement. With the assistance of the motor, you don’t need to pedal much. Mechanical power converts into electrical power.

To power the motor, the battery pack must be sufficiently charged. It is a unique system made-up of gears that are connected to the whole system. The sensors can be monitored through an online application and it can be downloaded on your phone. E-bikes are classified into two types: those with a hub motor and those with a mid-motor.

 

Importance of e-bikes

The main advantage is that you can choose whether you want to ride the bike with full effort or not. Riders have to anyway still pedal to keep the bike going, improving physical health. E-bikes can go smoothly on hills and mountains with little pedaling effort. E-bikes are also great alternatives to vehicles because E-bikes typically can do almost anything, much faster because they are more reliable. You can reach your destinations much faster; many people would rather ride their e-bikes than drive. E-bikes are much safer than regular bikes as you can control the movement and pace electrically. 

Also, your destination could be reached faster with less energy wasted, as it is great for traveling long distances. An e-bike is very powerful when compared with a standard bike, with higher mobility and versatility. E-bikes already give all the regular benefits of a standard bicycle. Make sure when purchasing the bike you have gone through all of the specifications of the bike. Children can benefit too, it can teach them how to ride a bicycle. E-bikes can also help you get ready to ride a regular standard bicycle. 

There are many types of e-bikes, and each one performs differently. It is up to you to decide which kind of bicycle suits you. It also depends on your cycling experience. For example, many workers in a factory may use e-bikes to deliver their goods to warehouses fats and effectively. An Uber eats driver may use a standard e-bike to complete he/ her orders on time, as it is much faster than a regular bicycle. 

 

E-bikes on a bike rack

Even though you can put an e-bike on a regular bike rack, you need a rack specially made to meet the bike requirements. You can store the e-bike on a regular bike rack, with some changes made. These changes include the adjustment of the bike rack frame. It is advised you remove components such as a battery or horn when fitting it on the rack, for safety. Bike racks are designed to maintain the bike’s weight by balancing and securing it in place so the bike won’t fall off.

 

Weight capacity

You can fit an e-bike on a bike rack depending on its weight capacity. Always check for the model number of the bike rack so that its details can be analyzed for the bike to fit. You should keep the bike within the 5 to 10-pound range of your rack’s maximum possible weight. Do not fit your bicycle with unnecessary components attached to the bike as it makes the bike much heavier. 

 

Shape and size

The size and shape of your e-bike should be analyzed, and you should never exceed the weight capacity of the bike rack. Transportation of the bike is much easier when the battery pack is removed, so always try detaching the battery even if it can fit on the bike rack. Due to vibration in the bike rack, the battery can get damaged. Therefore it is better to be removed and once the battery is removed the bike is much lighter.  

 

Safety

Fitting an e-bike on a regular bike rack is safe, but make sure that the bike is secured properly and the bike rack doesn’t have any faults. Unnecessary components of the bike should be removed when putting it on the rack as mentioned earlier. This includes the battery. There are also gear tapes located in the bike rack which help when transporting the bike. The basic locking system protects the whole system.

 

Transportation

Transporting e-bikes can be challenging when compared with a regular standard bike. Transportation on the highway is not recommended, as the speeds of the highway the bike may damage the components held within. Road bumps may cause it to even detach from the bike rack, so always make sure it is secured properly and will not fall off. The bike rack should be held in place while maintaining the balance at the bottom. Your e-bike can even be placed on a car roof, but it is not easy to remove once it is placed. Anyways you decide where you want it and how it should be transported.

 

Security and protection

An e-bike consists of a hinged spring security lock that provides extra protection features. It gives enough room for a padlock and the bike rack also includes tilting functions which make your bike secure. Some bike racks have security alarms attached to them so that when it gets unauthorized access, the owner will find and track them through the e-bike’s mobile app.

 

E-bike Analysis

It is entirely up to you to purchase an e-bike. E-bikes are appropriate for people who are unable to ride a standard bike. This is mostly for people who are elderly, overweight, or simply need help riding a bike. E-bikes will not help you lose weight, but they will keep you healthy. Every e-bike owner should keep their e-bike battery in good condition. Every day, check how the battery pack and motor are performing. We can all agree that it is beneficial. It makes pedaling easier and lowers your overall output effort. 

Complete your e-bike charging cycles and make sure that your bike is charged well. If you are thinking of purchasing an e-bike look at its specifications. E-bikes overall are a fun experience. It can help old aged people who are unable to get pedaling assistance through a regular bike. Pedaling assistance through an e-bike gives an overall boost. The electric motor and the battery pack work well with the system to support their weight. An overweight person can also benefit in the same way. E-bikes contribute to clearing traffic. 

If more people use E-bikes than cars they may be able to clear roads, with no pollutants. People can reach their location much faster as mentioned earlier because of their sustainability. E-bikes are also less wasteful when compared with vehicle-based current systems. E-bikes will make our transportation system more stable. Vehicles and people, contribute to global warming and it makes the overall quality of life worse. 

 

Disadvantages of using e-bikes

Expensive

E-bikes cost more compared to the average bicycle. It is mostly because of the components making up the bike. Engineered to work effectively together to make your ride better and safe. Designing and making sure the battery and motor work well together, is a complex task. Building the circuits in the battery pack takes a lot of time and energy, and the manufacturer should sure the battery does not explode or get damaged since the output is maintained through the pedals. There are many manufacturing stages, and the whole process takes a long time. 

 

Short battery life

The battery is the most important part of the e-bike. If correctly managed, an e-bike battery can last between 2 and 6 years. Over time the battery may lose some of its capacity and the bike will underperform. If the performance reduces in the e-bike, it would be difficult to pedal up hills or mountains. The battery life depends on the charge cycles and most batteries have 1000 cycles. Most importantly, the battery may run into problems such as internal damage and overheating. These issues will affect your e-bike cycling experience and it is very important to always purchase an e-bike from a well-reputed company. 

 

Long charging time

The e-bike capacity determines the charging time. For example, a 500 Watt-hour battery will take about five hours to charge completely while a compact charger will make you wait even longer. Poor charging affects the quality of your battery. Most cities do not have charging points and this is a great difficulty for e-bike riders. E-bike charging points will certainly be available in the future with rising demand. If your city is not having any charging points available, it is best to make sure that your battery is charged well. 

 

Heavier

An e-bike is heavier than a standard bike. Components like the battery, motor, and other mechanical parts contribute to the overall weight of the bike. Sometimes it may be difficult for you to handle it if you are not that familiar with mechanical components. E-bikes weigh around 40-50 lbs while an average bicycle weighs around 20-25 lbs. It is best not to add any additional gear onto the bike as it will make it heavier and end up affecting the pedaling output. As soon as your battery runs out your bike will be hard to peddle if it is too heavy. 

 

Not suitable for weight loss

They are not suitable for people who are trying to lose weight.  E-bikes are mainly for people who cannot ride a bike or want to ride a bike with assistance. E-bikes suit old aged people well if they find it hard to ride a regular bicycle. There isn’t much to pedal since the motor and the battery work together to assist you. E-bikes are not suitable for weight loss as they are doing the opposite of a regular bicycle. Regular bicycles constantly need a lot of effort to keep the bike stable and up to speed, making them ideal for weight loss. However, if you are overweight you are likely to see long-term results. 

 

Expensive e-bike battery 

E-bike batteries are very costly, as it depends on the brand name and the battery’s performance. Price range from $400 to $2000 and the battery quality depends also on the brand name, so it is best to always buy from a well-reputed company. It is best not to purchase batteries online because there are many scams for e-bike batteries. It is best to avoid shopping for them online. Cheap battery packs will often cause a breakdown and it is also not safe. Some e-bike battery manufacturers include Yamaha and Panasonic. Make sure your battery health is well, a replacement is very costly. 

 

Costly maintenance/repairs 

This depends on how much you ride your e-bike and how well you are maintaining it. Servicing will cost around $200 every year. An e-bike rider usually spends around $150 on parts and the total will add up to $350, making it the final cost for regular maintenance These maintenance service places are not very common, so e-bike riders should always manage and repair any faults on their own. It is not an easy job taking care of an e-bike and fixing component problems can be a difficult task. Other than the components, if there are any other faults it won’t be much of a cost.  

 

Low resale value

Most people do not buy e-bikes that are on resale as they are not very trustworthy. E-bike owners always get half the price. The bike should be of a well-known brand if you expect buyers. Most importantly, if you are selling your e-bike it should be in good condition as the components of a secondhand e-bike may underperform. Purchasing a new battery is essential if you’re buying a secondhand e-bike. The e-bikes put on resale also have completed the warranty period, and keep in mind even though e-bikes are popular, most people still prefer the standard bike. 

 

Damages the environment

To make an e-bike, fossil fuels and coal have been burned, polluting the environment. E-bike batteries cannot fully recycle. Riding an e-bike does not damage the environment but the production process is not very eco-friendly. E-bike companies use a lot of natural resources when manufacturing e-bikes. If e-bikes become more popular in the future there will be certainly an impact on the environment.

How much does it cost to convert the bike to electric?

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How much does it cost to transform the bicycle into an electric?

   With the craze for electric bikes booming, so does their price. Everyone wants to own an electric bike in place of the traditional bike. Traditional bikes are cheap when compared with electric bikes. Electric bikes are traditional bikes with additional components added to them. And adding a motor and battery with other elements can easily convert your traditional bike into an electric bike.

   The electric bikes’ brake, fork, frame, tires, wheels, saddle, seat, shifters, grips, etc., are the same as the traditional bikes, made with quality materials. These work the same as the traditional bike’s parts, and using a conversion kit, you can easily convert the traditional bike into an electric bike.

   You can purchase the conversion kit from the store. The price varies depending on the motor type, the output voltage, and the purpose. The purpose differs on places you would want to ride; to climb up steep hills, to ride on rough terrain, or want to increase the speed. Whatever you want to convert your bike, you can choose from the conversion kit on the market.

   The conversion price ranges from $300 to $900, depending on the motor in the kit. There are also cheaper kits that will give you a short range. Adding these parts to your traditional bike and a few more tweaks will make your new electric bike ready. Conversion kits are the cheaper way of owning an electric bike.

 

The cost of the conversion kit 

   Conversion kits are by far cheaper than buying an electric bike. It can perform like a decent electric bike for a fraction of the cost of an electric bike. If you already have a traditional cycle with you but also want an electric bike for a low price, why not convert your ordinary bike into an electric?

   We will see how much it will cost you to have a converted electric bike:

  1. Conversion kit price –

It varies depending on the purpose of conversion and the motor you want. A decent conversion kit can cost you around $300 to $900. There are also cheaper ones that will not be worth the time and money.

  1. Battery –

Batteries of electric bikes are of different weights, sizes, and prices. The cheaper one’s lead acid battery is large and weighs a lot. An expensive one takes up little space and is lightweight. Battery prices vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so choose the one best suited to your purpose and budget.

  1. Pedal assist –

In most electric bike conversion kits, you do not have pedal assist. If you need pedal assistance, you have to purchase it separately. You can also choose to buy only a pedal assist.

  1. Extra –

Fixing the conversion kit can be complicated, and getting help from a technician can cost you around $200. Each conversion kits have a unique way of fixing it and sometimes can be complicated. 

Choosing electric bike conversion kit.

   With the price of a cheap electric bike, you can transform your traditional bike into a decent electric bike. You pay only a fraction of the price of an electric bike to transform your standard pedal into an electric bike pedal. It works just like a new electric bike’s pedal.

   You can use the bike you already own, which is an advantage. You only have to fix the extras, which won’t cost you much. It’s transforming your traditional bike into a more efficient and faster one.

   You have to adapt to get along with the features of your bike when you purchase an electric bike. But when you convert, you modify it to suit your choice. You have the chance to customize your bike to your wish. You can add different electric bike features to your self-made electric bike.

   All electric bike conversion kits consist of an electric motor, motor cut-off levers, a throttle, wiring looms, and an LCD with a remote controller. Choosing the fitting conversion kit for your traditional bike can be challenging. It has to be the right one for your bike. There are some details the manufacturers include in their packings. Check whether these details match your bike before ordering to save your time and money:

  • Brake type and structure
  • Diameter of the wheel
  • Dimension of the rim of the wheel
  • The extent of the front fork
  • Type of gears
  • Type of sprockets
  • The length of the rear frame

   These are the details you have to check on the conversion kits that would suit yours. After checking, consider the following and choose one befitting you;

  • Battery –

The battery is not included in your conversion kit, but you have to purchase your own. The main thing to consider about the battery is its capacity and the voltage. The voltage of an electric bike starts from 12V and increases in its multiple to 72V.

The electric bike’s power and speed depend on the battery’s voltage. The lowest being 12V and 24V batteries usually suit if you want a little support in pedaling and a better speed on flat grounds. Usually, electric bikes are powered by 36V or 48V batteries.

The capacity of the battery is measured in watt-hours or amp-hours. Electric bike batteries usually are of 10Ah, which determines the charge cycle of the battery.

The size and weight of the battery are essential as they will take up space and increase the bike’s weight. You can go for lithium-ion batteries, which are lightweight and smaller in size. It also has a longer charge cycle and lifespan. Though they are expensive. 

  • Motor –

The motor is included in the conversion kit. The front hub motor is the easiest to install, while the rear hub motor can be the second easiest. But mid-drive motors can be hard to fix and rarely fit any bike.

Motors transmit the right amount of power to the pedal and other electronics in the bike from the battery. The amount of power is calculated in watts. Measuring the amount of power or energy a motor can regulate is watts.

Motor determines the acceleration, which degree of a steep path to climb, speed, distance traveling in said time, and power consumption of the bike. Every motor is not of the same quality, and the durability varies. 

Choosing an electric bike’s motor depends on what you look in them. If you want your electric bike to climb steep hills and carry heavy loads or up faster, go for a motor with high wattage. But not only does the motor determines this, but the controller and battery too. 

Some motors with low wattage perform efficiently, as they are of quality. Remember to check the quality of the motor and its output. 

 

  • Warranty and support 

It is also vital as only quality products would have a warranty. Check the period the warranty is valid. It might ensure you have good service; if any support is needed, you can get them.

Even if the conversion kit has a warranty, you must know whether they are reachable. If they do not answer emails or calls on time, you should know it would be hard to get in touch with them for any support you would if needed.

  • Cost –

Purchasing a conversion kit is not cheap, but cheap when you compare it to the electric bike’s price. A conversion kit can be costly, too and when you require a quality service, expect to spend some money on it.

   Owning an electric bike can be easier, but it also means great care and extra money for repairs and replacements. A conversion kit can be cheaper compared to the electric bike, which saves you the extras and half the cost of the bike. But is it always the better choice? Before knowing it, we will look into the pros and cons of converting your traditional bike into an electric bike:

 

Pros and cons of converting the traditional bike into an electric bike

Pros

  • Cost –

It is an advantage when comparing its price to the price of an electric bike. The quality conversion kit can be a little more costly than the cheaper ones, and you can expect quality service from them. 

  • Speed –

You can have a faster bike by converting your traditional bike to an electric one. It lets you cover a long distance in a short time. If you always wanted a faster commute, you can rely on your new converted electric bike to take you to your workplace in a shorter time. 

  • Pedal assist –

With the pedal assist as the new companion for your bike, you only have to give a little effort on your side. It will help you travel more with the energy saved on pedaling with assistance. 

People with heart diseases, aged people, and who have illnesses in joints can benefit from this conversion kit. 

  • Climbing hills –

With your new converted electric bike, climbing steep paths are not exhausting, though it can tire you. With less effort, you can climb up hills, and the steep paths you walked on your bike can be reached by bike with a little more effort from your side.

A conversion kit can be helpful for people living in hilly areas to climb them with a cheap option.

  • Health benefits –

Cycling has many health benefits in it. Your muscles tighten, stamina increases, and improvements in mental health, flexibility, etc., are a few of them. It is a physical activity that improves your overall health.

By converting your traditional bike into an electric bike, you can have a better performance in the improvement of your health. As you can switch between the pedal assist and pedaling without assistance, it increases your time on your bike by resting occasionally.

With the levels of pedal assist, you can switch between choosing the effort you want to give into pedaling. It may greatly help people starting in physical fitness training.

  • Fun –

They are fun. Going out cycling with friends on summer evenings can be fun. And this conversion increase the fun. You can have a great day with friends without losing all your energy. You can pedal with your friends, and while returning, you can rely on the pedal assistance to help you take back home.

   You can gain these benefits by imitating your traditional bike into an electric bike. Though these can be gained through the electric bike, this is a cheaper way. But is it always working? To know the answer, I will look into the disadvantages of duplicating your traditional bike for an electric bike.

 

Cons of converting traditional bike into an electric bike

  • Battery –

Though the conversion kit includes a motor and other essentials, it excludes the battery. You purchase the battery apiece. It can add up to the cost. Batteries vary in size, weight, voltage, watts, and price. You have to choose the correct battery to power up your motor. You should consider the correct voltage and watt.

Storing the battery can be conflicting as you should cover it from direct sunlight, or it will damage the battery.

  • Weight –

Motor and batteries can add up to the weight of the bike. Typically, traditional bikes are lesser in weight than the frame of the electric bike. And when pedaling without assistance, it does not add any extra weight on you. But after the conversion, it will add extra pounds to the bike, which will tire you when riding without pedal assistance. 

  • Extra cost –

Conversion kits vary in price depending on the type of motor and the speed, as it does not include a battery; this is an additional cost you must consider. After the purchase, you will want the help of a technician as it can be complicated, as manufacturers’ instructions vary on how to fix it. And you will have to pay the technician around $200, which is an extra expense.

  • Frame –

Traditional bikes are lightweight and can only support the rider’s weight. Adding up the weights of the motor and the battery may negatively affect the bike’s lifespan.

These bikes’ design does not accept the extra weight or propel with extra speed.

The brakes, pedal, and whole frame are fragile when comparing to the electric bike’s strong frame. Though a conversion kit can increase the bike’s overall performance, it will reduce the bike’s lifespan in the long run.

   Electric bikes are designed with a heavy frame and quality products to carry the weight of their battery and motor while giving out the best performance. Traditional bikes are designed to perform less than an electric bike and not carry the extra weights of the battery and the motor. When you convert your traditional bike into an electric, the bike will slowly start to lose its proficiency.

   And in the end, it is all your choice to make.

Conclusion

   Owning an electric bike can be pricey, but converting your old traditional bike into one is a cheap way. It can cost you from $600 to $1800 to convert your traditional bike into an electric one. This process is complicated, and you would want help from an expert.

   Converting a regular bike into an electric one is handy and has many benefits. But they can also have drawbacks as they are not designed to perform as an electric bike.

   After reflecting upon the benefits and the impediments of transforming your traditional bike into an electric bike, you can choose what to do. And choose the one better suits your purpose and the budget.

 

Can you spray water on an electric bike fire?

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Can I pour water on an electric bike fire?

   The batteries power electric bikes. Batteries supply energy to the motor by storing energy through charging. Many types of batteries range in size, weight, and price. The cheapest is the lead acid battery, which weighs higher and takes more space. While the expensive battery, lithium-ion is lightweight and smaller in size. 

 

  Many electric bikes use lithium-ion batteries due to their lighter weight and size while also containing longer battery cycles. Though the battery has many advantages, it is also fragile to fire. If the battery is damaged or overheats, it might catch fire. One of the elements used in lithium-ion batteries is an electrolyte, which is highly flammable. When the battery overheats, it stimulates the electrolyte and explodes. 

  

 Due to the increased demand for lithium-ion batteries, many manufacturers started assembling lithium-ion batteries with cheap elements. These cheaper elements in the battery will cause fire accidents by overheating or damaging the battery.

  

 These fire accidents have created doubts about electric bikes in people’s minds. Electric bikes are built to be safe, but some manufacturers trying to earn money effortlessly will use cheaper goods to design the bike. They will not care about the quality of the bike, but to increase their sales rate, they will sell their product for low prices. Beware of these manufacturers and purchase your electric bike with a reputed manufacturer who gives importance to quality over quantity.

  

 It is always a safe idea to insure your two-wheelers. With the risk of fire and theft, you can worry less about financial loss if insured. Electric bikes are expensive, and so do their parts. In case of any accident, you will at least have some reimbursement.

 

Does spraying water on an electric bike fire extinguishes fire?

   Water extinguished the fire, and it does not apply to all fires. Electric fire will not welcome water but rather electrocute you in return. Never should you spray water on an electrical fire, but you can throw sands or any powder available in your vicinity. 

   

Anyone will not likely have a fire extinguisher in their home. If they have it, they can use it in an emergency. Yet when we do not have fire extinguishers, we have to know what to do and what not to do. If anything starts to blaze up due to fire, you can use water on them; remember to stay clear of power output.

   

But in case of electrical fire from the power outlet, do not use water. Water conducts electricity, and throwing the water into an electric fire will electrocute you. It might as well spread fire across the room. Stay away from the water this time, and go for powder. Flour, baking soda, or anything you could get your hand into, pour over the fire. Remember to check for wetness in them. 

  

 If any electrical devices start to catch fire, try disconnecting them from the power outlet with a wood or a plastic stick that does not conduct electricity. Then, pour water on them.

  

 But what’s with the lithium-ion electric bike battery? We know most electric bike fires are due to battery damage, overheating, or anything related to the battery. Therefore knowing what will stop electric bike fire is essential. Water, water, and only water can extinguish lithium-ion battery blaze. 

   

Spraying water on the fire of an electric bike won’t extinguish the flame; instead, pooling water will. When the bike starts to catch fire, disconnect the cord from the power outlet, get buckets of water and start pouring all over. Even after the fire stops, keep the battery inside the bucket of water for at least half an hour. Call the fire brigade for help if the fire has started spreading or check the battery for any outburst of fire, as tiny particles in the battery will still be burning. Call the insurance company and the police department to report the incident.

 

Here are a few tips to prevent electric bike batteries from burning.

   Electric bike batteries are flammable and must be taken care of to avoid unnecessary fire blow up. Here are some of the tips to safeguard your electric bike battery from catching fire:

Suitable charger –All electric bikes come with a charging cord and adapter. Always use them to charge the drained battery. Charging with cheaper chargers might provoke the battery to heat more, thus starting a fire accident. 

 

Even if you lost your charger, try getting a new one specified for your electric bike and the battery by the manufacturer. Try to avoid charging your electric bike battery with alternative chargers altogether. Do not try to charge the battery using alternative methods. Improper input of voltage will damage the battery. 

 

  • Charging –

Every time you charge your battery, try to be near it as possible. Do not leave it unattended for a long time; if the fire has spread, putting it off will be strenuous. 

Make sure nothing is off now and then. 

 

  • Used batteries –

You might be able to purchase used batteries and chargers for low prices. Please don’t fool yourself by purchasing them and suffering a more significant loss. 

Purchase the same type of battery from the same manufacturer as your old one, even if it is extra money. Trying to save up on these is dangerous. 

Original chargers will be a little pricey. Going for a cheaper one here can harm your battery and overcharge or overheat it and create a disaster.

 

  • Instructions –

Follow the instructions on how to charge the electric bike battery. This way will be the safe way to charge. Ensure you avoid any other methods of charging. Though they might be of help in need of an emergency, make sure you don’t often use those methods.

 

  • Flammable objects –

When charging or storing your electric bike’s battery, please keep it in a dry, cool area, away from fire and flammable objects. 

Try to keep the battery away from flammable objects, like paper, clothes, furniture, etc. Though it might not prevent the fire, it will stop its spreading.

 

  • Damaged battery –

Batteries are prone to accidents. They might fall and crash. Check your battery every time before charging and going out for a ride. Check for any scratches, breaking, or punctures. If you find anything off in your battery, don’t use it unless you get it checked by a technician. 

A small crack or even a dent can be harmful as there might be internal damage to the battery. 

 

  • Repair –

If you notice any electric bike battery damage, take it to a technician. Don’t try to repair yourself if you are not a technician who is an expert in repairing lithium-ion batteries. And also, do not take it to repair shops, as an expert must deal with this. 

 

  • Overheat –

We tend to forget to check on the charging batteries. It might lead to overcharging and overheating the battery. As lithium-ion batteries and their components are prone to fire, overheating will cause a fire accident.

On summer days, keep the battery in a parky and shady place. When parking your electric bike, please search for a cool shady place or detach your battery from the bike and keep it in the shade.

 

Reason for electric bike fire

   Electric bike fires are due to the electrolytes present in the battery that are combustible. We should take care of our battery by knowing what those trigger points are. Here are the triggers points that pressurize the electrolyte to burst:

  • Manufacturing flaw –

Every product production is done in mass numbers these days. The machines induce each cell in the battery. After each production, every single battery is checked for any flaws. These faulty batteries will be disregarded. Some manufacturers who want extras will send them anyways to the market. Rarely without the knowledge of manufacturers who choose quality over quantity, these batteries will reach the market. 

These batteries have chances of exploding even with the slightest heating.

 

  • Extreme heat –

As we know well that lithium-ion batteries are prone to heat, the summer sun will be hazardous. Every time you leave your electric bike on summer days, park in a shady place or at least cover the battery with layers of sheets to keep it cool.

On winter days, let it stay in cool places, and if you are trying to heat it, do not take it near the heater. 

 

  • Overcharging –

Batteries are made up of cells. These cells get activated every time you charge up. They will only hold in the maximum amount of energy they can. But if you overcharge, these cells will get more energy, breaking their capacity. It can also lead to blowing up.

 

  • Cheap charging methods – 

Suppose you lose your charger, purchase a new one as soon as possible. Try to avoid other methods of charging your battery, as this alternative method can increase the voltage input, thus triggering the electrolyte in the battery. 

 

  • Damaged battery –

The battery is one of the vital parts of an electric bike. Protecting it from damages is essentially essential. Minor damage can bleed out the battery and cause a fire. 

If you see any damage to your battery, dispose of it as soon as possible. Please do not leave it inside the house; take it outdoors and store it in a cool place. 

   

Knowing the signs of electric bike fire

   Battery fires occur due to many reasons; sometimes, you will be able to predict a fire outburst shortly but not always. If you happen to see these signs, there is a possibility of your battery blowing up. Here is the battery’s way of forecasting a blow-up;

  • Smell –

Sometimes a damaged battery will smell off when charging. If you smell any burning sensation when your battery is charging, disconnect the battery and try cooling it off. 

 

  • Leakage –

Sometimes, the battery might leak its contents out due to excessive draining, not charging for too long, or other reasons. Always check your battery for any leakages; if you find any, do not try to charge it. Call your manufacturer and discuss the methods of disposing of your battery. It’s time for a new battery.

 

  • Shape –

When the battery’s contents are losing their proficiencies, the shape of the battery changes, mainly because it swells up. It is a clear sign the battery is going to explode. 

Mainly, batteries swell up due to overcharging and extreme heat. If you notice a change in the battery shape, it’s time to dispose of it and buy a new one.

 

   These warnings can come before days of fire or just seconds before. Even if you could not prevent the fire, at least you can be prepared and move anything that would spread the fire across. 

 

After the electric bike fire

   Electric bike fire can be hard to put off. The electrolyte in the lithium-ion battery can be hazardous. Try not to panic when it’s blazing; it will not cease when you spray water. Pour water over it and flood the battery with water. Try relocating all the things near the fire.

   

Even after the fire has ceased, keep the battery inside the water, as tiny particles inside the battery might still be burning. Call your insurance company and the fire department. 

  

 You can only rest when the fire department assures you of your safety. You can claim the money from the insurance company if you hold an insurance policy. 

  

 Dispose of the battery as soon as you can. Contact the battery manufacturer, and he will let you know how to dispose of the battery. Mostly they will ask you to leave it at the retailer you bought the battery from, and they will collect it from the retailer. The battery will be sent to recycling or will be disposed of. 

 

Conclusion 

   Electric bikes explode due to battery damage or overheating. Lithium-ion batteries’ electrolytes heat up and explode due to the increase in pressure by overheating. These electrolytes are flammable, and you should deal with care. Another reason for electric bike battery fire is the cheap materials used in the production to reduce the cost and earn a high income. 

  

 The water can extinguish the fire, but not the fire due to electric failure or damage. Pour powders on them to put off the fire. But you can pour water into the electric items that caught on fire after disconnecting the cord wire from the power outlets. 

  

 In the case of fire in electric bikes, powders and foams don’t work, instead of the water. 

After pulling apart from the charging point, pour buckets of water over the fire. Plunge the battery in a bucket of water until the fire department confirms it’s safe to be out. Lithium-ion battery fires are hard to put out, and even tiny particles inside burn for a long time. Call your insurance company and claim your money. 

   You can avoid electric bike fire if you take good care of the battery when charging and storing. Using the correct charger and adapter, attending to the battery while charging, following instructions, and avoiding the damaged battery altogether will help you from starting a fire. 

   

There are many reasons an electric bike might explode. Some are manufacturing faults, battery damage, overcharging, extreme heat, and alternative ways to charge the batteries. Knowing these facts means avoiding doing anything that would start a fire.

 

  Before exploding, batteries will give signs, but not always. But by knowing the signs of an oncoming blaze, you can at least be ready for the fire—the difference in the shape, off smell, or leakage of batteries.

   

At the time of the fire, without panicking, flood the battery with water and call the fire department. After they ensure you of the safety, contact the manufacturer, and discuss the battery disposal.

 

How often should an e-bike be serviced? 

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How often should an electric bike be serviced?

If used properly, your e-bike becomes durable. E-bikes are factotums helping the riders to drive miles and miles with fun. However, proper care and maintenance are also part and parcel of e-bikes. The components of the e-bike, like tires and brake pads, can wear out because of their use over time. These parts need lubrication and sometimes a replacement also.  If you service your e-bike, it will function properly for a long time. Before that, having an idea about how often you should do this is very important. 

 

According to calculations, the average frequency you need to service your e-bike is every six months. Or else, after every 1000 miles ride. These calculations are just average. So, it mainly depends on how frequently you ride your e-bike. 

 

When you go to a qualified service station, the tune-up at such a place will include the following things. 

  • Derailleurs
  • Chain
  • Hubs
  • Wheels
  • Rims 
  • Tires
  • All brakes 
  • Spokes
  • Gears
  • Drivetrain 
  • Motor 
  • Battery 

The service shop might take steps to remove highly worn-out parts and replace them. That will cost a bit. But, what is essential at the end of the day is the excellent condition of your e-bike. Otherwise, you will have to replace the complete e-bike at an expensive cost. I hope you don’t need that to happen. Keep reading to know more about the intervals you need to bring your e-bike for a service. 

 

You can get an overhaul done, which is affordable. Getting an overhaul done can be prudent if you cannot bring your e-bike to a service center for an extended period. Following are the illustrations of how often a rider should get an e-bike serviced. They include personalized repair intervals as well. 

 

Intense Rider 

This section addresses the riders who use their e-bikes intensively. For example, the riders who drive the e-bike daily to work or to run errands. When you ride your bike that often on steep hills hauling cargo and through rain and other weather conditions, the components of the e-bike deplete. Particularly the brakes. 

 

You might think that the e-bike can handle all these challenges. Yes, it can. But, with intense usage, these components wear off quickly, even before you can imagine. The following ranges might help you to take your e-bike for a service at particular intervals. 

  • After every 1000 miles, do a complete overhaul.
  • After every 300 miles, take the bike for a tune-up.
  • After every 100 miles, inspect parts of the e-bike.

 

Regular Rider

You might not be a daily rider, but still, you might ride your e-bike regularly, carrying some cargo with a medium pedal assist. Perhaps, you might have some weekend rides that are intense as well. So, when you ride the e-bike inevitably come into contact with dirt, rain, and mud. But relatively less than an intense rider’s e-bike. 

 

However, you also need regular maintenance on your e-bike, but less often than an intense rider. The following ranges might help you to take your e-bike for a service at particular intervals. 

  • After every 1200 miles, take your e-bike for a complete overhaul. 
  • After every 300 miles, do a tune-up.
  • After every 100 miles, inspect the parts of your e-bike.

 

Light Rider 

If you take the e-bike out for occasional rides and your e-bike does not come into contact with weather conditions so severely, you don’t need to go for a service as often as an intense or regular rider. If you are a light rider, there might not be much pedal assist. However, that does not mean that you can get away with maintenance. The following are the maintenance intervals you need to follow. 

  • After every 1500 miles, take your e-bike for a complete overhaul. 
  • After every 300 miles, do a tune-up.
  • After every 200 miles, inspect the parts of your e-bike.

 

Why does an e-bike need a service? 

Like all other vehicles, e-bikes experience depreciation with time. Further, an e-bike needs more care than a regular motorcycle because e-bikes have motors and other parts. With time, the tires of the e-bike might wear off. Consequently, they lose air pressure and pace. If you encounter a shortage of adequate air pressure in your e-bike, it can lead to nothing but accidents. Chains and spokes also can go through wearing off. Both of those components are paramount for safe and smooth e-bike riding. 

 

In addition, you need to ensure that your gearbox is in good condition. The other thing is brake pads. If brake pads are not taken care of well, the performance of the brakes might go to an unsatisfactory level. With time, the motor of an e-bike also needs a replacement. 

 

There are more. Storing your e-bike correctly is also an excellent service for an e-bike. The incorrect storing methods can harm your e-bike, mainly when you keep it with dampness in the garage. If your e-bike has depreciated because of exposure to natural conditions, a professional e-bike service team can restore your e-bike to a good condition. 

 

How Often Should An E-bike Be Serviced? 

The above section elaborates on this question based on the types of e-bike riders. Let us dive deep into the question now. 

When it comes to professional service for your e-bike, you can know the frequency of service by looking at the owner’s manual. If you don’t have the owner’s manual, check their website for this information. The owner’s manual might suggest you take your e-bike for a service after a specified number of miles. However, this number can differ according to the model of your e-bike. 

If you don’t take your e-bike out often for a ride but use it just for weekend fun, a service once a year is enough. However, you need to have stored your e-bike correctly. 

 

What is to Expect From A Professional E-bike Service Provider? 

When you take your e-bike to a professional technician, he will first perform a thorough inspection of the bike. Nonetheless, ensure that this technician has good knowledge of the type of e-bike you use. If you are taking your e-bike for the first time to a technician, he will endorse scheduling the service process with different levels of examination. For instance, they might ask you to bring the e-bike to them for a rapid examination and tune-up after a few months. And, after that, he might ask you to bring the e-bike for a deep examination and thorough cleaning twice a year. 

 

Sometimes you may leave your bike in the shop for a couple of hours or overnight. It depends on the type of service you are receiving. The technician needs time to inspect the parts, clean them, and replace the depreciated parts. 

 

The Price to Pay For a Maintenance of an E-bike 

The amount sum that you need to pay can vary according to the inspection carried out by the technician. A quick inspection might cost about $75. And a more advanced inspection might cost an amount of $150. This amount can differ according to the technicians’ experience level and the period they have been in the business. 

Remember that this cost will increase if your e-bike needs a replacement of specific components. For instance, the extra fee you need to pay to replace a tire is $30. 

 

Some e-bike dealers provide the e-bike service themselves. You can check whether your dealer is also carrying out such a service. Most of these dealers have agreements to provide an e-bike service for a few months after you purchase the bike from them. And some will offer a low price for the first few examinations. Does not that sound good to your pocket? 

 Maintenance at Home

Doing some maintenance stuff at home can be easy for you because it helps you put off service station maintenance further. We will show you some convenient repair tips you can do at home without much effort and trouble. Don’t misunderstand! Home maintenance cannot take care of your e-bike as a service station’s maintenance. Home maintenance is just to put off the qualified maintenance process further. At some point, you may need to go to a service center to get your e-bike repaired by professionals. 

 

Cleaning 

When dirt gets piled up on your e-bike, it debilitates the moving ability of some components of the e-bike, including the derailleur and the drive chain. In addition, it accelerates the rusting process. You might need to invest some time If you clean the bike regularly. However, this maintenance process can protect your e-bike from grave damage. In addition, it holds over the need for a qualified maintenance process for longer. 

 

And also, the more you engage in doing a cleaning process to your bike, the less effort you will have to put into subsequent cleaning processes. You can find a lot of cleaning products in the market. But, some liquid dish soap, a discarded toothbrush, and a hose are more than enough. 

 

Be sure that you clean the chain and derailleur regardfully before lubricating it. It can protect your e-bike from collecting harmful pulps of chemicals that have the potential to increase the wearing-off process. In addition to all these, there are products that you need to utilize after the cleaning process. That is to maintain the shine of your e-bike and protect the e-bike from rust and dirt. It makes the subsequent cleaning efforts easy. 

 

Inspecting Tire Pressure 

Inspecting tire pressure is good if you practice this before and after every ride. It will help you to get rid of flat tires and an exhausting walk to return home at an instance when you don’t have an extra tube or other tools. But we advise you to go with spare components. Inspecting tire pressure is also suitable for the other components of the bike. Besides, it makes the pedaling process more accessible as well. 

 

Use a tire measuring instrument and check whether the pressure level matches the specified standards. You will be able to see this information printed on tires. However, if you don’t have a tire measuring instrument or are busy so that you don’t have enough time, simply squeeze the tire using your thumbs. By doing this, you can check whether the tire is firm or not. But this method won’t be sufficient for a long time. So, remember to check the tire’s pressure at least once a week.

 

Cleaning of Drive Chain 

It is better if you can do this regularly. Most riders whose e-bikes are in good condition perform this regularly. The benefits of following this cleaning method are as follows. One is is when you keep the drive chain free from dirt and pulps of dirt; it helps the e-bike steer gears smoothly. Another benefit is it prevents the speed of wearing off your e-bike’s derailleur and bike chain. 

You need to clean these parts entirely and wash them out. If you have an old toothbrush or something equivalent, use it for this cleaning process.  A toothbrush suits better when you need to rub the spaces between chains. After that, use a lubricant. Using a lubricant helps the chain and its parts to resist dirt. There are lubricants specially designed for e-bikes. In addition to the assistance in keeping dirt away, these lubricants also enhance the proper movements of the e-bike as well. 

 

Check the Brakes

When you detect something wrong with the brakes of the e-bike, take action to solve the issue at the very first stage. It is crucial. It is good to inspect both front and rear gears after every month. You need to ensure that there are no signs of overuse of the brakes. Just squeeze the brake levers to ensure they won’t be in trouble while you are riding. Brake levers have to function smoothly, and the grip has to be proper. 

 

If you notice any defect that might signal you a wear-off of the brakes, you must be careful, mainly when you are a regular rider. What you need to do after that is take the e-bike to a service shop and get it checked. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on this. Brake repair is usually affordable. So, you can replace the worn-out brakes with new ones. It assures sure safety. 

 

Final Thoughts

To conclude, it is your responsibility as the owner of an e-bike to take great care of the bike. It is better if you can do maintenance and repair daily. Clean it, inspect the chains, check the tire pressure, and check the breaks and the e-bike’s battery. As we told you previously, you can’t entirely rely on a home maintenance process. So, bring the e-bike to professionals every 1000 miles. If you notice any depreciation of parts of your e-bike, get those parts fixed or replaced. It will help you to keep the e-bike in good condition. Consequently, the e-bike’s condition will increase. And it will be in good condition for selling as well. 

 

You can get updated information from the internet and your friends who love e-bikes. In addition, please read your owner’s manual too. Keep in mind that you need to go through all this information based on the model of your e-bike. The mode of service, the frequency of service, and the cost might vary according to your e-bike’s model.  

Can you leave your electric bike outside in winter?

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   Summer is the time we spend outdoors, and winter is all about staying in. It’s time for the heater to start working while you snuggle on your couch in layers of clothes and a warm cup of coffee. And your electric bike will stay in the yard or garage.

   

Though some electric bikes have designed to ride in the winter, while some are not, we don’t encourage you to go on a ride. But if you wish to do so, ride on roads with no ice and less snow in the daytime. Cover yourself, wear a helmet, and remember to charge your battery full every time you go out.

   

There will be changes to the battery of your electric bike in winter as it will have fluctuations in discharging energy in extreme weather conditions. Prepare your trip expecting your battery to drain sooner than on regular days.

   

What happens to the electric bike when you are not riding them? It should be stored in a garage or shed safely and away from snow and sleet. Cover with a sheet to protect the bike from dust and nicks. You should not leave it outside in the snow without a protective cover as the snow and dew will leak inside the electronic parts of the vehicle and defect them.

  

 Even if you store your electric bike outside with fully cloaked protective covers, keeping the battery inside is better. Most electric bike batteries are lithium-ion batteries and should store in cool, dry areas between 30 degrees Fahrenheit and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. As batteries discharge themselves, you should charge them every 30-40 days, even if you are not using them. If you do not charge, the battery will drain fully and leak. And when you need the battery in spring, it probably won’t work.

 

Reasons why you should not keep your electric bike outside in winter

   Electric bikes are expensive due to the electronic parts attached to them. Repairing them or replacing them can be costly. Extreme weather conditions can damage the electric bike parts and the whole frame. We have to take measures to protect the bike from permanent damage.

   These are the consequences one would face due to the exposure of the bike in winter times:

 

  • Damage to the battery

The battery is a vital part of the electric bike. It provides the energy needed to power up the motor. Without it riding the electric bike will be exhausting, as the person riding has to pedal faster to move the heavy frame of the bike. It is expensive to replace it, and repairing it is risky. If it needs repairing, it has to be done by experts, and small repair shops should not try it as it could be dangerous. If the electric bike is left outside in the winter, without protective covers, dew and snow would melt into the bike and the battery. It flows into the battery and damages the cell. It will lead to a damaged battery, and as a result, it would have problems in startup and propelling.

 

Continuous use of a damaged battery in an electric device may result in the breakdown of that device. So, do not leave the battery of the electric bike inside in winter times. And if you happen to leave and you suspect the moisture to flow inside, do not use it without proper repairing as this act might damage the whole bike itself.

 

Remove the battery from the bike, store it in a clean, dry place, and cover the bike in protective layers if it is not stored inside the garage or shed. Find a dry place to park the bike until your next use is better.

  • Damage the motor

The electric bike’s motorbike supplies the power to propel the bike forward and supplies power to all the electric parts of the bike. It is also one of the prominent parts of the electric bike. Mainly all bike contains a waterproof cover that makes it possible to ride in the rain.

 

If the water leaks inside the motor, it may rust the parts and break down the motor. Though it is temporary, you can repair it and make it work properly again. It can be expensive as their parts are pricey, and replacing them can cost you a lot.

 

Even if your motor is waterproof, small dents leak the water. Therefore, try to cover up the bike and its motor if they are parked outside in winter.

  • Damages to the electronic parts

The main difference between electric and traditional bikes is the inclusion of electronics in electric bikes. Like integrated LED lights, electric horns, and LCD screens. Some of them are water resistant, while others are not. So, there are chances for the snow and dew’s moisture to float into them.

 

Electronics are made up of circuits and cells which are not water resistant. If water drifts into the electronics, it might damage and malfunction them.

  • Rusting of the metal

Frames of the electric bikes are built in metal, paint coatings, varnish, and protective layers of rustproof sprays. As winter is the time when everything gets dirtied and wet, you should check for corrosion in the frames if you happen to store your electric bike outside.

 

Continuous dew and snow on the metal frame of your bike will rust them. Check for it, and using a rustproof spray, spray on the metal.

 

If you ride on winter days, clean your bike and tires after every ride as there will be mud and first on them. Keeping a prolonged period with mud will peel the paint on the bike.

 

How to care for your electric bikes in winter

   It is hazardous to drive in winter times. Ice makes it hard to control the vehicle, and it is not advisable to drive fast as you might lose control if you drive on ice. And taking your electric bike on winter nights are not recommended too.

  

 If you are planning on going on a ride on your electric bike, do it in the daytime, and don’t forget to cover yourself up. But if you are storing it away for the winter to pass, you should know to shield it appropriately.

   

Here are some ways to find your electric bike:

  • Battery

Battery being the life of electric bike should be taken utmost care. As it is expensive to repair or replace, one should keep it away from water and store it in a dry place.

 

Remember to charge your battery full for at least 30 to 40 days. As batteries are inevitably discharging themselves, we have to charge them now and then to maintain their healthy lifespan. If not charged, it will drain fully and leak its contents out.

 

In winter times, the battery might freeze. To charge it, warm it beforehand. But do not overheat it with the heater. Keep the battery at room temperature for a while before charging, and then charge it. Charging the battery after storing it in a place where the temperature has dropped below freezing level might damage the battery cells. And heating too much would also damage the cells.

  • Storage

In winter days and nights, we hate to go out and mostly in two-wheelers where there is no way you can warm up yourself. And it is time for your electric bikes to rest for a long time.

Store the bicycle in a garage, basement, or shed away from wet and moisture. Remember to cloak your bike with protective covers.

 

If you don’t have space, store it inside your house in a corner. But if you plan to leave it outside, remember to cover it with protective layers of sheets, as dew and moisture would find ways to flow in.

 

Where ever you stay on your bike, make sure you detach the battery from the bike and store it in a dry place, away from snow and ice. It is the vital part, and repairing it will not be victorious.

  • Clean

Clean your bike often. If you plan on riding it now and then in winter, make sure you clean it now and then. As roads are dirtier these days, keeping it without cleaning for days will dent the paint off in the vehicle.

 

Remember to clean off any first on motor and battery. You don’t want to risk denting or damaging the motor ad battery. Using the specified lubricant for the bike, clean the chain and apply it.

  • Winter tires

If you plan on riding your electric bike throughout the winter, buy a pair of winter tires like fat bike tires or studded tires.

 

Usually, electric bike tires only suit other seasons like car tires. If you plan on riding in winter, prepare early and buy winter tires.

 

Fat bike tires are a better option for riding your electric bike on inches of snow.

Studded tires are the best option if you ride on icy surfaces.

 

Though you should know that your electric bike’s fork will accept only studded tires as broader tires need specifically forks to suit their length.

  • Rustproof

Your electric bike is more likely to rust in winter than in other seasons. Due to winter’s wetness, electric bikes and metallic objects would rust fast.

 

Buy rustproof sprays from the store after cleaning the bike spray on your bike. Spray only on the metal frames of the bike. Be careful not to spray on the bike’s LCD monitor display or other electrics.

 

Check now and then for any corrosion in your bike, and spray rust proof on your bike often.

Wipe the coating when the winter is over.

  • Extras

Winter days are shady, and nights are the darkest. And getting extra lights on your bike will help light up your ways. Buy large and powerful lighting, and fix it in place of the old integrated LED light.

Fix a fender on the bike. It will protect your clothes, bike, and battery from dirt and debris. Without this, you will have an uncomfortable ride on your battery which is harmful.

If the seats are slippery, you can get a warmer one in its place, as slippery seats might be uncomfortable in the already wet season.

 

   Winter rides can be slippery and dangerous depending on the snowfall and sleet in your region. You can have warm riding in your car, a full body cover protecting your bare skin, and a helmet to protect yourself. Though riding in a blizzard is not at all advised.

   While storing the bike for the day, check for a place where there is a cover from falling snow. And always cover your bike with a sheet.

 

Riding your bike after the wet season is over. 

   After having a long lap on winter days, get on ready to have a ride on your electric bike in winter days. Dust off all the speckles from your bike, wipe it off clean, and jump onto your bike. If the bike has been sleeping in the corner all these months, tune in and get some services done. Taking your bike to the nearby service store and doing checkups on gear, brake, chain tubes, and electronics is advisable.

  

 If you have charged your bike’s battery now and then to keep it healthy, you are good to go. It will cost you more if your battery is not working after sitting idly in the corner all winter.

  

 Take your bike on a shorter ride to know if all the parts are working well and if you notice any fault in the ride, make sure to fix it before taking it on longer rides, as this minor flaw might lead to more significant problems if not fixed earlier.

   

If you were riding your bike all winter, an extra checkup wouldn’t be necessary if you think so. Clean off your bike from all winter wafts and bring the spring breeze into it. Remove the bike’s winter tires, extra lightings, and rustproof coatings. Fix its older parts and bring it back to its older self; you can enjoy the original feel of the bike. But if you like the extra lighting and warmer seats on your saddle, you can have it. Fenders will also be of service in other seasons if you ride on gravel and sands.

   

 

Conclusion 

   Parking your electric bike outside in the winter is not a good idea as this may affect the bike and its parts negatively. Store your electric bike in a safe place away from dew and water. Detach the battery from the bike and store it in a cool, dry place. Do not store the battery near a heater or anywhere close to the heat. Parking your electric bike outside in the winter might break the bike’s battery, motor, and electronic parts and malfunction the bike. If you plan to ride your electric bike on winter days, ensure you do it in the daytime and with precautions.

 

Do e-bikes make noise?

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Electric bicycles might make some noise.

 

The popularity of e-bikes is increasing day by day because of their cost-effectiveness and their contribution to a fit and healthy body. Despite all these good aspects, some people complain about the noise that these e-bikes make. It is worthwhile to examine this question further. Does really a noise come from e-bikes? Is the noise coming from e-bikes annoying? Does the noise of the e-bike create noise pollution? These are the common questions people have. Let’s get deep into this matter. 

 

If e-bikes make noise, which parts of the e-bike make such noise? The tires, chains, and motors of these e-bikes indeed release some amount of noise. People might have a false idea that e-bikes sound like motor cars with broken exhaust pipes. Hence, this article will be focusing on all the aspects that you may need answers to concerning the noise of e-bikes. 

 

What is The Reason That E-Bikes aren’t Entirely Silent? 

The preliminary thing about the physical structure of e-bikes is that e-bikes possess more elements than typical motorcycles. The world of technology is heading toward an advanced and noiseless future. Then why are not e-bikes completely silent? E-bikes are getting closer to the noiseless status. Yet, since it is still in the progress, let’s have a look at the things that create the noise of the e-bike. 

 

As mentioned above, e-bikes contain more components when compared to traditional bikes. The primary source of noise is the electric motor. There are three main types of motors for electric bikes. They are direct drive motors, geared hub motors, or intermediate drive motors. The thing that you are required to know is the amount of noise produced is low so that you do not have to cancel your deal to buy an e-bike if you are expecting to buy one. 

 

The noise of the e-bike That Comes From the Brakes 

You will hear a squeaky sound from e-bike brakes when they are in worn-out condition because of a lack of maintenance. This happens mainly when dirt gets attached in between the brake pad of your e-bike and the rotor attached to the wheel. What happens here is the brake pads push the dirt against the rotors when you use brakes. To get rid of this trouble, you have to clear the brake pads. Another reason that causes an e-bike’s brake to have a squeaky sound is a bent rotor. To resolve this, e-bike users can straighten out the bent area with a suitable spanner. 

 

Sometimes this noise coming from your e-bike can be embarrassing. Another thing that can cause such an embarrassing sound is a misalignment of the calipers or the worn-out nature of brake pads. Repositioning the calipers can solve this issue. If brake pads are in worn-out condition, the best possible thing to do would be to replace them. 

 

Noise That Comes From the Direct Drive E-Bike Motor

The direct drive motor category marks the biggest type of motor out of all the other motor types. Their position is on the wheel. Moreover, a big round of magnets encircles the direct drive motor. If it is an e-bike with a throttle, when you turn on the throttle, the motor starts to operate by rotating the housing. The wheel also starts to spin because it is an inseparable part of the casing. 

 

In general, this motor produces the lowest sound among others. But, it is not without its drawbacks. 

 

A direct drive motor is capable of giving ample torque to the wheel even at lower speeds. This is due to the size of the motor which is similar to the exact size of the wheel. Because of this largeness of the motor, it adds an extra burden to the bike which makes it difficult or tiresome to handle the bike. It is difficult especially when the riders have to climb a slope without the assistance of either the throttle of the e-bike or the pedal. 

 

On the other hand, a direct drive motor does not have the ability to move freely. The motor moves simultaneously when you start spinning the wheel. Resistance comes when the motor whirls past the magnets. As a consequence of this resistance, the motor needs extra energy. If you haven’t connected the motor of the e-bike to a power generator, then you will encounter resistance. Consequently, riding a bike without aid is more tiresome and challenging. 

 

Motor Connected To The Front Wheel And Rear Wheel 

An electric bike with a motor connected to the rear wheel is always quieter than an electric bike with a motor fastened to the wheel at the front. It is a proven fact that when the motor is attached to the back wheel, the noise produced is extremely low. The reason for a front wheel to produce more noise is the fork position. The more this fork swings, the more the motor releases noise. So, attaching the motor to the rear wheel will help you to reduce the noise of an e-bike. 

 

Noise That Comes From A Geared Hub E-Bike Motor

Geared hub motors are little in size but more efficient when compared to direct drive motors. You can experience a similar convenience as if you are riding a traditional bike when a motor of geared hub type is attached to the e-bike. There are other benefits too. One is that geared-hub motors have motor coils. This fact enables the motors to rotate faster than the bike’s wheel. Consequently, the motor can spin faster, providing more power. The noise produced by these motors in e-bikes is small. 

 

If you are familiar with the noise of a city trolley accelerating, the noise produced by geared-hub motors in e-bikes is almost similar to that sound. However, the volume is really low. You can understand this better by comparing the sound to the noise of the motor of the direct drive category. If you are riding the e-bike along the roads of serene countryside, then you can clearly hear this sound. Otherwise, if you are riding across the roads of a metropolitan city, among the hustle and bustle of city life, then you won’t be able to hear this sound. 

 

Noise That Comes From A Mid-Drive E-Bike Motor

More sophisticated e-bike motors of this type are still being processed by engineers and they will succeed soon in their endeavors. These motors are placed in the pedal part of the electric bikes. So, it is a little difficult to gather together and connect the motors to the surrounding figure of the electric bike. However, mid-drive e-bike motors appear to give the most easy-going and natural ride for the Ebike riders. 

 

Bike enthusiasts who are keen on e-bikes say that the motors of the geared hub e-bike are quieter than this type of motor. However, there is hardly any distinction between the two. 

 

The noise of the Electric Bike Chain

The noise of the chain emitted from e-bikes takes second place among other noises of the e-bikes. People commonly hear this sound. Chain noise is not a problem circumscribed to e-bikes only. This is a problem with typical motorcycles as well. It doesn’t really matter which chain type you are going to use because every chain type generates noise. 

 

It is understandable however that these larger chains emit more noise than smaller ones. Moreover, the good condition of the chain is also a key factor that decides the volume of the noise generated. You can identify chains with a low-quality easily by noise. They are usually louder because gears have better contact with these types of chains. This contact is rough, especially when the gears are put and unloaded. You have to maintain chains often to reduce this noise. 

 

The noise of The Electric Bike Tire

Tires are usually rough. When the tires of an e-bike get in touch with the road, it makes a noise. Even the traditional bike tires generate a similar noise. Tire noise is common in both e-bikes and traditional bikes. And, the tires of both types of bikes are identical. 

 

What can you do about this tire noise? Usually, the nature of the terrain on which you ride is a factor that decides the noise produced by the tires of the e-bike 

 

If you are riding on asphalt or a gravel road, even the smallest traction in the tire with the road generates noise. If you are riding a mountain e-bike that has off-road tires, the level of sound that comes is higher. This is due to the fact that those tires are bigger in size and have a substantial width also. 

 

When To Worry About the noise of the e-bike? 

It is when you hear squeaky or clanking sounds that you are required to address the issue that you have got. If you continue riding without caring for such noises, with time, the issues will get worsen. So, for example, if you hear a squeaky sound in the brakes, try to give appropriate solutions before you get back on your e-bike. Most importantly, if you don’t pay attention to the misaligned calipers, apart from generating unnecessary sounds, this has the possibility of pushing you into another danger. The e-bikers who use hub-drive e-bikes have to be attentive to sounds coming from the wheel where the motor is attached. What you are required to do is stop the bike and check for the place where the sound is coming from. 

 

How Can The E-Bike Sound Be Reduced? 

Did you know that noise of the e-bike is reducible? There are a lot of things that you have the ability to do in this regard. The majority of them pertain to the fact that you are required to make sure the e-bike parts don’t produce extreme vibration. And, you are required to check from which parts the particular noise comes. However, there is one thing you are required to note. That is the whirring sound of the electric motor is something that you cannot avoid. After figuring out which parts cause the noise, take the necessary actions to fix them.

 

And, check whether there are any loosened bolts and nuts on the bike. If you find them, fix them tightly. When the nuts of a bike are loose, there is a high possibility for the other parts connected to shake. This may increase the sound to a considerable extent. 

 

Another thing that you have the ability to do to reduce the noise generated from your e-bike is cleaning the electric bike. When you don’t clean your bike for a long time, it gets filthy. Then things such as sand and dirt come into contact with the bike’s chain. This creates a big vibration in the e-bike when you ride it, creating a louder noise. 

 

The good existence of anything depends on how well you maintain it. E-bikes are not an exception. Good maintenance for an e-bike is essential because with time the parts of the e-bike get worn out. By maintaining them properly, you can keep them lubricated. You can avoid a lot of noise-related issues if you take care of your electric bike well. 

The Way to Select An E-Bike That Produces Low Noise

Everyone likes to be an owner of an e-bike that generates less noise. Everybody who rides an e-bike experiences a different kind of joy and fun. Electric bikes feature a pedal and a motor. The experience that the riders of e-bikes get may vary according to the terrain on which they travel and the weather conditions as well. However, you cannot get rid of this noise entirely.. However, buying an e-bike with a low level of noise is the priority of many e-bike lovers. 

 

Usually, e-bikes do not produce an extremely loud noise that annoys the vicinity. The plus point about e-bikes is that you can regulate the level of noise as you wish. E-bikes have a low decibel level. Hence, they produce relatively lower noise than motorcycles. This is mainly because of the fact that e-bikes have a rechargeable motor instead of a gas motor. There are some e-bike sounds that help you for relaxation. Those methods are available online. Internet platforms are quick to respond to all your queries. As a result, you can get good reviews about these techniques from online platforms. There are reviews from individuals who use e-bikes and have good knowledge about these things. By reading these reviews you can get to know the things that one should expect from an e-bike before you purchase one. 

 

Conclusion

There are e-bike companies that work for and promote less noisy e-bikes or zero noise-emitting e-bikes. So, in the future, there will be e-bikes with zero noise in the market. 

 

All things considered, it can be said that the motor of an electric bike produces less noise when compared to the noise generated by gasoline-powered motorbikes. We have to admit the fact that e-bikes have some level of noise but they are significantly less troublesome in the noise they emit. The elements that make the noise in e-bikes are the motor, the chain, the tires, and the brakes. But, luckily these sounds are not that much annoying unless you let them exist for a long time till they reach a point that is worse. Noise is something important to consider before you purchase an e-bike. As discussed above, you are required to give proper maintenance after buying an electric bike. This will help you to mitigate the problems of the noise of e-bikes. 

 

Why e-bike battery draining so fast and how to fix it?

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Electric bicycle battery draining really fast and what to do about it.

Although the E-bike is more convenient and eco-friendly, regular issues with the battery are a common problem. The battery is a critical component that needs the detailed attention of the owner at the purchasing point.

 With the understanding of these issues, we will discuss two areas throughout this article to list down the steps to follow in diagnosing the issues with the battery and recommendations to secure potential extended battery life.

There are several areas where you have to diagnose the issue. I have listed a few of those areas below.

  • Power connection issue

 

To diagnose the issues encountered with your battery, check the charging capacity and level. Plug into the charger and inspect the charger and the charging speed. Check whether there is any incorrect alignment of the charger or an error with the power connection.

  • Regulate the Battery charging frequency

We propose you keep records of your Battery charging period and time. If you have charged your battery for six months ago or less, it has to perform in good condition, or else you may have to undertake to troubleshoot.

  • Be notified on Battery Life Span

The other most common reason is battery life span. The life span of a Lithium battery is about 2 to 3 years. However, it depends on the number of charging cycles. The estimated battery charging is 300-700 cycles. 

Sooner after the life span, the performance of the battery will gradually decline. However, it is fixable if it is due to some minor reasons such as a dead cell or faults related to circuits. Though it is cost-effective, repairing the battery is not always possible.

If it is repairable, get the advice of a professional service provider if you are not capable enough to undertake repairs.

  • Check the battery management System (BMS)

It is one of the most common issues related to the E-bike’s battery system. Once you troubleshoot the charger and battery separately and have zero faults with those items, it is most likely to be a fault with the BMS.

This system controls the balance of the battery’s cells during charging and discharging. Further, the BMS system ensures the quality of the battery by controlling power transport to the motor and regulating the battery’s heat. A fault BMS does not assure powering off the battery. Most issues related to the BMS are discharging of the battery and the unusual reduction of the battery power. Even though your E-bike is not in use, the battery has drained in an unusual pattern means it is an issue with the BMS.

You should be highly aware of the brand of the BMS you replaced with your off-branded battery or general battery. We do not recommend you open the battery in any instance on your own without proper instructions from a professional. You should highly care about the brand of the BMS when you are replacing it with your existing branded battery or general battery. Because of the connection between the battery and charger when replacing a BMS. We do not recommend you open the battery in any instance. Moreover, you should be more aware of buying an unbranded battery for your E-bike.

Once you conduct the trouble-shoot of your E-bike you may recognize the issue with the battery. I have listed possible issues below.

  1. Bulge of the battery pack.
  2. Not charging the battery
  3. Not running for a long
  4. No charger is available with the Battery pack
  5. E-bike is not turning on
  6. E-bike is not speeding up

Find the summary for each of the issues below.

Bulge of the battery pack.

It is a serious thing to consider if you have encountered such a problem with lithium-ion cells. If the battery is highly damaged; its cells turn to swell. If your e-bike’s battery has a bulge in it, turn off the power and remove the battery more carefully. You will not be able to check whether the battery has a bulge if it is positioned inside the bike’s frame. Then you may have to take out the battery. However, keep in mind to check the cables are disconnected properly before removing the battery. 

  • Not charging the battery

At the stage of troubleshooting, you may have noticed some issues with not charging the battery such as,

  • Power turned on
  • Power connection is provided properly
  • Whether the battery is in extreme temperature condition.
  • The charger is working and the level of the outage is over 36 Volts
  • Whether the battery charge port is clean?
  • Whether you have taken off the battery for a longer time?
  • Whether you have fused off the e-bike battery or charger for a long?

  • Not running for a long

As mentioned earlier, the lithium-ion battery has a general life span of 700 charge cycles. Therefore, the battery is more likely to lose its complete charge at the end of this level. However, if you do not concern about the life span and overuse even in the bad condition then the situation will be worse.

Similarly, you may have encountered charging capacity. If you have noticed such issues, please consider the following information in this regard.

  1. Is your battery fully charged?
  2. Have you experienced a slow disc brake?
  3. Whether the terrain performs as usual in terrain uphill?
  4. Do you require to assist the battery by paddling?
  5. Have you encountered any difficulty in bearing free spinning?
  6. Have you experienced a short circuit in the battery, wiring, or motor?

These are some of the situations where you may face slow battery discharging.

  • No charger is available with the battery pack

 

 

If a charger is available with you, it is indeed a good sign for the performance of the Lithium-ion battery. Because compared to other batteries it charges slowly. If you have noticed that your battery is not charging for a long period, you may charge it 100% and check the status. If it gets discharged without use, then there might be an issue with the short circuit or faulty battery.

You can troubleshoot the problem with the following test. I have mentioned step by step below.

  1. Take out the battery pack from the e-Bike
  2. Charge it up to 100%
  3. Test the battery by leaving it off the bike.

If you have noticed the power is remaining the same, then the problem exists with a circuit or the motor of the bike. If not, then that is an absolute fault of the lithium-ion cell.

  • How you can ensure that your battery is charged?

Check your battery charger, it properly indicates with a LED light. The color of the charger will change to red if the battery power is critically low. The green color indicates that you have fully charged the battery. There are some chargers which go turn off the light when the battery is fully charged. However, the red color is the indicator of less power or no power in both instances. 

It is important to keep in mind that the battery pack is not to charge for 24 hours. Because Lithium battery capacity will be reduced if it remains plugged in.

Depending on the battery model, the battery’s power level will be indicated, or the speed controller.

  • Do you require to assist the battery by paddling?

If your e-bike battery is on check the fuse of the battery pack. This type of fuse is generally placed on the left side of the battery because it will blow out in case of small circuits, vibration extreme power, and old age.

If there is no issue with the fuse and battery pack, you have to check the condition of the controller. Unless there is no issue with the controller, the signals to turn on the battery pack are issued. If the bike has fallen or water got in. the speed controller is not functioning properly.

Keep the hand “on” switch of the e-bike for 10 seconds. Some speed controllers turn on with the “M” button. Based on the model, the switch button may be changed. Make sure that the speed controller is proceeding

Secondly, keep your battery charged with at least two bars of power. Keeping the battery very low will adversely affect the bike turning on.

Importantly, check whether you have connected the cables properly.  Unless unclear paths will dislodge the cable connection. This issue is commonly faced by mountain electric bikes. Ensure the connection is tight.

  • E-bike is not speeding up

Your e-bike may speed up due to several reasons. The common reason is feedback magnet error occurs when the pedal crank or the rear wheel hub. If you have experienced an error with the switch, clear it properly with a cloth. Then it will work well.

Does the e-bike speed limit?

Certainly. E-Bike speed is limited to 25 km/h or 15.5 mph. This speed limit has been considered the road rule of the main cities of the world. Once a motor reaches the maximum limit, it will discontinue the power supply. Though the motor does not supply the power, the rider can pedal faster than 25 km/h. Subsequently, the battery management system supplies the power to the main door when the speed controller identified speed has reduced. It has the standard feature of most electric bikes. It ensures that the bike follows the general road rules.

Most often the rider does not detect e-bike battery issues correctly. Most of the standard e-bikes come with special features like a switch on the back and front brakes to stop the drive motor. These switches make wheels immovable. When both brake levers make active, they free up the switch. When the whole rear removes or the front brake lever, the switch limit is visible. Another important point is not to leave the e-bike in leaving rain.

It is important to check whether you have ordered the perfect match with the pedal assistant, only throttle or pedal only. Then you do not want to avoid post-purchase dissonance. A general bike with a minimum speed limit which with an active drive motor. It is a good safety feature that ensures a minimum speed of 1.8 mph.

A standard e-bike comes with 250W. It is more than enough to ride an e-bike on uneven roads. The drive motor is with a maximum power of 250W to 15 mph. The maximum weight to hold is 240 pounds in total. Though it is not much noteworthy, it supports charging the motor by pedaling. However, you can think of upgrading the bike with conversion gear.   

Conclusion

For the time being, e-bikes have developed their appearance. Most of the issues encountered with the e-bike are related to the battery. However, those issues are easily recoverable with less technical knowledge. The rider himself can solve these issues if he carefully goes through the manual and instructions of this site. I believe this article also provides sufficient information to keep the e-bike running fast for a long time. 

The most critical problem that occurs in the e-Bike is overheating and low voltage. The owner should ensure that the e-Bike battery is always in topped level. Then there will be very minimal errors in the bike for long life.

To sum up, we have listed the following instructions for you to maintain the e-bike.

  • Make sure you have charged the battery in full before troubleshooting the process.
  • Check the charger always. 
  • Make sure you have got the correct charger and the charger is working properly.
  • You have connected the charger correctly.
  • Check the battery and make sure you have aligned it properly.
  • Make sure the BMS is in order.
  • Avoid high temperatures and maximum charging to ensure the quality of the e-bike.

Ensure high Battery Potential 

Since battery determines the velocity and duration of the ride, it is a critical component to determine when purchasing an E-bike. Most E-bike owners reform the battery to meet their standards and specifications for the ride. Since it is an expensive component of the E-bike, we propose you keep up maintenance and make necessary repairs if necessary to fully utilize the battery and maximize the life span of the battery. 

We believe the following instructions will be useful for you to maintain the quality and maximize the potential of the battery.

  • Not to exceed the level of temperatures.

The extreme temperature will badly damage the lithium-ion battery. We do not propose you charge the bike during freezing weather conditions. Further, high humidity condition also adversely affects lithium-ion batteries. You may pack your e-bike in a dry area for maximum use of the battery.

  • Do not overcharge

        It is a good sign if you can keep the habit of not leaving the battery power 10% below capacity. It will reduce the battery life quickly. The most affordable range of bikes charges between 40%-80% 

 

How to Fix an Electric Bike with Intermittent Power

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Everything you need to know about the bike and its battery

For the owners of e-bikes, the problems that arise with the battery can be a very frustrating thing to deal with. The issue is simple, if the battery of your e-bike works, you can go for a ride all day long, but if your battery has problems, you won’t be able to do as much. The battery might not provide power to the bike at all. So there can be an intermittent power problem in your battery. 

Do you ever think about fixing an e-bike with intermittent power? 

If you have an intermittent power problem in your ebikes, the solution for that will be to hang on to the fundamental cause of it. That can be with the battery management system (BAS), controller, speed sensor, or motor inhibitor. And also, it can only be the battery prongs that cause the problem. Let’s discuss the problem that arises in the systems mentioned above and find out how to fix an e-bike with intermittent power. 

  • Battery Management System (BMS)

The BMS (Battery management system) is present in all e-bikes. It is a tiny particle in the form of a circuit board with electronic elements. As mentioned in its name, the BMS helps to manage the activities of the battery, for example, Inflow of energy when you charge the e-bike outflow of power when you use the bike. The BMS also prevents the battery from getting damaged and helps to extend the lifespan of the battery. 

How the Battery Management System Causes Intermittent Power

As we discussed above, the main purposes of a BMS are to prevent the battery from getting damaged and help to lengthen its shelf life. So this could be the reason your ebike has intermittent power. It also means that the BMS of your bike is doing its piece of work correctly. To explain this further, imagine your battery starts draining immediately at a higher rate because of over usage. So to stop that from happening, the BMS will start working and cut off the power to prevent the battery from draining.

Another reason the BMS is breaking off the power is to ensure your ebikes battery doesn’t get overheated. So as we can see, the bike’s BMS does its job precisely. The intermittent power can be a massive problem as the battery can get into a bad shape by itself. So even that could be the reason why the BMS started acting this way. Let’s see if there’s a solution to fix this problem.

How to fix This Problem 

So the primary cause for the intermittent power can be a battery failure or a malfunctioning battery management system. So you should test both the battery and the BMs and find out who the criminal is. You can check the battery using a multimeter and have a clear answer as to ‘which part causes the problem and should replace immediately. 

  • Controller

As you know, every electronic device has a controller. So does your electric bike. The controller is the central part of an electronic device. As mentioned in its name, it controls everything. So basically, it is the brain of the procedure. The controller pulls together all the components needed to start the ebike. 

How the Controller Causes Intermittent Power

As we mentioned above, the controller pulls together all the components and helps to function them. That means the controller is the part that sends power everywhere needed. So there can be a issue with the controller that stops sending power to the ebike when you want to start it. So let’s see if there’s a cure for this.

How to fix This Problem?

There are some signs to know that the controller is the problem. So you have to look for it by smelling, touching, or looking at the controller carefully and closely. You will be able to pick up the sign by doing as we stated above. So if you observe that the controller is overheated, you can sniff it quickly. So if you experience any burning smells coming within the controller, it is a sign that you have a damaged controller. You can even take a close look at it and see if the parts of it have burnt or not. So if you checked all of it and discovered the problem is in the controller itself, it is the part you should replace without hesitation.

  • Speed Sensor 

Typically an e-bike comes with a speed sensor. The primary purpose of it is to detect whether your bike is going above the specific speed they stated. So if you ride your bike at a higher rate, the speed sensor would detect automatically and break off the power supply. And also, if the speed sensor senses that the bike is riding at a slower speed, it will automatically supply the power you need to speed it up. That is what is done by a speed sensor in an e-bike.

How the Sensor Causes Intermittent Power

A speed sensor failure can cause so many problems. Not all electronic devices work all the time properly; there can be tiny problems in the circuits that can cause huge problems. So in the speed sensor also, sometimes the sensor can make wrong detections. As an example, imagine that it senses that your bike is overlapping the speed rate, but in reality, you ride it at a regular speed. So the mistakenly detected speed sensor can immediately cut off the power supply because it’s sensing that you’re moving way too fast even when you’re not. You might not even be able to move the bike forward when it stops the power supply.

How to fix This Problem

So you might think it is more accessible to fix than replace the sensor but trust me, it’s not. The effort and the time you’ll spend on improving it won’t make it worth it. But it’s okay if you don’t have money to replace it, so the best idea you’ve got is to fix it, but no one will guarantee it won’t fail again. So what do you think? Fixing it more than twice can be the same price as replacing it properly. So the best idea is to replace the sensor immediately. It is much easier than you think.

  • Brake Motor Inhibitor

All the ebikes offer a brake motor inhibitor. The meaning of the motor inhibitor is that ‘it ceases the motor. It operates when you push the brakes while riding on your bike. So when you brake, the motor stops, and the power supply will cut off, making your ebike constant without being able to move forward. The motor inhibitor prevents the motor’s running when the brakes are still on. This feature will prevent the damages that can occur to your engine.

How the Brake Motor Inhibitor Causes Intermittent Power

As we talked about above in the previous paragraphs, electronic devices are not all perfect. So they can make mistakes too. The brake motor inhibitor in your bike can mistakenly detect that the brakes are on, even if it’s not. So when it senses like that, it breaks off the power supply that directs to the motor. So you will face intermittent power loss because of that. 

How to fix This Problem

The brake motor inhibitor comes with a sensor that can detect whether the brakes are on or not. If the sensors mistakenly sense that the brakes are applied even when it is not, they will cut off the power. So the components in the sensors, besides the motor inhibitor, can be the culprit for this problem. However, the best thing is to check the sensors to fit and replace the needed components inside it. 

  •  Battery Prongs

Electronic devices can be satisfactory only when their connectors are suitable too. So the connection between the bikes and their batteries explains everything. If you’re having any problem with the power supply, you might take a good look at the batteries. The batteries can be the reason for the trouble caused. So you should check the battery prongs and make sure they are working correctly. 

How Battery Prongs Cause Intermittent Power

You must know that the battery prongs are the points where the power transfer occurs to the bike from the battery. So if you want to ensure the transferring process carried by the batteries happens smoothly, you should check whether the prongs are appropriately aligned. In order for a successful transfer, there should be nothing in their way. If your bike has intermittent power, the problem can be in the prongs. The prongs can be full of dirt or misaligned. Or else the prongs are not correctly shoved all the way into the battery. These can cause your bike to shut down entirely. Especially if you ride on uneven rough roads, you might loosen the battery prongs. That can cause power intermittently.

How to fix This Problem

Before doing anything, you should remove the battery from your bike and look closely at the battery thongs. First, ensure they’re well-cleaned and don’t have any mud or dust around the corners. Then you should inspect whether the battery prongs are loose and shaky. This can happen because of riding on bumpy roads. And secondly, make sure that they’re aligned properly inside. If it’s not, you should align it perfectly and tighten the prongs. And when you place the battery back into the bike, be careful and ensure that the prongs proceed all the way into the battery. And it should stay firmly in place when you put back the battery. It’s easier as you don’t have to replace any parts; you just have to clean and maintain the bike’s battery to avoid these types of problems.

How to take care of the battery of your e-bike?

If you want to get free from problems arising in the battery, you should maintain it properly. Safekeeping the battery of your electric bike is not as convenient as you think. Most e-bikes have lithium batteries like your laptop/ mobile phone, so you can refill them whenever possible. You can clean your battery when you’re cleaning the bike, but you should be careful not to immerse it in water. You should use a washer without much water pressure. Or you can clean it using a soft cloth, especially when you’re cleaning the electrical contacts and the frame of the battery. If you cycle in wintery, salty, and wet conditions, you should wipe the contacts with a small amount of grease. So the battery won’t corrode at all.

Does your e-bike need to be serviced often?

Of course, you must take your bike for service like any bicycle you own. But it is a vast process to keep your bike well maintained. So you might need to torture yourself with some maintenance tips. Well, maintaining your bike would expand the bike’s lifespan and help you assist with the issues that arise on your bike. So you will be able to replace or repair the parts before it becomes too pricey.

  • Keep your motorcycle well-cleaned.
  • Check whether you have inflated tires and if the drivetrain is lubricated.
  • Checking if there are broken parts or loosened spokes and bolts.
  • Keeping the battery moderately
  • Storing your battery in a dry, cool place.
  • Charging the battery with a correct charger
  • Checking for software updates regularly.

 In conclusion, as we talked about in the previous paragraphs, intermittent power can occur to your bike because of problems in the battery management system, speed sensor failures, loose battery prongs, problematic controllers, and faults in the brake motor inhibitor. So as we discussed and found solutions for all of the problems as replacing the parts that had the problem make sure you keep your bike cleaned too. Lack of cleaning and not servicing for so long can also be the reason for these problems. So if you want to use your bike correctly, take good care of it. 

 

How do I keep my e-bike controller cool?

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 Electric bikes have attained a lot of popularity among the populace, boosting their production and new investors investing in them. This resulted in the advent of low-quality bikes. Low-quality bikes would be cheap and made with fewer quality materials. Using low-quality materials to make electronic bikes may result in the malfunctioning of the bike in a short time. 

  

 Quality materials, which are costly, will be used to make quality bikes, thus making the bike expensive. The frame of the bike, pedal, brake, motor, and battery combine together to give a wholesome bike. Manufacturers develop each part of the vehicle and try to give a better performing bike than the last one. 

  

 But there are also cheap companies trying to sell their products at a lower price by making them use cheaper materials. Some even try to sell it at a higher price though it is made of low-grade materials to portray as it a quality product. Using low-quality electric bikes has its consequences and will degenerate it.

   

Even when the electric bike is created using quality products, there are chances for your bike to malfunction. 

 

What does an electric bike’s controller do?

   The electric bike’s controller connects all the electric parts like the motor, battery, throttle, display, pedals and etc. It is the brain of the bike and manages all the functions of the bike. It is a small computer that enables the bike’s function like controlling the power of the motor, acceleration of the bike, etc.

   

Controllers come in a small protective box to protect from external heat and water that may damage and affect the overall performance of the bike. Some are designed to hold it outside the bike’s frame, and some design it to be hidden inside the frame of the electric bike. 

   

While assisting the functions of the electric bike, various controllers are also designed to provide different protection, they are:

  • Brake protection

Brakes in any vehicle enable to slow down or abruptly stop the vehicle. It is really an important part of any vehicle as it saves you from crashing and slamming. The controllers in the electric bikes give more priority to the brake than any other. 

  • Over temperature protection

Controllers know the limit of the transistors. The controller would shit down when the transistors reach their maximum safe heat level. This controller is really helpful when the controller is inside the frame of the bike.

  • Low voltage protection 

This might come in handy if the bike’s battery is discharging high voltage. This controller will monitor the battery’s discharges continuously, and when it reaches the limit, it shuts down. 

  • Over-voltage protection 

This protection would come in handy for people who often overcharge their electric bikes. As overcharging might damage the battery and weaken its lifespan, using this controller you can protect it. This controller would automatically stop the flow of electricity to the battery when the battery reaches its maximum charging level.

  • Over current protection 

The motor of the electric bike uses energy to control the bike. This controller allows the motor to consume the energy within the limit. This is useful if the motor consumes more energy from the battery.

 

Reasons for the heating of the electric bike’s controller

   A controller converts the electric energy into current, to control the motor.

   When the motor is functioning for a long time, it will heat up. This is normal, but if the controller working with the motor is heating up too soon, we should check and repair it if the need arises. 

 

There are many reasons for the controller to heat up, and here are a few of them:

  • Riding for a long time 

To ride an electric bike that’s working through its motor for a long time with high speed requires more power to generate it. This increases the heat of the controller.

  • The controller is made with low-quality materials

When buying an electric bike or any other vehicle, one should always contemplate the quality of the product as well as its parts. As quality products have a higher span of life than low-quality products, this factor decides the longevity of the vehicle. 

In the case of an electric bike, one should look at its battery, motor, and controller, as they are the main aspects of it. The controller generates the power to the motor to control the bike from the battery. The low-quality controller would heat up soon when transferring the energy.  

  • Overvolting

Overvolting an electric bike is using more power to increase the speed of the motor. When there is an increase in the use of the battery and the motor, it heats them up with the controller.

  • Overload

An electric bike is replacing traditional bicycles and other motor vehicles. We can use it to go on grocery shopping or commute, and many are using it for their shopping too. Though electric bikes aid to carry one’s things, one should know the limit and not overload them.

When there is a load on the bike,  or the person driving is overweight, to bear the weight and advance, it uses more power which increases the temperature.

  • Rough terrain and steep path

Climbing a steep path or riding on rough terrain requires low effort from the rider in an electric bike than in a traditional bike. Though it requires less effort from the rider, the motor’s work increases, thus heating up the motor and the controller.

  • Size differences 

If the controller’s power is higher than the motor’s intake, it would result in the malfunctioning of the motor due to excess power. And if the controller’s power is lower than the motor, the motor will be underpowered. This would result in the heating of the controller.

  • Damages in the controller

Controllers in the electric bike connect all the parts of the bike and assist in their function. If there is any damage to it, it might take more power to manage all the functions. When more power transfers in order to function, the control might heat up.

  • Breakdown of the cooling system

As the controllers in an electric bike aid in managing all its functions, the controllers would heat up soon. For this reason, they come with an inbuilt cooling system that reduces the heat and cools the controller thereby, it can function appropriately.

 

   Controllers are usually made using heat-insinuating materials as it is normal for the heat to rise up when using any electric devices. But the owner would know what the normal heat would rise to and if it rises higher in a shorter period. This will be the cue to repair or replace the controller.

 

Ways to cool down the controller 

   Even though rising of the temperature of the electric bike’s controller is normal, it should cool down before it reaches higher before damaging. One should know the grounds of the increasing temperature to attempt to cool it down and protect it. Follow these methods for a cool controller:

  • If the heightened temperature is due to riding the electric bike for too long at high speed, stop the bike. Switching off the motor and the controller would halt its function and let it cool down sometimes. Try to ride it after ten to fifteen minutes of cooling down or try pedal riding without the support of the motor.
  • If the controller is heating up due to the high power used by the motor to climb the steep path or to ride on rough terrain, try slowing down. Slowing down the electric bike can somewhat cool the motor and thus the controller. 
  • If you notice the increase in the temperature of the controller and deduce it is because of the weight it is carrying, get rid of some weight. This might reduce the work of the motor and allows the controller to cool a bit. 
  • Controllers may heat up if the materials used to make them are of low quality. If you happen to know that the rise in the temperature is due to a low-quality controller, try to replace it with a better controller. They are made out of heat-insinuating materials and it would reduce the heat and help to cool off. 
  • If you find that the high temperature of the bike’s controller is due to the usage of overvolt, try to decrease its use of it. 
  • If you notice the rising of the heat is due to the size differences between your controller and the motor, change one of them to the other’s correct voltage.
  • If you find any damages or faults in the controller, change the controller to a better capacity.
  • Change the cooling system of your electric bike, if the heating is due to its breakdown. 

 

Types of electric bike controllers

   Industrial Revolution brought in the use of iron and steel to create different shapes and build machines. This made human work easier and by the 20th century, microelectronics were introduced. 

  

 Though electric bikes were patented in the 19th century, only in the later part of the 20th century did they gain popularity. The main reason for this is the motor and controller are made using heavy and expensive materials and it was impossible to ride it with that weight. When microelectronics were introduced in the 20th century, batteries, motors, and power controllers were made using lighter-weight materials which were cheaper. 

  

 One can see numerous changes in the parts of the electric bike in two decades. But nothing much changes in the motors and the controllers of the bike, though many changes can be seen in the battery. 

   

There are three types of electric bike motors, they are:

  • Brushed DC Motor Controller

These controllers are mostly in use in scooters, electric bikes, and other light electric vehicles. They are simple and easy to use. Many DIY hobbyists and enthusiasts use it.

The brush in the motor pokes the commutator and pushes the motor to move.

These motor controller designs are more straightforward and it comes with a magnet connector to connect both the motor and the controller. The set of keys induced in it transfers the energy to the engine. 

  • Brushless DC Motor Controller

Most electric bikes use brushless DC motors and brushless DC controllers as they are efficient and reliable. Its service and operation are simple. It comes with a permanent magnet.

As there is no brush to boost the movement of the motor, you can steer the motor electronically using motor control systems.

  Though they look like brushed controllers, they come with three phases of the controller. Using a set of keys and at least two transistors, they can be controlled.

  • Brushless DC Motor Controllers with Hall Sensors.

Hall Effect Sensors are used to encourage the movement of the rotor according to the stator. The rotor is the rotating part of the motor, while the stator is the fixed part of the motor. The Hall Effect Sensors also determine other attributes like speed essential to the efficiency of the motor. 

 

Choosing an electric bike’s controller

   As electric bike controllers determine the efficiency of the motor and the performance of the whole bike, it is vital to know your controllers. If replacing or at least knowing the electric bike’s controllers, there are factors to consider, they are:

  • Voltage and Power

If you are trying to replace your controller, and you are going for the non-programmable controller, check the controller’s and motor’s voltage and power. 

The controller’s and motor’s voltage should be the same. The power of the controller and the motor should be the same or the controller’s power slightly more than the motor. 

If you are planning to purchase a programmable controller, you can adjust the power accordingly. The voltage of the motor and the battery should match the controllers. And this will ensure more stable function, controls the temperature, and reliable service.

  • Controller Current Rating

The controller’s current rating should be lower than the battery’s output current. 

  • Phase and Battery Current

Phase current and the battery current are both different things and many beginners confuse them. 

Phase current is attached to the motor and it can be higher than the better current. 

One should check the controller’s phase current and the motor current before choosing an electric bike. They should match or if the controller supplies more current than the motor’s capacity to intake current, it will heat up. 

The varnish coatings on the motor will deprive it property due to the excess heating of the motor and create a short circuit. 

  • Driving Type of the Controller

There are two types – Sine wave controller and Square wave controller, which differ in phase voltage waveform. 

The sine wave controller produces a sinusoidal waveform and it creates less noise. When riding uphill or carrying loads, it delivers an efficient ride and smoother ride on normal roads. Though, these controllers only work with matched motors and consume more energy, which will cost the owner more.

Square wave controllers produce rectangular waveforms and create a loud noise. They deliver less efficiently when riding uphill or carrying heavy loads, and not so smooth rides on normal roads. But these controllers can work with different types of motors, and efficient braking or acceleration. People would prefer this as this controller is affordable. 

  • Hall sensor or dual mode

The Hall sensor controller is a hall sensor or dual mode. Depending on the sensor signals, the controller regulates the voltage to the motor.