E-Bikes

The only downside to ebikes is the weight of the motor and the battery. However, there is still a huge net gain for power despite the added weight. Ebikes are getting lighter too, so this is becoming less of an issue, the lightest electric road bikes are around 12kg.

In addition to the usual components wearing out and needing replacing such as cassettes and chains etc, ebike batteries have a limited lifespan. Battery life is governed by the number of recharges and how well looked after the battery has been ( always stick to manufacturer recommended guidelines, particularly for charging / discharging and storage) Replacement batteries are usually available, be sure to make sure the voltage and watt / hours are the same and that the fitment type matches your existing battery.

Carefully check the maximum weight allowance for the car roof, roofbars / rails and the actual bike rack. This can also be physically hard to do, especially with heavier Ebikes, although removing the battery can save a few kilo's. Heavy duty rear mount racks or tow-bar hitch mount racks would be a safer and more manageable option.

Electric bikes need a little extra care when cleaning to make sure critical electric components don’t get damp. Try to follow manufacturer recommended instructions for battery charging and discharging to maximize battery life. As with regular bikes, keeping it clean will maximize how long it lasts, mid-drive ebikes can wear transmission components quicker, reduce this with regular cleaning and lubrication.

Keep the bike clean! There are parts on your bike which will wear out through normal use (cassette, chain and brake pads), keep your bike clean and lubricated to maximize the lifespan. It is also easier to check the bike over when it is clean. If the bike is kept clean and lubricated it shouldn’t need much attention mechanically. Most routine maintenance jobs are pretty easy to do, see our blogs here, alternatively seek a reputable, skilled bicycle mechanic.