The Ultimate Ebike Maintenance Schedule & Guide

So you've got your new ebike and now your wondering, 'What kind and how often do I need to do maintenance?'. Much like conventional bicycles, ebikes need regular maintenance to ensure their safety and longevity. Ebike maintenance, much like car maintenance, is a simple task which, once it becomes routine, will seem as normal as putting your shoes on before leaving the house, and will be as easy as 1, 2, 3!

To ensure safety and longevity your ebike needs 6 “different” maintenance schedules, many of which, without realizing, you’re probably already undertaking. Other items may, at first, sound difficult but once you’ve worked out how to do them they will also become second nature. So don't let this relatively long list intimidate you. It's just a matter of getting into a routine.

Pre-Ride Checklist

With a little practice this will take you around 5 minutes!

TASK	TOOLS	INSTRUCTIONS
Check Tire Pressure	Tire Pressure Gauge	Check tire pressure is within the range specified by the manufacturer. The range or limits can be found on the sidewall of the tire. Fill or release air as necessary.
Inspect Brakes	N/A	Whilst rolling your ebike besides you, pull on one of the brake levers. The ebike should come to a stop immediately. Repeat with the other lever.
Check Headset	N/A	Pull the front brake and rock the ebike forward and backward. There should be no play in the handlebar mount. Tighten if needed and re-test.
Clean & Lube Chain	Chain Lube & Rag	With the tires of your ebike off the floor, grasp the chain between the back gears and pedals with a clean rag. Spin the pedals a few times so that the chain runs a few cycles through the rag, cleaning off any dirt. Apply lube as instructed by the manufacturer.
Check Wheel Tightness	N/A	Check that each wheel's axle nuts are tight and there's no wheel wobble. Tighten as needed.
Check Battery Charge	N/A	Turn on your ebike and ensure it is sufficiently charged for your journey.

TASK	TOOLS	INSTRUCTIONS
Check Tire Pressure	Tire Pressure Gauge	Check tire pressure is within the range specified by the manufacturer. The range or limits can be found on the sidewall of the tire. Fill or release air as necessary.
Inspect Brakes	N/A	Whilst rolling your ebike besides you, pull on one of the brake levers. The ebike should come to a stop immediately. Repeat with the other lever.
Check Headset	N/A	Pull the front brake and rock the ebike forward and backward. There should be no play in the handlebar mount. Tighten if needed and re-test.
Clean & Lube Chain	Chain Lube & Rag	With the tires of your ebike off the floor, grasp the chain between the back gears and pedals with a clean rag. Spin the pedals a few times so that the chain runs a few cycles through the rag, cleaning off any dirt. Apply lube as instructed by the manufacturer.
Check Wheel Tightness	N/A	Check that each wheel's axle nuts are tight and there's no wheel wobble. Tighten as needed.
Check Battery Charge	N/A	Turn on your ebike and ensure it is sufficiently charged for your journey.

POST-Ride Checklist

Again, with a little practice this will take you less than 10 minutes to finish!

TASK	TOOLS	INSTRUCTIONS
Inspect Tires & Rims	N/A	Look for debris and damage on the rims and tires.
Check Shifter & Derailleur	N/A	With your ebike tires off the floor, turn the pedals and shift through the gears. Your ebike should shift seamlessly. Additionally, check the derailleur for any debris.
Wipe Down Frame	Clean, damp rag	Take a rag and wipe the frame of the ebike. Whilst doing so inspect for any damage and cracks.
Wipe Down Chain	Clean Rag	With the tires of your ebike off the floor, grasp the chain with the rag and spin the pedals a few times so the chain runs through the rag (The frequency of this step is dependent on both climate and the terrain you ride in. Some may need to do it daily others every month).
Check Pedals	N/A	Give your pedals a once over to check for any cracking.
Check Wheel Straightness	N/A	Turn each wheel in turn whilst looking straight down the tire. You should observe no wobble.
Charge Battery	Battery Charger	Put your battery on the charger so your ebike is fueled and ready for your next adventure.

TASK	TOOLS	INSTRUCTIONS
Inspect Tires & Rims	N/A	Look for debris and damage on the rims and tires.
Check Shifter & Derailleur	N/A	With your ebike tires off the floor, turn the pedals and shift through the gears. Your ebike should shift seamlessly. Additionally, check the derailleur for any debris.
Wipe Down Frame	Clean, damp rag	Take a rag and wipe the frame of the ebike. Whilst doing so inspect for any damage and cracks.
Wipe Down Chain	Clean Rag	With the tires of your ebike off the floor, grasp the chain with the rag and spin the pedals a few times so the chain runs through the rag (The frequency of this step is dependent on both climate and the terrain you ride in. Some may need to do it daily others every month).
Check Pedals	N/A	Give your pedals a once over to check for any cracking.
Check Wheel Straightness	N/A	Turn each wheel in turn whilst looking straight down the tire. You should observe no wobble.
Charge Battery	Battery Charger	Put your battery on the charger so your ebike is fueled and ready for your next adventure.

Maintenance Schedules

Important - The checklists below may be labeled by a specific timescale however these time scales are directed at the daily rider. If you're just a weekend warrior or intermittent, casual rider then you ebike is going to need these tuneups less frequently.

If you're a daily rider then doing some further research and purchasing the tools and equipment necessary to complete these lists may be to your long term financial benefit; plus you get to become much more knowledgeable and in-tune (pun intended) with your daily ride.

Weekly EBIKE Checklist

An easy undertaking, which can be done with basic bike tools.

Wipe down chainrings, cassette, and derailleur pulleys
Check and tighten crankset
Inspect brake pads

Monthly Ebike Checklist

A more in-depth inspection and tuneup which requires some in-depth research and special, but not hard to find, materials.

Check for chain water
Wipe down and lubricate suspension sliders (if applicable)
Lube all braking and gear shifting cables
Degrease and lubricate chain & all chainrings, both front and back.
Lubricate all other drivetrain elements i.e. the derailleur and chain

Six Month Ebike Checklist

This is also known as a complete tune-up in many locations and is recommended twice a year for daily users and one a year for weekend warrior or casual riders. This costs around $100 at most ebike tune-up locations.

Adjust brakes to ensure proper functionality
Adjust gear shifters to ensure power functionality
Lube both brake and gear shifting systems
Ensure drivetrain is working as normal
True your wheels
Check bearing system
Safety check all bolts

Annual Checklist

More of an addition to the six-month checklist, the annual checklist involves everything from the six month checklist along with a full breakdown of your ebike, checking all the components are working as they should be, cleaning said components, lubing them and putting your ebike back together. For daily commuter and serious riders this should be completed annually. For weekend warriors or casual riders it is probably only necessary every 18 months to 2 years.

A Final Word

If you’re not comfortable with undertaking any of the elements mentioned in the checklists above then take your ebike to your closest ebike service center and tell them what you want done. Often these highly knowledgeable techs can detect any problems as second nature.

Again, before you go and spend $100 tuning your ebike every six months, it is important to consider how often you use your ebike. Head down to your local Aventon ebike service center and give them the details of your usage and they’ll be able to advise you on how often you should get your Aventon ebike serviced. With regular service and maintenance your ebike will last your well into the future!