Electric Bike Repair and Maintenance Basics
All bicycle owners should know how to perform routine maintenance and care, and learning the basics of repair can help save a lot of money in the long term.
E-bike maintenance and care involves the regular upkeep of both the mechanical parts and knowing how to treat the electrical components so they last as long as possible.
Electric bike repair is more complicated. A qualified e-bike mechanic should address any problems that extend past simple troubleshooting issues.
This article will explore the fundamentals of electric bike repair, maintenance, and care so you can keep your e-bike in top shape.
How Often Should You Do an E-Bike Service?
It’s recommended to have an e-bike serviced roughly every 1,000 to 1,500 miles or three to nine months based on usage. Some owner’s manuals offer suggested servicing guidelines.
If you ride in a wet climate or on muddy trails frequently, the frequency should be higher, as dirt buildup and water exposure can cause components to wear faster.
This full e-bike service should be done in addition to regular cleaning, lubrication, tire inflation, and brake adjustment.
Electric Bike Repair Basics
Electric bike repair is quite complex. Repairing electronic components such as motors, batteries, controllers, and sensors requires a high level of training that even some regular bike mechanics don’t have.
Given that, it’s best to leave the repair of electrical components to professionals.
Any confident home mechanic can still perform e-bike repairs on common issues with the mechanical components, such as the drivetrain, brakes, wheels, and tires.
Warranty
Knowing the details of your warranty is essential for electric bike owners who buy new.
All e-bikes sold in the US must have a minimum warranty of one year on manufacturing defects. This means the company must repair, replace, or refund you if you experience an issue with your electric bike that does not result from misuse.
Most big-name bike brands offer longer warranties on mechanical components or even limited lifetime warranties on frames and rims in some cases.
However, the motor and battery rarely get more than two years of coverage for electric bike repairs.
Find a Qualified Bike Mechanic or Retail Partner for Your E-Bike
E-bike repair requires a different set of skills than many traditional bike mechanics possess. For this reason, some bike shops won’t service e-bikes. Others will only service particular brands or premium e-bikes that are well-designed.
Cheap models from small manufacturers are notoriously hard to work on and can cause lots of issues, so many mechanics will avoid working on them.
If you plan on buying a cheap e-bike online, find a qualified mechanic willing to work on it before you make the purchase.
By buying from a shop or online from a brand like REI, you can rely on the shop to take care of electric bike repairs and servicing when you experience an issue.
Motor and E-Bike Battery Repairs
Attempting to repair an e-bike motor or battery will almost certainly void the warranty. In addition, E-bike battery repair can easily compromise the internals and cause overheating, shortcircuiting other electronic components, or even an e-bike fire.
Likewise, motors shouldn’t be worked on at home. In general, e-bike motors are very durable and require little-to-no maintenance. When they stop working, it’s usually time to replace them. However, sometimes issues occur inside the warranty that the manufacturer must address.
Electric Bike Repair: Troubleshooting Errors At Home
The average electric bike owner can do a couple of things to troubleshoot their e-bike when it experiences an error. However, most issues require the assistance of a professional e-bike mechanic.
From time to time, electric bike batteries and motors will encounter issues that bring up an error code on the display, indicating that something is wrong. Sometimes you can address these errors by turning the bike off and back on again.
Alternatively, some e-bikes have companion apps that diagnose the error and provide instructions on whether the owner or a mechanic must fix it.
If your e-bike isn’t turning on at all, it’s possible that the battery isn’t seated correctly in its holder or a connecting cable has come loose. Additionally, the battery connectors could have been bent or damaged while it was removed for charging.
Speed Sensor Blockage or Alignment Issue
If your e-bike is turning on but not providing pedal assistance, there’s a possibility the speed sensor is out of alignment or blocked.
Almost all e-bikes have a speed sensor magnet attached to a spoke in the rear or installed at the rear brake rotor. The spoke-mounted magnet passes by a sensor on the inside of the chainstay.
To ensure the sensor isn’t causing the issue, wipe the magnet and the sensor with a damp cloth so that they aren’t blocked, and check that they are aligned. Also, brake dust may gather on the sensor for rotor-mounted magnets, so wipe this off with a clean, dry rag.
E-Bike Maintenance and Care
As mentioned above, e-bike maintenance and care is an ongoing process that owners who ride regularly should integrate into their routine. Doing so will save money in the long term by prolonging the life of each component.
In addition, a well-maintained bicycle is more enjoyable to ride. So, what can the average e-bike owner do to maintain their e-bike?
Best Practices for E-Bikes Motor and Battery Care
The lifespan of an e-bike’s electrical components is highly dependent on how the bike is used, stored, and charged.
An owner who follows best practices could get triple the lifespan of one who doesn’t.
So let’s take a look at the best practices.
How to Charge Your Battery Optimally
To maximize the lifespan of your battery, you will want to charge it more frequently. Avoid charging it to 100% or allowing it to fall below 30%. Ideally, you want to maintain a charge between 30 and 90%.
If you must leave it to reach 100%, ensure you unplug it at that point, and don’t leave it plugged in after finishing. The quickest way to speed up battery deterioration is to do a full discharge and charge regularly.
Storage In a Cool and Dry Place
E-bike batteries are susceptible to heat and water exposure. For this reason, it’s best to store them short-term and long-term in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
If your only option is to keep the bike outside, use a heavy-duty waterproof cover and remove the battery to store it inside.
For long-term storage, ensure the tires have some air and maintain between 30 and 70% charge in the battery.
Storing a lithium-ion battery with a full charge or below 20% can damage it so that it doesn’t hold any charge when you start using it again.
Use Lower Gears and Pedal Assistance Levels
On mid-drive e-bikes, the motor is much more efficient when you maintain a consistent and high cadence of 75 to 100 rpm. Like our knees, motors don’t like to churn away at low RPMs; it puts extra stress on the system.
Similarly, using the high pedal assistance for most of your riding will put a lot of extra stress on the motor and battery, causing heat buildup and reducing lifespan.
Riding in extremely hot environments (above 90°F) accentuates this problem.
Again, heat is the common denominator here, and it applies to riders and electronics alike. The more work a system does, the more heat it generates and the faster it wears out.
Use the Original Charger and Battery
Only use the original charger provided with your electric bike.
If you must replace it, only buy one sold specifically by the bike brand or e-bike system manufacturer for your model. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery and cause a fire.
If you must replace the battery on your e-bike, buy the same model from the bike brand itself or the system manufacturer (Bosch, Bafang).
Using the incorrect battery could cause the electric components in your bike to shortcircuit, rendering the bike unusable.
E-Bike Maintenance of Mechanical Components
On top of caring for the electronic parts of your e-bike, you should dedicate time regularly to cleaning and maintaining the mechanical components, like the drivetrain, brakes, tires, and frame.
What to Do After Riding in the Rain
One of the key things to keep an ebike running smoothly and extend the lifespan of the individual components is to give it a quick clean after riding in the rain, especially if you ride off-road.
Allowing dirt and grime to build up in the various nooks and crannies of the bike will cause the components to lose efficiency and deteriorate faster.
Use a bucket of water or a weak hose to rinse the frame and components. Then, wipe any dirt buildup off the chain with an old rag, and reapply lube to it. But, before all of that, make sure to remove the battery as it should never be soaked in water.
If you’ve ridden in particularly muddy conditions, you may want to do a deep drivetrain cleaning and lubrication.
Chain and Drivetrain: Apply Lube and Clean Frequently
The frequency at which you apply lube and clean the drivetrain depends on the climate where you live and how frequently you ride.
Thankfully, most e-bikes use single-chainring drivetrains, so the maintenance is more straightforward, and there is less to go wrong.
Ebikes with belt drives require very little maintenance as the belt doesn’t need to be cleaned or lubricated. (Source: Vvolt.com)
Understanding the Jetson Ebike’s Throttle System
While you are facing throttle system issues, knowing its inner mechanics and understanding how it works is a primary step to solving it. The Jetson Bike’s throttle system operates through a simple yet effective mechanism.
When the rider engages the throttle, it sends an electronic signal to the bike’s controller, which then provides power from the battery to the electric motor. This power activates the motor, allowing it to drive the wheels and move the bike forward at different speeds.
Now, there could be a couple of types of throttle, which may include the thumb or the twist grip throttle. Thumb throttles are operated by pressing a button or lever with the thumb, while twist grip throttles are rotated like a motorcycle throttle grip.
This versatility allows riders to adapt to different riding conditions, whether it’s cruising at a leisurely pace or tackling steep inclines.
However, to ensure smooth functioning keeping the throttle clean and free from debris, inspecting the wiring connections, and checking for any signs of wear are essential steps to maintaining optimal performance.
Common Issues With the Jetson’s Ebike Throttle
While the throttle system provides seamless control over the bike’s speed and power, it can sometimes encounter issues that hinder its proper functioning. Let’s see what are those issues and why your jetson’s throttle system isn’t working correctly.
- Unresponsive Throttle: This is one of the most common problems and is mainly caused by a variety of factors, including loose connections, wiring faults, or a faulty throttle mechanism.
- Intermittent Power Output: The bike may accelerate and decelerate unexpectedly or fail to maintain a steady speed. This issue can stem from loose or damaged wiring connections, a malfunctioning controller, or a worn-out throttle mechanism.
- Stuck or Jammed Throttle: A sticky or stuck throttle occurs when the throttle mechanism does not return to its original position after being engaged. It can be caused by dirt, debris, or inadequate lubrication in the throttle assembly.
- Inaccurate Speed Control: Another reason why the Jetson bike throttle is not working may be due to inaccurate speed control. Because the bike may accelerate or decelerate abruptly or fail to respond to throttle adjustments smoothly. This issue can result from a faulty controller, sensor misalignment, or worn-out throttle components.
- Erratic Power Surges: Erratic power surges refer to sudden bursts of power when the throttle is engaged, even without any adjustments. This issue can be dangerous and make the bike challenging to control.
How to Fix Jetson Electric Bike Throttle Not Working?
From checking the battery and power connections to examining the throttle assembly and controller functionality, we’ll cover the essential steps to diagnose and fix the Jetson electric bike throttle problems. We will guide you through the process of troubleshooting a non-functional throttle on your Jetson Bike.
Here’s a list of steps that you can refer to address throttle-related issues effectively.
- Check the Battery Power and its Connection.
- Examine the Throttle Assembly with the controller.
- Inspect the Wiring Connection.
- Verify the Controller Functionality.
- Test the Motor and E-Bike System.
By systematically troubleshooting the throttle not working issue, you can identify and resolve the problem, getting your Jetson bike back to its optimal performance and enjoying a smooth and hassle-free riding experience.
After applying the above process, if your Jetson bike throttle is still unresponsive, you should contact the brand or seek professional help. If this also does not work for you, installing a new throttle would be a wise idea if you find the throttle to be faulty.
Additional Tips for Resolving Ebike Throttle Issues
In addition to the standard troubleshooting steps, there are several additional tips and tricks that can help you resolve throttle-related issues on your Jetson Bike. These tips can provide further insight into identifying the root cause of the problem and offer alternative solutions to get your throttle working again.
- Resetting E-bike’s System
- Cleaning and Maintaining the Throttle
- Seeking Professional Assistance
Assembly of the Bike
Putting the bike together is incredibly simple. I believe it took me 15-20 minutes to put the first one together and 10 minutes for the second.
You only need two tools to complete the assembly and they are provided in the packaging.
The Left and Right pedals are have different threading and are NOT interchangeable.
The most confusing part of the assembly process is getting the handle bar mounted front reflector properly oriented.
The front reflector on both of our bikes was extremely loose and was sliding all over the place. I tried tightening the clamp but that did not help at all.
I eventually figured that the handle bar is tapered and all you need to do is push the reflector towards the fat end of the bar and then it fits nice and snug.
One last detail about getting this bike setup is how to turn on the headlight. To get the headlight to turn on you need to press and hold the Cruise Control button for 4-5 seconds.
Things I Love About the Jetson Electric Bike
The bikes are not high speed dragsters or off road trail bike beasts but they are perfect for puttering around the neighborhood.
There are plenty of electric bikes out there that are way faster than this one but I typically cruise around at about 10 mph which is just fast enough for me.
I appreciate that the speed of the bike is controlled by the manually adjustable throttle which puts me in complete control of how fast I go. I tried another brand of electric bike which had set power levels that just “kicked in” when you started to pedal and it felt like the bike was in control of me instead of the other way around.
What I really love is that even when you are not using the throttle the motor is providing power in the form of Pedal Assist. When the bike is powered on it is incredibly easy and fun to pedal as the motor is always helping you out.
The Pedal Assist feature is so nice that I routinely go on four to five mile rides and pedal the entire way without even bothering to use the throttle.
Of course, if you do want the bike to do all the work than you can throttle up and enjoy the cruise. Speaking of cruising, the bike even has Cruise Control which is activated by pressing the button on the right side of the handle bar!
I know that this is going to sound stupid but….
One of the things I love the most about this bike is the goofy horn that you ding by flicking a thumb lever. I think it is hysterical to have a “high tech electric bike” with a silly little manual bell that goes “DING!”.
Easy to Transport
It is extremely easy to load these bikes into a vehicle.
You lift a lever to collapse the handle bars and can use the loop at the top as the frame as a carrying handle.
The bike is relatively well balanced and, at about 40 pounds, is easy to lift and load into the back of an SUV.
Where the Bike Could Be Better
This bike is far from perfect. Here are a few things to be aware of before you make the purchase.
The biggest issue is that the bike has small tires (14 inch) and as a result is very sensitive to road conditions. You really have to watch out for any small potholes, uneven surfaces, etc as the small tires do not allow much room for error.
I am not crazy about the positioning of the hand brakes. The grip for the brakes are mounted in a downward position which makes them very awkward to reach and activate. The brakes themselves work fine but the controls could be positioned better.
The seat placement has all of your weight fully supported by the back tire. If you are over 200 lbs this will make it look like the back tire is going flat while you are riding.
Where Can You Get an Electric Scooter Repair?
What do you do if your e scooter breaks? It can be hard to find an electric scooter repair shop. As with many emerging technologies, the service sector hasn’t quite caught up with the product. Where can you go to get your electric scooter fixed?
Never fear! In this guide you’ll learn what your options are if you find yourself in need of a scooter repair.
Electric Scooter Repairs
If you put enough miles on your scooter, chances are you will have to do some type of maintenance. In fact, you can expect some type of repair every 550 miles or about 6.5 months of use, on average. Most likely it will be a flat tire or brake adjustment.
Do-It-Yourself Repairs
You can do most common repairs yourself if you have a maintenance-friendly scooter. Be aware that even some of the most common and popular electric scooter models are not maintenance friendly (e.g. Segway Ninebot models).
On the other hand, some of our favorite e scooters to ride, such as the EMOVE Cruiser, also happen to be some of the most repair-friendly models on the market, with abundant parts available online.
Do a little research before purchasing to find out how easy it is to do the most common electric scooter repairs like fixing flat tires, adjusting brakes, and tightening loose parts.
Routine Maintenance (An ounce of prevention…)
Doing routine maintenance on your electric scooter can prevent much bigger problems down the road. If you ride your scooter frequently, this should include checking the air pressure on pneumatic tires at least once a month and topping off when low. (See our guide on electric scooter tires.)
If your e scooter has disc brakes, you should wipe down the rotors with a little rubbing alcohol and a clean, damp cloth and let air-dry once a week to remove grit and road grime that can prematurely wear down brake pads. (What kind of brakes do you have? See here.)
Check your scooter for loose screws. especially around moving parts like folding stem locks and folding handlebar hinges.
Nearly all DIY repairs can be done with tools you already have around the house or in the car.
Read the Service Manual
We know, it’s boring and no one wants to read them. But they exist for a reason. If you don’t have a paper copy, you will likely be able to find your model’s manual on the manufacturer’s website.
YouTube is a DIY Goldmine
You can see ESG’s guides to DIY electric scooter repair to learn how to fix some common problems.
You’ll also find a wealth of scooter repair content on YouTube, with video tutorials covering most major brands, models, and repair issues.
Below are just a few recommended channels from some top retailers and manufacturers. Although these channels FOCUS on specific makes and models, they contain useful general information for all scooter owners.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix an Electric Bike
- Voro Workshop. Official repair channel of Voro Motors. Filled with useful tips, tricks, and guides for basic repairs.
- Kaabo Official. Fixing one of the many awesome scooters made by Kaabo? Start here.
- Pure Electric: videos about repairing Pure scooters contain some good general info (including a guide to deep cleaning )
- Apollo Scooters. Great info for setting up and maintaining Apollo’s many models.
- Solar Scooters. Excellent channel from emerging makers Solar.
JETSON BOLT PRO HAS POWER BUT WONT RUN
ESG Forums
Because many electric scooter problems end up being relatively simple to fix (sometimes with a bit of guidance), you can seek advice in our forums if you get stuck. The ESG Forums are teeming with experts and enthusiasts.
Ask your repair question in the RG forums (you’ll need to sign up to post, but it’s quick and painless).
Return to Distributor or Retailer
If you bought your electric scooter from a reliable distributor, you may be in luck. Depending on their policy and time since purchase, you can probably send it back for repair or replacement. If you’re doing research for an electric scooter purchase, then definitely make sure to check out the return policy and warranty information before buying.
Look for warranty information on major parts like the motor, battery, steering parts, and other components. The vast majority of electric scooter repairs are minor, but it’s good to have peace-of-mind coverage for these major parts as well.
In our experience, a retailer with a presence in your home country will provide better customer support. Large, overseas distributors on Alibaba or Amazon will not be able to support you as well due to prohibitively expensive shipping costs and a large volume of sales.
Most large general distributors, wherever they’re located, will not employ professional mechanics who do electric scooter repair. Sellers who specialize in electric vehicles will offer the best customer support and service because of their product knowledge and their in-house scooter mechanics.
Retailers With Premium Repair Shops and Customer Support
Below are three retailers who offer exceptional service and customer support for their electric scooters through their own repair shops in several major cities.
These manufacturer licensed shops perform warranty and non-warranty service on most electric scooter parts.
Voro Motors has service centers in Los Angeles, Brooklyn, New York, and Kapolei, Hawaii
Voro Motors
Retail shops and service centers in Brooklyn, NY, Los Angeles and Kapolei, HI, just outside Honolulu. Learn more about Voro’s servicing here. Search hundreds of parts and accessories from Voro here.
Fluid Freeride
One of the best electric scooter distributors with authorized service centers all over the U.S. Learn more about Fluid’s service support here. Find hundreds of spare parts here.
Electric Kicks
The best electric scooter retailer and repair shop in Australia. Located in Melbourne. Learn more about EK’s repairs and servicing here.
Local Electric Vehicle Service Shops
While rare, independent local shops that fix a range of personal electric vehicles are popping up in many major cities. You might even be lucky enough to live near an electric scooter repair shop or a few independent scooter mechanics. If you’re not sure, a quick Google search for “electric scooter repair near me” should turn up anything nearby.
Bike Shops
When all else fails visit your local bike shop. Some bicycle repair shops will perform scooter repairs, but the vast majority won’t touch them. Bike shops that also work on electric bicycles might be more inclined and less intimidated (or worried about liability).
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