Common Problems and Solutions for Electric Bikes
E-bikes are marvels of human engineering, and the list goes on. It depicts how much the world has progressed since the invention of the wheel that, at first, changed the outlook that humans had of Smart work; rather, it was the inception of Smart work.
With the inception of every engineered invention, it comes with manuals for the maintenance of such equipment. E-bikes are likewise in this regard as there are also the operating manuals and maintenance manuals covering each aspect of maintaining the bicycle. We all know that there is no such thing in the world that tends to be maintenance-free; hence, all consumer products need maintenance. Owing to this reason, we have to be cautious and considerate to a certain extent when operating equipment to enjoy a relatively long lifespan of the product. Under the umbrella of maintenance, if we consider “E-bike Maintenance” a few very common and recurring problems are listed below:
Battery
The battery is considered the most vital part of an E-bike and is most susceptible to damage due to its location and operating conditions. The damage often incurred to the battery is, in fact, the result of improper usage of E-bike; another reason could be the unsecured washing methods employed using a pressurized water source that subsequently results in the accumulation of moisture throughout the E-bike. It is pertinent that even if the battery terminals have been disconnected before washing it, you still shouldn’t install the battery till it is properly dried, and it is ensured that no possible moisture remains that could tether it to water damage.
Sometimes, people leave their E-bike or some of its battery draining functions, “ON” and this causes the battery to discharge and ultimately drained to the extent that it may not recharge again, resulting in you paying a hefty amount of money to get this replaced as it is considered the heart of the E-bike. It is recommended that you check the battery voltage from a multi-meter and let a professional determine whether or not the battery can still be saved in case of uncertainty; it is also recommended that you disengage your battery after using your E-bike and turning your E-bike off.
Both extreme heat and cold have a negative effect on the battery life, efficiency, and power out. It may result in a decreased battery lifespan. Letting your charger plugged in and letting it overcharge will reduce the battery life as it is quite detrimental for the battery. It is recommended not to allow your charger to be plugged in and overcharge the battery and also not to expose your battery to extreme weather conditions that may negatively affect your battery.
Motor
Electric bikes have hub motors and one of the common issues can be hub motor noise. It is a common issue that arises if the motor has worn-out gears, disk brake or bearings. Sometimes, a loose bolt can also be a cause of such noise. Replacing worn out part can solve the problem but in case it persists, it is likely that the motor bearings need a lubricant and the noises being produced are because of the friction.
Another problem that can occur with the hub motor is that it can stop spinning. This shows that there is a problem with the controller. It can either be in a loose connection or not connected at all, which is why the motor isn’t getting the electricity to be started. To fix this issue, check if your controller is functional and check its connection with the motor. In case there is a damaged part in the controller or wiring, get it replaced.
Wiring and Connections Checks
Sometimes due to extreme vibrations and stresses incurred upon the E-bike, it could possibly lead to some lose connections that may either result in the improper working of the E-bike or rendering it completely inoperable. Due to these issues, it is recommended that one must check the external wiring of the E-bike periodically within one’s intellectual capacity. Another method for better upkeep of the bike is to undertake periodic maintenance inspections by the maintenance experts. Failure to tend to the maintenance requirements adequately may end up complicating the issue rather than solving it.
If your E-bike had met an untoward incident and the handle-bars were damaged, resulting in a strain on the brakes due to faulty brake levers and keeping them constantly engaged, it can cause the Motor Inhibitor Switch to turn on. You will need to have your E-bike’s brake levers replaced or repaired before further use of your E-bike. In an unlikely case, the cut-off switch itself has to be swapped. The maintenance experts could only perform this task, so it is not recommended that you do it yourself. On the off chance, you cannot swap your switch due to emergencies or other reasons, you can disengage the wires for the brake inhibitor, though this can be dangerous while operating an E-bike.
For the proper functioning of brakes and good braking, it is recommended that you check your brake pads and exchange them upon requirement as you don’t want to gamble with other people and your life. After getting new brakes, it is recommended to check the cable tension to optimize the braking of the E-bike and fray some lubrication to avoid abrasion of the wire that may lead to brake failure.
For the proper functioning of brakes and good braking, it is recommended that you check your brake pads and exchange them upon requirement as you don’t want to gamble with other people and your life. After getting new brakes, it is recommended to check the cable tension to optimize the braking of the E-bike and fray some lubrication to avoid abrasion of the wire that may lead to brake failure.
Start by Charging Your Ebike Battery
Before beginning the troubleshooting process, make sure that your e-bike’s battery is completely charged. If it’s been a while since the battery was last charged or last used, you’ll want to let the battery charge for about eight hours before attempting to turn the ebike on again.
If a faulty charger is a culprit, your e-bike’s battery problems could be relatively easy to solve. Before looking into anything else, you’ll want to test your battery charger and make sure that it’s working properly.
Make Sure You’re Using the Correct Charger
First and foremost, it’s essential to make sure that you’re using the correct charger—that being, a charger specifically designed for your bike that lines up with its particular ‘make and model.’ If you aren’t using the correct charger produced by your bike’s original manufacturer, a faulty charger made by a third-party supplier could be the reason for your bike’s lack of power.
Aside from not charging your bike correctly, using the wrong charger over a lengthy period can ruin your bike’s battery in the long run.
Test Your Battery Charger
Plug your charger into an electrical outlet and pay attention to whether or not the indicator lights light up. If the indicator light does not light up or is blinking, it’s more than likely that the charger is defective.
Having a multimeter or voltmeter on hand makes it possible to test the battery charger’s voltage output. If the battery chargers’ output reads zero or is below the charger’s rated voltage, the individual battery charger is most likely flawed or defective.
Check the Ebike Battery
The second step to take when getting to the bottom of your bike’s charging issues is to check your bike battery’s voltage. Make sure that your bike can power-up: the LED’s indicator lights should light up, as should the bike’s display screen. Voltmeter can test an ebike battery or charger voltage.
Using a voltmeter, you can directly test your battery’s voltage. However, if the voltmeter isn’t getting an accurate readout, this signifies that the state of the battery itself is the central issue.
Check the Battery Prongs
If the battery’s prongs aren’t lining up correctly, it can inhibit electricity flow from the charger to the battery. This particular problem can be easily remedied using a wrench or other tool to realign the battery’s prongs.
Check for Loose Connections
A loose connection will impair the flow of electricity and prevent the battery from receiving a charge. Custom bike kits can be problematic in this way. That’s because many of the parts that come in the kit are manufactured individually before being put together by the customer. Leeds Bikes recommends referring to the owner’s manual and looking for loose wiring before reconnecting if needed.
Determine the Last Time the Battery Was Used
If the battery has been left uncharged for six months or less, it should still be in proper working condition. If it’s been more than six months since the last time you used or charged your e-bike, the chances are that the battery is inoperable.
Check the Battery’s Life Cycle
Another reason for a battery dying very quickly can be as simple as the state of the battery itself. A Lithium-Ion battery’s standard lifespan is about 2-3 years, varying from an estimated 300 to 700 charge cycles. Beyond this threshold, the battery’s quality and performance will gradually begin to degrade, sometimes quite rapidly.
It’s possible that due to one reason or another, the battery has died altogether. Sometimes this can be a quick fix due to some small issue like a dead cell or a minor circuitry-related malfunction.
Many enthusiasts note that the more cost-effective option is to repair your e-bike’s battery rather than replace it—whether on your own or via a professional, you’re better off having the battery fixed rather than purchasing a new one.
Check the Battery Management System (BMS)
If both your charger and battery seem to be functioning independently, the issue causing problems in your bike could be the BMS. According to many e-bike enthusiasts, this seems to be the most common explanation for most battery-related e-bike problems.
The BMS, or battery management system, regulates the balance of the battery’s cells during charging and discharging. It also manages power transport to the motor and regulates the battery’s overall temperature, ensuring that the battery does not overheat and endanger the rider nor cause damage to the battery’s quality. If the BMS is dead, it will stop the charger from powering your battery altogether.
Most discharging issues, in turn, can be linked to a bad BMS. If your e-bike’s battery cycles seem unusually reduced—i.e., the battery is draining abnormally fast, perhaps emptying while the bike is not even in use—it could be the work of a failing BMS.
Replacing a BMS is possible, mainly with off-brand batteries, but you need to know what you’re doing. This article details the process for replacing a BMS in a Luna Brand battery pack. Bosch and Shimano don’t recommend opening up your battery for any reason, so you will likley be looking at buying a new battery if your ebike has these brands of battery.
DO. Be Cautious
DO. Get the Right Gear
At a minimum the right gear in the wet can make your life a whole more comfortable, and at the extreme it can help save your life.
We’re talking about things such as:
- Safety gear. for example, lights and high vis clothing. A helmet is mandatory anyway but it has the added benefit of keeping water out of your eyes if it has a visor. Clear glasses or goggles are recommended too.
- Tire pressures. lowering your tire pressures so you have more traction in the wet can be a huge advantage. Aim for lower to mid pressure, depending on how much load you are carrying. See this article on tire maintenance for how to check recommended tire pressures.
- Weatherproof gear. having mudguards in the wet can help keep you and your bike clean. (There are lots of good removable options if you don’t like to normally carry them.) Furthermore having waterproof panniers to hand and some spare ziplock or silicone bags can help protect your valuables.
DO. Clean Your Bike and Battery Points
A quick clean of your ebike after riding in the rain only takes a few minutes and will pay dividends on your service bills down the track.
A wipedown cleans it and helps you spot if there is any damage but there are two things that you can do that will really make a difference. These are:
Are e-bikes worth it?
- Clean and re-lube your chain and drive train. If you don’t like crunchy or slipping gears then this is a must. Have a look at #5 Rear Wheel, Chain and Gears in our EBike M Check for more info.
- Battery contact points. If you are concerned with crud getting into your battery surrounds then take your battery out, wipe down with a soft clean cloth and clean the contact points with contact cleaner.
If your bike is really wet and you are concerned that water has gotten into the battery contact points then use a leaf blower to disperse the water after you take the battery out. Leave the battery out of the bike for a few hours to let the system completely dry.
DO. Cover Your Battery and Display If Travelling
If you are travelling somewhere in the rain with your ebike mounted on an external carrier then take care with moisture getting into your battery or display. This is more of a concern for longer trips however something to be aware of as when on or behind a moving car the force of the rain is multiplied, a bit like a gurney.
Displays and batteries can be susceptible to getting moisture so for longer trips it is recommended to protect them.
There are bespoke covers available that you can purchase and you can also make your own if handy. For example a neoprene cover with velcro.
If you remove your battery and put it in the car then, for some styles of batteries and display, you can purchase battery plates or pin covers to help keep the weather out. See what we have on offer here.
Electric Bikes
Electric Bikes have been buzzing around for years but have really taken off recently, making riding accessible and leveling up what cyclists can achieve on their average ride. BikeExchange has been offering a vast selection of bikes for cyclists for years, and we’re pleased to host the best range of electric bikes to meet your needs—whatever they are.
Electric bikes are bicycles with an integrated electric motor that offers assistance to a rider in propelling the bike forward, up to a degree. Make no mistake; these bikes are still very much powered by people. The assistance that e-bikes offer can come in many forms, from hub assistance to pedal or pedel assistance, which is the most popular option we’ve seen. Providing effortless assistance to your pedal power, an electric bicycle or e-bike enables you to go further and with less effort when compared to a traditional bike.
Electric motors are attached to the cranks (where the pedals attach) of the frame of electric bikes so that they can provide assistance based on the amount of power being exerted by the rider. As riders fatigue, they can lean on the assistance of their bike’s banked power. The output of these motors are usually regulated depending on the road rules of each country. However, it is fair to assume that the majority of e-bikes being shipped offer a power output of 250 watts.
Aside from the often obvious electric motor system integrated into an e-bike, modern electric bikes look much more like their traditional pedal-powered cousins, making them much more aesthetically pleasing, which—if we’re honest—can be important to some people when it comes to design.
Having said that, electric bikes carry extra weight to make that power available, so they’re heavier than a standard road or mountain bike, though they are built tough and are definitely a great long-term investment. E-bikes are built with specific frames to accommodate power storage and reinforced forks and components, and the result is that they can tip the scales in excess of 18kg. This can be done before adding accessories such as water bottles, luggage, and tools.
The great news is that caring for an e-bike is essentially the same as a regular bike, so if you’re transitioning, you will find this a nice surprise. Quality e-bikes will add very little to your bike maintenance schedule, which means they’re very hands-off in between rides but be prepared for certain components like bike chains and brake pads wearing out due to the increased power, speed, and weight offered by an e-bike motor.
BikeExchange offers a great range of electric bikes to suit various capabilities and budgets, but more than that, we’ve done some deep dives into the electric bike on our blog, so you make the most informed decision for your needs.
How do electric bikes work?
While the name kind of says it all, these revolutionary steeds can seem like mysterious creatures, so let’s take a look at the basics behind how electric bikes do their thing. Electric bikes have integrated electric motors that offer some level of assistance to propel the bike forward, creating and maintaining forward motion with relative ease compared to their purely pedal-powered counterparts.
The two common types of assistance when it comes to e-bikes are either pedal assistance or throttle assistance.
Pedal assistance bikes are currently the most popular choice among e-bike riders and work by simply adding measured powered assistance as the rider pedals the bike. The motor for pedelec-assisted e-bikes will usually be mounted to the frame at the bottom bracket (between the cranks). A significant benefit of pedelec motors is that their sensors detect how much pressure you put on the pedals, allowing your drive unit to provide assistance accordingly.
On the other hand, the easiest way to conceptualize a throttle-assisted e-bike is to think of it like a motorbike where you have a throttle for the motor but with the option to pedal. A battery system supplies power to the electric drive motor located at the rear hub (although retrofitted e-bikes sometimes have the motor in the front hub). Bikes fitted with a throttle-based motor system must adhere to slightly different output regulations, with maximum power capped to 200w, while speed remains limited to 25 kph. Any e-bike that exceeds these regulations is categorized as a motor vehicle, and standard road rules apply depending on the country of use.
Modern electric bikes typically have a motor system consisting of the drive unit, the battery pack, wiring, and the control unit. A bicycle’s motor power (and torque) output, battery size, and assist modes are usually calibrated for their intended purpose. In most cases, motor systems are programmed with three to five levels of assistance.
Many electric bikes use lithium-ion battery packs, which vary in size depending on the type of e-bike the batteries are fitted to. Most e-bikes will have one battery system however, some touring and commuter e-bikes are capable of taking two, even three battery packs at a time. These batteries are conveniently recharged via a standard wall power outlet. Depending on battery capacity and charger amperage output, as well as the power standards in your country, the time needed for charging will vary. From a completely emptied state, a battery could take between three and five hours to charge. It would provide around three to five years of continuous use.
Intermittent Power Loss While Riding an E-Bike
Intermittent power loss while riding is probably the most difficult problem to diagnose on an ebike as it can be caused by many different things. The parts that could be causing this are:
- Controller
- Battery
- Motor
- Wiring Harness
- Pedal Assist Sensor
- Throttle
- Brake Kill Switches
So as you can see, this is a big list and includes most of the electrical components on the bike. To properly diagnose the power loss, we have to first look a little deeper in what is happening when the power loss occurs.
Does the whole bike shut down randomly?
Or is it just power loss in the throttle or pedal assist?
The answer to this question will dictate which way we go in the diagnosis. If it is powering off completely, then it is more than likely a battery or connection issue somewhere. If there is intermittent power loss to the throttle or pedal assist, it is more than likely an issue with the motor or controller.
Power Loss Where Bike Shuts Down
If you are having power loss where the whole bike shuts off randomly while riding, it is more than likely a battery or connectivity issue. The likely culprit is the battery most of the time, but it can be a loose connection elsewhere on the bike. The first thing you should do to check this is go through the bike and inspect all of the connections. There may be a plug that has come a little loose and may not be making a constant connection, which could lead to power loss. Here is a video walking through the process of checking the connections:
Check over all of the connection ports and make sure they are all firmly in place. It may be helpful to unplug and replug them in just to be safe. After all of the connection ports have been checked, try to see if it solves the problem.
If this does not resolve the issue, the next step is to check the battery connections. Looking at the battery connections, you should see the silver contact points in the battery slots.
The picture to the right shows what the contact points on the battery should look like. You should be able to see almost the whole silver contact point. If you do not see them, or they appear to be hidden underneath the black shell, then this may be causing the intermittent power loss. If those contact points get stretched out and are not in their proper position, sometimes when you hit a bump while riding, they could lose contact with the controller, which would cause a momentary loss of power to the ebike. To remedy this issue, new connection points must be installed. To install new connection ports, please see the Battery Services Guide.
If the connections were not the issue and appear to be fine, the next step would be to replace the controller.
Power Loss Where the Bike Loses Motor Power, But Stays On
Mid drive ebike with throttle?? First Ride on Magnum Bikes Vertex #ebike #electricbike #emtb
If you are having power loss on your ebike while using it, but the bike itself stays on, the causes are a bit different than in the previous section. Where the last section was focused on battery/power related parts, this form of power loss focuses on the parts that actually propel the bike or actuate the power. This would include the pedal assist sensor, the throttle, the motor, the wiring harness, and of course, the controller. The issues with the bike losing power but staying on is more than likely due to some part that communicates with the motor not functioning properly. The first thing to check with this issue would be to zone in on what is happening when the power loss occurs. You should also run through the No Pedal Assist and No Throttle Power sections to make sure those are not the issue. Once you have run through those sections, that would help eliminate the throttle, pedal assist sensor, and wiring harness. With those parts eliminated from being the issue, we can FOCUS on the remaining parts: the motor and the controller. The first thing that we should check out is the connection between the controller and the motor. It would be a single large plug located along the chainstay of the bike. Unplug this and inspect both ends. On the motor end, make sure all of the pins appear whole, straight, and not damaged. If any of the pins are missing or damaged, this would more than likely be the cause of the power loss and a new motor would be needed.
After the pins have been inspected, you should then look at the plug end that they plug into. If any of those pin holes look damaged, then the controller would need to be replaced.