Electric bikingis an exhilarating way to explore the outdoors, giving you the power to tackle tough terrain and extend your rides further than ever before.
There are some common mistakes that riders make, often without realizing it, that can lead to expensive repairs or even dangerous situations.
In this guide, we'll walk you through 15 key mistakes you should avoid to keep your e-bike in tip-top shape and ensure your rides are always safe and fun.
Tesway offers the perfect electric bike for your needs.
For city commutes, Tesway’s sleek, powerful e-bikes ensure smooth rides.
If you're hitting the trails, their mountain e-bikes deliver the durability and power you need. With Tesway, every ride—whether urban or off-road—is top-notch.
1. Don’t Flip Your E-Bike Over to Wash It
Let’s be honest—it’s super tempting to flip your e-bike upside down after a ride, especially when it’s caked in mud and dirt.
The idea is to make it easier to clean the drivetrain, wheels, and tires. But here’s the kicker: washing your e-bike upside down can cause water to seep into places it shouldn’t, like your battery and motor.
E-bikes often have drain holes that rely on gravity to do their job, letting water escape naturally when the bike is upright.
If you flip the bike, you’re essentially trapping water inside, which can lead to corrosion and other damage over time. So, as tempting as it might be, resist the urge and wash your bike right-side up to keep it in good working order.
2. Don’t Leave Your Battery Dead After a Ride
You’ve just had an epic ride, pushed your battery to the limit, and then you stash your bike in the garage and forget about it.
Leaving your battery completely drained after a ride is a big no-no.
Over time, this habit can seriously affect the health of your battery.
The cells inside can start to degrade if left flat for too long, shortening the overall lifespan of the battery.
If you plan on riding again soon, plug it in and top it up to 100%. If your bike is going into storage for a while, keep the charge level at around 60-70% to prevent long-term damage.
This little bit of extra care will go a long way in preserving your battery’s performance.
3. Don’t Just Change the Chain—Swap the Whole Set
We’ve all been there—your chain is looking a bit worn, so you decide to replace it.
But did you know that swapping out your chain without also replacing the cassette and chainring can lead to a whole bunch of issues?
The drivetrain on an e-bike takes a serious beating thanks to the extra power the motor provides, which means all these components wear out together.
If you just replace the chain, you could end up with chain suck, where the chain gets stuck to the chainring, or gears that jump under load because the teeth on your cassette are too worn to mesh properly with a new chain.
To avoid these headaches, always replace the chain, cassette, and chainring at the same time.
It might be a bit more expensive upfront, but it’ll save you from bigger problems down the road.
SEE ALSO Do You Need a License for Your E-bike? Laws & Regulations You MUST Know…[Avoid Getting Busted]4. Don’t Leave Your E-Bike Plugged In Forever
Picture this: you plug your e-bike in to charge, then life happens, and before you know it, days—or even weeks—have gone by, and the charger is still plugged in.
Leaving your e-bike on charge indefinitely isn’t just a waste of electricity; it could potentially be dangerous.
While most modern chargers are smart enough to stop once the battery is full, they’re not infallible.
There’s always a risk of malfunction, which could lead to overheating or, in rare cases, even fire.
The best way to prevent this is to use a simple electronic timer. Set it for the recommended charging time, and then let it cut off the power automatically.
This way, you protect your battery and keep your home safe.
5. Always Tell Someone Where You’re Riding
Solo rides are great—there’s nothing like the peace and quiet of the trail when it’s just you and your bike.
But heading out alone comes with its own set of risks.
Always let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
It’s a simple step that can make all the difference if something goes wrong.
And don’t forget to bring along a fully charged mobile phone.
That little device could be a lifesaver if you run into trouble and need to call for help.
In short, enjoy the solitude of your ride, but don’t forget to take some basic precautions to stay safe.
6. Don’t Try to Outspeed Road Cyclists
We get it—seeing a roadie struggling up a hill while you’re cruising past them in turbo mode is super satisfying.
But here’s the thing: racing road cyclists on your e-bike is a game you’re not likely to win in the long run.
Sure, you might blast past them on the uphill sections, but once the road flattens out or starts to descend, they’ll be right on your tail, and possibly overtaking you.
Road bikes are built for speed on pavement, and even the best e-MTB can’t keep up when gravity starts to work in their favor.
So, instead of trying to race them, just give them a friendly nod as you pass and enjoy the ride.
7. Don’t Tinker with Your Bike While It’s Upside Down
It might seem like a convenient way to get to the hard-to-reach parts of your bike, but working on your e-bike upside down can cause a lot of unintended damage.
When your bike is upside down, it’s easy to scratch up the levers, scuff the display, and even poke holes in the seat.
Over time, all those little nicks and scrapes can make your bike look old and worn out, even if it’s mechanically sound.
If you need to work on your bike, invest in a proper work stand that holds it securely while you tinker.
If you’re out on the trail, use rocks or branches to prop it up and keep it off the ground. Your bike will thank you for it!
8. Don’t Count on Tubeless Tires to Save the Day
Tubeless tires with sealant are pretty amazing, right?
They can prevent flats from small punctures, letting you keep riding without missing a beat.
But here’s the deal: not all punctures are created equal. If you get a big slash in your tire, the sealant isn’t going to magically fix it.
That’s why it’s crucial to carry an inner tube or tire plugs, especially on longer rides.
These backups can save you from having to hike out of the woods with a flat tire, turning a potentially disastrous situation into just a minor inconvenience.
Be prepared, and you’ll be able to handle whatever the trail throws at you.
9. Start Off Easy, Don’t Go Full Turbo Right Away
It’s tempting, we know.
Turbo mode is a blast, and it feels great to start your ride with a burst of power. But kicking off your ride in turbo mode is a sure way to drain your battery faster than you’d like.
Instead, start out in the lowest assistance mode, like eco, and save the higher modes for when you really need them—like on steep climbs or when you’re running low on energy.
This strategy not only conserves battery life but also helps you get a better workout, making your rides more rewarding and longer-lasting.
10. Don’t Mess with the Drivetrain While the Bike’s On
It’s all too easy to forget to turn off your e-bike when you’re making adjustments on the trail.
But working on your drivetrain with the power still on is a recipe for disaster.
A sudden jolt from the motor could cause the chain to move unexpectedly, leading to pinched fingers or worse.
Always double-check that your e-bike is powered off before you start fiddling with the drivetrain.
It’s a simple habit that can prevent serious injuries and keep your maintenance sessions safe and productive.
11. Don’t Just Ignore Those Error Codes
When your e-bike’s display starts flashing an error code, it’s easy to just turn the bike off and back on again, hoping the problem will go away.
But ignoring error codes is like ignoring a warning light on your car’s dashboard—it’s a bad idea.
Those codes are there to alert you to issues that could get worse if left unchecked.
Instead of resetting and hoping for the best, take the time to figure out what the code means and address the underlying problem.
This proactive approach can save you from getting stranded miles from home with a bike that suddenly decides to stop working.
12. Keep Your Hands Off the Disc Brakes
Your disc brakes are one of the most important parts of your e-bike, giving you the stopping power you need to ride safely.
But they’re also one of the most sensitive.
Even a little bit of oil from your hands can contaminate the brake pads or rotors, leading to squeaky, ineffective brakes.
Be careful when working around your brakes, and avoid spraying any products near them.
If you do accidentally touch the rotors, clean them with isopropyl alcohol to remove any oils before you hit the trails.
Keeping your brakes clean will ensure they work as they should, giving you confidence on every descent.
13. Don’t Head Out Without Being Fully Prepared
Planning a big day out on your e-mountain bike?
Don’t skimp on the essentials.
It’s easy to underestimate how much food, water, and spare parts you’ll need, especially if the weather changes or the trail turns out to be more challenging than expected.
Always pack more than you think you’ll need—you can’t go wrong by being over-prepared.
Bring extra snacks, plenty of water, and a full toolkit with spare parts like a chain link, tire plugs, and an inner tube.
Even if you’re planning a short ride, it’s better to have too much than too little.
When being stuck miles from civilization with a broken chain or an empty water bottle—it’s not a situation you want to be in.
So load up your backpack with the essentials, and you’ll be ready for whatever the day throws your way.
14. Don’t Forget to Check Your Tire Pressure Before Every Ride
One of the simplest yet most overlooked aspects of e-bike maintenance is checking your tire pressure before every ride.
Underinflated tires can lead to a rougher ride, reduced efficiency, and even damage to your rims if you hit a hard object.
Overinflated tires can decrease traction, making it harder to control your bike, especially on rough terrain.
A quick check with a tire pressure gauge can ensure your tires are at the optimal pressure for your weight, riding style, and the terrain you’ll be tackling.
This small step can make a big difference in your ride quality and safety, so make it a habit before you hit the trail.
15. Don’t Skip Regular Maintenance and Inspections
It’s easy to get caught up in the thrill of riding and forget about the behind-the-scenes work that keeps your e-bike running smoothly.
Skipping regular maintenance is one of the biggest mistakes you can make.
Like any vehicle, your e-bike needs regular check-ups to ensure everything is working as it should.
This includes checking the brakes, drivetrain, suspension, and electronics.
Set a schedule for routine maintenance, whether it’s monthly, quarterly, or after a certain number of miles.
If you’re not comfortable doing the work yourself, take your bike to a professional mechanic.
Regular maintenance not only prolongs the life of your e-bike but also ensures that your rides are safe and enjoyable every time.
FAQs
Can I ride my e-bike in the rain?
Yes, most e-bikes, including Tesway models, are designed to handle wet conditions.
However, avoid riding through deep water that could submerge the motor or battery, and always dry your bike off after a wet ride.
Do I need a special license to ride an e-bike?
In most places, you do not need a special license to ride an e-bike, but regulations vary by region.
It’s important to check local laws regarding e-bike classifications and requirements.
How do I increase the lifespan of my e-bike battery?
To extend your battery’s lifespan, avoid letting it completely drain, store it at around 60-70% charge if not using for long periods, and keep it in a cool, dry place.
Regularly using and charging your battery will also help maintain its health.
Share:
Gravel Road Climbing Test: Is the 25Kph Limit Too Slow for E-Bikes
Flat Pedals vs. Clipless Pedals: Which Is the Best Choice for You?