E-BIKE SPRING CHECK:
HOW TO GET YOUR E-BIKE READY FOR SPRING


Spring is finally here – and with it, the start of the e-bike season. However, before you embark on the first tour of the still young year of cycling, you should also wake your e-bike from its winter hibernation. The method of choice is a thorough e-bike spring check. In this blog post, we explain step-by-step what form this should take.

1. CLEANING THE E-BIKE

After a long winter break, it is quite normal that the first kilometers back in the saddle feel a little unusual. But there’s nothing to worry about: Your e-bike feels the same way you do. After months of downtime, an electric bicycle should therefore also be pepped up. The first step is to thoroughly clean your e-bike. To do this, take a bucket of lukewarm water, add a specific bike cleaner and then carefully remove dirt, dust and any rust spots with a soft cloth and a soft brush. Be sure to thoroughly inspect all components, including the chain, brakes and tires. They also deserve a thorough clean.

2. CHECKING THE TIRES

The tires are crucial for riding comfort and safety. When you’re done cleaning, you can take a look at your e-bike’s tires next. But this point is not just about checking the air pressure, which probably needs to be adjusted after a long break. You should also check for tire wear, cracks and any foreign objects that might have embedded themselves in the tires – and, if necessary, replace the tire and/or hose completely before pumping the tire up again.

3. SPRING BICYCLE CHECK: CHECKING THE BRAKES

Brakes that work are essential for safety. Therefore, the next thing you should do is check the brakes. On the one hand, you should assess the wear of the brake pads and make sure that they lie evenly over the brake disc. On the other hand, you should also check the brake fluid level – and top it up if necessary. Important: If you are unsure about checking the brakes, make sure you get help from your nearest specialist store. With a FIT e-bike, we always recommend that you go straight to the nearest specialist dealer – better be safe than sorry.

4. ADJUSTING THE E-BIKE GEARS

What applies to the tires and the brakes also applies to the gears. To ensure that the e-bike changes gears smoothly, you should also check them – and if need be adjust them. Also check the tension of the shift cables and make sure that shifting operations are clean and smooth. Since smooth shifting is extremely important for maximum riding enjoyment, we also recommend that you go to a specialist for this step.

5. CHECKING THE OTHER ATTACHMENTS AND COMPONENTS

Good visibility in road traffic is particularly important. So once you have finished with the gears, check the function of the front and rear lights and reflectors. Clean the lamp housings so that the lighting gets its maximum performance onto the path ahead. Also replace defective bulbs if they no longer work. This also applies to the reflectors on the wheels and pedals. An extended component check also includes the inspection of other attachments such as the handlebars and the saddle. Here, too, you should check whether all settings are still correct and whether the parts are still in good shape.

6. CHECKING AND CHARGING THE E-BIKE BATTERY

Now you’ve almost finished your bicycle spring check. The final two steps focus on the e-bike-specific functions – above all on the battery. After all, the e-bike battery is the heart of every e-bike – and is particularly sensitive. First check the charging status of the battery and charge it fully if necessary. Then check the charger and charging socket for damage and functionality. Of course, a bicycle shop can also help you here.

7. E-BIKE SOFTWARE: CHECKING OR UPDATING

The software of your pedelec should also be checked after a long hibernation. Many manufacturers provide assistance to their customers with regular updates, which means that it is quite possible that such an e-bike software update is pending. Use the e-bike display or e-bike app to find out about possible updates and install them if necessary. Important: Here, too, a FIT e-bike retailer can provide you with professional assistance. An e-bike inspection involves not only performing a software update, but also identifying other sources of error that may occur with the e-bike components.

E-BIKE SPRING CHECK – SUMMARY

As you can see, a thorough spring check is the best way to start the new cycling season safely and comfortably. So take the time to clean, maintain and, if necessary, get your e-bike up to date. Not only will you get off to a perfect start on the first tour of the year, but you will also be able to enjoy the coming months in a more carefree way.

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03.05.2023