E-BIKE MOTOR COVER – PROVIDING PROTECTION FOR THE DRIVE
Without this, there is no assistance and, essentially, no e-bike – we’re talking about the electric motor. It’s at the heart of every e-bike and it’s therefore understandable that your e-bike’s drive needs special protection. In our latest blog post, we introduce you to how an e-bike motor is protected. You will also find out what additional options you have for protecting your electric drive from wind and weather.
WHY DOES MY E-BIKE MOTOR NEED PROTECTION?
A heavy rain shower on the way to work in the morning. A dusty gravel road on the next weekend tour. Or a muddy path during a short blast through the woods. These examples alone show that an e-bike drive is exposed to far more stresses than just the countless acceleration and braking during a ride that you would first think of when it comes to potential wear and tear of an electric drive.
Although the lifetime of today’s electric motors often amounts to several 10,000 kilometers, it is the external factors along all these kilometers that can drastically reduce this lifetime. Regular rides through puddles of water and sludge – especially during off-road tours on an e-bike – or cleaning with high-pressure cleaners from a short distance are among the most common reasons why the sensitive inner workings of a modern e-motor show signs of wear and tear.
THE MOTOR HOUSING – THE SAFE COVER FOR EVERY E-BIKE DRIVE
Motor protection is therefore very important to e-bike manufacturers when developing their drives and bikes. Depending on the company and the engine design (front, middle or rear motor), there are different approaches to this, but in principle every e-bike motor sits in what's known as the motor housing or cover.
This is usually a casing made of sturdy plastic that surrounds the motor and protects its interior, connectors and sensors. Although engine components are usually protected from splashes due to their design and different seals, small particles of dirt and dust as well as fast-moving water can still penetrate, in some cases causing significant damage. In the worst-case scenario, it’s no longer just about shortening the lifetime of the motor, it could even damage it fatally.
But don’t worry: motors from all manufacturers are sealed against water thanks to the cover and various seals and are often certified accordingly. However, this is no guarantee, so a protective motor housing or motor cover is mandatory for every e-bike. And this also applies to the battery, as an e-bike battery is usually protected by a suitable cover, fitted in the factory.
PROTECTIVE COVERS FOR THE E-BIKE DRIVE – SO THAT YOUR E-BIKE IS EVEN MORE PROTECTED
Protective covers are another way to protect your e-bike’s drive and battery. These covers are made of different materials such as plastic or neoprene and are made to fit various components on e-bikes. In particular, however, they are used on the motor, battery and display, i.e. the components that are part of the electric drive. They are particularly practical when transporting your e-bike, for example on the roof of your car, or when your e-bike is outdoors in winter. A battery cover made of insulating neoprene can help compensate for capacity losses in winter and protect the battery from the cold. And when e-bikes are parked close together, the protective cover can prevent dents or scratches.
CLEANING THE E-BIKE MOTOR – MORE CARE MEANS MORE KILOMETERS
In addition to the protection options mentioned above, regular maintenance of your e-bike is of course also an important aspect of increasing its lifetime. This applies to the electric drive, too. As mentioned at the beginning, you should stay well clear of high-pressure cleaners. Even if they seem to promise cleanliness at record speed, the high pressure can damage the seals and lubrication layers and allow water to penetrate the e-bike’s drive system. Instead, you need to clean carefully – a brush, a soft cloth and a bucket of water as well as a specific bike cleaner are much better.
A tip for looking after your e-bike when out and about: when you’re on a tour, an absorbent microfiber cloth in your backpack can work wonders. If, for example, you and your e-bike ever end up in a deep puddle, have to cross a stream, or fall over, you can quickly dry out the affected areas of the e-drive – and possibly even reduce the ingress of water. Your e-bike motor will thank you by lasting longer.
For more information and tips on maintenance of your e-bike motor, see the following article:
20.09.2022