10 Step Pre-Ride Checklist for E-Bike Owners

No. 1

Prep

Whether you’re a new cyclist or a seasoned rider, it’s always a good idea to inspect your bike before a ride to make sure it's in good working order. Check your bike's ABCs (Air, Brakes, & Chain) before every ride. Examine your chain and all the gears. Keeping your chain lubricated and bike parts clean will ensure that your bike shifts easier and that the “drivetrain” (i.e., the front chain rings, rear cassette, rear derailleur, and chain) will operate smoothly and last longer.

Next, make sure you’re dressing appropriately for comfort and safety. Flip flops aren't the best, and we always recommend a helmet. Clothing is important too—loose pant legs can cause problems and can get caught in the chain. Do you have to wear spandex to bike?! No, but totally go for it if you want to. Though we do fine in jeans.

You’ll also want to be familiar with the area rules and regulations on the routes you’re riding. That way, you’re abiding by any e-bike requirements. For example, some areas may specify mandatory equipment or riding etiquette—such as helmets, use of hand signals, where you can and cannot ride, or whether throttle use is allowed. Speaking of which, if throttle use is not allowed, most e-bikes have a throttle cable with connectors, and you can simply unplug the throttle for a bit.

No. 2

Tires

Ensure the tires and inner tubes are in good working condition without any visual damage and have the correct amount of air pressure. Realize if your bike has been sitting without use for a while, it is normal for tire pressure to drop, and you will need to air them back up to your preferred tire pressure. Tires without the correct amount of air pressure can reduce performance, increase tire and component wear, and make riding your bike unsafe. Replace tires and inner tubes with punctures, cuts, or damage before you ride. We also recommend the Tannus Armour Liners - the most effective prevention for "goat head flats." Mr. Tuffy is also a liner we recommend and install, along with Gempler's Ultraseal liquid slime sealant. Flat tires on e-bikes are your prime enemy, since you can quickly get a far away from your service center (aka garage).

No. 3

Wheel mount + Axle nuts

Make sure you check the front wheel mount and the tightness of the rear wheel axle nuts. Most e-bikes from our shop use a quick release front wheel mounting mechanism (whew that’s a mouthful!), while the rear wheel is bolted on. These mechanisms may become loose or unsecured over time. The torque of all wheel mounting hardware should be inspected on a regular basis. Both wheels need to be properly secured before operating your bike. Other bike bolts should also be examined and tightened frequently—such as on your kickstand, handlebar mount, and levers, to name a few.

No. 4

Electrical System

The electrical system on your e-bike offers various levels of power assistance and lighting for different operating conditions and user preferences. You will want to familiarize yourself with your e-bike’s electrical system and check to see that it is working correctly before every ride. The front and rear brake levers contain safety power cut-off switches, which disable the motor’s assistance when applied, and both levers should be checked for correct operation. The throttle should provide smooth acceleration when gradually applied. If the throttle, brake lever cut-off switches, pedal assistance, or lighting are functioning abnormally, intermittently, or not working, bring the bike in for service. There are frequently small Allen bolts that hold equipment on the handlebars, and check and tighten those so that they remain securely in place on the bars.

No. 5

Brakes

Ensure your brakes are working properly, all braking system components are free from damage, and properly secured. When you fully squeeze the brake levers, ensure neither the front nor rear brake levers touch the handlebar. Bring the bike to us or to a bike service center to have the brakes adjusted, if you find a problem. E-bike brake pads can make noise, just like cars, and can be serviced to eliminate the annoyance.

No. 6

Quick release levers

Quick release levers, in addition to your front axle, are frequently located on your e-bike seat post. These provide convenience for different sized riders, since they allow the seat post to be quickly adjusted without tools. Since quick release levers can be loosened accidentally between or during rides, it is important that you regularly check to ensure these components are properly secured and closed. These seat posts that are easily raised and lowered have a mark to indicate the limit of the height on the seat post. Don't exceed this, or the post could bend or fail. The seat and seat post should be properly aligned, angled, and fitted.

No. 7

Accessories, straps, and hardware

Ensure all hardware is secured and all accessories are properly attached. It is a good practice to look over all items before each ride to avoid problems on the ride. Make sure your cell phone, if in a handlebar holder, is secure.

No. 8

Wheels

Your wheels should always spin straight and must be repaired or replaced if they wobble side to side or up and down when spinning. If your wheels become untrue or spokes loosen or are bent, which can happen with normal use, we recommend that a certified bike mechanic perform wheel tuning and truing operations on the bike. Do not attempt to true wheels or tighten spokes unless you have adequate knowledge, tools, and experience.

No. 9

Suspension + height adjustments

If so equipped, the front and rear suspension forks on your e-bike will affect the handling of the bike, so you must understand how they work before use. The suspension fork should be properly adjusted for your weight and terrain. Ensure the handlebar and handlebar stem are properly aligned for your size, and secured to their recommended torque values. Handlebar grips should not move easily on the handlebar end. Loose, worn, or damaged handlebar grips should be replaced before you ride. Also adjust your seat height as needed.

No. 10

Battery

Ensure the battery is adequately charged and operating properly. The battery capacity bars on the LCD dashboard display provide a reading on your charge level. Ensure the battery charger is unplugged from the outlet and battery, then stored in a safe location before you ride. The battery must be locked onto the frame battery mount properly before use. Do not attempt to operate the electrical system if the battery is removed. Be careful with the battery keys and keep the spare in a safe location.