How to Clean an Electric Bike

Cleaning an electric bike is a six-step process including, a quick wipe down and rinse, scrubbing everything with a degreaser, sponging the drivetrain and derailleur, cleaning both the wheels and finishing it up with a lubricant.

How to Clean an Electric Bike? Follow the step by step guide to clean an electric bike:

Step-1: A Quick Wipe Down and Rinse
Step-2: Let the Degreaser Do It’s Magic
Step-3: Time to Work on the Drivetrain and Derailleur
Step-4: Clean the Wheels to Keep Your Bike Moving
Step-5: Give Extra Care to Chains
Step-6: Finishing Up

We understand that cleaning an electric bike sounds like a tedious task, and we’re not going to lie; it is. Riding an e-bike is exciting, but the idea of cleaning it after a day spent splashing in puddles is definitely not.

While it may be great to leave it in the garage until your next ride, even a few minutes of cleaning will improve your riding experience and your bike’s lifespan.

But, what’s the best way to clean an e-bike?

If you’re thinking about blasting it with a power washer, you’re quite wrong here.

Power washing may remove lubrication from bike components, leaving them dry and noisy.

First and foremost, while power cleaning a bike, make sure you don’t damage any bearings. Spraying in the plane of the bike, rather than from the side, is a terrific strategy.

Keeping a bike clean and in good working condition isn’t rocket science, but it isn’t easy either – especially for new riders. However, you must follow the instructions carefully; otherwise, you may risk damaging your electric bike permanently.

The good news is that once you’ve gotten the hang of it and have the right equipment, you will no longer need to rely on bike shops for future cleaning and maintenance.

After all, who doesn’t want to save money and the life of the bike’s original components?

Without further ado, let’s find out how to clean an electric bike.

Table of Contents

Essential Supplies to Clean an Electric Bike

For eliminating dirt, washing drivetrains, and adding the final touches to a bike, there’s a broad range of filth-fighting equipment available, but deciding which items to use may be time-consuming.

We’ve put together a list of cleaning supplies below to give you an idea of what you’ll need.

Dish Soap
Degreaser
Chain Lube
Microfiber Cloths
Sponges
Workstand (Optional)
Cleaning Wipes
Spray Bottle or Pump Sprayer
8 to 12 Ounce Cups
Buckets in different Sizes
Chain Cleaning Tool or Scouring Pad
Brushes
Rubber Gloves
Lubricant

Read How Fast is an 1000w Electric Bike?

Components of an Electric Bike

Before we begin this step-by-step guide to cleaning an electric bike, it’s necessary to familiarize yourself with the many parts and components you’ll be cleaning.

You should know that certain components need more attention and care than others. Let’s start with the primary components that practically all electric bikes have in common.

Electric Motor

An electric bike’s motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. The motor is housed in the back hub so, when the cyclist pedals, it generates torque, which drives the rider ahead.

An electric bike’s great performance, efficiency, and smooth ride are only possible with a brushless rear hub motor. If you haven’t purchased the bike yet, make sure to look out for a bike with a good electric motor.

Lithium-Ion Battery

Almost every electric bike has a Lithium-Ion Battery that powers the bike. These rechargeable batteries are powerful and long-lasting, allowing you to ride for years.

The batteries are not only light and quick to recharge but are also meant to blend in with the bike’s look. With a Flight SpeedTM Lithium-Ion technology, you can go up to 50 miles.

Read Can You Use a Car Battery for an Electric Bike?

Drivetrain

The heart of any bicycle, let alone an e-bike, is the drivetrain. It comprises numerous crucial components and is what permits you to move forward.

The drivetrain requires special attention and care while cleaning, and most of your time will be spent degreasing and lubricating the numerous drivetrain components.

Cogs and Cassette

Cogs are disc-shaped teeth all-around the circumferences, resembling smaller versions of chainrings.

The number of gears correlates to the number of “speeds” available on the e-bike; the greater the cog, the less energy is needed to move the e-bike ahead, but the speed is lower, and vice versa.

The cogs are attached to the rear wheel’s hub, and the cassette is the collective name for all cogs—positioned with the largest gear closest to the rear wheel hub and the smallest cog furthest away from the hub.

Read What Is a Hybrid Electric Bike?

Handlebars

The handlebars are attached to the headset at the top. The electric bike’s hand-operated controls are located on the handlebars, including the front and rear brake, gear shifters, and the power switch.

The throttle control on full-throttle e-bikes is built into one handle grip. The display for the e-bike is also located on the handlebars.

Derailleur

The derailleur allows the bike chain to shift from one cog to the next, varying the energy required to drive the e-bike ahead.

The derailleur comprises two tiny sprockets called jockey wheels positioned beneath the cassette. A front derailleur is used to switch between chainrings.

Chain and Chainrings

A chain is a closed-loop formed by a sequence of metal links joined together, responsible for transferring the energy generated by the e-bike engine to the rear wheel cogs (gears), which move the electric bicycle ahead.

The huge disc to which the cranks are joined is known as the chainrings that rotate clockwise when the pedals are turned or when the motor moves.

Read Can You Ride an Electric Bike on a Road?

Now that we know the essential components of an electric bike, we can move on to basic cleaning practices. Sticking to a bike cleaning plan may appear intimidating to beginners, but practice makes a man perfect, as they say.

It will come in handy if you have a bike stand because you’ll need to clean the entire bike, including all the components, as we discussed above.

If you don’t have a stand, turn your bike upside-down and lay down a towel to cover your seat and handlebars.

Step-1: A Quick Wipe Down and Rinse

Before you get into the nitty-gritty of cleaning, don’t forget to give your bike a quick rinse. Gritty debris will damage your bike frame if you leave this part.

A pre-wash rinse will also help the cleaner remove dirt more thoroughly, resulting in a better overall clean. This is where you can get rid of the larger mud pieces caked in your wheels without spreading it all over.

Begin by giving the frame a quick wipe down. Use a sponge and a bucket of water to clean it; don’t use a pressure washer since the water will push its way into the bearings.

Use a garden hose pipe to spray down the entire bike from top to bottom before taking the cleaning solution and scrubbing away.

Now spray a bike cleaning solution on it and let it sit for a few minutes. After that, scrub the bike with extra clean water and a soft bristles brush.

Never use dishwashing liquid and a kitchen sponge to replace the bike cleaning products; this might result in a discolored frame.

Read What is the best folding electric bike on the market?

Step-2: Let the Degreaser Do It’s Magic

Now, fill your bucket with hot, soapy water and have a pot of degreaser nearby. You may then brush the degreaser onto the chain with a brush as you move the cranks slowly.

After applying it, be sure to brush or scrub away any grit gathered on the jockey wheels before scrubbing them with a degreaser.

While the degreaser is doing its magic, clean the rest of the bike with a sponge and hot soapy water. Scrub the forks, frames, and handlebars before going to the rest of the bike.

Make sure you carefully clear out any dirt that has formed.

Step-3: Time to Work on the Drivetrain and Derailleur

We know you don’t want to get your frame cleaning products soiled; therefore, immediately switch to a drivetrain-specific sponge.

Rotate the cranks backward while holding your sponge on the drivetrain to clean the chain. This will polish everything up when combined with the degreaser.

After that, you may use a clean sponge to remove any remaining soap. You can also use a toothbrush to work into tiny places and remove thick filth, dirt, and oil.

Now soak one of your brushes in water, preferably a smaller one, and scrub out all the dirt formed on the front and rear derailleurs.

Then, with a sponge, carefully wipe away any remaining degreaser. When it’s dry, click through the brick to see if the cogs are still turning smoothly.

It’s extremely important to keep your chain, derailleurs, and cogs clean since dirt in these components can cause major problems with your bike’s operation.

Read What to Look For When Buying Electric Bike

Step-4: Clean the Wheels to Keep Your Bike Moving

Remove both wheels and lay the bike on the fork tips on the ground, maybe on a rag to reduce damage, with the rear end against a wall to keep it steady.

If you have disc brakes, you should absolutely avoid doing this and instead rest the bike on its saddle.

Return to the bike and scrub away the parts surrounding the fork and brake calipers with a sponge so that you have more space to work on them before starting on the wheelset.

We recommend using softer, bigger brushes for tires and rims so you can get into every nook and cranny with minimal effort. In the same bucket as your frame, dip your brush.

Before flipping the wheel to get the opposite side, scrub around it, including the cogs. After rinsing, repeat the same steps on the opposite wheel.

Step-5: Give Extra Care to Chains

Allow the bike to rest in the sun to dry. If you’re in a hurry, pat it dry with a clean cloth or rag. Apply your preferred chain lubricant after the chain has had time to air dry.

Cleaning your chain and re-lubricating it before putting it back on your bike are both essential. However, if the chain hasn’t been cleaned, pouring new lubricant on top of filthy lube will limit the life of your bike chain.

If lubrication stays outside, it will collect dirt and grit on the rollers and linkages. As a result, the chain will wear out over time.

So, once you’ve lubed your chain, wait a few minutes for the fluid to settle in before wiping away the excess with a dry towel.

To preserve stress on the drivetrain, install a chain keeper. If you don’t want to spend money on buying the tool, you may skip this step, but installing it will prevent the chain from folding upon itself or sliding off the bike while you’re working on it.

Read Can You Use An Electric Bike Without A Battery?

Step-6: Finishing Up

Ensure all brake cables are reattached, brake surfaces are clear of any form of pollution, all controls are operating, and all bolts are secure before taking your bike on the road or trail.

You’re all set for your next big ride now that your bike is sparkling clean. If you ride your bike every day, clean it at least once a month.

Read Can You Convert a Regular Bike to an Electric Bike?

A Few Things to Remember

It doesn’t matter what type of electric bike you have; they’re all washed in the same way. However, there are a few factors to keep in mind.

If your bike has any leather pieces (such as the saddle, grips, or a water-bottle holder), try to avoid getting them wet.

You may use a cloth to wrap them up or simply avoid spraying that area with the hose. However, any electronic components on your bike, such as an electric battery, are usually designed to withstand water.

Remember that apart from cleaning at home, having your electric bike serviced by a specialist should be a regular part of your routine.

If you’re a habitual bicyclist, you should know that there are certain components on your bike that can ensure a smooth, safe, and comfortable ride.

Maintenance goes a long way, and frequent trips to a bike mechanic may make a huge difference. We hope now you know how to clean an electric bike. If anything else you’re doing differently that’s worked for you, do share with the readers.