Electric bikes are great for transportation. They’re more efficient than cars, and they can travel farther on a single charge than regular bikes can without requiring you to pedal. Electric bike motors are an integral part of the electric bike experience, but they do need to be maintained. Here’s everything you need to know about how long an e-bike motor lasts.
How Long Does an Electric Bike Motor Last?
Depending on how you use your bike and how well you maintain it, an electric motor can last anywhere from 2,000 to 20,000 miles. If you clean your bike and keep it covered when not in use, it will last longer than if you leave it out in bad weather. Electric bike motors can last a long time roughly between 3 to 10 years if they are taken care of properly
The motor of an electric bike is also known as a drivetrain, which means that it is what powers the bike’s drive and makes your bicycle go. If you are looking to buy an electric bicycle, then it is important to note that they can be either hub motors or mid-drive motors. Hub motors are usually found on cheaper bikes while mid-drive motors tend to be more expensive but of higher quality.
How to make an Electric Bike Motor last longer
While electric bike motors can last long, it’s important for you to take good care of them. Here are a few ways you can increase the lifespan of your electric bike motor:
Avoid allowing your motor to get wet
The motor is likely to last longer if you avoid riding your electric bike in the rain and keep it covered when not in use. If you ride your e-bike in the rain, dry it immediately after each ride. Use a bicycle cover to protect your e-bike from degrading in sunlight and rain.
Keep your motor and the rest of your bike clean
To prolong the life of your motor and your bike, keep them clean. Cleaning is as simple as wiping off the motor and controller with a damp cloth or using an alcohol wipe. If you want to get fancy, there are also special cleaning products like this one that can be used specifically for e-bikes and electric motors.
Keep in mind that if you don’t clean your bike regularly, the dirt will wear down parts over time. This especially applies to the chain: if it’s dirty enough, it’ll need replacing sooner than usual. On top of keeping everything clean, make sure any grease or grime buildup gets removed from these areas.
Minimize exposure of the motor to high temperatures consistently
Don’t allow your electric bike motor to be exposed to high temperatures consistently (over 100 degrees Fahrenheit). This will cause the motor to overheat, which may result in damage or even failure. If you live in a hot climate and are looking for an electric bike that can withstand high temperatures, look for one with an aluminum frame and fork. Aluminum is a good heat conductor, whereas steel conducts heat poorly.
Oil the moving components regularly
For your bike to run smoothly, you should regularly check the moving components for wear and tear. Every time you ride, check the chain for wear and tear as well as for any damage or rust. If you notice that the chain is wearing out (it will start to fray), replace it with a new one. When checking the gears, look for any damage or rust on them; if there is any, replace them before they break down completely.
Ensure that the calibrations are correct
There are several ways to do this. If you have done a DIY build, then you will need to learn the process of calibrating your motor’s controller and battery levels. This can be done with an app or through a smartphone app that connects wirelessly to your e-bike controller.
If you bought an electric bike in kit form and assembled it yourself, then the manufacturer may have sent instructions on how to ensure proper calibration of all components before riding your new ride.
Listen to your e-bike motor sound
One of the most important ways to keep your electric bike motor running smoothly is by listening to abnormal sounds. If your e-bike motor makes a grinding noise when you turn it on, this could be a sign of wear and tear. If you detect this type of noise, bring your bike to a local bike shop as soon as possible so they can check out the problem.
If you hear clicking while riding, this could mean that there’s something wrong with one of the components inside your hub motor. If this happens frequently (or even just once), take it to an authorized dealer right away so they can perform any necessary repairs or replacements.
Keep an eye on error codes
One of the best ways to troubleshoot your electric bike is by checking for error codes. Error codes will tell you exactly what’s wrong, which can be helpful if you’re trying to figure out why your bike isn’t working properly. Some error codes are easily fixed by resetting the bike and fixing the problem, while others require professional help.
Most modern electric bikes come with an owner’s manual that outlines how to read and understand these error codes. If you don’t have access to this information, try searching online for it or contacting the manufacturer directly.
Take your e-bike to the experts for periodic services and maintenance
If you are an e-bike user, it is important to take your bike to an expert for periodic services and maintenance. Your e-bike will be better off if you have it checked out at least twice a year by someone who knows how to work on them. The same goes if you have owned an electric bike for several years and want to keep it running smoothly.
When Should I Change My E-Bike Motor?
The motor and battery of an electric bike are the most important components. The motor provides power, and the battery supplies electricity to power that motor.
When you’re buying a new e-bike, it’s important to consider how long you expect both of these components will last. Most motors have a lifespan of about 1,500 hours or less, which translates into about two years if you ride your bike regularly during that time period. If you plan on keeping your bike for three years or longer or if you don’t mind replacing motors, then look for something with a 2-3 years standard in this industry.
Conclusion
It’s important to remember that your electric bike motor is a mechanical device and will eventually need maintenance. The good news is that most e-bike motors come with warranties, so if something goes wrong with your drivetrain, chances are you’ll be covered by the manufacturer. If you’re not sure what’s wrong or don’t know how to fix it yourself, then consult an expert in the field who can help diagnose issues and give advice on how best to proceed with the next steps.