Electric Bike Problems, and How to Fix Them!

Nothing stops an adventure faster than broken equipment, and just like traditional bicycles or vehicles, electric bikes can run into some problems! No matter how you ride off-road, in town, commute or long distances, eventually wear and tear will take its toll on an electric bike. It’s important to understand the importance of quality electric bike components, and how to repair damages and avoid future ones! The more prepared you are for issues, the better off you will be in your journey to continue riding! In this article, we will explore some of the most common issues that may occur during your e-bike adventures!

Without a battery and motor, an e-bike becomes a traditional bike, and just like traditional bicycles, it is important to ensure pedals work properly. Electric bikes are equipped with a pedal assist feature, which activates the motor while you pedal. When this malfunctions, you may notice a stutter in the motor as you pedal or no motor functionality at all! If you find that your throttle system is also malfunctioning, follow these steps to ensure that your power is reaching the proper connections!

Most commonly, this issue is brought on by a dead battery. Check that you have a battery that is on, and that has been charged. If your battery will not power on, plug the battery in and ensure that the battery indicates power. If so, allow the battery time to charge and try again! If the battery will not show any power, check the outlet you are using, and the charger. In the worst case, you may need to replace your battery.

If the battery is functioning correctly, check all connections on your bike. Keep an eye out for loose cables, or frayed cords. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, retighten the connections and try to power on the bike again. If the problem continues, reach out to a local bike shop or the manufacturer to enlist some help! Most electrical issues can be quickly fixed.

Sometimes, multiple issues occur. These can include problems with the monitoring screen, motor issues and mechanical issues. If you have checked your pedal assist and throttle, your controller may be to blame.

Make sure your battery is powered on, and ensure the battery is functioning. If these are working, check for your connections to the controller. These can often be found under the seat. Most wires that may have become disconnected can easily be reconnected. If you notice loose connections, retighten them and try powering on and riding the bike. If your electric bike is equipped with fuses or a breaker, check that these are in good shape. Replace any broken fuses and turn on any breakers that may have flipped off. If these issues persist, contact your company’s customer support or invest in a new controller to fix the issue which may be deeper within the controller.  

Sometimes getting the bike up to speed isn’t the issue at all and instead the issue is that stopping the bike is too difficult. In the event that your electric bike brakes are not working, there are some easy ways to check and fix the issue.

Dirt and grime take a toll on bike brakes and if the pads are worn or brakes misaligned, they can wear down even faster. Inspect your brake system regularly and clean them when possible. If you notice irregularities in the brake pads or rotors, consider repairing or replacing them if necessary. Check that your brakes are connected tightly and that the cables are in good condition and free of tears or frays. If your brake connections are tight, and there is no wear on the rotors or pads, you may need to take the bike to a local shop. 

In conclusion, when diagnosing a bike problem, there can be an array of problems. It is best to diagnose piece by piece to find the root of the issue. Most problems can be fixed at home with basic tools. Deeper problems may require a replacement but will renew your bike to be ridden again! If all else fails, there is no shame in reaching out to your bike company or a bike shop for some assistance! With proper maintenance and care, your bike should last for years to come!