Guide to Simple Fat Tire Electric Bike Maintenance
With anything important in life; from a car, to a house, to relationships, maintenance is the difference between keeping things running smoothly or a breakdown. And a fat tire electric bike is no different in this regard, timely maintenance and care will keep your eBike running for years to come. An electric bike has all the standard features of a traditional bike so we can start with looking at basic bike maintenance. And then we will take a look at the electric specific components of the bike, the battery and motor.
Basic Bike Maintenance:
When I think about taking care of my bikes there are a few key components that I keep at the front of my mind. These include the drive train, the brakes, the cables, and the tires. One easy way to extend the life of the drivetrain is to keep your chain clean and lubricated. A dirty chain will wear out the drivetrain more quickly, decreasing the longevity of your cogs and gears. A clean and well lubricated chain will allow the bike to shift smoothly.
Hydraulic Brakes
Hydraulic brakes, like those on our fat tire electric bikes, need to be bled. Like a car, you will also need to replace your rotors and brake pads every so often. If you have the right tools and brake oil, you can do your brake bleeds at home. A bike shop can bleed brakes for you too and it is typically relatively inexpensive. You will know when you need to change out your brake pads because there will be very little material on the pad and you will feel a decrease in braking power.
Shifting
The shifting on our fat tire electric bikes is actuated using metal cables that pull the derailleur. These cables are run through a plastic housing. These cables are protected from the elements and tend to last a long time. To ensure smooth shifting, and because they will eventually corrode and weaken, we recommend replacing these cables every now and then to ensure smooth shifting. If you are unsure when to replace the cables a local bike shop will be able to help.
Fat Tire Electric Bike Tires
The last big component that I keep an eye on is my tires. A good tire allows reliable handling, traction, and safe braking. It is important to keep an eye on your tires and replace them as the rubber degrades or if you get any large punctures. Keep an eye on the tread and be proactive in replacing your tires.
Fat Tire Electric Bike Maintenance:
The biggest thing that sets apart a fat tire electric bike from a traditional bike is, of course, the electric motor. Bakcou uses an electric motor that is built to last. Our Bafang Ultra motor has an IP rating of 65 meaning that the motor is not susceptible to the dirt and grime that you run through. We also use metal gearing in our motors so they will last for years. There is no routine maintenance that you need to do on our motors. Our team is available to help should you ever run into issues. Please don't hesitate to reach out!
The other important part of the electrical system is the battery. We use high quality lithium ion batteries, to keep these batteries in good condition we recommend that you keep them topped off when not in use. Meaning that before you store your fat tire electric bike for an extended period you should charge the battery up to 100%. However, we don’t recommend leaving the battery on the charger after it is at 100%. Also try to avoid running your battery all the way down to 0%. Following these protocols will ensure the longevity of your battery.
Pre Ride Check:
To stay on top of your maintenance and ensure that every ride will be as safe and enjoyable as it can be, it is great practice to do a pre-ride check on your fat tire electric bike. An easy pre ride check is the ABC check:
- Air: Check the air in your tires, make sure that they are at the correct pressure according to the specifications and the conditions you are riding in. Also quickly check your suspension to ensure that it still has the correct PSI for you.
- Brakes: Pull your brake levers to make sure that your brakes are working properly. Check the pads and rotors to ensure that material is still in good condition.
- Chain: Make sure the chain is well lubricated and clean. It is also a good time to check your shifting to ensure your bike is shifting correctly.
Conclusion:
Keeping your fat tire electric bike in tip top shape is straightforward, and it will keep you and your bike running smoothly while allowing you to have more fun when out riding. If you do a quick check before every ride you will notice anything that needs attention; “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. If you have any bike maintenance questions feel free to reach out to us!