12 Things You Should Never Do With Your E-Mountain Bike

E-mountain bikes have exploded in popularity in recent years. The power assist makes climbing and difficult technical sections much easier. Riders can go further and access more challenging terrain. However, e-MTBs are more complex machines compared to traditional mountain bikes.

There are some common mistakes that new e-bike owners make that can lead to problems down the road.

We’ll outline 12 things you should avoid doing with your e-mountain bike. Following these tips will help keep your e-bike running smoothly for years to come.

1. Don’t Wash It Upside Down

It can be tempting to flip your e-bike over and wash the underside. However, this can allow water to get places you don’t want it. Many e-bike motors and batteries have drain holes that allow water to exit. But large volumes of water from a hose or pressure washer can still find its way inside.

Over time, this water exposure could lead to corrosion and electrical issues. The best way to wash your e-MTB is to use a damp rag and gently clean the frame and components. Pay special attention to the motor, battery, and connectors. If you need to rinse mud off the underside, try to avoid directly spraying water into openings.

2. Don’t Leave The Battery Depleted

Lithium-ion batteries don’t like being left in a fully discharged state for extended periods. It can reduce the battery’s overall lifespan and capacity over time. The best practice is to recharge the battery soon after each ride, even if you won’t be using the e-bike for a few days.

For long-term storage, maintain the charge around 50-60%. This prevents draining the battery too low while also avoiding keeping it fully charged. Occasional full discharges help “recalibrate” the battery meter but shouldn’t be done frequently. Take care of your expensive e-MTB battery and it will provide years of reliable power.

3. Don’t Mix New and Worn Drivetrain Parts

The drivetrain takes a beating on e-bikes due to the increased power and torque. Components like chains, cassettes, and chainrings wear out faster compared to pedal bikes. If you install a new chain on worn out cassette and chainring cogs, it will lead to poor shifting and cause accelerated wear.

Pay attention to the condition of your drivetrain parts. Replace the chain periodically as needed. When you do replace the chain, go ahead and install a new cassette and chainring at the same time. It’s cheaper than destroying a new chain or risking component failure on the trail.

4. Don’t Leave The Charger Plugged In

It’s easy to get in the habit of leaving your e-bike plugged into the charger all the time. However, this can be dangerous if something goes wrong with the electronics. Defective chargers are rare but do occasionally overcharge batteries leading to fire risks.

Get a timer for the wall outlet so the charger automatically turns off after 5 hours or so. Or remember to unplug it after each charging session. Don’t leave e-bikes charging unattended for long periods. Play it safe and your battery will thank you.

5. Don’t Ignore Error Codes

E-bike motors and batteries have complex electronic monitoring systems. Critical parameters like voltage, current, and temperature are constantly measured. Fault codes will activate if anything is outside the normal range. Don’t just reset the code and hope it goes away.

Figure out what triggered the error and address the root cause. It could indicate a loose connector, damaged wire, or problem with the battery or motor. Ignoring fault codes could eventually lead to complete system failure. Diagnose and repair the issue promptly to get back riding worry-free.

6. Don’t Contaminate The Disc Brakes

Disc brakes provide incredible stopping power. But they are easily contaminated and lose effectiveness. Don’t touch the rotors or brake pads with bare fingers. The oil from your skin can greatly reduce their friction. Spray lubricants and cleaners can also ruin your brakes over time.

Be careful wiping the wheels or doing drivetrain maintenance. Any fluids on the rotors will cause brake squeal or complete failure. If contaminated, use isopropyl alcohol to thoroughly clean the rotors and pads. Bed the pads in with repeated stops to restore full braking performance. Keep your brakes in top shape for safety.

7. Don’t Depend on Tubeless Sealant Alone

Tubeless tires and sealant make flat repairs easy by instantly sealing small punctures. However, don’t rely solely on this to get you through every ride. If the slash or hole is too big, the sealant won’t be able to plug it. Bring spare tubes or plugs for larger punctures.

Even with sealant, tires can lose air over time. Carry a pump and know how to quickly install a tube if needed. The sealant helps you finish the ride after small thorns or goatheads. But you need backups for sidewall cuts or large puncture wounds. Stay prepared on longer rides far from home.

8. Don’t Start in Turbo Mode

Turbo mode provides the most assistance and delivers an incredible boost of power. But it will drain your battery alarmingly fast. Use lower assist modes for the bulk of the ride to conserve battery life. Save Turbo for short sections when you really need the push.

Additionally, don’t start each ride by immediately switching on High or Turbo assist. The sudden jolt of acceleration can surprise you and be dangerous if not anticipated. Start on a mild setting and pedal normally for a bit to get moving before selecting a higher level. You’ll enjoy longer rides and better control.

9. Don’t Ride Alone Without Telling Anyone

It’s easy to just head out for a quick local trail ride and not tell anyone where you are going. But if something goes wrong mechanically, an accident occurs, or you simply get exhausted and lost, you’ll wish someone knew to look for you.

Before every ride, text a family member or friend your intended route and when expect expect to be back. Carry your fully charged cell phone so you can call for help if needed. Solo mountain biking has risks, so let others know your plans beforehand so they can react if you don’t return on time.

10. Don’t Forget Tools and Spares

Since e-bikes are still relatively new, don’t assume your riding buddies will have the tools or parts needed for basic repairs. Carry a compact tool kit designed specifically for e-MTB fixing needs. Include hex keys, torx bits, chain tool, tire levers, tube, inflator, and an e-bike specific charger.

Nothing ruins an epic ride faster than suffering a mechanical and not having the gear needed to fix it. Flat tires, dropped chains, loose bolts, and dead batteries can all be remedied with the right tools. A minor repair turns into a major hassle without supplies. Prepare for the inevitable so you can handle common issues on the trail.

11. Don’t Forget to Hide Home Location

Apps like Strava are great tools for recording and analyzing your rides. But everyone may not need to see where you live. Go into your account privacy settings and turn on the option to hide the start/finish points of activities near your home address.

Unfortunately, bike thieves monitor Strava rides to locate high-end bikes to steal. Don’t advertise to criminals where they can find your prized e-MTB. Share your activities proudly with other riders, just omit the exact start/stop locations to deter thieves scoping your neighborhood. Stay safe out there.

12. Don’t Work on an E-Bike With Power On

It’s easy to forget that your e-bike is still “live” when the pedal assist is turned off. The electrical system is energized and hazardous if wiring or connectors are exposed while tinkering with the bike. Avoid potential shocks or shorts by turning the system off via the battery when servicing components.

Also, the motor can be accidentally activated while rotating the cranks during repairs. This can lead to broken fingers or tools if the chain and drivetrain suddenly start moving under power. Remove the battery or unplug it before doing any repairs or maintenance on your e-MTB. Take the extra seconds to disable the electricals for safety.

Conclusion

E-bikes require some special care and maintenance compared to traditional mountain bikes. Following the tips outlined here will help you avoid common mistakes that can quickly ruin your expensive e-MTB investment. Be mindful of the electrical system, monitor drivetrain wear, bring the right tools, and take care of the battery.

A well-maintained e-bike will deliver years of trouble-free riding. You spent a lot on your high-performance machine, so take the time to treat it right. Your e-MTB allows access to new trails and adventure. Follow our guidelines so those good times keep rolling mile after mile.

Now get out and shred, but try not to commit any of our 12 don’ts along the way! Ride safe and ride often.