Cleaning and Lubricating Your eBike Chain
The chain transmits the driving force of your ebike, making it one of the essential parts of your electric bike. Without it, nothing will work. What good is the most powerful ebike motor if your chain is dirty or even rusty? It is for this reason that you should clean the chain of your ebike thoroughly and regularly, preferably after about 250 miles or 400 kilometers of use. If you do not maintain your ebike's chain regularly, you will regret it later. Cycling will become more difficult, and in the worst-case scenario, you may even experience a break mid-ride and get stranded. At some point, you will need to replace the chain. But with our tips, your ebike's chain will run smoothly and for as long as possible to maximize its useful life and contribute to the best ride experience.
How To Clean Your eBike Chain Easily
Remove Large Debris: First, remove any large debris from your ebike chain if you haven't already done so. Use a brush to clean the spaces between the chain links. Do the same for the sprockets and the derailleur. Use a pointed object if necessary to remove any build-up. Be sure to check both sides.
Wipe Off Dirt: Then, wipe the dirt off with a clean cloth. Your chain is clean when no more black oil traces are left on the cloth.
Do You Have an Electric Bicycle with a Belt Drive?
Belt drives are famous for being low maintenance, but if you want to go the extra mile(s), here are some tips for cleaning a belt drive.
First, clean the belt with a brush and use a toothbrush to clean the teeth of the belt. Carefully use a screwdriver to remove dirt from the gaps between the edges of the belt.
There are special cleaners for wet cleaning; you can find them at a specialized dealer near you. Follow the product instructions when using the cleaning agent.
Then use a damp sponge to remove stubborn dirt and clean the teeth of the belt again with a toothbrush.
Rinse the cleaning foam well with a damp sponge and gently rinse the belt, for example, with a garden hose or watering can. Caution: never use a high-pressure cleaner, as water can get through the drive's bearing hole.
Cleaning and Lubricating the Chain of Your Electric Bike
Proper cleaning is only half the job, especially if you have an ebike with a chain drive. Once your ebike's chain is completely clean, you need to lubricate it with chain oil or lubricant.
Note: If you are the proud owner of a belt-drive ebike, do not use chain grease or oil. A belt drive does not need lubricants.
How to Lubricate Your eBike Chain
Apply Chain Oil: Apply a thin layer of chain oil directly to the chain.
Shift Through Gears: Shift through all gears to ensure the oil is evenly distributed.
Wipe Off Excess Oil: Wipe off excess oil with a clean, dry cloth. The chain should look like new again.
Note: Never lubricate your chain with grease. This attracts dirt, which is the last thing you want.
If you feel like it and want to clean your entire ebike, we have a great guide with all the necessary information.
Ask an Expert About Cleaning Your Chain
If you have followed the instructions in our guide on cleaning and lubricating your ebike's chain, it should now be running smoothly. If you still have questions about your ebike's chain, contact a certifieded dealer near you.