How to Clean Electric Bikes in 8 Steps

Cleaning your electric bike (e-bike) is perhaps the least exciting part of having an e-bike. But it is very important if you want to enjoy your e-bike for a long time.

Ideally, you should clean your e-bike regularly. How often you should clean it depends on how often you use your e-bike.

If you use it every day, clean it at least once a week. But if you drive it through mud, rain, or snow, it's best to clean it after each ride.

By keeping your electric bike clean, you preserve the life of your bike and save money on maintenance and repair.

Here's how to properly clean your electric bike:

1 – Read Your E-bike's Manual

This is especially important if it's your first time cleaning your electric bike.

Read the pages pertaining to washing and cleaning your e-bike to make sure you don't damage it. You might also pick up some hacks on how you can best clean it.

2 – Prepare the Things You Need

First, find a space big enough to clean your e-bike well (and the mess you've made after).

Next, prepare these items:

a bucket with water
sponge
brushes (different sizes)
bike cleaner
disc brake cleaner
chain lube
bike degreaser

Tip: Playing some upbeat music in the background can make this chore enjoyable.

3 – Remove the Battery

Before cleaning your e-bike, remove the battery. The manual may not say you need to remove the battery before washing it. You might also think it's okay to get it wet since electric bikes are fine in the rain.

To be safe and avoid any mishaps, just remove the battery before cleaning your e-bike.

4 – Remove or Cover the Display

Another thing to look out for when cleaning your electric bike is the display. It's better to remove it before washing your bike. If it's hard to remove, cover the display with something, like poly film, to keep it dry.

5 – Clean the Drivetrain

It's important to degrease the drivetrain before washing the bike. Otherwise you'll have to rewash if muck comes off it and spreads to other parts of the electric bike.

The drivetrain includes the chain, chainrings, cassette, and derailleurs.

Apply some degreaser on the drivetrain. Let it stay for about five minutes. Then wipe off the dirt and grease with a damp cloth or paper towel. Clean it thoroughly.

6 – Wash It with Water

Using water and a soft cloth, wash the electric bike, starting with the dirt and debris stuck to it. Use a soft cloth or gentle brush to remove stubborn dirt and clean hard-to-reach areas.

You can also use a garden hose. Just make sure not to use too much pressure.

Never use a high-powered hose. It can wash off factory grease your e-bike needs. Or it can damage some of your electric bike's sensitive parts.

In case water gets into the battery mount, don't worry. It's designed with a drain. The plugs are also covered with a protective coating to keep it safe from water and rust.