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Summer is the perfect season for taking your eBike out on the trails or hitting the road. Exploring new paths, visiting picturesque sights, and enjoying the summer sunshine and clear weather are just a few of the many incentives to make sure your eBike is ready for summer.
For many eBike users summer means taking the bike out of storage after the colder months and making sure it is safe for a season of more frequent rides. A full inspection of the vital parts will ensure they are in working order and in good condition after a season off. Ensuring the tires will hold air, pumping them to the correct psi, checking and lubing the chain and other moving parts are just a few of the ways to ready your favorite bike or electric bicycle.
The type of service needed will depend on the make and model you own, the climate in which you live, where your eBike has been stored, as well as the amount of technology and sophistication your eBike has built in. Many simpler maintenance items can be tackled with a little research and the right tools. More advanced technological items may need to be serviced by an authorized repair center. Plan ahead to make sure your eBike is ready for you whenever you feel like riding.
A visual inspection of your eBike to make sure there aren’t any obvious signs of wear or damage is a good first step in assessing its condition. Give your eBike a good wipe down with a soft cloth, or if needed with a damp cloth and mild detergent so you can better inspect every part now free from dirt and debris. From big to small is a useful way to start your inspection. You’re looking for obvious signs of wear or degradation such as cracks, fraying or discoloration and rust.
Check the frame itself, the handlebars out to the grips, brake levers, down towards the forks of your suspension and then to the wheels, spokes, tires and disc brakes including the cables. Moving towards the back of the bike, scan the seat and seat post, then down toward the rear suspension. Heading toward the center of the bike check the sprocket, pedals and pedal arms, then give the chain a thorough once over ensuring there is no rust or buildup of excess grease. The Delfast Top 3.0i comes with a proprietary carbon-reinforced drive belt that resists rust, corrosion and breakage. Follow the chain back towards the hub-mounted motor case, then check the back wheel, spokes, tire and brake system.
Any rust found should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent any spread to other vital components. Surface rust can oftentimes be polished away, while deeper set-in rust may mean a deeper cleaning or even replacement of parts.
Getting your hands on your eBike is the next step to making sure it is road or trail ready. It is important to make sure your battery on your Top 3.0i is charged and the onboard computer is connected to your ‘My eBike Ride’ App. The App gives you real-time updates on many of your vital components.
Test both front and rear brakes to ensure they feel firm but still comfortable to squeeze. Pay attention to the connections from the brake levers to the cable, and where the cable attaches to the disc brakes on the hub of each wheel. Minor adjustments can be made at home, while more intensive repairs of braking systems should be handled by a professional service center.
Tires need to be inflated to a specific psi. Recommended psi will be printed on the sidewall of the tire but is also easy to find online by searching the specific tire brand and size. More experienced riders will increase or decrease tire pressure slightly based on the terrain they will be riding on. Decreasing tire pressure can give more traction but at the cost of wearing tires more quickly. Increasing tire pressure can give more range but can make the ride stiffer and cause uneven tire and tread wear.
Make sure the seat and seat post don’t move around by gripping the seat and gently but firmly twisting. Adjusting the seat post is usually an easy and quick fix. Check the front and rear shocks. Standing over the bike with both hands on the grips push down to make sure the front shocks give but are firm, sitting and applying downward pressure pay attention to the resistance of the back shock.
A quick, short ride paying attention to any possible squeaks or movement of any specific parts is a good last step to the hands-on inspection. Pay attention to any play in the chain or braking systems as adjustment can be made to tighten up those most important of components.
The battery is the most vital electrical component on an eBike as it powers everything. The Top 3.0i has a high output 72V 47Ah Li-ion battery with a battery management system (BMS). While the capacity and output of eBike batteries will vary greatly, the care for them doesn’t differ all that much.
Storage is the most important. Make sure to store your battery in a cool, dry place, preferably indoors. If you know you won’t be riding for a few months or more and there isn’t room for your entire eBike, removing the battery to allow for easier indoor temperature-controlled storage is your best option. This will ensure it is not exposed to large swings in temperature or humidity. Many eBike batteries will need to be taken to a service center for a thorough inspection. The BMS on the Top 3.0i communicates with your smartphone. Instant updates on the condition of your battery are available when you demand them, so you know exactly what is needed before the season even starts. The Top 3.0i doesn’t stop there, it communicates with you about almost all its vital parts, ensuring that it is working when and how you need it to.
The electric and electronic parts that your battery powers need to be checked to ensure your safety. Take the time to turn your front light on, off, and switch between the different modes. Test your back brake lights. Check your turn signals. All of these can be tested using the physical connection points on the handlebars, or by using the electronic display and ‘My eBike Ride’ smartphone app on the Top 3.0i.
The reason you own an eBike is so you can ride it. EBikes are resilient, but it is important to know the upward limits. Taking a ride when it’s too hot outside is dangerous for both you and your eBike. The Li-ion battery that powers an eBike is as sensitive to heat and cold as you are. It is not recommended that you repeatedly take long rides in the scorching heat of summer. Running your eBike continuously at high speeds when hot will degrade the battery faster than if you take more frequent breaks and allow yourself and the systems on your eBike to rest.
Take your eBike safety as seriously as your own. Make sure that you are taking the time to rest, hydrate, and wear the proper clothing and sun protection. Just as you are prone to sun exposure and overheating, your eBike’s optimal performance is found at temperatures in the high 70’s and low 80’s. This doesn’t mean you can’t ride when it’s hotter but be aware of allowing yourself and your eBike the chance to cool down.
Choosing the right tires for a ride is important for your enjoyment but also for your safety. Switching from road tires to off-road capable Dirt Cross tires means more traction and more stability when tackling those difficult hills and inclines. Changing tires from season to season can also be important in various parts of the country. Going from a standard seat post to a universal seat rack with the option of a motorcycle style seat and side boxes can greatly increase your comfort and therefore possible riding distance before reaching fatigue. Choose the Top 3.0i accessories you want to be ready for any and every situation.
You and your eBike are ready for the summer season. Get out and ride.
