Good electric bikes are known to be tough and hard-wearing, so they typically don't need frequent repairs.
However, when your e-bike begins to experience wear and tear—or if unexpected issues arise—it’s crucial to know where to go for reliable repairs. Having access to the right service can extend the life of your e-bike, ensure it performs at its best, and keep you riding safely.
When it comes to electric bike repairs and maintenance, we are the experts. Let us guide you through the best options for fixing common electric bike issues.
Most Common Electric Bike Issues
Electric bikes can encounter several common issues, each requiring different solutions. Some problems can be fixed on your own, while others will need professional expertise.
Battery
The battery powers your electric bike and keeps it going. Even though modern lithium-ion batteries are more dependable and long-lasting than older battery types, they can still experience some loss in capacity and performance over time. Don’t worry – this is normal.
Reduced Range: Observe or replace
After using your electric bike for some time, you might observe a reduced range. If no other issues are present, this could be attributed to normal battery degradation. In this case, we recommend checking the number of charge cycles – if it’s near or beyond 500 to 1,000 cycles, it could be time to replace your battery.
Not Holding a Charge: Fix or replace
However, a battery that has difficulty holding a charge is most likely the result of incorrect charging habits, e.g. overcharging, draining the battery, or exposure to extreme temperatures. If this happens, be sure to bring your e-bike to a repair shop so a professional mechanic can assess the situation and figure out the best course of action.
Brakes
Properly functioning brakes are crucial for the safe performance of your electric bike. Fortunately, most brake-related issues are easy to fix.
Squeaky Brakes: Clean and/or adjust
Squeaky brakes are a common issue, which often result from dirty, misaligned callipers, or debris in the braking system. To fix this, clean the brake pads and rotor to remove dirt and debris. If needed, check and adjust the callipers or brake alignment.
Worn Brake Pads: Replace
Braking issues can also be caused by worn brake pads, which happens naturally over time due to friction. If the pads are worn, it’s time to replace them.
Issues Specific to Brake Type: Consult a technician
Furthermore, there are certain issues and solutions that are specific to brake types. For instance, hydraulic brakes might develop leaks and require bleeding, while mechanical brakes can suffer from misalignment, which would entail cable adjustment and realignment.
Some of the solutions to the problems above are easy fixes and can be done at home, but if you’re unsure about the issue or the repair, it’s best to bring your e-bike to a professional technician.
Tyres
A good percentage of electric bike issues are likely related to tyres, which is not surprising given that tyres are the part of the e-bike most exposed to beating from the road.
Punctures: Seal or replace
For starters, punctures are pretty common and, thankfully, easy to solve. You simply need to locate the puncture and seal it using a proper repair kit (you can find a detailed guide for tubed and tubeless tyres here). However, if you have tubed tyres and you see the tube ripped or worn, it may be time to replace it.
On that note, if the puncture is caused by worn down tyre treads or some cracking on the rubber, it’s best to replace your tyres.
Misaligned Wheels: Consult a technician
On the other hand, in case your wheels seem misaligned, please take your e-bike to the service centre so they can realign your wheels properly.
Motor
Motor issues are often characterised by loss of power, unusual noises, or strange smells. The most common problem is overheating, which often happens when an electric bike is forced to carry excessive load. This can also happen when the e-bike is used for heavy-duty tasks beyond its capacity.
Overheated Motor: Consult a technician
One of the telltale signs of an overheating problem is a burning smell. As soon as you smell something burning, turn off your e-bike right away and let it cool. Then, bring it to the service centre right away. Do not attempt to address the problem by yourself, as this can cause more harm than good (and can even void your warranty).
Electrical Components
Electrical malfunction is a complex issue, especially if you’re not familiar with the inner workings of your e-bike’s system. Hence, if you suspect your electric bike has electrical issues, we strongly advise taking it to a service centre where an expert can properly diagnose and address the problem.
Electrical Malfunction: Consult a technician
Here are some of the most common symptoms of faulty wiring or electrical malfunction:
- Loose connections or corroded wires
- Glitching or unresponsive software (e.g. freezing display)
- Erratic sensor performance or loss of pedal assist
- Power surges, inconsistent overall performance, or system shutdown
Often the result of water damage or overloading, an electrical malfunction can significantly impact your bike’s performance and safety, so it’s crucial to have the issue assessed and fixed as soon as possible.
Where to Get Expert Help for Electric Bikes
Beyond basic issues like flat tyres and squeaky brakes, we recommend bringing your electric bike to a trusted service centre. While some minor problems can be handled at home, more complex issues require expert diagnosis and professional repair.
Here at Electric Kicks, we have a team of experienced technicians and electric bike experts who are ready to provide the support you need. Plus, we work together with a network of service partners across Australia, so you'll always have access to reliable support, wherever you are in the country.
Wrapping Up
Most modern electric bikes are built to last, but just like any other vehicle, they can face various issues that need attention. For basic problems like flat tyres and squeaky brakes, DIY fixes at home may suffice. However, for more complex issues, like motor and electrical malfunctions, it's important to seek help from a trusted service centre.
Our skilled technicians and extensive network of service partners across the country are here to provide expert support. Reach out to us at 1300 054 257 or email us at support@electrickicks.com.au, and we’ll be sure to get you sorted.