A Top Ten EBike Pre-Ride Checklist

1. Ride Prep - ABC's, Dress, and Area Riding Rules:

Whether you're new to cycling or an experienced rider, it's wise to check your bike before each ride to ensure it's functioning properly. Always inspect the ABCs of your bike (Air, Brakes, & Chain) before heading out.

Dress suitably for both comfort and safety.

Flip-flops aren't ideal, and a helmet is always recommended. Clothing matters—loose pant legs can cause issues by getting caught in the chain. Was spandex created by a cyclist? Possibly, but jeans work just fine for us.

No Flip Floppers

Check your chain and gears. Keeping your chain lubricated and everything clean will help your bike shift smoothly and extend the life of the drivetrain (which includes the front chainrings, rear cassette, rear derailleur, and chain).

Be aware of the local rules and regulations for the routes you ride to comply with the area's e-bike requirements. For instance, local laws might mandate specific equipment like helmets, the use of hand signals, designated riding areas, or restrictions on throttle use. If throttle use is prohibited, most e-bikes have a throttle cable with connectors that can be temporarily disconnected.

2. Tires:

Protect your Tube!

Check that the tires and inner tubes are in good condition, free from visible damage, and properly inflated. If your bike has been unused for a while, expect the tire pressure to decrease, and you'll need to reinflate them to your desired pressure. Insufficient air pressure can reduce performance, increase wear on tires and components, and make riding unsafe. Replace any tires and inner tubes with punctures, cuts, or damage before riding. We suggest using Tannus Armour Liners for the best protection against "goat head flats." Tire liners and liquid puncture sealant can also help. Flat tires on e-bikes are particularly problematic, as they can leave you far from your service center (or garage).

3. Check the front wheel mount and the tightness of the rear wheel axle nuts:

Quick release wheel mount

Most e-bikes use a quick-release front wheel mounting mechanism, while the rear wheel is bolted on. These mechanisms may become loose or unsecured over time. The torque of all wheel mounting hardware should be inspected on a regular basis. Both wheels need to be properly secured before operating your bike. Other bike bolts should also be examined and tightened frequently, such as your kickstand, handlebar mount, and levers, to mention a few.

4. Checking the Electrical System:

The electrical system of your ebike offers different power assistance levels and lighting options to suit various conditions and user preferences. Familiarizing yourself with this system and ensuring it operates correctly before each ride is crucial. The brake levers on the front and rear have safety power cut-off switches that deactivate the motor's assistance when engaged, so it is essential to check their functionality. The throttle should provide smooth acceleration when applied gradually. If you experience any problems with the throttle, brake lever cut-off switches, pedal assistance, or lighting—whether they operate abnormally, intermittently, or not at all—have the bike serviced. Ensure the small Allen bolts securing equipment to the handlebars are checked and tightened to keep them firmly attached.

Ensure the battery is adequately charged and functioning well. The battery capacity bars on the LCD dashboard display your charge level. Before riding, disconnect the battery charger from both the outlet and the battery, then store it safely. The battery must be correctly mounted and locked in place before use. Handle the battery keys carefully and store the spare key in a secure location.

5. Ensuring Brakes are Working Properly:

Brake Components

Ensure brakes are working correctly, all braking system components are free from damage, and properly secured. When you fully squeeze the brake levers, ensure neither the front nor rear brake levers touch the handlebar. Bring the bike to a bike service center to have the brakes adjusted, if you find a problem. Ebike brake pads can make noise, just like cars, and can be serviced, replaced, or upgraded to eliminate the annoyance.

6. Seat Post Quick Release Levers:

Check Seat Post Lever

Quick release levers are often found on your ebike seat post, in addition to your front axle. They offer convenience for riders of various sizes by allowing the seat post to be quickly adjusted without tools. Because quick release levers can accidentally loosen between or during rides, it's crucial to regularly check that these components are securely fastened and closed. These seat posts, which can be easily raised and lowered, have a mark indicating the height limit on the seat post. Do not exceed this limit, as it could cause the post to bend or fail. The seat and seat post should be properly aligned, angled, and fitted.

7. Accessories, Straps, and Hardware:

Make sure all hardware is fastened and all accessories are correctly attached. It's wise to inspect all items before each ride to prevent issues during the ride. Ensure your cell phone is securely placed if it's in a handlebar holder.

8. Wheels:

Your wheels must always rotate straight and should be repaired or replaced if they wobble laterally or vertically while spinning. If your wheels become misaligned or if the spokes

Spoke Truing

loosen or bend, which can occur with regular use, we advise having a certified bike mechanic conduct wheel tuning and truing on the bike. Do not attempt to true wheels or tighten spokes unless you possess sufficient knowledge, tools, and experience.

9. Suspension, Handlebar, Grips, and Seat Adjustments:

Front Forks

If your ebike has front and rear suspension forks, they will influence the bike's handling, so it's important to understand their operation before riding. Adjust the suspension fork to match your weight and the terrain. Make sure the handlebar and stem are correctly aligned for your size and tightened to the recommended torque specifications. Handlebar grips should be secure and not slide easily. Replace any loose, worn, or damaged grips before riding.

10. Battery Charged, Secured, and Unplugged:

Make sure the battery is sufficiently charged and functioning correctly. The battery capacity bars on the LCD dashboard indicate your charge level. Before riding, ensure the battery charger is disconnected from both the outlet and the battery, and store it safely. The battery MUST be securely locked onto the frame battery mount before use. Do not try to use the electrical system if the battery is removed. Handle the battery keys carefully and keep the spare in a secure place. Keep in mind that with lithium-ion batteries, you should avoid extreme temperatures and charge your battery monthly if not in use. This helps prevent early battery failure and prolongs the life of the battery, which is the most costly component of the bike.

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