Basic Bike & Chain Cleaning Guide

As with all bikes, ebikes require regular cleaning to keep the drivetrain working well and to extend the life of the bike. Rain, grime, rock salt, and dirt can damage the chain over time, and cleaning your bike and chain regularly will help keep your bike safe and fun to ride.

Keep the bike right-side up when the bike is wet or being cleaned. The components are designed to drain moisture from top to bottom, and flipping the bike over to clean it could cause water damage and void your warranty.

Bike cleaning tools are available at many bike shops and online. Check with your local bike shop to make sure you get the best bike-specific chain lubricant for your riding conditions.

You'll Need:

• A few clean cotton rags,
• Warm water,
• Non-corrosive, biodegradable detergent,
• Bike degreaser,
• Bike chain lubricant, and
  
  Optionally:
  
  
• A bike stand or a friend to help hold the bike,
• Nitrile gloves,
• A drop cloth.

1. Turn off the bike. Press and hold the MODE button to turn off the bike, then turn off and remove the battery. Press and hold MODE again to discharge remaining power.
2. Wipe down the bike frame. Use a clean cloth and warm water (optional: detergent) to wipe down the frame. Ensure no water enters any electronic components (i.e. connectors, the controller, battery, etc.) as this could cause damage.
   
   Note: Do not use a hose or direct spray of water/liquid onto the bike or electrical components. Never submerge any electrical components in water or liquid. 
3. Apply degreaser to a clean rag (not directly to the chain). Ensure no degreaser gets on the frame or any other components.
   
   
4. Use the towel to apply degreaser to the chain. Hold the towel on the lower part of the chain, between the bottom of the front chainring and the derailleur (as shown below). Ensure the degreaser on the towel touches the chain.
5. Turn the pedal backward and allow the entire chain to pass through the degreaser on the rag until every link is clean.
   
   
6. Allow the chain to dry completely. Wait long enough to ensure no liquid remains inside the small crevasses between chain components inside the links.
   
   Note: Applying chain lubricant to a wet chain can trap liquids in between chain parts (outer plates, link pins, and rollers) and lead to premature deterioration of components. Degreaser is good for a quick chain cleaning since it evaporates more quickly than water and other liquids.
7. Apply bike chain lubricant to each roller on the chain according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
   
   
8. Prop the bike on the kickstand so the rear wheel is off the ground. Alternatively, prop the bike in a bike stand or have a friend securely hold the handlebar so the rear wheel is off the ground.
   
   
9. Turn the pedal forward and at the same time shift through all the gears.
   
        
10. Wipe off any excess chain lubricant with a clean rag.
    
    Note: Excess chain lubricant on the outer plates of the chain can attract dirt and grime. Keep the lubricant on the internal components (pins and rollers) only.
11. Dry the bike. Use a clean cloth to dry the bike. Store the bike in a dry location indoors to allow the bike to dry completely.
12. Reinstall the battery and test the bike fully before riding.

Check out our Three Quick Tips To Prevent Ebike Corrosion post on The Scenic Route for more tips on cleaning your bike, or click HERE to read tips on keeping your bike clean after riding in various weather conditions.

 If you are not confident in your ability to successfully and safely perform all steps, we recommend having your bike cleaned and inspected by a local, certified, and reputable bike mechanic.