5 Essential E-Bike Maintenance Tips for 2025

Electric bikes represent a significant investment in your mobility and freedom. As more riders discover the joy and convenience of e-bikes, understanding proper maintenance becomes crucial for protecting that investment. Whether you're a seasoned e-bike enthusiast or just purchased your first MoVcan, these five essential maintenance tips will help extend your bike's lifespan, improve performance, and ensure safety on every ride.

1. Battery Care: The Lifeline of Your E-Bike

Your e-bike's battery is arguably its most critical and expensive component. Proper battery care not only extends its lifespan but also maintains optimal range and performance throughout its life.

Modern Battery Management Techniques for 2025

The latest lithium-ion batteries used in MoVcan e-bikes incorporate advanced battery management systems (BMS) that help prevent overcharging and monitor cell health. However, there are still important practices you should follow:

Optimal charging habits: Avoid frequently depleting your battery completely. Lithium-ion batteries gradually deteriorate and lose capacity over time, but you can slow this process by keeping the charge level between 20% and 80% for everyday use.
Temperature management: Store and charge your battery at moderate temperatures (60-75°F/15-24°C). Riding in cold conditions will place more strain on a battery and reduce range, while extreme heat can accelerate degradation.
Regular use: Even during off-seasons, give your battery a discharge/recharge cycle at least monthly. This keeps the cells active and prevents internal resistance from building up.
Clean connections: Inspect and clean the battery contacts monthly using a dry cloth. Corrosion or dirt can impair the connection, leading to performance issues.
Smart storage: If storing your e-bike for extended periods, store it with the battery charged to around 50% capacity in a cool, dry place.

For more detailed information on maximizing battery life, visit our comprehensive battery care guide.

2. Drivetrain Maintenance: Power Transfer Perfection

The drivetrain components—chain, cassette, derailleur, and chainrings—transfer power from both your legs and the motor to the wheels. Due to the additional forces involved with e-bike assistance, these components experience more stress than those on conventional bikes.

Keeping Your Drivetrain in Top Shape

Regular cleaning: It's best to clean your e-bike drivetrain at least once a week if you ride regularly, and even more often if you're riding in bad weather such as rain, to minimize rust.
Proper lubrication: Apply a quality bicycle-specific chain lubricant after cleaning, and wipe off excess to prevent dirt accumulation. E-bike-specific lubricants are now available that are formulated to handle the additional torque.
Chain wear monitoring: Invest in a chain wear indicator tool to check your chain regularly. E-bike chains wear faster than traditional bike chains due to higher torque, so replace them before they damage other drivetrain components.
Gear adjustment: Ensure smooth shifting by regularly tuning your derailleur. If you notice skipping or hesitation when changing gears, it's time for an adjustment.
Torque checks: The additional forces from e-bike motors can cause bolts to loosen more quickly. Monthly checks of all drivetrain component bolts with a proper torque wrench will prevent unexpected failures.

3. Tire Care and Maintenance: Your Connection to the Road

Proper tire maintenance is critical for both safety and efficiency. Well-maintained tires reduce rolling resistance, which extends your battery range and improves handling.

Smart Tire Management

Pressure checks: Check tire pressure before each ride and inflate them to the manufacturer's recommended PSI. For MoVcan e-bikes, recommended pressures are printed on the sidewall of the tire.
Regular inspection: Regularly inspect tires for wear, cracks, or embedded objects that could lead to flats. E-bikes often reach higher speeds and carry more weight, making tire integrity even more important.
Rotation schedule: Consider rotating your tires every 1,000 miles to ensure even wear, especially if you notice the rear tire wearing faster (common with rear-hub motors).
Appropriate upgrades: When replacing tires, select e-bike-rated tires that can handle the additional speed and weight. Look for the "E" marking on tires, indicating they're designed specifically for e-bikes.
Tubeless considerations: For 2025 models, many MoVcan e-bikes come tubeless-ready. Tubeless setups reduce pinch flats and allow lower pressures for improved comfort and traction.

4. Brake System Maintenance: Safety First

E-bikes typically reach higher speeds and carry more weight than conventional bikes, making brake performance crucial for safety. Modern e-bike braking systems are designed for these demands but require proper maintenance.

Keeping Your Brakes in Perfect Working Order

Regular inspection: Regularly inspect brake pads for wear and ensure brake rotors are free from debris. If you notice reduced braking performance or squeaking noises, it might be time to replace the brake pads.
Rotor cleaning: Keep rotors clean from oils (including from your fingers) and debris by occasionally cleaning them with isopropyl alcohol and a clean, lint-free cloth.
Hydraulic fluid maintenance: For hydraulic disc brakes, check for proper fluid levels and consider a full system bleed annually or if braking feels "spongy."
Adjustment precision: Ensure brake pads are aligned properly with the rotor to prevent rubbing and premature wear. This is especially important after transporting your bike or when replacing wheels.
Lever position: Adjust your brake levers for comfortable reach and optimal leverage, particularly important for riders with smaller hands or those who ride in varying conditions.

For assistance with brake adjustments, schedule a maintenance appointment at your nearest MoVcan service center.

5. Electronics and Software Updates: Keeping Current in 2025

One of the most significant differences between traditional bikes and e-bikes is the electronic components. Modern e-bikes are increasingly sophisticated, with software that controls everything from power delivery to safety features.

Maximizing Electronic Performance

Firmware updates: Updating firmware will help you to get the most out of your e-bike. Check for updates through the MoVcan app monthly, as these often improve battery efficiency, motor performance, and add new features.
Connection check: Inspect the wiring and connectors for any loose or damaged parts and keep connectors clean and free from dirt and moisture.
Display protection: Protect your handlebar display from extreme weather and direct sunlight when parked, as these can damage the electronics over time.
Diagnostic monitoring: Take advantage of the MoVcan app's diagnostic features to monitor motor health, battery performance metrics, and system integrity. Modern tools can assess the condition of high-voltage EV batteries and monitor energy consumption.
Water protection: While MoVcan e-bikes are designed to handle light rain, avoid pressurized water near electronic components during cleaning. Use a damp cloth instead of a hose for these areas.

For the latest app features and firmware updates, visit the MoVcan Tech Support Center.

Seasonal Maintenance Schedule

For optimal performance year-round, follow this seasonal maintenance schedule:

Spring (Pre-Riding Season)

Complete battery health check
Drivetrain deep clean and lubrication
Tire inspection and pressure adjustment
Firmware updates
Complete brake system inspection

Summer (Peak Riding Season)

Weekly chain cleaning and lubrication
Bi-weekly battery contact inspection
Monthly bolt torque check
Regular tire pressure checks (weekly)
Mid-season brake pad inspection

Fall (End of Main Season)

Deep drivetrain cleaning
Battery health assessment
Tire inspection for wear
Complete system diagnostic check
Cable and housing inspection

Winter (Storage or Limited Use)

Battery storage at 40-60% charge
Monthly battery charge cycle if not riding
Clean and protect frame and components
Apply frame protectant to prevent corrosion
Store in dry, temperature-controlled environment

Professional Service: When to Seek Expert Help

While many maintenance tasks can be performed at home, some situations call for professional service:

Annual motor system diagnostic check
Battery performance issues or significant range reduction
Error codes displayed on the control unit
Unusual noises from the motor or drivetrain
After significant impacts or crashes
Complex hydraulic brake service

MoVcan offers comprehensive service packages designed specifically for each model, with certified technicians trained on the latest diagnostic equipment.

New Technologies Making Maintenance Easier in 2025

Recent innovations are making e-bike maintenance more accessible and effective:

Smart diagnostics: Smart e-bikes will be able to self-diagnose mechanical issues and notify riders when maintenance is needed through the MoVcan companion app.
Connected maintenance reminders: Your MoVcan e-bike now tracks usage and automatically suggests maintenance based on your actual riding patterns, not just calendar time.
AI-powered wear prediction: AI-based systems can identify problems before they occur, reducing the risk of failure, particularly for drivetrain and battery components.
Simplified component design: Newer e-bike designs feature tool-free access points for common maintenance areas, making regular care more accessible.
Extended service intervals: Improved materials and engineering have extended the service intervals for many components, reducing maintenance frequency without compromising reliability.

Conclusion: Protect Your Investment

Proper maintenance is essential for getting the most out of your e-bike investment. By following these five key maintenance areas—battery care, drivetrain maintenance, tire care, brake system maintenance, and electronics/software updates—you'll ensure your MoVcan e-bike remains reliable, safe, and performing at its best for years to come.

Remember that consistency is key with maintenance. Small, regular efforts prevent larger problems and expensive repairs down the road. Set reminders for yourself, use the MoVcan app's maintenance tracking features, and don't hesitate to reach out to our support team with questions.

Additional Resources: