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Long Story Short: Keep your electric scooter / electric bike running smoothly with these 10 essential maintenance tips. From battery care to tire pressure, we’ve got you covered for your electric motorcycle
Electric bikes or electric scooters are not a thing of the future, but they were a decade ago. The growing number of electric vehicles clearly shows in which direction things are moving. As we all know, every technology has its share of deficiencies; electric bikes also have the same. Also, people are hesitant to buy an electric bike because they need to know the future ahead, and several other concerns exist.
Here, our discussion is confined to maintenance tips, and we will share in-depth about each piece of information. The battery pack contributes to the high cost of an electric bike. So, just like how we take care of our mobile battery, we also need to take care of the electric bike battery. Almost 70% of the principles are just the same. So think of your electric bike or scooter as a mobile phone for travelling. Unlike recharging fuel in a four-stroke motorcycle, recharging an electric bike requires more care and special attention.
Essential maintenance tips for an electric bike or scooter for longevity
Avoid extra weight while riding
Avoid excess weight while riding, as the extra weight brings more load on the electric motor and tyres. The result is that electric motors will consume more charge, and tyres get less life than expected. Avoid overloading situations as much as possible and check for the maximum allowed loaded weight on the owner’s manual.
Do not completely drain the battery
Like a smartphone, you should not drain the battery fully as it will drastically reduce life. Also, try to avoid full battery charging, as there is a concept called the battery charge cycle. The idea of a battery charge cycle is that you should not drain and fully charge the battery as both result in a single charge cycle. A battery consists of a certain number of charge cycles after which battery life is complete, or it is time to replace it.
Be easy on the throttle
Aggressive riding or excess throttle use hampers the range of the electric bike as more energy gets used up in the process. In most models, there are several ride modes which, when used smartly, can improve the range of the electric bike.
Power off the electric motorcycle when not in use
Always ensure the bike is switched off while not in use; the charge will drop, and the charge getting to zero value will affect the battery life. Also, while in a traffic block or red signal, try to save energy by switching off the bike. In premium electric bikes, the vehicle has an automatic detection system to switch off the motor, which reasonably improves range.
Check the tyre pressure regularly
Always check the tyre for correct pressure, as low pressure will affect the tyre’s life as well as the range of the electric bike. Check at least twice a month or if you ride the bike daily, every week. Usually, a tyre pressure check is recommended once a month for tubeless tyres. But in Indian conditions, check at least once in two weeks.
Avoid unnecessary braking
Braking is the situation where the most charge from the battery gets utilised. So avoid unnecessary hard braking and be soft on brakes according to the case. Some riders do gentle braking unnecessarily on the bike, reducing overall range.
Take utmost care of the battery
The battery is the heart of an electric bike or scooter. You need to provide extra care for the battery by having regular service, checking for issues, and charging it through the right voltage socket. If the voltage is low or high, it will affect the battery life. Follow all owner’s manual instructions for the same.
Do not use fast charging every time
Fast charging is a great battery feature, and it helps owners in emergencies. But the reality is that owners are using fast charging most of the time, severely affecting battery life. It is a critical point, and keep this in mind.
Get regular service
Electric bikes have less service than internal combustion motorcycles, and the service gap is much higher. It is a blessing, but please do not skip any service. Regular service always brings more life and health to the electric bike.
Disable unnecessary electronics when not in use
Several new-age high-end electric scooters get features that are not necessary most of the time. Some of these features include Bluetooth, smart navigation and more. Switching off these unnecessary electronics when riding is essential, as it will put less pressure on the battery and save power for better range.
Conclusion
We have discussed in depth the 10 essential maintenance tips that an electric bike/scooter owner should know, and they are as follows.
- Avoid extra weight while riding
- Do not completely drain the battery
- Be easy on the throttle
- Power off the electric motorcycle when not in use
- Check the tyre pressure regularly
- Avoid unnecessary braking
- Take utmost care of the battery
- Do not use fast charging every time
- Get regular service
- Disable unnecessary electronics when not in use
If you have any other doubts or queries, email us at bikeleague2017@gmail.com. We are always eager to help and assist you. Also, here are several social media platforms of Bikeleague India to raise your suspicions.
