Spring is here, which means it’s finally eBike season! But before you hit the road, it's important to make sure that your electric bike is prepared for the change in weather.
In this guide, we'll walk you through some quick and easy steps to help you prepare your eBike for the spring weather. From ideas like the best eBike options for spring riding to tune-up reminders like checking the tires and cleaning your eBike chain, we've got you covered.
Contents:
- eBike Options for Spring Riding
- Maintenance & Service Tips
- Inspect for Damages
- eBike Chains
- eBike Tires
- eBike Brakes
- eBike Battery
- Protect Electronics
- FAQ
Best eBikes for Spring Riding
Electric bikes are a great way to enjoy fresh air and get moving this spring. Flyer™ eBikes make it easy to cover longer distances and tackle hills, so you can explore and enjoy the ride without feeling tired or overheated. Plus, electric bikes are a greener alternative to gas-powered cars, so you can enjoy the outdoors while reducing your carbon footprint.
Read on to discover some of our favorites and how we use them to Get Out and Play® for warm-weather rides.
Cruiser eBikes
Cruiser eBikes are a spring favorite because they are designed for comfort and leisurely rides, perfect for enjoying the outdoors in warm months. The upright riding position and comfort saddle offer a relaxed position for longer rides.
Plus, the nostalgic design and pastel colors (hello,
Discover the Flyer™ Cruiser and Flyer™ Cruiser Step-Thru.
Cargo eBikes
Cargo eBikes are a useful tool in the spring for a few reasons. The Flyer™ L885 and M880 are ideal for family outings and make it easy to explore the outdoors. The carrying capacity allows you to haul kids and gear with custom accessories, like the Kid & Cargo™ Carrier.
Plus, use your cargo eBike for spring errands, like transporting garden supplies like soil, fertilizer, plants, and tools. Or skip the carpool lane and carry kids, backpacks, and lunchboxes for a fun and sustainable way to get to school drop-off.
Cargo eBikes provide an efficient and eco-friendly way to enjoy outdoor activities and or errands while hauling gear.
Folding eBikes
Folding eBikes add an element of flexibility with outdoor adventures and transportation in the spring. Using the Flyer™ Folding Cargo for last mile commuting is an efficient way to get to the bus or train on time and store it folded for the remainder of the commute.
Discover far-away bike paths and trails by storing the bike folded in your trunk and riding it once you get to your destination for ultimate adventures.
eBike Maintenance & Service Tips for Spring
Follow our 8 maintenance tips to ensure your eBike stays in good condition and provides a safe and enjoyable riding experience.
To kick off biking season, we strongly recommend getting a bike tune up from a professional mechanic. Depending on usage, your bike may require tune-up’s throughout the year. We recommend a full tune-up with a certified mechanic every 750 miles. You can find local, certified, and reputable mechanics here. Have your bike inspected immediately if you notice problems or your bike has been involved in a fall or other accident.
Contact us with any questions about maintaining your eBike.
Have your Bike Serviced
Have your bike serviced on an annual basis at a minimum. Spring is a great reminder to take your bike to a certified mechanic for a tune up. We recommend standard tune-ups every 750 miles to keep your bike running smoothly.
Check for any eBike Damage
Check the frame and components for any signs of damage or cracks. If you notice any damage, contact us or take your eBike to a dealer in the Flyer™ network for repair.
Check Your Tires
Check your tire pressure frequently. The temperature changes will affect the pressure which may lead to unsafe riding conditions. Check for any signs of wear or damage and replace the tires if necessary.
Check and Tighten all Hardware
Check to ensure all screws and hardware are tightened to the proper specification. Pay particular attention to the front wheel skewer, handlebar clamp, and kickstand bolt to ensure safe operation of your ebike. Also check any attachment screws for custom accessories such as the Kid & Cargo Carrier. If you are unsure or have any questions, take your ebike to a dealer in the Flyer™ network for service.
Clean and Lubricate Your Bike Chain
Keep the chain clean to prevent it from rusting and to ensure a smooth ride. In general, we recommend cleaning your eBike regularly, especially after riding in wet or muddy conditions. Use a bike chain cleaning solution with a rag or small brush to thoroughly clean your chain and remove any debris. Following cleaning, always apply chain lubricant to ensure smooth operation of the chain and gears.
Inspect and Test Your Brakes
Check your bike's brake pads regularly and replace them whenever you notice wear. Brake pads may wear down faster on your eBike since it travels faster and typically carries more weight than a regular bike. It is also important to regularly check your brake cables for damage and to ensure they are properly tensioned. Tips for adjusting your brake can be found here.
Charge Your Battery
Charge your e-bike battery regularly and avoid letting it completely run out of power. Click here for instructions for charging and storing the battery. Keep the charge level around 50% when storing your battery for long periods of time.
Protect Your Electronics from Moisture
Store your e-bike in a dry and secure location, away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight.
FAQs: Spring 2023 eBike Riding
Q: How often should I clean my ebike chain?
A: Cleaning of your chain should be done as part of regular maintenance on your bike, particularly after riding in wet or muddy conditions. Clean your bike chain with a cloth or small brush using non-corrosive biodegradable cleaners as needed. Take special care to avoid getting cleaners or degreasers on the brake components (calipers, rotors) as they may negatively impact braking performance.
Q: Can I use a regular bike chain lubricant on my ebike?
A: Ebike chains are subjected to higher speeds and loads compared to normal bike chains. Lubricants for ebike chains are readily available at bike shops and from 3rd party sources. If you cannot find lubricant specifically for ebike chains, regular bike chain lubricant should be used.
Q: How do I know if my brake pads need to be replaced?
A: Take note of any changes in how the braking feels when riding your bike. Your e-Bike will travel faster and typically with more weight than a standard bike, and the brake pads will typically wear down faster than a traditional bike. Check your bike's brake pads regularly and replace them whenever you notice wear.
Q: How do I know the life of my eBike battery?
A: The battery life will depend on how frequently the e-Bike is used and charged.
Battery life can be checked by pressing and holding the button on the side of your battery. Green lights will appear to show how many bars are left. Alternatively, the LCD display shows battery life, so you can track battery life while riding from A to B.
Q: Should I store my ebike indoors during the spring?
A: We recommend storing your eBike in a dry place like a bike room or garage. Do not store an eBike outdoors, especially in adverse conditions such as wet, cold, or salt. If it is necessary to store outdoors, it is recommended to use a bike cover or tarp to prevent exposure to winter weather.