THE SCOR GUIDE TO CLEANING YOUR E-BIKE
Electronics and water famously don’t mix well. But washing and cleaning an e-bike is no more complicated than a regular mountain bike. It just requires a bit more care and attention in a few key areas. We’ve teamed up with Muc-Off to show you how to keep your e-bike running smoothly and looking fast.
How do I clean my e-bike?
1.
First, make sure your e-bike is switched off and the charging port is closed. Put the bike in a workstand and make sure it’s secure, upright and can’t fall over.
2.
Spray a bike-specific cleaner onto the drivetrain. Use a brush to help loosen any stubborn dirt and to get into those hard-to-reach areas.
3.
Move on with the rest of the bike. Again, spray that bike-specific cleaner and go to town on any hard to shift dirt using a sponge or soft brush.
4.
Wash off all the bubbles and let the bike dry for a few minutes. Give it a bounce to help shake the water off and then wipe away any excess water with a microfiber cloth.
5.
Remove the battery and check that all the ports and connectors are clean and dry. All good? Put the battery back into the frame making sure to lock it in place.
6.
Spray moisture dispersing fluid onto the motor and drivetrain, but please avoid your brakes. Wipe away any excess spray and use an old cloth to get your chain sparkling.
7.
Now it’s time to lube the chain. On an e-bike the crank doesn’t spin backwards like on a regular bike. Don’t worry! Muc-Off has a tool that slots into your chainring making it possible anyway. Rotate the cranks backwards applying a drop of lube to each chain link as you go.
8.
Finish by misting the frame with a silicone spray and making sure to avoid the brakes and drivetrain. After that it’s time to buff up your bike with a clean dry cloth. If your frame protectors are looking tired maybe you should treat your bike to a refresh: www.www.scor-mtb.com/make-it-yours
9.
Give your bike a quick systems check, make sure you’re fully charged and you’re good to get back on the trails. Ride, charge, repeat.
FAQs
How often should I clean my bike?
A clean bike is a happy bike, but you don’t need to clean it after every ride. When it’s covered in mud, give it a proper clean. If it’s just a bit dusty, a wipe down with a wet cloth will do.
Do I need to use a bike-specific cleaner?
Bike-specific cleaners have been formulated to remove dirt without damaging seals, corroding metal or delaminating carbon. Other cleaners may contain more aggressive chemicals that could cause damage to your bike. Stick to a well-known bike-specific brand of cleaner. They know what to put in there.
Can I wash my bike when it’s upside down?
The motor has been designed to drain water when the bike is upright, with the bike upside down water might find its way into places it shouldn’t and could cause damage. Whether you’re riding your bike or washing it, keep it rubber side down.
Is it okay to get my e-bike handlebar controls wet?
The handlebar controls are water-resistant but avoid spraying water directly onto them — a wipe down with a damp sponge should do the job.
What kind of chain lube should I use?
Wet, dry, e-bike specific – there’s plenty of choice when it comes to what lube to put on your chain. Which you pick will depend on the conditions you ride in, but the main thing is to make sure you clean and lube your chain regularly, even between washes.
I’ve accidentally got silicone spray on my brake discs, what should I do?
Silicone spray, polish and lubricant, are bad news for your brake rotors. To remove them you’ll need brake cleaner or isopropyl alcohol. Spray this onto the rotors and wipe away with a clean paper towel, repeating a couple of times to make sure all the residue has been removed.
