E-Performance: Autumn is here and winter is just around the corner. We have put together a few tips for you on the subject of e-bike service, which should be useful to you in the wet and cold season, so that your e-bike is well looked after and is a lot of fun.
It was important to us to give you a few tips on how to keep your e-bike in good condition even in winter. There are a few tips on how to get your bike clean again after the next jaunt on damp ground or how to properly winterize it so that you can start again in spring. There is also a brief guide on how to set the clock to winter or summer time. We also have a few tips for everyone who will be drawn out into the warmth over the next few months and would like to transport their e-bike.
E-Bike Service - The dirt has to go!
If you use your e-bike in autumn or winter, dirt and wet is not uncommon, the bikes are very robust and can withstand a lot. Nevertheless, proper care should not be missing so that the bike lasts a long time and causes few problems. The first question that arises here is how best to clean the e-bike. This depends primarily on the condition and the pollution, water always helps of course. But be careful: steam jets and high-pressure cleaners are an absolute no-go, as the water can penetrate the components of an e-bike, such as the bearings of the motor, hubs or rear triangles. Our recommendation Water from the hose or just a bucket of lukewarm water is perfect. Here you can also use different cleaning agents. Bike shampoos and care products from specialist shops are highly recommended because they do not attack plastics and seals. Soapy water or washing-up liquid are also good as long as they are not too aggressive or too degreasing. Before washing, you should definitely remove the battery and remove the display. Fixed displays and buttons can be easily covered with a cloth or foil. If the e-bike is very dirty, you should clean it after every ride if possible, otherwise as often as possible or necessary. When cleaning, it can also happen that water runs into the battery holder. The receptacle is designed to allow water to drain and allow the contacts to dry. To ensure this, you should keep the recording and the connector area clean. The contacts have a coating that protects the surface from corrosion and wear. It is important to lightly grease the chain after washing to keep wear and tear to a minimum. Anyone who does not use their e-bike over the winter should store it in a clean and slightly greased condition (chain and free aluminum parts). The battery and display should be removed and stored in a dry place at room temperature, and the battery should still have a charge capacity of between 30 and 60 percent.
Bosch e-bike service tips:
- Before cleaning, remove the battery and displays or, if necessary, cover them with a cloth or foil
- Use bike shampoo, a brush and a soft sponge and never use a steam jet or high-pressure cleaner
- When greasing the chain, make sure that no lubricant gets on the disc brake
- Clean the e-bike regularly and do not wait until coarse dirt has settled
- After washing, do a quick function check: Has the battery engaged correctly? Is the drive working properly? Does the system respond correctly when a key is pressed?
E-Bike Service – changing the clock made easy?
A week ago it was time again. Daylight saving time came to an end and clocks were switched to winter time (standard time). This also brings with it the problem that all clocks on a wide variety of devices go wrong by one hour. Here we have short instructions for you on how to set the clocks on your e-bike with Bosch Intuvia display, Shimano E8000 display and Shimano Tube app.
Changing the time on the Bosch Intuvia display
- When the system is on, press and hold the reset and info buttons at the same time for about two seconds. After a short moment, the system switches to the settings menu
- You can now use the on/off or the light button to set the clock forwards or backwards
- Once you have set the clock, press and hold the reset button again for about two seconds to confirm your entry
Changing the time on the Shimano E8000 display
- A long press on the round button below the display takes you to the settings menu
- You can use the trigger to move up and down in the menu
- You confirm the menu item time with the button on the display
- The time appears - you can change it with the trigger on the handlebars
- In autumn you set minus one hour, in spring plus one hour
- Confirm with the button, then you can correct the minutes if necessary. Another press on the button to exit the time menu
- With the trigger you go through the menu to the item "Exit", with the button you leave the menu.
Time setting via the Shimano Tube App
- At the bottom of the E8000's display is a button that you press and hold to access the menu. You can use the shift lever to move around in the menu, with a short press on the button on the display you select the item
- Select “E8000” via the Bluetooth function on the mobile phone and connect the device, it may be necessary to enter a connection code.
- After the e-bike is connected to the mobile phone, you select the button for settings at the top (screwdriver and wrench)
- Select "Display" and go to "Set" under Time setting. Here you can now set the time of your Shimano E-MTB
- If the setting is correct, click on finish
E-bike service - safe transport
For anyone who is drawn into the warmth during the cold months and would like to have their e-bike with them on vacation or on an excursion, there are various things and regulations to consider. Be it a trip, an excursion or a move where the e-bike is to be transported, different regulations apply depending on the means of transport.
Transportation by car
If you want to transport your e-bike by car and don't have enough space inside, you can use a car luggage rack, just like with a conventional bike. It should be noted, however, that e-bikes weigh more and the frames are often larger than conventional bicycles without electrical assistance. A rear carrier mounted on the trailer hitch simplifies loading. You should consider the maximum vertical load, which varies between 50 and 100 kilograms. In principle, when transporting with the bicycle carrier, the battery must be removed beforehand and stowed safely in the car. The same applies to a removable on-board computer. In this way, damage to the components can be avoided. If these cannot be removed, they should be covered with foil to avoid damage.
Send e-bikes by freight forwarder or parcel service
In the case of transport by commercial users or transport by third parties (e.g. air transport or forwarding agency), special packaging and labeling requirements must be observed. The transport company provides information here. Batteries may only be shipped by private individuals if they are undamaged. Open contacts should be taped and the battery packed in such a way that it cannot move inside the packaging. If you want to be sure that the battery is transported properly, you can contact competent specialist dealers who provide suitable packaging.
E-bikes on the train
In trains with a bicycle compartment, the transport of pedelecs (up to 25 km/h) is usually uncomplicated. Simply buy a bicycle ticket, securely connect the pedelec in the compartment and take a seat in the passenger car. On longer routes in IC and EC trains, a seat reservation for the bike is necessary. Bicycles cannot be taken on the ICE. Special regulations apply to S-Pedelecs; Deutsche Bahn, for example, excludes transport. In local public transport, for example in the S-Bahn, you are allowed to take bicycles with you by purchasing a bicycle ticket. Exceptions are regional blocking times. Bicycles can usually also be taken on the long-distance bus for an additional charge. But places are limited. However, pedelecs are not accepted by every bus route. Before you travel, you should inquire with the respective long-distance bus provider.
Take the e-bike with you on a flight
The IATA Air Transport Association has banned the transport of e-bike batteries on passenger planes. If you still want to have your pedelec with you after your flight at your destination, you can send it by cargo plane. To do this, the battery must be packed separately as dangerous goods and certified for transport. However, some airlines also allow e-bikes to be taken on passenger planes, but without a battery. This can then usually be hired from local retailers.