E-bike owners are rightfully proud of their ride, and have made an important investment in better health and enjoyment of life. Naturally, we want to protect that investment. With just a little effort at maintenance, your Magicycle can last a lifetime.
Here are a few quick tips to keep you on the road worry-free!
- Tires
Good traction is vitally important, so keep your tires in great condition. Use a good tire dressing such as Meguiar’s G15415 to keep your tires black and protect from UV damage. Check for proper inflation regularly, and add a tire sealant for puncture protection, something similar to FlatOut Sportsman’s Formula. When the time eventually comes to replace your tires, select only tires manufactured for e-bike use.
Wipe the grime off your sidewalls, and check for excessive tread wear or cracking sidewalls. If you find either condition, it is time to replace your tires. Otherwise, let them dry and then apply a good tire protectant. While your at it, be sure to bring the air pressure up to your preference, within recommended parameters for you riding conditions.
- Battery
Your Magicycle battery is among the best in the world, and manufactured by the same company that makes Tesla batteries. And newer models are using LG batteries. Take good care of it, and you’ll benefit from an expanded life expectancy. Try to keep it charged between 40% and 95%, avoiding 100%. Get a timer for your electrical outlet to make this easier. If you accidentally charge to 100%, ride for a couple of miles at throttle only, bringing down the charge. Even if your indicator still shows 100%, that’s o.k., as you will have reduced the charge about 2 to 3 percent, and that’s adequate. If you must store your battery for more than a week, bring the charge to 60 or 70 percent.
Take care to avoid dropping your battery. You don’t want to risk internal damage. If you do drop it, check for overheating during use or when charging — replace if necessary.
- Chain
Just as with any bicycle, clean and lubricate your chain on a regular schedule. Wipe it off with a clean rag, and then apply your favorite chain lube. Then wipe the chain one more time to remove any excess lubricant. While you’re at it, inspect your chain for damage. Keep a chain wear indicator tool in your bike tool kit, so that you know when it is time to get a new chain.
- Frame and Components
Your Magicycle has lots of nuts, bolts, and screws, all serving an important purpose. Naturally, your riding creates a lot of vibration, even more so if you ride off-road. Choose a day of the week when you will regularly inspect your ride from front to rear, tightening fasteners as needed. Check every screw, nut, bolt, etc. and ensure that all are tightened properly. It is best to get a torque wrench and carefully tighten to specs — consult the Owner’s Manual.
- Brakes
Your brakes are vital to life and limb, so take great care of them! Even casual riders can learn how to inspect and maintain the rotor and brake pads. Every time you prepare to ride, perform a quick visual inspection to look for easily-seen problems like heavy wear or loose parts. Then every few weeks, take a closer hands-on look, so that you’ll know when rotors or brake pads need replacing. And just to be very safe before riding, roll your e-bike for a few feet and activate each brake one at a time, ensuring adequate stopping power. As needed, consider upgrading your brakes.
- Motor
Your hub motor requires no user maintenance. Normally, when problems develop, it will need to be replaced. Fortunately, Magicycle uses only reliable brand-name components, so you can expect long and reliable use of your motor.
- Overall
Keep you e-bike clean. Use a soft brush, followed by a damp soft rag, to clean the various components and frame. Never use running water or spray liquids to assist with your cleaning. You don’t want to risk getting dampness into places where it will not be welcome.
Annually take your Magicycle to a local bike shop for a check-up. Even if a shop specializing in e-bikes is not available, nearly any bike shop can check tires, brakes, and chain, etc.
Enjoy your Magicycle, and ride safely!
