08.03.2017 | Reading time - 24 min(s)

New Electric Bike Service and Repairs at the Co-op

Written by Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative

Updated: 12 May 2023

Electric bike servicing: We’ve got our best people on it

Because electric bikes are so effortless to ride, it's easy to forget that it's still a bicycle that will require regular servicing to ensure it works to its full potential and performance. In fact, e bikes require some extra checks and updates to ensure they keep running smoothly for years and years.

Why do I need to have my electric bike serviced?

Keeping on top of bike repair means that parts wear out less often resulting in less money spent on replacement parts and a more efficient bike. Our advice to anyone buying a new bike in terms of maintenance is to keep the tyres pumped up and to keep the chain and cassette clean and lubricated. Both of these pieces of advice are even more important on e bikes as there is more weight on an electric bike and hence more force down through the tyre which, if not pumped up, can result in more pinch flats. It is also very important to keep the bike chain and cassette clean and lubricated because you have more force going through the chain (as a combination of your power and the power in the motor) that will wear out a dirty chain and cassette more often resulting in more spent on maintenance. Finally, it is important to check your brakes regularly and in particular the electric bike brake pads as these will wear a little quicker on an electric bike.

Electric bike repairs near me

What extra servicing does an electric bike need?

In terms of servicing, an e-bike has a number of special needs over and above a non e bike -that's where our bike shops come in - our mechanics are trained and equipped to address any issues and updates on most modern e bikes. There are some electric bikes that are not updatable but we will be able to advise if this is the case as and when this arises. We are also equipped to service electric Cargo bikes and Brompton and other folding electric bikes.

Motor maintenance

As a part of getting your e bike serviced, we will remove the motor to clear out any debris that might have found it's way inside and we will check all connections to ensure there are no nasty surprises when out on a ride. Electric mountain bikes deal with a lot of muck so important to get this checked regularly but equally important on hybrid electric bikes or commuter bikes. Once complete, we will update the motors firmware and if required, we will calibrate it to ensure it is smooth and powerful. If you have any concerns about the motor, we can run a diagnosis on most batteries and motors and be advised what the issue (if any) is.

Battery Maintenance

Aside from being able to diagnose any issues and update the firmware on motors, we can also run a check on the health of your battery and potentially give advice on how to look after your battery to get the maximum longevity from it. Some of our common advice is -

Cycle with a higher cadence (leg speed) as this will put less pressure on the motor and hence, will drain the battery slower
Try not to charge the battery in cold conditions. Best charged at room temperature.
If going on holiday or not using the bike for a period of time, leave the battery between 60% and 80% charge. And top up to between this range every 4 to 6 weeks.
Regular firmware updates

Servicing for new e bikes

For all our customers who buy a new bike from us, we offer two free services at 6 weeks and 12 months. The 6 week service will be concerned with tightening cables and ironing out the small 'teething problems' that affect new bikes. The 12 month service will include a firmware update as well as an overall service of the bike to make sure everything is in working order.

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Our workshops

All of our workshops in store are equipped with the training, tech and tools required to run a diagnosis on the major e-bike systems manufacturer (Shimano STEPS, Bosch, Yamaha, Brose, Impulse and Fazua) so we can diagnose issues with batteries and motors and install the latest updates and ensure that the electronics are working as they should. The good news in dealing with these big brands is that replacement parts and support are in plenty of supply.

This update/diagnosis service on its own would be a good enough reason to consider treating your electric bike to a service every 9-12 months. We check the battery and motor health and perform a software update to ensure your battery stays healthy and your motor runs as efficiently and smoothly as it can.

We can also work on many different types of electric bikes such as cargo bikes, folding electric bikes (Brompton Electric Bikes), electric mountain bikes and electric hybrid bikes.

Our e-bike service goes far beyond diagnostics as itemised here. Our mechanics will:

Remove motor, check connections & seals, clean housing and replace
Check & update firmware
Carry out diagnostics
Check and adjust brakes and gears
Check and inflate tyres
Check the handlebars and headset are tight
Check and externally adjust hubs, headset and bottom bracket
Check the brake blocks/pads
Lubricate gear and brake cables
Lubricate chain and derailleurs
Check/tighten all nuts and bolts
Test ride
6 month guarantee on all work carried out
Standard E bike service: £120

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New Electric Bike Service and Repairs at the Co-op

Electric bike servicing: We’ve got our best people on it

Why do I need to have my electric bike serviced?

What extra servicing does an electric bike need?

Motor maintenance

Battery Maintenance

Servicing for new e bikes

Our workshops