E-Bike Ownership

Read your manufacturer’s manual
Every model has specific instructions for battery care, charging, display settings and torque recommendations.

Familiarise yourself with assist modes
Eco/Low → Longest range
Normal/Medium → Balanced
High/Turbo → Best performance, lowest range

Check the basics before you set off:

• Tyre pressure (usually printed on the tyre sidewall)
• Brakes working correctly and smoothly
• Battery correctly fitted and locked in place
• Lights functioning (if fitted)

Use only the original charger.
Third-party chargers can damage batteries and may invalidate warranties.

Charging tips:

• Charge indoors on a hard, non-flammable surface.
• Avoid leaving the battery charging overnight or completely unattended.
• Do not charge in damp, cold sheds or garages – lithium batteries prefer room temperature.
• Keep battery contacts clean and dry.

Best practice for battery life:
Try to keep your battery between 20%–80% for everyday use. Top up little and often rather than running it completely flat where possible.

Your battery is the most valuable part of your e-bike, so it’s worth looking after.

General care:

• Store the battery between roughly 10°C–20°C where possible.
• Avoid extreme cold or heat, as both will reduce battery lifespan.
• If your model allows, you can remove the battery in very heavy rain and store it indoors afterwards.

Long-term storage (e.g. winter):

• Charge the battery to around 50–70%.
• Store it indoors, away from damp and direct heat sources.
• Top up for around 30 minutes every 6–8 weeks.

You can clean an e-bike much like a normal bike, but avoid anything that can force water into electrics.

Avoid:

• Jet washers / pressure washers
• Spraying directly into bearings, bottom brackets or electrical ports
• Submerging the bike or battery in water

How to clean properly:

• Use dedicated bike cleaner and warm water.
• Apply with a sponge or soft brush.
• Dry the frame and components with a clean cloth.
• Lightly lubricate the chain afterwards and wipe off any excess oil.

E-bikes need routine checks, sometimes a little more often because of the extra weight and power.

Weekly:

• Check tyre pressure.
• Test front and rear brakes.
• Ensure the battery is locked securely.
• Inspect the chain for dryness or rust.

Monthly:

• Lubricate the chain.
• Check that key bolts (stem, handlebars, wheels, seatpost) are tight (but don’t overtighten).
• Inspect tyres for cuts, cracks or heavy wear.

Every 6–8 weeks:
Book a service check, especially during the bike’s settling-in period.

Annually:

• Full service including brake pads, wheel truing and gear adjustment.
• Software or firmware updates if your system supports them.
• Battery health check where available.

You can increase how far you travel on a single charge with a few simple habits:

• Use Eco or lower assistance modes where possible.
• Keep tyres properly inflated to the recommended pressure.
• Avoid carrying unnecessary weight on the bike.
• Pedal consistently – let the motor assist rather than do all the work.
• Use your gears correctly and avoid labouring the motor in very high gears at low speed.

Most e-bikes sold as standard in the UK are classed as EAPCs (Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles).

To be treated as a normal pedal cycle, an e-bike must:

• Have a motor with a maximum continuous rated power of 250W.
• Provide assistance only up to 15.5mph (25 km/h).
• Require you to pedal for the motor to work (no throttle-only above walking pace).

If your e-bike meets these rules:

• You do not need a licence, insurance or registration.
• You must be at least 14 years old to ride it on public roads and cycle paths.

Ride safely and protect your investment:

• Wear a properly fitted cycle helmet.
• Check your brakes regularly – e-bikes are heavier and faster than standard bikes.
• Use front and rear lights in low light or poor weather.
• Consider mudguards if you ride all year round.

Security:

• Use at least one Sold Secure Gold or Diamond rated D-lock.
• Add a heavy-duty chain or cable to secure wheels and frame.
• Lock the bike through the frame to a fixed, immovable object.
• Remove the battery and display (if easily detachable) when leaving the bike for long periods.

Bike won’t power on?

• Check the battery is correctly fitted and locked in place.
• Make sure the battery is charged.
• Try the power button on both the battery (if fitted) and the display.

Assistance cuts out earlier than expected?

• Tyres may be under-inflated.
• You may be riding in too high a gear.
• Strong headwinds or hills will reduce range.
• The battery may be nearing the end of its charge.

No motor power at all?

• Check all visible connectors and cables.
• Ensure wheel speed sensor and magnet are aligned and clean (if fitted).
• Switch the system off and on again after a short pause.

If problems continue, Cycle King is here to help. Many issues are simple to diagnose and may be covered under warranty if within your guarantee period.

To keep your warranty valid and ensure the best long-term performance of your e-bike:

• Register your e-bike within the time stated (usually within 60 days).
• Bring your bike in for its 6–8 week settling-in service.
• Use only approved chargers and electrical parts.
• Do not modify the motor, controller or speed settings.

Cycle King is your local e-bike retailer and we’re here to help you look after your bike throughout its life. Whether you need routine servicing, motor diagnostics, firmware updates, brake adjustments, or general maintenance advice, our friendly in-store mechanics and experts are always ready to assist you.

We’re here for every mile — from your first ride to many years of confident cycling.

Before every ride:

• Battery charged.
• Tyres inflated to the recommended pressure.
• Brakes working and not rubbing.
• Chain lubricated if it looks dry.
• Display securely fitted and visible.

After wet or muddy rides:

• Wipe down the frame and components.
• Dry and relubricate the chain if needed.
• Avoid storing the battery in damp or very cold places.