Electric bikes have been a growing trend for some time now. People all over the globe are saving up for their e-bike purchases, so they can enjoy all the capabilities and opportunities that they come with. An electric bike is an investment, and most riders’ greatest concerns have to do with the motor. The last thing anybody wants to do is spend a lot of money on something that doesn’t last exceptionally long. This may leave many potential e-bike riders to wonder: How long does a motor last on an electric bike?
With careful maintenance and an understanding of the motor function of your e-bike, you can ensure that your riding experience remains a positive one. We’ll explain everything that you should know when it comes to an electric bike motor:
The Longevity of Electric Bike Motors
Electric bike motors can last up to 16,000 km (10,000 miles). The motor will typically last longer than other components of the bike, such as the tires, which can experience significant wear and tear after only 1500km (900 miles), depending on your riding style. The motor can last a lot longer because it’s not running all the time, and it doesn’t have to carry much weight. The motor will only operate when you’re pushing down on the bike pedal, allowing for a simple assist as you ride.
As mentioned, the overall lifespan of bike motors will be longer than the tires, battery, brakes, and chains.
The E-Bike Motor
The purpose of the motor is to give you the right amount of torque, and the more powerful the motor is, the more torque you get. If you’ve never been on an electric bike, you might wonder where exactly the motor sits. There are a few different places on the bike where you can find a motor, and they’re referred to as:
- Direct drive hub motors
- Geared hub motors
- Mid-drive motors
Direct Drive Hub
A direct drive hub is a motor that can be attached to either the front or back wheels of the bike. However, there are two ways that a hub motor can become compromised: Rust and overheating.
If you live in a rainy and wet climate, chances are your motor may experience the wetness too. To avoid serious rusting of the motor and bearings, try to keep your motor dry at all costs. Park it inside where the rain can’t touch it, and if it ever does get wet, let it dry out before riding it again.
When there’s too much power going through the motor, it can become too hot and melt both the motor and any other components surrounding it. The issue can be corrected by carefully calibrating the motor, controller, and e-bike battery.
Geared Hub
A geared hub motor spins faster than a direct drive motor as the power is transferred to the wheels, which step down the higher speed into torque. This type of motor is useful for climbing up and going down hills with the extra push that the motor provides. However, the gears involved in gear hub motors have a shorter lifespan due to the amount of friction experienced. Because of the friction, you may have to replace the motor three to five times throughout the bike’s life.
Mid-Drive
A mid-drive motor is connected to the crank on an electric bike and provides power to the chain. This type of motor can cause strain on other components, such as the sprockets, chain drive, and the derailleur system. The cause of the stress is brought on by both the rider and the motor, as both are applying force to the same system. The mid-drive motor also has an improved output than the average rider has. A regular bike rider can sustain an output of 100W, while this type of motor can go up to 250W. These two factors together can cause strain on the bike’s parts and wear them out.
The Maintenance of Electric Bikes
Due to the amount of wear that a motor can put on an e-bike, most bikes now come with upgraded chains to avoid the potential of deteriorating too quickly. While bike motors can make for a fun and helpful attachment, they put a lot of strain on other parts of the electric bike.
There are definitely some ways in which you can prolong the life of your bike: You may consider getting the e-bike serviced, as doing so can indicate any issues or prevent any future bike-related problems. Keeping up with how often an e-bike should be serviced can seem daunting because of the cost.
You can have some control over the longevity of your motor by following some maintenance tips, such as:
- Keep your electric bike clean: Regularly clean the bike after going on rides to keep dirt, dust, and debris away from the drivetrain or motor.
- Lubricate the chain: Use a special cleaning solution to clean off the chain before lubing it. Make sure to lubricate your chain once a week if you ride your bike often.
- Battery care: The battery is one of the most important parts of the bike and is responsible for powering the motor. Always ensure that you don’t leave the battery charged at 100% for too long and don’t let it drain out completely. Keep a backup battery partially charged if you plan to store it.
If you’re in the market to buy an e-bike, then you’ve come to the right place. We have a wide selection of bikes and products that are just waiting to be taken out on adventures. With years of experience with all things bike-related, we have the knowledge required to find the perfect electric bike for you. Stop by our shop in sunny St. James today!