For regular use or before longer tours, a thorough technical check of your e-bike or pedelec is always recommended. (Photo: © andreypopov/123RF.com)
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According to the latest TÜV Mobility study, one in five Germans now owns an electric bicycle. The TÜV association offers tips for riding e-bikes and pedelecs as safely as possible.
According to the TÜV Mobility study 2024 , 20 percent of German citizens – that's one in five – already own an electric bicycle . A thorough technical check of the e-bike or pedelec is always recommended for regular use or before longer tours .
"E-bike riders in particular shouldn't leave the safety of their two-wheeler to chance," emphasizes Frank Schneider , vehicle technology expert at the TÜV Association . "The widely used pedelecs can reach speeds of up to 25 km/h. It's therefore all the more important that the brakes , frame , and tires can withstand these high speeds." He adds that the battery should also always be checked, because: "Regular battery checks and careful handling of the charging process are crucial to minimizing the risk of short circuits and fires ."
In our article, we share with you the TÜV Association's tips on what to look for when checking the technical features and handling the battery of your e-bike or pedelec.
"A dirty bicycle rusts faster ," explains TÜV vehicle technology expert Schneider. Therefore, the e-bike – from the frame to the brakes and drive components, right down to the tires and rims – should be cleaned with warm water and mild detergent before the actual technical check to prevent paint damage, corrosion, and wear as much as possible. Furthermore, any existing rust, defects, and weak points are more easily visible after thorough cleaning.
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However, caution is advised when cleaning the battery : only the outer surfaces should be cleaned with a slightly damp cloth, and water contact should be avoided at all times at the plug connections – otherwise there is a risk of short circuits.
The heart of every e-bike: the battery . The main risk : overheating and the danger of a resulting fire or explosion . "High temperatures put stress on the battery's chemical components, leading to performance loss and accelerated aging ," explains Schneider. "Heat also increases the likelihood of malfunction ."
To minimize the risk of malfunction or fire, avoid overusing your e-bike in hot weather and park it in the shade whenever possible . Additionally, check the battery temperature occasionally by touching it. Also, avoid letting the battery run completely flat or overcharging it . According to Schneider, the ideal charge level for a pedelec battery should be between 70 and 80 percent.
Brakes are just as crucial for e-bikes , which is why regularly checking the condition of the brake pads and discs should be standard practice. "Brakes are essential for safely managing the higher speeds and additional weight of e-bikes," explains Schneider. "At the same time, the higher speeds and greater weight of e-bikes put more strain on the brake pads."
Disc brakes are particularly suitable, as they provide consistent braking performance and reliable grip even in wet conditions . These should be checked by a specialist workshop after approximately 1.000 kilometers ; with rim brakes, wear is visible to the naked eye.
Another essential step before any longer ride: checking the tires . Sufficient tread depth is crucial for good traction – worn tires pose a risk, as the likelihood of falling increases in wet or slippery conditions. "Properly inflated tires not only improve the e-bike's range but also its grip and control ," explains Schneider.
The optimal tire pressure depends on the size and width of the tire. The guideline value is...
At very high temperatures , tire pressure increases because the air inside the tires expands. In such cases, the tire pressure should be reduced slightly to avoid tire damage.
"Problems with the gears can confuse riders and lead to dangerous situations," says Schneider. Therefore, derailleur gears require " regular cleaning and lubrication to function smoothly." So: first clean the chain, then oil it, and finally shift through the different gears – this ensures optimal oil distribution.
While hub gears generally require less maintenance, they should still be checked every two years – including an oil change . To ensure the smooth operation of belt drives , it is usually sufficient to regularly remove dirt.
And let's not forget the bike's lights . According to Schneider , LED lights are now standard on new bicycles , "because they offer high durability and energy efficiency ." "Modern bicycle lights are very powerful. Just like with cars, you should pay attention to the correct adjustment of your bicycle headlights so that you don't blind other road users," Schneider points out.
First and foremost, you should regularly check that all lights are working. Secondly, you should check that the front and rear lights are bright enough and correctly aligned.
" Batteries should be allowed to cool down before being recharged, as an overheated battery charges more slowly and less efficiently , reducing the usage time between charges," Schneider explains in his introduction. Furthermore, batteries should " always be stored clean and dry to prevent corrosion and other damage." Temperatures between 10 and 30 degrees Celsius are ideal for storing batteries. And: Even if the e-bike is not used for extended periods, the battery should be charged regularly to maintain its performance.
Finally: Should a battery replacement become necessary, the TÜV Association advises ensuring that you either purchase the manufacturer's battery from a specialist retailer or use a replacement battery with the corresponding manufacturer approval . The old lithium-ion batteries must be disposed of properly and not with household waste.
About the TÜV AssociationThe TÜV Association eV represents the political interests of the TÜV testing organizations and promotes it professional exchange of its members. His commitment is to technical and digital security as the Sustainability of vehicles, products, systems and services. The association regularly exchanges information with Politics, Authorities, Media, Company and consumers .
More information about TÜV can be found here.
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