How to Wash an E-bike

Electric Bikes Guide > How to Wash an E-bike

When it comes to electric bikes, one question we’re often asked is, “Can I get my E-bike wet?” The simple answer is YES, of course! At Liv, our E-bikes are highly water-resistant, which means you can ride in the rain, splash through a puddle, and wash your electric bike without worry.

In fact, keeping your electric bike clean is something you should be doing regularly to increase the longevity of the bicycle and the components. But there are some key differences between washing an E-bike and washing a non-electric bicycle. Check out our tips below on how to care for an electric bicycle.

How Often Should You Clean Your E-bike?

You should give your E-bike a wash whenever it’s dirty. If you’re riding your electric bike mostly on the road or bike path, then wiping it down, degreasing and lubing the chain every month might do the trick. But, if you’re commuting on your E-bike in the rain or riding an electric mountain bike, you should be cleaning it more frequently. Leaving dirt and mud on your bike for extended periods of time could cause components to wear down faster and damage to the frame itself. Also, if you’re transporting your E-bike on the back of your car, it’s a good practice to give the bike a quick clean and dry after reaching your destination to remove road grime, oils, or salt brine from sensitive parts of the bike.

How to Clean an Electric Bike

For the most part, when washing an E-bike you can follow the same steps as washing a non-electric bicycle, with a few key differences:

When washing an E-bike, pay attention to the electrical components.
- Turn off the E-bike before washing.
- Ensure the E-bike battery is locked in place.
- If you ride with the EnergyPak Plus, remove it prior to washing.
- Make sure the cap over the charger port is secured.
Do not wash your E-bike upside down. The motor and battery are made to drain water while the bike is rolling. Flipping the bike upside down to wash it can cause water to pool in the motor and battery, causing damage.
Do not use a power washer or high water pressure. The motor, battery, handlebar-mounted control, and display are water-resistant, but spraying these parts directly with high water pressure could cause damage. Similarly, you want to avoid spraying high-pressure water directly to any bearings and suspension.
Avoid using any strong chemical cleaners. It’s best to use a bike-specific wash, as harsh chemicals could damage plastic parts (like the covers on your motor, battery, and the control unit).
Always dry your E-bike fully before storing it. Residual water left sitting on electrical components could cause damage. Bounce the bike a few times on the ground to shake off excess water. Using a microfiber towel or other highly-absorbent cloth, wipe down the bicycle with special attention to bolts and electrical connections. After washing and drying your E-bike, remove the battery and ensure all connection ports are dry with a clean, dry microfiber towel.
Never store your E-bike outdoors. Leaving your E-bike where it is exposed to the elements for prolonged periods could cause damage. Storing an E-bike in a damp garage or basement could also interfere with it drying completely. If you live in a wet/humid environment, consider storing your E-bike in a climate-controlled setting.

To summarize, don't be afraid to wash your electric bike!

With these tips, you're E-bike will be looking and performing like new for many rides to come. Check out our other guides for more quick tips on how to operate and care for your E-bike.