Washing and maintaining your e-bike: How to keep your e-bike in top shape
Your e-bike takes you comfortably and reliably to wherever you want to go – whether that's into the city or off road. It goes without saying that it picks up a lot of dirt in the process, which makes regular cleaning all the more important. Above all, this protects the technology and ensures that the e-bike is always in top condition.
In this article, you will learn exactly how to clean your e-bike and what you need to bear in mind when maintaining it.
We also present a more convenient alternative to manual e-bike cleaning: Bike washing systems, such as the Velobrush Smart or Veloclean Core. These systems are already in use in many workshops, sports retailers, tourism businesses, and cities, where they are available as practical cleaning stations.
Is it safe to wash an e-bike?
Yes, it is, especially if you pay attention to a few points. E-bikes have a lot of sensitive components, so it is important to clean them gently and to dry the battery contacts with a cloth afterward.
Pressure washers are a tempting option at first glance. However, the powerful water jet could penetrate the bearings or the battery. If water gets into the battery, this increases the risk of damage and short circuits. Pressure washers are therefore not ideal for cleaning your e-bike.
Soft brushes and special bike cleaners are a much better alternative. If you want a particularly gentle and convenient cleaning process, then WINTERSTEIGER bike washing systems are a reliable choice. These systems use low-pressure technology, which means that the cleaning is particularly gentle on the bike and resource-efficient. To be more precise: The electronics are protected, important lubricants stay put, and water is conserved at the same time.
Can you wash an e-bike with water?
Yes, you can. It is important not to use a high-pressure jet though – a gentle jet of water or a damp sponge will suffice. The Veloclean Core and Velobrush Smart provide a particularly gentle clean. This is because they use a combination of low water pressure and hot water that removes dirt effectively and, most importantly, gently.
However, sometimes water alone is not enough to remove some impurities. In these cases, cleaning agents are used to remove grease, oil, brake dust, and fine road dust – especially from the drive unit, rims, and frame. When choosing cleaning agents, you should make sure that you do not use any aggressive products that could harm your bike or the environment.
For WINTERSTEIGER bike washing systems, we recommend the use of particularly biodegradable and gentle cleaners that have been perfected in numerous tests. They reliably remove stubborn dirt without damaging seals, paintwork, or electrical components. Environmentally friendly, efficient, and ideally suited to the system technology, these cleaners ensure optimum results when used in combination with the Velobrush Smart or Veloclean Core.
What is the best way to clean e-bikes?
The easiest and safest way to clean e-bikes is with WINTERSTEIGER's mobile bike washing systems.
- The Velobrush Smart works fully automatically with rotating brushes and low-pressure technology. Payment is made at the card payment terminal before cleaning – ideal for those wanting to offer a convenient self-service solution.
- Veloclean Core is ideal for sites where professional and sustainable bike cleaning is required: It is compact and user-friendly, and also cleans with warm water and gentle pressure. The oil separator prevents lubricants from ending up in the waste water. What's more, the Veloclean Core is ready to use in no time at all, as it doesn't need a high-voltage connection or any special conversion measures to get started.
Both washing systems are ideal for e-bikes. They are designed so that sensitive components like the battery and display can remain on the bike, but if you want to play it safe, you can remove these components and ensure that all seals, battery covers, and plug connections are properly sealed. If you do this, it is important to dry the contacts with a soft cloth after cleaning and before putting the parts back on.
So that's how to get your e-bike ready for your next ride in no time at all – without having to reach for the brush yourself.
How often should you clean an e-bike?
It's best to do this regularly, because if you look after your e-bike well, you will get to enjoy it for longer. As a guide: For everyday rides, cleaning every one to two weeks is sufficient, while e-bikes used for sports or more intensively will appreciate a wash after every second or third ride. After a ride in the rain or a trip through the mud or on salty winter paths, we recommend cleaning the bike immediately.
Regular washing keeps e-bikes looking good and protects important components such as the drive unit, gears, and chain. By removing dirt and moisture sooner rather than later, you can keep everything working properly and running smoothly – and avoid expensive repairs.
Tip: Our FAQ page contains lots more interesting information about bike cleaning.
Next-level service with WINTERSTEIGER
Whether at bike rental shops, in communities, or at hotels with a focus on active vacations, WINTERSTEIGER's washing systems expand the range of services and offer real added value to e-bike fans who value cleanliness.
Would you like to know more about WINTERSTEIGER bike washing systems or are you thinking about expanding your range of services? We would be happy to advise you on potential applications, models, and technical details.