Can you wash an e-bike? Hose, bucket and what to avoid

What the makers say

We could not open Shimano's own washing page, so Shimano is not in this table. If your bike has Shimano STEPS, read the manual for your drive unit.

Can you hose down an e-bike?

Not with force. Lectric's manual says to rinse with water after wiping, but also says its electrical components are not waterproof. Aventon says the bike should not be exposed to a pressurized spray. Aventon's point is that a rain-resistance rating is not permission to spray the bike. If you want a rule, use a bucket and sponge and skip the hose.

Step by step: a bucket wash

1. Switch the bike off and take the battery off. Lectric's manual says always to remove the battery before maintenance, and to keep the rubber plug in the battery's port whenever it is in the bike, to prevent water getting in.
2. Park the bike upright and stable, with the plug in the battery port as above.
3. Mix warm water with mild dish soap, or a bike-specific cleaner. Aventon warns that most car soaps contain wax that does not suit e-bike parts.
4. Wipe the frame and fork first with a soft sponge or cloth, then a soft-bristle brush for dirty areas. Work from the top down.
5. Skip the sensitive parts. Use only a damp cloth on the display and the battery. Keep water and soap away from the hub bearings, bottom bracket, headset, seat post, brake pads and rotors.
6. Rinse gently with a wrung-out cloth or a trickle of clean water, not a jet.
7. Dry everything. Aventon says to dry thoroughly with a microfiber cloth after wet rides. Rad says to dry the bike with a clean, dry cloth and keep it upright.
8. Lube the chain after cleaning where needed. Lectric's manual says to lubricate after cleaning where necessary. See how to clean and lube an e-bike chain.

The battery and charging port

• Wipe the outside of the battery and its seat with a damp cloth. Do not rinse or immerse it; Rad says never to immerse the battery.
• Lectric says to place the battery only on clean surfaces and to keep dirt such as sand or soil out of the charge port and contacts.
• Do not poke anything into a port or contact, and do not use sprays on the electrical parts. None of the manuals above ask owners to.
• Let the bike dry fully before you put the battery back on or plug in a charger. See our not-charging guide if the battery will not charge after the bike got wet.

After wet rides

Light rain is within what Lectric says the bike can handle ("light rain and small splashes"), but not heavy showers or submersion. Wipe the bike down and let it dry. A fitted cover helps keep rain and grit off a parked bike. For a longer layup, see winter battery storage. Add washing to your monthly checks in the maintenance schedule.

Questions

Can you pressure wash an e-bike?

No. Lectric, Bosch and Aventon all say not to use a pressure washer or pressurized water.

Can you hose down an e-bike?

Avoid it. A bucket, soft brush and damp cloth give you control over where the water goes.

How do I clean an e-bike motor?

Wipe the outside with a damp cloth. Do not open the motor, spray into it or degrease it. Bosch says not to use pressurized water on any component.

What should an e-bike cleaning kit include?

A bucket, mild soap, soft brush, sponge, microfiber cloths, and a bike degreaser and chain lube if you will clean the chain.

How do I clean e-bike battery contacts?

Keep them free of dirt as Lectric advises, and do not poke or spray them. If they look corroded or damaged, contact the maker.

Written from makers' manuals and support pages. Instructions differ by maker and model: your manual decides.