How to clean and lube an e-bike chain, step by step

Before you start: the e-bike part

On an e-bike the first step is the battery. Lectric's manual says: always remove the battery pack before beginning work, "work on the chain" included, because "battery pack removal should prevent unintentional activation." Rad says the same: remove the battery pack before any maintenance.

So: switch the bike off, take the battery off, and put it somewhere safe.

What you need

• A clean rag or two, and a spare for the brakes
• Bicycle-specific chain degreaser. Rad says rubbing alcohol works if you have no degreaser. Aventon recommends an e-bike or bicycle-specific degreaser and lubricant.
• Chain lube with a drip nozzle. Rad says wet lube for wet weather and dry lube for dry weather, and to check with a local shop for a bike-specific product for your conditions.
• A soft brush, if you want one for a dirty drivetrain

Rad says to avoid basic WD-40, gun oil or anything that might have unintended side effects on your bike.

Step by step

1. Do the twist test. Rad's check: twist the chain between two fingers and roll it back and forth. A chain that needs lube rattles and crunches; a good one is smooth and quiet.
2. Protect the brakes. Aventon says to keep degreaser off braking surfaces. Cover the disc rotors and pads with clean cloths, or hold a rag behind the chain as Rad does.
3. Degrease. Aventon's quick clean is to spray degreaser on a clean part of a cloth and wipe the chain with it, turning the pedals backward by hand; Rad holds a rag behind the chain while cleaning. Repeat with a clean part of the cloth until it comes away cleaner.
4. Let it dry. Rad says to let the chain dry before you get out the lube.
5. Lube each link. Aventon says a chain always needs lube after cleaning: apply a drop to each link and let it sit. Rad says to hold the nozzle against the chain and use a dropper, not a spray: "Don't use a spray!" Overspray can hit the brake rotors.
6. Wipe off the excess. Aventon says to wrap a clean, dry cloth around the chain and pedal backward after a short rest. Aventon's schedule guide says excess lube attracts dirt, dust and grime.
7. Check the brakes before you ride. Squeeze both levers and make sure they feel normal. See the maintenance schedule for the rest of your checks, and the tire pressure guide for the tires.

How often

If the chain is squeaking, dry or gritty, do it now. After a wash, lube again where needed; see can you wash an e-bike.

Chain wear

A clean, lubed chain still wears. Rad suggests a chain-wear indicator tool and says a chain should be replaced if the indicator shows more than 0.75 percent wear. Lectric lists the chain as a wear item that is not covered by warranty. If the chain skips, slips or the shifting is poor after cleaning, see a shop.

Questions

How do I clean an e-bike chain?

Battery off, rag with bicycle degreaser, dry, then lube. Keep degreaser off the brakes.

How do I lube an e-bike chain?

One drop per link from a dropper, let it sit, then wipe the excess with a dry cloth.

How often should I lubricate my e-bike chain?

Aventon: quick clean after every ride, deeper clean about every 10 rides. Lectric: monthly. Rad: no set timeline.

What is the best e-bike chain lube?

The makers above say to match it to the weather: wet lube for wet, dry lube for dry. Ask a shop for a product that suits your conditions.

Does Lectric recommend a chain lube?

Its manual says to lubricate the chain monthly and after cleaning. It names no brand in the manual we read.

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