Getting Familiar With Electric Trike Maintenance Tips

Electric trikes have to be one of the best ways for certain people to get around. They offer stability, efficiency, and are eco-friendly and cheap to run. However, just like any vehicle, an electric trike needs to be maintained to ensure it performs well and lasts a long time. Many maintenance tasks can be done at home, so understanding common electric trike problems and solutions can save you money and keep you riding. So in this blog, we will give you some essential trike maintenance tips.

Why You Need To Maintain Your Electric Trike

Like regular bikes, electric trikes use a combination of mechanical and electrical systems to do their job. They have a motor, battery, brakes, display units, and a whole host of other components. If one of these elements fails, the whole riding experience can suffer.

You can keep your trike safe, efficient, and fun to ride by getting familiar with electric trike maintenance. You'll avoid the frustration of a mid-ride breakdown or losing battery power at the most inopportune moment. More importantly, consistent care can help identify small issues before they become expensive repairs.

Common Problems and DIY Fixes

Many of the most common electric trike problems are simple to identify and fix with a little bit of know-how and the right tools. Here are three issues that electric trike riders are likely to encounter.

Battery Charging Issues

If your battery refuses to charge or seems to drain unusually fast, start by checking the basics. First, ensure your charger is connected to a reliable power outlet and the charging indicator lights function as expected. You may have a faulty charger, so try charging your battery with a spare if you have access to one to determine if the problem lies with your charger.

Sometimes the problem may be due to the connectors. Dust, moisture, or even a slightly misaligned plug can disrupt the charging process. In this case, clean the terminals gently with a dry cloth and check to see if all the contacts are secure and undamaged. If none of these steps work and your battery is a few years old, its age might be the problem; batteries degrade over time and can only be charged and discharged so many times. Depending on the model, a battery needs to be replaced between 500 and 1500 charge cycles.

Braking Problems

When your brakes don't work correctly, it can lead to frustration and be a serious safety risk. If your brakes feel spongy or don't engage fully, you first need to check your brake pads. Worn brake pads need to be replaced before you ride your trike again.

Some electric trikes use cable-operated brakes. The problem with these is that over time, the cables can stretch, negatively affecting stopping power. You can counteract this by adjusting the cables' tension or the callipers to make your brakes work properly again.

If your electric trike has hydraulic brakes, you may need to top off or bleed the brake fluid to ensure consistent braking power.

Cleaning your braking components occasionally helps remove grit or buildup that could affect operation. Always avoid getting lubricant or cleaning agents on the brake pads, as this can reduce friction.

Strange Noises From The Motor

It can be alarming when you hear a new noise coming from the motor. For example, it may start to produce a rattle or a whirring noise. Noises like these don't always mean that there's a big problem. Most of the time, noises are caused by loose bolts or trapped debris. You can diagnose this by inspecting the motor and checking the tightness of its mounting bolts.

If the cause of the noise isn't apparent, you may have a problem with the motor itself. In this case, it's best to ask a professional to help you, so take your trike to a bike shop specialising in ebike maintenance. Alternatively, contact the manufacturer for advice on the best course of action.

Start an Electric Trike Maintenance Routine

The best way to prevent problems is to check your electric trike regularly. After every few rides, inspect it visually and manually. Wipe down the frame to remove dirt and grime, which can increase wear and tear on your trike. Then check the tires for uneven wear and ensure they have the correct pressures. 

Your chain and other drivetrain components need constant attention, especially when riding in wet or dusty conditions. With this in mind, you should clean and lubricate the chain every week or so, depending on how much you ride. Doing this prevents drivetrain components from wearing out prematurely and makes your trike more pleasant and efficient to ride.

It's a good idea to regularly checking the wiring and connections can help maintain strong performance and prevent potential issues.

Seasonal Considerations

The time of year can often impact how you care for your electric trike. During the winter, batteries are more prone to rapid discharge. Therefore, it's a good idea to take extra care when charging and storing your battery. You may even want to buy a thermal covering if you ride in very cold conditions.

In the warmer months, he can also degrade battery life. So, when possible, park your electric trike in shaded areas and keep your battery from prolonged exposure.

When it comes to storage, it's important to keep your electric trike dry and protected no matter what time of year. If you need to keep your trike outside, buy a high-quality weatherproof cover and secure it with a robust lock.

When to Seek Professional Help

With a bit of knowledge and a basic tool kit, you can do many maintenance tasks at home. However, it's essential to recognise your limits regarding electric trike maintenance.

For example, we recommend contacting a technician if you have major electrical faults, such as the display units not powering on, error codes that won't resolve with resets, or a complete motor failure. This is also the case if you notice significant frame damage or instability in your ride that you cannot diagnose.

You can make life much easier for yourself by taking your electric trike to a bike shop that can handle this kind of work. A good bike Mechanic can ensure everything is working as it should without you needing to get your fingers dirty.

Final Thoughts On Electric Trike Maintenance

Regularly checking and maintaining your electric trike will make it more reliable and enjoyable to ride. It will give you the best opportunity to avoid getting stranded far from home with technical issues. Most electric trike maintenance tasks are easy to perform at home. However, more specialised tasks should be carried out by a professional.