Cleaning your bike is one of the simplest things you can do to keep it in top shape and prolong its lifespan.
Wondering how to clean
Regular cleaning can reduce performance issues, especially problems resulting from dirt and debris. This post will show you the steps to clean your
Can Cleaning My Rad Power Bike Improve Its Speed?
Cleaning your Rad Power Bike regularly can make rad power bikes go faster. Dust, dirt, and grime can build up on various parts of your bike, such as the chain, gears, and brakes, hindering its performance. By keeping your bike clean, you ensure smooth operation and reduce any drag that might be slowing you down.
What You Will Need
Before you start splashing soapy water on your bike, make sure you have everything you need to do a good cleaning job.
The cleaning supplies or items you need include:
- Water (preferably warm water)
- Detergent (make sure to choose a non-corrosive cleaning agent)
- Bike degreaser
- Chain oil
- Two or three clean cotton rags
- Soft sponge or brush (for removing dirt from the tires)
- Garden hose or a bucket
- Bike stand (optional)
- Disposable gloves (optional)
- A drop cloth (optional)
Step by Step Instruction
Electric bikes are not the same as ordinary bicycles, so you can’t clean them using the same methods.
You need to be careful with the electrical components and the type of cleaning supply you use. I strongly recommend buying degreaser and bike-specific chain lubricant from your local bike dealer or online stores.
Step 1: Get Your E-Bike Ready for Cleaning
Prepare your bike for cleaning by making sure water doesn’t affect the electrical system. To do this:
- Turn off the bike by pressing and holding the mode button.
- Remove the battery
- Hold down the power or mode button for a few seconds again. This will discharge the remaining power.
Step 2: Rinse Your E-Bike
With your bike prepped, you’re now ready to start cleaning it.
To do that, simply use a garden hose to rinse your bike. This goal is to get the bike wet and soften any stubborn and hard-to-remove debris before proper washing, so go easy with the spray.
Quick tips:
Electric bikes by
But the bike is not 100% waterproof. Submerging it or any electrical component in water will cause damage.
Also, you want to avoid using a jet power washer or pressure hose. Your e-bike has grease that prevents water and dirt from getting to the bearings. Using a hose with high pressure on your bike can wash away the grease and cause damage. A garden hose with gentle or light water sprays should get the job done.
Bottom line: avoid spraying water directly at the electrical components.
Step 3: Washing Your E-bike
To properly wash the bike, do the following:
- Fill a bucket with water and add bike-specific or non-corrosive detergent. Use mildly warm water for best results.
-  Dip a clean cloth in the water and thoroughly wipe down the bike’s frame. Make sure to scrub all parts of the bike, as you occasionally dip the cloth in the warm soapy water.
- Use a sponge or soft brush to scrub the tires. Try as much as you can to remove all debris and particles stuck between the treads.
- Use clean water to rinse off the soapy water when you are satisfied with your cleaning.
- Pat dry the bike with a dry piece of cloth. Pay close attention to bolts and other areas that may hold excess water.
Quick tips:
A quick way to remove excess water from your bike is to bounce it on the tires. You want to do this gently, though.
You can also let the bike sit outdoors for a while to remove excess moisture before bringing it indoors to dry completely. Don’t leave it in the sun to dry, especially on sunny days.
Never flip your e-bike upside-down to wash or clean it.
More: Are Rad Power Bikes Waterproof? Can You Ride Rad Power Bikes in the Rain?
Step 4: Clean the Chain
How to clean
While you don’t have to wait until your entire bike is dirty to clean the chain, bike cleaning time presents an excellent opportunity for a little bit of drivetrain maintenance.
To do this:
- Apply the degreaser to a clean piece of cotton rag.
- Use one hand to hold the rag to the lower part of the bike’s chain. Make sure the chain is in full contact with the degreaser on the rag.
- Now, use your free hand to turn the pedal backward. Continue to turn the pedal while holding the rag with the degreaser to the chain. Do this until every link on the chain is clean.
- Allow the chain to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
Quick tips:
Do not apply or spray degreaser directly to the chain. Also, make sure no degreaser gets on the rotors or disc brakes. Your brakes might soon start to squeak if the degreaser finds its way to any of these components.
Step 5: Apply Lubricant
Once the chain is completely dry, you can go ahead and apply lubricant.
To do this:
- Position the e-bike so that the rear wheel is a few inches off the ground. You can do this by propping it on the kickstand or bike stand. This will allow you to turn the pedal forward without moving the bike.
- Place a drop cloth under the chain to collect excess lube.
- Apply the lubricant to the chain. Make sure you lubricate each roller on the chain.
- Now, turn the pedal forward while shifting through all the gears.
- Inspect the drivetrain and wipe off any excess lube with a clean piece of cloth.
Quick tips:
Use dry lube in the summer and wet lube during the colder months for best results. You don’t have to wait until cleaning time before lubricating the chain. Lubing frequency depends on the weather in your area and how often you ride.
You want to limit the lubricant to the pins and rollers only when you apply it. The quickest way to get dirt and grime on your drivetrain is to have excess lubricant on the outer plates.
Make sure the chain is completely dry before applying the chain lubricant. Lube on a wet chain can cause the different parts to deteriorate quickly. That’s because the chain lubricant can trap liquids in the chain and corrode it.
Applying degreaser after washing is a great idea. This doesn’t only clean the chain, but also evaporates quickly, cutting down drying time.
More: How To Adjust Rad Power Bike Brakes
Step 6: Reinstall the Battery and Test Your E-bike
Lastly, you want to reinstall and the battery and get your bike going once again.
To do this:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to reinstall the battery for your bike’s model.
- Test the bike to make sure everything works as expected before hitting the road or trail.
Quick tips:
No matter how urgent you need to use your e-bike, do not ride it without first testing it after cleaning or maintenance.
Make sure the display is in good working condition and other electrical components are in excellent condition. It is a good idea to also check that the tires are properly inflated while you are testing.
It is best to consult an expert if something is not quite right, especially with any electrical component.
Check the video above of how to clean a
Conclusion
There is nothing complicated about cleaning your
If you follow the simple steps in this quick guide, your bike will have the longest life possible. Maintaining and cleaning your electric bike by yourself will also save you the stress of frequenting your local dealer and also save you money on repairs.
Keep in mind that you need to do a little chain maintenance. Thankfully, the process does not require the use of any tool. A degreaser and the right lube are all you need to keep the chain in tiptop shape.
Do you have any questions on how to clean a
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