All About Proper Electric Trike Maintenance Regime

Electric trikes are known for their reliability, but like any vehicle, they need consistent care so they perform at their best and for a long time. For new owners who prefer to look after their own electric trike, you need to learn some simple DIY maintenance routines that can extend the life of your trike. They will also prevent costly repairs and ensure your safety every time you ride. This DIY electric trike maintenance guide covers essential tools, checklists, and tasks you can handle at home. With a bit of preparation, you have the confidence to keep your trike running smoothly for years to come.

Safety Prep and Tools

Before starting any maintenance, ensure your trike is stable. Use a trike stand or place it on flat ground to prevent tipping. You should also make sure your electric trike is switched off, especially when working on the drive train or other moving parts.

Some helpful tools include:

• A multitool with Alan keys

• Torque wrench

• A pump with a pressure gauge

• Tire levers

• A cleaning kit

• Chain lubricant

• Brake pad tool or a flat screwdriver

• A manufacturer-approved charger for your battery

It is best to keep a small tool kit dedicated to your trike to make maintenance easier and less frustrating.

Pre-ride checks

Depending on how often you ride, it's a good idea to check a few things on your electric trike before you head out on the road. Doing so will ensure that you are safe and any small issues can be addressed before they turn into major problems.

• Tires: Check your tire pressure with the gauge to ensure they are not under- or overinflated. You should also look to see if your tires are damaged or worn and need replacing.

• Brakes: Squeeze your brake levers at a low speed to ensure that they work correctly

• Lights: confirm your headlights, tail lights, and turning signals, if you have them work as they should

• Battery: Make sure your battery is sufficiently charged for your journey

All these checks take less than two minutes and give you peace of mind on the road.

Weekly and Monthly Inspection

At least once a week, give your trike a closer inspection. Look for uneven wear on your tires as this may indicate incorrect pressures. Check that all the bolts are tight enough with a torque wrench, as loose bolts can cause more serious problems later on. One of the most important things to do is check your gears and listen for noise when shifting and pedaling. 

All these checks are simple and can be done while cleaning your electric trike, which is an underrated but essential maintenance task for anyone who rides an electric trike. How often you clean your trike will depend on how often you ride it and in what conditions. For example, if you ride in bad weather regularly, you will need to clean it more frequently. It's important to remember that you should never put your electric trike away wet; always wipe it down after riding in wet conditions.

Brake Adjustment and Pad Wear

Brakes are the most important safety feature on your electric trike. Over time, pads wear down, and cables may stretch or loosen.

If your electric trike has mechanical brakes, you will need to tighten the cables to ensure your brakes work effectively. If you have hydraulic brakes, you shouldn't have to worry about adjusting them. However, you'll still need to replace the brake pads and discs eventually.

If your brakes squeal or feel soft, check them immediately. Replacing your pads early prevents damage to the discs and ensures that you have plenty of stopping power.

Drivetrain Cleaning and Lubrication

Your drivetrain is made up of your chain, gears, and derailleur. These parts are under constant friction when riding, so they need regular care. A clean drivetrain lasts longer and helps you pedal more efficiently with or without motor assistance.

To clean your drivetrain:

1. Scrub the cassette and chainring with a brush and soapy water.

2. Use a degreaser to remove old lube from the cassette, chainring, and chain. You can buy a special chain cleaner that the chain runs through when the trike is lifted and the pedals are turned.

3. Dry the drivetrain components with a cloth.

4. Apply a small amount of chain lube to the chain while running the pedals backwards. 

5. Let the lube set into the chain for a few minutes.

6. Wipe off excess lube to prevent dirt buildup.

Battery Care and Storage

Your battery is the most valuable part of your electric trike. To get the most out of it and to ensure that it lasts a long time, you need to look after it in a particular way. If possible, avoid letting your battery run completely flat and avoid charging it to 100% unless necessary. It is best to charge between 20% and 80% when possible, as it reduces stress on the battery cells. Also, avoid charging the battery immediately after riding. Wait about 20 minutes so the battery transitions from its discharging state. After this time, the battery will be ready to take on electricity once again.

Never use an unapproved charger. Always use a charger that's matched to your battery, as it will charge it appropriately and safely.

When it comes to storing your electric trike's battery, whether it is mounted in the trike or not, avoid extreme temperatures. Very cold and hot temperatures affect the chemistry of the battery, ultimately reducing its lifespan.

If you know you're not going to ride for a few weeks, leave the battery at around 50% as this balances the cells and they are not under strain. It will naturally lose charge even when not in use, so it's best to periodically check on it to make sure it hasn't dropped too low.

Fastener Torque and Alignment

Loose bolts are a common cause of rattles and misalignment. Use a torque wrench to check manufacturer-recommended tightness on the stem, handlebars, seat post, brake calipers, wheel axles, and cargo racks. Keeping everything aligned and at the appropriate torque settings reduces where your trike feels solid on the road.

Annual Servicing

Even with regular DIY care, some tasks are best done annually either by you or a professional bike shop. For example, a full brake bleed for hydraulic systems may be necessary. The drivetrain should have a detailed inspection to check for wear and tear, especially on the cassette and chainring. After a year of continuous use, your tires will likely need replacing. When it comes to the electrical components, it's a good idea to get a battery performance check and update the controller with software or firmware if the manufacturer has released any new versions.

Final thoughts

With the proper habits and tools, electric trike maintenance is simple and actually quite fun and rewarding. Performing these regular checks will protect your investment, improve safety, and ensure your rides are stress-free.

Mooncool's TK1 and TK Pro electric trikes are designed for easy maintenance thanks to accessible components and clear guidelines that make DIY upkeep manageable for most riders. If you're looking for an electric trike that's easy to maintain and fun to ride, check out our online store for all our models.