ELECTRIC BIKE FAQ

An electric bike is a bicycle with an electric assistance system. It normally includes a rechargeable battery, motor, controller, display or control unit and sensors that determine when assistance should be delivered.

On a standard pedal-assist e-bike, the motor assists while you pedal. You can still ride it like a normal bicycle when assistance is switched off, although an e-bike is usually heavier than a conventional bike.

A standard EPAC pedal-assist bicycle in Spain has a maximum continuous rated motor power of 250 W and electrical assistance cuts off when the bicycle reaches 25 km/h or when the rider stops pedalling.

Higher-powered or faster electric vehicles can fall into a different legal category, so always check the classification of the specific model before purchase or modification.

• Urban: Comfortable everyday e-bikes designed mainly for city riding and commuting.
• Sport: Mountain and trekking e-bikes designed for more demanding terrain, longer rides and active cycling.
• Folder: Folding electric bikes designed for compact storage and easier transport.
• Fat: Electric bikes with wide tyres that provide extra volume, grip and stability on mixed or loose surfaces.

Hub motors are built into the front or rear wheel hub. They are mechanically simple and are common on urban and folding e-bikes.

Mid-drive motors are positioned around the crank area and drive through the bicycle drivetrain. They can make good use of the bicycle gears and are common on trekking, mountain and higher-performance e-bikes.

Neither layout is automatically better for every rider. The right choice depends on terrain, maintenance expectations, budget and how you intend to use the bike.

Cadence sensors detect that the pedals are turning and then activate assistance according to the system settings.

Torque sensors measure how strongly you are pedalling and can adjust assistance in proportion to your effort, often giving a more natural riding feel.

Motor torque is normally expressed in newton-metres, or Nm. Higher torque can provide stronger assistance during starts and climbs, but torque alone does not determine whether an e-bike is right for you.

Bike weight, gearing, motor software, rider weight, wheel size and intended terrain also influence how the e-bike feels.

Wheel size affects handling, comfort, rolling behaviour, tyre choice and the overall size of the bicycle. Smaller wheels can make folding bikes more compact and agile, while larger wheels are common on urban, trekking and mountain models.

The best size is the one that fits the rider and matches the intended use of the bike. Frame fit is more important than choosing a wheel diameter based only on appearance.

Usually yes. The battery, motor and reinforced components add weight. This matters when lifting the bike, carrying it upstairs, using a bicycle rack or riding with the motor switched off.

• Where and how often you will ride.
• Urban roads, hills, trekking routes, trails or mixed terrain.
• Correct frame size and riding position.
• Motor type and riding feel.
• Battery capacity and whether the battery is removable.
• Total bicycle weight.
• Brake type, tyre type and drivetrain.
• Availability of replacement batteries, chargers and spare parts.
• Warranty conditions and access to technical service.

Most modern quality e-bikes use rechargeable lithium-ion battery packs because they provide a useful balance of energy capacity, weight and rechargeability.

Battery packs can be external, semi-integrated or fully integrated into the frame. Some are removable for charging and storage, while others are designed to remain in the bicycle.

Wh means watt-hours. It describes how much electrical energy the battery can store.

A larger Wh figure generally gives the potential for more range, but it does not guarantee a specific distance because the motor can consume energy very differently depending on the ride.

Real-world range depends on many factors, including:

• Battery capacity.
• Assistance level.
• Amount of climbing.
• Rider and luggage weight.
• Wind.
• Temperature.
• Tyre pressure and tyre type.
• Road or trail surface.
• Frequent acceleration and stopping.
• Drivetrain and brake condition.

Treat manufacturer range figures as estimates rather than a guaranteed distance.

Choose capacity based on your normal route rather than simply buying the largest battery available. Short urban journeys may not require the same capacity as long trekking routes or mountain rides with significant climbing.

A larger battery can increase range but usually adds cost and weight.

• Use only the charger approved for the specific battery system.
• Charge in a dry, well-ventilated area.
• Keep the charger and battery away from excessive heat and combustible materials.
• Make sure the charging port and connectors are dry before connecting the charger.
• Do not cover the charger while it is operating.
• Disconnect the charger after charging is complete according to the manufacturer instructions.

No. Modern lithium-ion e-bike batteries do not need to be fully discharged before charging. Regularly running a battery completely empty is generally unnecessary.

Charge the battery when it is convenient for your riding needs and follow the battery manufacturer instructions.

Use the approved charger and follow the manufacturer's charging instructions. Even when a charging system has automatic protection, it is good practice to disconnect the battery and charger after charging is complete rather than leaving them connected indefinitely.

Store it at a partial charge rather than completely empty. Different battery manufacturers specify different preferred storage levels, so check the manual for your exact system.

Keep the battery in a dry place at a moderate temperature, away from direct sunlight, heaters and freezing conditions. Check its state of charge periodically during long storage.

Yes. Excessive heat can accelerate battery ageing. Avoid leaving the battery for long periods in direct summer sun, next to heaters or inside an extremely hot vehicle.

If the battery has become very hot, allow it to return to an appropriate charging temperature before charging, following the manufacturer manual.

Cold temperatures can temporarily reduce the usable performance and range of a lithium-ion battery. Range normally improves again when the battery returns to a moderate operating temperature.

Battery life cannot be expressed as one exact number for every e-bike. Capacity gradually decreases with age, charge cycles, temperature, storage conditions and use.

A battery may still work normally after losing some original capacity, but the available riding range becomes shorter. A diagnostic test can help assess battery condition.

Only use a battery that is specifically compatible and approved for the bicycle's electrical system. Voltage, connectors, communication electronics, mounting system and firmware can differ between batteries.

Do not assume that a battery is compatible simply because it physically fits.

Stop using and charging it. A battery that is cracked, badly impacted, swollen, leaking, giving off an unusual smell or becoming abnormally hot should be treated as potentially unsafe.

Keep it away from heat and combustible materials and have it inspected by an appropriate e-bike service professional. Do not open or attempt to repair the battery pack yourself.

Common causes include:

• Colder weather.
• Low tyre pressure.
• Using a higher assistance mode.
• More climbing or stronger headwinds.
• Additional rider or luggage weight.
• Brake drag or drivetrain friction.
• Normal battery ageing.

If the reduction is sudden or unusually large, have the bicycle and battery checked.

The bicycle parts still need normal bicycle maintenance: tyres, brakes, chain, cassette, gears, wheels, bearings, suspension and fasteners.

An e-bike also has electrical components such as the battery, motor, sensors, display, cables and software. These should be inspected and serviced according to the system manufacturer's instructions.

• Tyres have suitable pressure and no obvious damage.
• Front and rear brakes operate correctly.
• Wheels are secure and rotate normally.
• The battery is correctly locked or secured to the bike.
• The display and assistance system start normally.
• There are no loose parts, unusual noises or visible cable damage.
• Lights work when required.

There is no universal service interval for every e-bike. Follow the bicycle and motor-system manufacturer schedules and adjust servicing to your mileage, terrain, weather and riding style.

Frequent riders, mountain-bike riders and bicycles used in wet, dusty or coastal conditions normally need more frequent inspection than an occasional city bike.

• Keep the chain reasonably clean.
• Use a bicycle chain lubricant appropriate for your riding conditions.
• Wipe away excessive lubricant after application.
• Check chain wear regularly.
• Have poor shifting, skipping gears or excessive drivetrain noise inspected.

Motor assistance can place additional load on the drivetrain, especially if you shift under heavy motor power.

Shift into an easier gear before a steep climb and reduce pedal pressure briefly while changing gear. Avoid forcing gear changes while applying maximum pedal and motor load.

Keeping the chain clean, correctly lubricated and replacing it before it becomes excessively worn can also help protect the cassette and chainring.

Yes. E-bikes are often heavier and can be ridden at sustained assisted speeds, so brake condition is especially important.

Check pad wear, rotor or rim condition, lever feel and braking performance. Squealing alone does not always mean the brakes are unsafe, but weak braking, vibration, contamination or a lever pulling unusually close to the handlebar should be inspected.

Very important. Incorrect tyre pressure affects comfort, grip, handling, puncture risk, tyre wear and electrical range.

Use the tyre manufacturer's permitted pressure range and adjust for rider weight, tyre size, terrain and riding conditions.

Yes. Use a damp cloth, soft brush and gentle bicycle-cleaning methods. Avoid directing high-pressure water at the motor, battery, display, bearings, suspension seals or electrical connectors.

Make sure charging ports are closed while washing and dry the bicycle before connecting a charger.

A high-pressure washer is not recommended around an e-bike's bearings, motor, battery, electrical connectors and seals because pressurised water can be forced into areas that normal rain would not reach.

Keep visible connectors clean, dry and protected. Do not insert metal objects into connectors and do not apply random electrical sprays, grease or chemicals unless the manufacturer specifically approves them.

Damaged cables, bent connectors or recurring connection errors should be inspected professionally.

Some modern e-bike systems receive firmware updates for compatibility, diagnostics or system improvements. Update procedures vary by manufacturer: some can be performed through an app while others require an authorised workshop.

Salt can accelerate corrosion. After exposure to salty spray or roads, gently clean the bicycle, dry it thoroughly and pay attention to the chain, fasteners and exposed metal parts.

Store the bicycle in a dry, secure place away from prolonged direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Keep tyres properly inflated, avoid leaving the battery completely discharged, and follow the battery manufacturer's long-term storage instructions.

Most modern e-bike systems are designed for normal outdoor riding conditions, including ordinary rain, but they should not be treated as waterproof.

Avoid deep water, submerging the motor or battery, and charging a wet battery or wet charging port. Always follow the specific manufacturer instructions.

Yes. A pedal-assist e-bike can normally be pedalled without electrical assistance. It will usually feel heavier than a conventional bicycle because of the motor, battery and reinforced components.

Use lower assistance when you want to maximise range and higher assistance when you need more help with acceleration, hills or demanding terrain.

Good gear selection is still important. The motor assists the rider; it does not replace the need to use the bicycle gears correctly.

Only use a rack that is approved for the weight and type of your e-bike. Electric bikes can be considerably heavier than normal bicycles, so check the rack's per-bike and total load limits.

If the battery is removable, follow the bicycle, battery and rack manufacturers' transport instructions. Secure all removable accessories before driving.

Do not modify an e-bike in a way that changes its approved electrical assistance characteristics without understanding the legal, safety, warranty and insurance consequences.

A modified bicycle may no longer fall within the same legal vehicle category and can also create extra loads on the motor, battery, drivetrain and brakes.

If your battery is removable, taking it with you can reduce theft risk and protect it from extreme heat or cold. Always lock the bicycle securely even when the battery has been removed.

• Check that an assistance mode is selected.
• Check the battery charge level and that the battery is correctly installed.
• Check whether an error message appears on the display.
• Make sure the brakes are not stuck or dragging.
• Check visible cables and connectors for obvious damage.

If assistance does not return, have the system diagnosed rather than repeatedly disconnecting components.

• Check that the wall socket has power.
• Use the correct approved charger.
• Check that the charging plug is fully inserted.
• Make sure the charging port is dry and free from obvious dirt.
• Allow a battery that is extremely hot or cold to return to an appropriate charging temperature according to its manual.

If the battery, charger or cable appears damaged, stop using it and arrange an inspection.

Stop in a safe place and note the exact code. Consult the motor-system manual or app because codes are manufacturer-specific.

If the manual allows a normal restart, you can restart the system once. A recurring error should be diagnosed by a qualified service point instead of being ignored.

Not necessarily. Brake noise can come from contamination, moisture, glazing, pad wear, rotor condition or alignment.

However, reduced braking power, strong vibration, metal-on-metal noise or very worn pads should be addressed immediately.

Possible sources include pedals, crank bolts, chain, cassette, spokes, suspension pivots, headset, saddle or other fasteners. Because sound can travel through a bicycle frame, the apparent location is not always the real source.

Persistent or increasing noises should be inspected before they develop into a larger mechanical problem.

Stop riding and arrange an inspection if you notice:

• Weak or unreliable braking.
• A loose wheel or steering component.
• Cracks or structural damage.
• A damaged, swollen, leaking or abnormally hot battery.
• Repeated motor or battery error codes.
• Damaged electrical cables or connectors.
• Severe drivetrain skipping.
• Unusual motor noises, sudden loss of assistance or intermittent power.

Routine bicycle maintenance such as tyre inflation, cleaning and basic drivetrain care can be performed by a competent owner.

Opening or internally repairing an e-bike battery, motor or high-current electrical system requires specialist knowledge and can create serious safety risks. Internal electrical repairs should be handled by appropriately trained service professionals.

• E-bike brand and exact model.
• Motor-system brand and model if known.
• Battery model or capacity.
• Approximate mileage.
• Exact error code or message.
• When the problem occurs and whether it is intermittent.
• Any recent impact, water exposure, component change or repair.

Clear information can make diagnosis faster and more accurate.