An e-bike is a total game changer. Faster commutes, less sweating, and way more motivation to hop on your bike. But once you go electric, questions start popping up.
How does maintenance work? Does everything wear out faster? What if something breaks? And does the assistance actually feel natural?
No stress. We’ve bundled the most frequently asked questions about e-bike maintenance and support into one handy guide. Perfect for people already riding electric and for those still on the fence.
E-bike maintenance: what do you need to know?
How does e-bike maintenance work?
Good news: maintaining an e-bike is very similar to maintaining a regular bike. The less-good news (or let’s call it nuance): you do need to be just a bit more attentive.
Besides classic components like the chain, brakes, and gears, e-bikes also have electronic parts such as the motor, sensors, and battery. Because of the higher weight and higher average speed, brakes and drivetrain components tend to wear a bit faster.
Our golden rule: have your e-bike serviced at least once a year. It keeps everything running smoothly and helps you avoid bigger and more expensive issues down the road.
How much does an e-bike service cost?
On average, you can expect to pay €80 to €100 for a standard service.
Keep in mind that this is the base price. Wear parts like new tires, brake pads, a chain replacement, or an extra battery check are usually charged separately.
💡 Pro tip: regular maintenance means fewer surprises. A well-maintained bike simply lasts longer. Did you know there’s quite a bit you can do yourself? Check out all our maintenance tips here.
Do brakes and tires wear out faster on an e-bike?
Short answer: yes, a little.
Because of the higher weight and higher speed of an e-bike, you often brake more firmly. As a result, brakes tend to wear out faster than on a traditional bike. Tires also take more of a beating, especially if you commute daily.
The good news? With the right tire pressure, you can significantly reduce that wear.
- Keep your tire pressure at the correct level
- Use your gears wisely
- Brake smoothly and anticipate stops instead of braking abruptly
💡 Speaking of brakes, does it sometimes feel like your bike is secretly slowing you down once you go over 25 km/h? 🤔 We looked into it for you. Read all about it here!
What is the correct tire pressure for an e-bike?
That depends on your tires, your weight, and the type of bike, but as a general guideline:
- Standard e-bikes (city or trekking): usually between 2.0 and 4.0 bar
- Wide tires (balloon tires, cargo bikes, comfort models): closer to 2.0 to 2.5 bar
- Narrow tires or speed pedelecs: often 3.5 to 4.5 bar
👉 Always check the minimum and maximum pressure printed on the sidewall of your tire. That’s your best reference.
When should you adjust your tire pressure?
- More often if you ride intensively, like daily commuting
- During temperature changes: pressure drops faster in winter and increases in summer
- Before a long ride or cycling vacation
- If your bike feels heavier or your range suddenly decreases
Bonus: correct tire pressure doesn’t just reduce wear, it also gives you more range. Win-win. 🙌
What are the most common e-bike repairs?
The undisputed number one issue is still… a flat tire. Annoying, but unfortunately unavoidable. Other common repairs include:
- adjusting brakes or replacing brake pads
- tuning gears
- replacing the chain or cassette
The better you maintain your e-bike, the lower the chance of repairs. So don’t ride it “just a bit too long” without service. Your future self will thank you. 😌
Can I take my e-bike to any bike mechanic?
Yes, you can. You’re not required to always go back to the shop where you picked up your lease bike.
You’re free to switch mechanics, but it’s smart to check in advance whether the new shop can and wants to work on your specific e-bike. Not every mechanic services every brand or motor system.
👉 Through Joule Local you’ll find all bike shops in the Joule dealer network. Easy.
Electric support: what does it actually feel like?
How natural does electric assistance feel?
Very natural. Modern e-bikes are equipped with smart sensors that accurately measure how much force you’re applying. The motor only supports you when needed, without jerks or delays.
E-bikes with a mid-drive motor (like Bosch) are especially known for their smooth ride feel. It’s like having a constant tailwind. Even uphill. 😮💨
How heavy is an e-bike?
On average, an e-bike weighs between 22 and 28 kg. Speed pedelecs often weigh more than 30 kg.
Without assistance, you’ll definitely notice the weight, but riding is still perfectly doable, especially on flat terrain. With assistance on, the weight is barely noticeable.
Is an e-bike suitable for commuting?
Absolutely. E-bikes are made for commuters. Comfortable, fast, and reliable.
For distances up to about 15 km one way, a standard e-bike is ideal. Going farther or really want to save time? A speed pedelec is often the better option.
For commuting, pay extra attention to:
- a sufficiently large battery
- a comfortable riding position
- reliable brakes and drivetrain components
💡 Did you know you can earn a nice bike allowance by commuting by bike? Our colleague Miguel rides from Sint-Niklaas to Ghent every day. On a speed pedelec, no less. 😉
Can I ride an e-bike without assistance?
Yes, you can. On most e-bikes, you can turn the assistance off completely or ride in the lowest support mode.
Just keep in mind that you’ll be pushing the full weight of the bike yourself. Think of it as a free workout. 😉
How much assistance do I really need?
That mainly depends on distance, terrain, wind conditions, and how fresh you want to arrive. 🥵
In headwinds or hilly areas, it’s perfectly fine to increase the assistance. On short, flat rides, eco mode works just fine.
Use your gears properly in combination with the assistance levels. Always start in a light gear and shift up as you gain speed. It feels smoother and reduces wear on both the motor and drivetrain.
Is an e-bike suitable for cycling vacations?
Absolutely. With an e-bike, you can cover 60 to 100 km per day, depending on your battery.
You’ll get less tired, even in hilly terrain, which means you can enjoy the ride and the scenery more. Perfect for cycling holidays.
Our tips:
- Plan your charging stops in advance
- Choose a trekking or touring e-bike if possible
- Don’t drain your battery to 0% every single day
Electric cycling isn’t cheating. It’s just… smarter cycling. 😄
💡 We recommend taking extra good care of your battery. Read our blog “7 tips to maintain your e-bike battery.”
In short
An e-bike requires a bit of extra care, but it gives you loads of comfort and riding pleasure in return. With regular maintenance, smart use of assistance, and a little attention, your e-bike will stay your favorite way to get around for years.
Still unsure whether an e-bike is right for you? Or wondering how maintenance and support are handled within bike leasing via Joule?
👉 We’re happy to help. Worry-free cycling is what we’re all about. Get in touch!
Bram is our in-house bike expert and shares a new bike tip every month to help you ride smarter. You may have spotted him at a test day, always ready with advice and plenty of enthusiasm. He helps grow Joule Local, so you can lease your bike through your favorite local bike dealer. His constant companion? The Orbea Terra Race, which he rides to the office every day, rain or shine. Got a bike question? Bram’s happy to help!
Alles verliep zeer vlot. Geen extra papierwerk, alles werd door Joules geregeld. Heel tevreden over de service.
Goede communicatie en uitleg. De persoon die het concept is komen voorstellen heeft dit duidelijk gedaan. De testritten waren ook goed georganiseerd.
Top ervaring! Klantenservice is top. Je kan er terecht met al je vragen en ze blijven altijd even vriendelijk. En ik heb best veel vragen gesteld. Levering was top. Zeker een aanrader voor iedereen.
Vlotte service, snel antwoord en zeer vlot in gebruik. De offertes van de fietsenwinkel werden snel verwerkt en overzichtelijk afgeleverd in een leasing-formule.
Heel gemakkelijk dat de technieker op het werk komt! De technieker was vriendelijk. Onderhoud was snel gedaan. Ik heb heel gemakkelijk de afspraak kunnen wijzigen. Ik heb daarvoor een heel vriendelijke en behulpzame persoon aan de lijn gehad.
Jouw vragen,
onze antwoorden
How do I take care of my bike's battery?
There are some important tips to keep your bike's battery in top condition. We list them for you in this blog article.
What is an annual maintenance?
Annual maintenance of a bicycle will result in fewer problems, and therefore fewer repairs. An annual maintenance within your bike lease is necessary for every bike!
During a maintenance, services are performed with the goal of preventing wear and tear and repairs:
- checking and repairing lighting;
- lubricating the chain;
- tire pressure check;
- retightening of all bolts;
- adjusting gears;
- check headstock play;
- software update;
- adjusting brakes and replacing brake pads;
What is the cost of a maintenance or repair?
You pay for your maintenance or repair through your service voucher. The amount deducted from your service voucher is determined by the partner:
- Joule Local: the cost of maintenance and repair are according to your bike dealer's rates.
- Joule Mobile: the call-out cost, the cost of maintenance and repair. You can find that cost in the customer area.
What if I take over the bike and I need a maintenance and repair?
Still in need of service after purchasing your bike lease? No problem:
- For bikes through the Joule Local package, just stop by your bike dealer.
- For cycling through the Joule Mobile package, please contact us:
- E-mail: operations@joule.be
- Phone: 050/89.26.89
What is included in the repair service?
These are interventions exclusive to annual maintenance or an insurance file following damage or theft. For example, for a flat tire or a loose fender.
- Mobile: you are entitled to recovery interventions for your chosen recovery credit.
- Pick-Up: you are entitled to recovery interventions for your chosen recovery credit.
Joule Mobile: How quickly will my bike be repaired?
For urgent repairs, we try to come within two working days. If the repair is not urgent (the bike is still rideable), we come within two weeks or during the next annual maintenance.
