A glance out of the window shows: The golden October is here. With it, every pedelec rider will experience a few muddy "joyrides". Proper care is crucial. But which cleaning agent should be used for cleaning? How can the battery be protected and the e-bike made winter-proof? Bosch expert advisor Harald Sterzl answers these and other questions on the subject of maintenance.

How do I best care for my eBike?

Sterzl: It depends on how dirty it is. In any case, water is never wrong as long as it doesn't come from a steam cleaner. It is simply a no-go to use high pressure on the components of an e-bike because water can penetrate the bearings of the motor, hubs or rear triangle.
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Which cleaning agents can I use?

Bike shampoos and care products from specialist retailers are highly recommended because they do not attack plastics and seals. Soapy water or washing-up liquid can also be used. However, these should not be too aggressive or too degreasing.

Is there a rhythm that you recommend for cleaning an e-mountain bike?

Ideally after every e-bike tour so that the dirt doesn't build up. So as often as possible, but only as often as necessary. It's also about preventing corrosion. For example, after tours on the North Sea or Baltic Sea, but also if you ride on roads that have been treated with road salt to prevent icing.

And what preparations should I make before washing?

Always remove the battery and, if possible, remove the displays. Permanently mounted displays such as our Purion or remote buttons that control the system of an e-bike should be covered with a cloth or film.

What to do if water runs into the battery holder

The holder is designed so that water can run off and the contacts can dry. To ensure this, you should keep the holder and the connector area clean. The contacts are coated to protect the surface from corrosion and wear. If necessary, you can use pole grease or technical Vaseline from time to time.

Do I need to grease the chain on an e-bike more often than on a bike without an electric drive?

This depends entirely on use. Basically no more and no less. A chain is particularly stressed when you go off-road or if you don't shift gears smoothly enough.

Where should I grease the chain - on the front sprocket or the rear?

Neither one. With lubricants, you should make sure that the brake discs don't get anything on them or that the sprocket doesn't stick. It is therefore best to spray where the chain runs freely. Excess grease is best removed with a cloth or soft cloth.

What do I need to do to winterize my bike if it will not be used for a few weeks or months

It should be clean and lightly greased, and I would also treat the chain and exposed aluminum parts with appropriate care products. The battery and display should be removed and stored in a dry place at room temperature, ideally between zero and 20 degrees. It is important that the battery still has a charge capacity of between 30 and 60 percent.

And if I also ride my e-mountainbike in winter

Simply clean the bike of any salt from spray or snow after the ride and allow it to dry thoroughly. Don't worry, e-bikes are very robust.

The care tips summarized

1. remove the battery and displays before cleaning or cover with a cloth or film if necessary
. 2. use bike shampoo, brush and soft sponge and never use a steam jet or high-pressure cleaner
3. when greasing the drive chain, ensure that no lubricant gets onto the disk brake.
4. clean the e-bike regularly and do not wait until coarse dirt has built up.
5. carry out a brief function check after washing: Is the battery properly engaged? Is the drive working properly? Does the system respond correctly to button presses?

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