If you have an electric bike, and the hub motor isn’t working as well as it should, there are steps you can take to fix it yourself. Rather than going to the shop or buying a new one.
I tried all of these steps and got my problem fixed completely. I searched through the internet and also consulted an experienced person who guided me throughout the problem.
While these aren’t complicated fixes, they may be more than what some people would want to attempt themselves if they aren’t comfortable with DIY mechanics work.
If you are feeling adventurous though, here are some things to check out that could be causing your hub motor issues. These tips may save you hundreds of dollars in repairs or buy-outs!
Check the Charger
If your electric bike hub motor is slowing down unexpectedly, there are a few things you can check. For starters, check to make sure your charger is working properly.
If it’s not receiving power, turn off both it and your bike for five minutes to see if that refreshes anything.
If you’re using an extension cord or generator, try using a different outlet with your charger. And finally, make sure that all of your connections are secure.
Clean Off Dirt and Rust on the Frame
An electric bike is just like any other bike. If you are looking to maintain it and keep it in good working order, take care of its frame with a clean cloth or sponge and soap and water.
This will remove dirt and excess mud that may have stuck to it when you ride through wet areas.
You can also use an old toothbrush to scrub off any rust or bits of paint that may be chipping from your frame. A wire brush attachment on a drill can also help get rid of stubborn rust spots.
Just remember not to overdo it as you could damage your frame if you apply too much pressure.
Check if there is Free Play in Chain and Sprocket System
If there is play in your chain and sprocket system, you will have to get that checked by a professional. If it is only a little bit of slack, it can be fixed yourself.
In case there is a lot of slack in your system then you are going to have to replace parts or completely rebuild your rear hub motor. Most hubs on electric bikes use internal gears which means replacing them might not be possible.
So, if that is what you are dealing with make sure to take it in for an estimate on how much it will cost before attempting any fixes yourself.
Tighten up Loose Screws
One of your bike’s most critical safety features is its braking system. When you’re riding, it can be hard to tell if your brakes aren’t working as they should be. The best way to check?
The squeeze test! Put some pressure on each of your brake levers and make sure they stop or slow you down when you squeeze them.
It might seem like a silly thing to do, but trust us—it can save you from serious injury. If one brake seems like it’s not working properly, check both brakes before heading out again!
Overhauling Hub Motors
If you’re on a budget and just need to get your electric bike up and running, or you’ve purchased a used hub motor, overhauling it can be a good option.
This is going to save money while also being green, but you’ll have to work out whether or not that makes sense for your circumstances.
And if you do decide to overhaul your electric bike hub motor yourself, there are plenty of online resources that can help.
There are often forums for electric bike hubs with tutorials on how to perform an overhaul, as well as videos and other detailed instructions from both manufacturers and fellow riders.
Also read: Reset A Bike Battery-An Ultimate Guide
Also watch the video to fix the issue
Conclusion
Based on all that I’ve seen and read about electric bikes and their Hub problem, I personally think that for most people who are new to electric bikes or would like a casual rider.
An electric bike hub motor is a better option than an electric bike mid-drive system.
The biggest reason is cost. You could buy one high-quality hub motor kit for around $250 (most of them are between $200-$300), or you could spend over $1000 on an e-bike conversion kit with a mid-drive motor.
Another pro for choosing a hub motor over a mid-drive system is weight distribution and handling.
A typical hub motor weighs about 2lbs, whereas an e-bike mid-drive can weigh in at 16+ lbs depending on which system you go with.
