Battery-powered high-pressure cleaner test: Mobile devices for (e-)bike care

Firstly, our test of the six cordless high-pressure cleaners. Further down, our head of the EMTB/BIKE test lab, Christoph Allwang, Tips on how to clean your (e-)bike with a hard jet of water without jeopardising bearings and electronics!

Aqua2Go Pro high-pressure cleaner in the test

Price: 241,95 Euro - available here

• Scope of delivery: hose, rechargeable battery, 12 V and 220 V charger, LED lamp, brush attachment, various spare parts
• Operation / running time: rechargeable battery, 12V operation / approx. 29 min.
• Tank / pressure / hose length: 20 l / max. 10 bar (2 stages) / 6 m
• Accessories: Cleaner reservoir for nozzle

Test summary of the Aqua2Go Pro

Thanks to the huge 20-litre tank, three heavily soiled bikes can be cleaned at a pressure of 10 bar. Powered by 12 volts, the service life is extended enormously. The pump can be removed and draws water from almost any source. The battery is both LED light and power bank. The compact nozzle, which can be adjusted with a twist, also reaches nooks and crannies, but the brush attachment is impractical and splashes a lot of water. The pump lock and transport handle are small, so be careful when handling. The small castors run poorly on loose surfaces.

PLUS - Battery runtime; accessories; water supply; 12-volt power connection; battery torch / power bank; extremely self-sufficient device

MINUS - Pump lock; battery indicator and switch barely visible; castors too small

Bosch Fontus 18 V high-pressure cleaner in test

Price: 299,99 Euro - available here

• Scope of delivery: hose, rechargeable battery, 12 V and 220 V charger, LED lamp, brush attachment, various spare parts
• Operation / running time: rechargeable battery / approx. 21 min.
• Tank / pressure / hose length: 15 l / max. 15 bar (3 stages) / 4 m
• Accessories: Rechargeable battery / 29 min.

Test summary of the Bosch Fontus 18 V

Although the Bosch Fontus is the heaviest pressure washer in the test, it is easy to manoeuvre even when fully fuelled. Its 15 litres can handle a maximum of three (e-)bikes, and the battery lasts for around four fill-ups even under full load. Thanks to the filter, you can also easily get these from the pond. Three pressure levels and four spray modes eliminate all types of dirt. The nozzle sits comfortably in the hand and is easy to adjust. There is a useful brush attachment for pre-cleaning. All parts can be stored in the practical storage compartment. The battery indicator and pressure adjustment are well positioned on the Bosch steam cleaner.

PLUS - Pressure and battery indicator; handling; nozzle setting; storage compartment; water supply and pressure; transport rollers; battery compatible with other appliances

MINUS - Inflexible hose; large storage capacity; expensive

Gloria Multijet 18V high-pressure cleaner in test

Price: 174,99 Euro - available here

• Scope of delivery: charger, battery, lance, dirt filter, suction hose, PET bottle attachment
• Operation / running time: rechargeable battery / approx. 12 min.
• Tank / pressure / hose length: not available / max. 25 bar / 5 m
• Accessories: Foam nozzle, 10-litre container

Test summary of the Gloria Multijet 18V in the test

The Gloria Multijet high-pressure cleaner is similar to a cordless screwdriver in terms of handling. The device is a little heavy, but easy to hold. The battery indicator and pressure adjustment are easy to see. The lance makes handling more difficult, without the extension the Multijet cleans more precisely. Unfortunately, only one of the four spray modes is really useful. However, coarse dirt is cleared away properly even at pressure level two. The Gloria steam jet is extremely self-sufficient and draws water from any source, even from a PET bottle with the integrated attachment. The optionally available 10-litre canister is particularly practical.

PLUS - Compact device; can be used very independently; high-quality workmanship; battery indicator; three pressure levels; good maximum pressure

MINUS - Battery life; not all spray modes usable

Greenworks GDC40 high-pressure cleaner in test

Price: 299 Euro - available here

• Scope of delivery: charger, battery, hose, lance, cleaner attachment
• Operation / running time: rechargeable battery / approx. 8 min.
• Tank / pressure / hose length: 20 l / max. 70 bar / 6 m
• Accessories: not specified

Test summary of the Greenworks GDC40

The Greenworks high-pressure cleaner applies a lot of pressure and blows even hard encrustations off the frame at almost 70 bar. However, you should not aim at the bearings with this device. With the lightweight lance and compact handle, you can reliably hit the right spot. The 20-litre bucket can be removed for filling and serves as a transport container for the pump unit. Unfortunately, you have to rely on a local water source or a garden hose. The mobile GDC40 pressure washer pumps loudly but saves water, but the battery runs out after just eight minutes. The hose thread cants easily.

PLUS - Lots of pressure; dissolves heavy soiling; large water reservoir; removable bucket

MINUS - Battery life; volume; no integrated water tank; expensive

Kärcher KHB 6 high-pressure cleaner in test

Price: 174,99 Euro - available here

• Scope of delivery: charger, jet pipe, 2 interchangeable nozzles, rechargeable battery
• Operation / running time: rechargeable battery / approx. 13 min.
• Tank / pressure / hose: not available / max. 24 bar / not available
• Accessories: Foam nozzle, suction hose SH 5

Test summary of the Kärcher KHB 6

Kärcher supplies a hand-held device in the usual high quality. The lance and nozzles engage securely and the battery has a digital display with remaining runtime. However, the appliance is useless without a garden hose. The KHB 6 only becomes mobile with the optional suction hose, which can be used to draw water from various sources. Only one of the two nozzles is suitable for bike cleaning, but the pressure is sufficient for coarse dirt. Small hands may find the chunky body a little difficult to hold. More of a device for garden use than for cleaning on the go.

PLUS - Compact device; high-quality workmanship; reliable battery indicator

MINUS - Battery runtime; few accessories; not mobile without optional suction hose; no pressure control; few usable nozzle modes

Kärcher OC3 + Bike high-pressure cleaner in test

Price: 189,99 Euro - available here

• Scope of delivery: hose, charger, clip-on brush, bike cleaner, microfibre cloth
• Operation / running time: rechargeable battery / approx. 23 min.
• Tank / pressure / hose length: 4 l / 5 bar (1 stage) / 2.8 m spiral hose
• Accessories: Car adapter, suction hose

Test summary of the Kärcher OC3 + Bike

The Kärcher high-pressure cleaner is the perfect device for a quick shower after a bike tour. Stubborn dirt cannot be removed with the gentle nozzle and the small tank volume, but fresh mud is removed well and accurately. The spiral hose is a little bulky, but you can easily walk around the bike with the compact box. Practical: Two storage compartments on the Kärcher device accommodate the hose and nozzle as well as a usable brush attachment, cleaning agent and a microfibre cloth. The Kärcher OC3 steam cleaner is compact, well thought-out and easy to use. The battery lasts for around seven tank fillings.

PLUS - Compact device; simple operation; practical storage compartments; accessories; battery indicator

MINUS - Small water tank; only one pressure level; nozzle not adjustable

What do you need to consider when washing e-bikes with a high-pressure cleaner?

Interview with Christoph Allwang, head of the EMTB/BIKE test lab

Hand on heart, do you use a tube and sponge on your private bike?

Christoph: Except for very light soiling, I almost always use the high-pressure cleaner. However, I make sure to set the pressure as low as possible and avoid the critical areas around sensitive bearings.

The mobile high-pressure cleaners in the test deliver pressures from 5 to 70 bar. At what spray pressure does it become problematic?

This also depends a lot on the type of spray jet and the spray distance. I clean my bike with pressures between 40 and 70 bar. However, I only use over 50 bar on heavily soiled tyres or encrustations on the frame. If I spray directly onto a bearing, even 8 bar can be too much.

Four of the pressure washer test candidates come with a water tank. How much water do you need to blast a bike clean?

This varies depending on the appliance. With the 20-litre tanks from Aqua2Go and Greenworks, you can easily clean three (e-)bikes. The 15 litres of the Bosch are enough for around two bikes, while the four litres of the Kärcher OC3 + Bike high-pressure cleaner were empty after just under three minutes - you can't manage more than one bike with it.

Which parts of the e-bike require special care?

For e-bike-specific components such as the motor, battery, gearbox and display, as well as for the rear suspension bearings, fork and damper seals.

What is the best way to protect the electronic components on an e-bike?

If possible, remove the battery to avoid a short circuit. It is best to clean all E-bike components by hand only, without using a high-pressure cleaner. If it is unavoidable, blow dry with compressed air or wipe dry thoroughly afterwards.