To get straight to the point: In the event of a major motor failure, e-mountain bikers have very few options for getting the bike going again. Fortunately, electric motors are far less prone to failure than combustion engines. The risk of coming to a standstill in the middle of nowhere with mechanical damage is therefore very low. The situation is different with the electrical components on e-bikes. Electrical cables for the power supply or for connecting sensors are particularly at risk. Especially if they are not routed inside the frame tubes or cannot be routed there.
If you fall, ride too close to roots or get stuck somewhere, you can tear off a cable. Especially if it is not tightly attached to the frame along its entire length. Such cable sags on chain stays, bottom brackets or handlebars are predetermined breaking points that you should keep an eye on before setting off. In general, an accurate pre-check can prevent most causes of drive failures in advance. For example, the cable loops mentioned above should be fixed with cable ties, the battery should be checked to ensure that it is firmly attached and the display and control satellite should be checked to ensure that they are secure. It is also a good idea to check the contacts of detachable displays,
Keep batteries and plug connections dry and spray them with corrosion protection from time to time. Moisture and rust are often the reason for breakdowns or stuttering drive systems. Minor damage can usually be repaired by yourself to the extent that you can at least get home again. The minimum equipment for e-bikers should therefore include cable ties and tape in addition to the mini tool in the touring rucksack.
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WHAT - HOW - WHEN?
Well prepared
- Cables laid on the frame must not protrude or form loops. Check that plugs and contacts are clean.
- Check the battery charge and the function of the control satellite, buttons and switches. The display and control unit must be firmly attached.
- Loose battery packs can be damaged by knocks or falls. Adjust or fix in place.
- Some displays communicate with the motor electronics via radio. Their batteries must be charged separately.
Help yourself
- Loose contacts or dirty connection pins on the display and holder can lead to total failure. Clean the contacts and fix the display without play, using tape if necessary.
- If the drive only moves to just above walking speed, the spoke magnet of the speed sensor may have slipped. Realign and tighten.
- Broken battery or display mounts can be temporarily repaired with tape or cable ties.
- A loose battery can be fixed by adjusting its holder. It's quicker to use tape when travelling.
When nothing works
- Check all cables and plugs, including the display and holder, for damage. Dry or clean wet contacts.
- Sometimes it helps to restart the system. To do this, switch off the drive and briefly remove the battery.
- Rear wheel hub motors in particular, and more rarely centre motors, can overheat. In this case, only a cooling break will help.
- Mechanical problems such as a blocking or spinning crank can unfortunately only be repaired by a specialist workshop.
