Easy Tips to Keep Your Electric Trike Running Smoothly

No fancy skills needed—just simple, regular care to keep your e-trike in top shape, plus quick fixes for common hiccups.

Daily & Regular Upkeep

Taking Care of the Battery

This is the heart of your trike—treat it right, and it’ll last way longer.

Charge it when the power dips to 30%-60%—never let it die completely (hitting 0% kills battery life fast). Even short rides? Plug it in afterward for a quick top-up.

Keep it cool! Park in the shade, not direct sunlight—heat zaps battery power quicker than you think.

Storing it for a while? Charge it to 40%-80% first, then check it once a month. Don’t leave it dead or fully charged for weeks—both ruin the battery over time.

Cleaning

Dirt and grime build up fast, but cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore—just avoid messing with the electronics!

Start with a gentle hose spray to rinse off loose dirt (skip high-pressure jets—they’ll wreck the wires and motor).

Use mild soap and water to wipe down the frame, wheels, and cargo area—simple dish soap works fine.

For the battery, motor, and wires? Grab a dry cloth—never soak these parts. Water and electronics don’t mix!

Lubrication

Keep moving parts from squeaking (and wearing out) with a little lube every few weeks:

Oil the chain, axles, and bearings—use bike-specific lubricant (it’s made to handle the wear). Wipe off any extra grease, though—too much just attracts dirt.

Tires

Soft or overinflated tires cause headaches—check them weekly!

Aim for 2.0–2.5 bar of pressure. Soft tires wear faster and drain the battery (your trike has to work harder), while overinflated ones might blow out.

Look for cuts, nails, or uneven tread. If the tires are cracked or bald, swap them out—worn tires are unsafe, especially when braking.

Brakes

Test these before every ride—you don’t want them failing mid-trip!

Squeeze the levers—they should snap back smoothly. If they squeak, feel weak, or stick, adjust the brake lines or replace the worn pads (you can pick these up at most bike shops).

Electrical Checks

A quick once-over prevents big problems:

Make sure wires aren’t frayed or loose, and all connections are tight. Loose plugs can cause sudden power cuts—or even fires.

Fixing Common Issues

It Won’t Start

Don’t panic—start with the basics:

1. Check the battery charge. If it’s dead, plug it in.

2. If it’s charged but still won’t turn on, look at the fuse or power switch. If the fuse is blown or the switch is broken, replace it (cheap and easy to do yourself).

It Has Power But Won’t Move

This is usually a quick fix:

First, check the battery wires—they might have come loose.First, check the battery wires—they might have come loose.

If that’s not it, check the brakes. Lift the rear wheel—if it drags, the brake pads are stuck. Wiggle them free, and you’re good to go.

Battery Drains Too Fast

If you’re suddenly getting way less range:

Batteries only last 2–3 years—if yours is older, it’s probably time to replace it (they lose capacity over time).

Are you overloading the trike? Extra weight (like heavy cargo) kills battery life fast—lighten the load!

Weird Noises From the Motor

Strange sounds mean something’s off—don’t ignore them:

Grinding? Check for debris (like leaves or dirt) stuck in the motor—clear it out gently.

Humming that’s not normal? It might be a bad controller. Swap it out (or ask a pro if you’re unsure—controllers are trickier than fuses).

Flat Tire

Annoying, but easy to fix:

1. Find the leak—look for nails, thorns, or small cracks.

2. Patch small holes with a bike tire patch kit. If the tire is worn or torn, replace it—patching won’t last forever.

3. Remember to keep the pressure right afterward—flat tires happen way less when pressure is on point.

Seasonal Hacks

Summer: Keep your trike in the shade! Heat warps tires and fries batteries—you’ll save yourself from costly replacements.

Winter: Let a little air out of the tires (just a tiny bit) for better grip on cold, slippery roads. Also, avoid deep puddles—water ruins brakes and electronics.

Stick to these simple steps, and your e-trike will run safer, last longer, and save you money on repairs. If something feels too tricky—like rewiring or replacing the motor—call a pro. No need to risk messing it up yourself!