E-bikes are brilliant for both city commutes and countryside exploring. They give you that extra push when you need it, flatten out hills, and make longer rides much less daunting. But like any bit of kit that mixes electrics with mechanics, things can go wrong now and again.
If you’ve ever been caught out mid-ride, you’ll know how frustrating it feels. The good news? Most issues are straightforward to sort if you know what to look for. Below are 15 problems that crop up time and again — and the fixes that will usually get you back on the road without calling it a day.
The battery is the lifeline of an e-bike, so any hiccup here tends to stop everything else working.
Bike won’t switch on
First, don’t panic. Nine times out of ten, the battery isn’t sitting properly. Take it out, check the connections are clean and dry, then lock it firmly back in. And yes — do a quick check that it actually has charge before diving any deeper.
Charged overnight, still dead
This one catches a lot of riders. It could be the wall socket, or the charger itself. Try another plug, and look for an indicator light on the charger. If nothing changes, the fault might be inside the battery and it could be nearing replacement time.
Range dropping off
Batteries don’t last forever. If you used to get 40 miles but now only manage 25, it’s usually just the cell ageing. Daily commuters notice this most. Sadly, the cure is a new battery.
Pedal assist should feel smooth and natural. If it doesn’t, something’s out of place.
No assistance when pedalling
The cadence sensor (normally near the crank) is probably to blame. Make sure the magnet and sensor are close enough — about a few millimetres apart. If they’ve shifted, the motor won’t kick in.
Assistance cutting in and out
This usually comes down to a loose cable. E-bikes vibrate constantly, and connectors can wiggle free. Run your fingers along the wires and press them back together firmly.
The motor is the muscle, the controller is the brain. When either misbehaves, you’ll feel it instantly.
Grinding or strange noises
If the hub motor starts growling, stop pedalling straight away. A stone or bit of debris might be caught, or there could be an internal fault. Riding on will only make it worse.
Total power loss
Sometimes the display goes blank or throws up an error code. Try switching the system off, wait a moment, then restart. Like rebooting a computer, it often clears a glitch.
Because e-bikes are heavier and faster than traditional bikes, weak brakes aren’t just annoying — they’re dangerous.
Squealing discs
Normally dirt or oil on the pads. A wipe with isopropyl alcohol and a clean cloth usually sorts it. Pro tip: don’t touch the rotor with your bare hands — skin oils contaminate it.
Spongy lever feel
This tends to mean the pads are worn. Compare their thickness to the manufacturer’s minimum spec. If they’re thin, swap them out before your next big ride.
Even with all the electrics, punctures are still the most common roadside headache.
Flat tyres again and again
Patching is fine short term, but if it keeps happening, invest in puncture-resistant tyres. They’ve got tougher casings that shrug off glass and thorns — especially handy on UK roads.
Rear wheel removal nightmares
Rear hub motors make this fiddly. Learn the process at home and carry the right spanner or tool. If you’re caught out, puncture sealant can be a lifesaver to limp home.
Wheel wobble
A wobbly wheel might just be a loose axle nut. Tighten it up and see if that helps. If you’ve got a broken spoke, though, a bike shop visit is the safest option.
Wiring damage
Loose, bent, or frayed cables can stop power flowing properly. If you spot damage, repair it quickly. If it’s deeper inside the loom, a shop fix is usually best.
Gear grinding
E-bike drivetrains take more punishment than regular bikes. Clean and oil your chain regularly, and check that the gears are indexed so they’re shifting smoothly.
Display acting up
Blank screens or stubborn error messages are often just a loose connector. Push the plug between the controller and display back in firmly. If that fails, the display unit itself may need replacing.
Most e-bike issues sound scarier than they are. A lot of the time, it’s a loose cable, dirty component, or a part that’s simply worn out. With a bit of routine care and a few tricks up your sleeve, you’ll be able to keep your bike rolling without too much fuss.
E-bikes are meant to make riding easier — and with a little maintenance know-how, they’ll keep doing exactly that.
