How to Clean and Lube Your E-Bike Chain

In plain English

A clean, lightly lubed chain shifts better, runs quieter and lasts much longer, which matters on e-bikes because motors wear chains faster. Avoid hoses and pressure washers. Water forced into the motor or connectors causes electrical faults.

Watch how it's done

Video by Park Tool. It may show a regular bike: on an e-bike, switch off and remove the battery first, and unplug the motor cable before taking off a hub-motor wheel.

Work from the top. Steps go from free and easy to shop jobs. Switch the bike off before touching any connector. Tick each step as you go. Your progress is saved on this device.

1. 1Switch off and remove the batteryFree Turn the display off, then take the battery out of its mount (or unplug it). Do this before touching any wires, brakes near the motor, or the rear wheel.
2. 2Wipe the chainFree Hold a rag around the chain and turn the pedals backward to pull it through. Do this until the rag stays fairly clean.
3. 3Degrease if it's very dirtyFree Put a little degreaser on a rag or brush and scrub the chain, then wipe it dry. Keep degreaser off the brake rotors and pads.
4. 4Lube each linkFree Turn the pedals backward slowly and put one small drop of bike chain lube on each roller. Let it soak in for a few minutes.
5. 5Wipe off the extraFree Run the chain through a clean rag. Lube belongs inside the links. Extra on the outside just collects dirt.

Parts you might need

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These links go straight to Amazon.

Only buy a part if the free steps didn't fix it. Always match the voltage and connector type to your bike.

• Chain lube

  Keeps the chain quiet and stops wear. Use bike chain lube, not household oil.

  Link coming soon

• Bike degreaser

  Cleans old grease and grime off the chain and gears.

  Link coming soon

• Bike cleaning brush set

  Cleans the frame, chain and gears without a hose.

  Link coming soon