In this article you will learn:
How to properly shift gears without a load
How to properly maintain your chain with lubricants
Practical tips for regular maintenance
Proper shifting without load – why this is important
Many e-bike riders shift gears under load—that is, while pedaling hard or the motor providing strong assistance. While this can be tempting, it's bad for the chain, sprockets, and derailleurs.
❌ Switching under load leads to:
faster wear of the sprockets
increased stress on the chain
incomplete switching operations
potential chain jumps
✔️ Here's how to switch it on correctly:
Briefly ease off the pedals before changing gears.
Apply little to no pressure to the pedals when shifting gears.
Wait a moment until the gait is smooth.
Pedal again with consistent force.
Especially with e-bikes that have a powerful motor, this small moment of "letting go of the load" is crucial to extending the lifespan of your drivetrain.
Maintain the chain with the correct lubricant
The chain should be lubricated regularly, but only when clean and dry ! Dirt adheres particularly well to too much or the wrong lubricant – this is counterproductive.
🧼 Preparation is everything:
Before lubricating, thoroughly clean the chain – ideally with a chain cleaner or degreaser . ➡️ We show you exactly how to do this in our article " Cleaning your bicycle chain – how to keep your bike in top condition " .
🧴 Which lubricant?
Dry lubricant for dry, dusty conditions
Wet lubricant for rain, mud and wet seasons
🪄 This is how lubrication works:
Slowly turn the chain backwards.
Apply lubricant only to the rollers , not to the outer plates.
Wipe with a clean cloth after 1 minute.
→ Excess oil will otherwise bind dirt again
✔️ Regularity beats quantity: it's better to re-oil small amounts frequently than large amounts rarely.
Maintenance intervals for your e-bike chain
How often you should clean and lubricate your chain depends on usage and weather conditions:
| Condition | cleaning | lubrication |
|---|
| Dry, short tours | every 300–400 km | after every third tour |
| Wet weather / mud | after each tour | immediately after cleaning |
| Off-road / terrain | after each tour | after each tour |
If you are often out in the rain or mud, the rule is: clean more often → less wear and tear .
Measuring wear – when is the chain worn out?
Chains that are too long can damage sprockets and even the bottom bracket. You can read how to measure wear and know when it's time for a new chain in our guide: 👉 “ Measuring chain wear on a bicycle chain – keeping your e-bike in top condition ” .
Conclusion: Proper chain maintenance is worthwhile.
With a little attention, you can save yourself:
✔️ Switch without load
✔️ Clean regularly
✔️ Lubricate with the right product
✔️ Measure wear regularly
This will keep your e-bike smooth-running, quiet and durable.
👉 And if you are interested in cleaning your bicycle chain , we have a detailed guide on this topic: “ Cleaning your bicycle chain – how to keep your bike in top condition ” .
