A good day of e-mountain bike riding, at least in the Southeast, usually ends with you loading your filthy beast onto your bike rack and admiring the work that you’ve done to make it look that way. Almost as satisfying, is dabbing your clean machine dry before putting it away for the evening. That evening cleaning is important – keeping your eMTB clean isn’t just about looking good — it’s about performance, longevity, and making sure that expensive motor keeps humming smoothly. In this quick (and dirty) guide, we’ll walk you through how to clean an eMTB the right way, without damaging delicate electronics or turning your driveway into a swamp.
What You’ll Need
- A bucket of warm, soapy water (mild dish soap works great)
- Several sizes of soft-bristled brushes
- A sponge or microfiber cloth
- A gentle hose spray or low-pressure washer (no power washers!)
- Bike degreaser (for the drivetrain)
- Chain lube (to finish the job right)
- A towel (one for you one and your bike)
Step-by-Step eMTB Cleaning Guide
1. Prep Your Bike (and Yourself)
Give your bike a quick inspection to make sure that there are no breaches into the electrical system. Removing the battery and display (if possible) will keep them safe from any aggressive cleaning mistakes. If your bike has exposed electrical ports, cover them with a dry cloth or a piece of tape. Find a good spot outside—somewhere you won’t mind getting wet and muddy.
Kick off your shoes, grab a beverage, and throw on some tunes or your favorite Podcast!
2. Rinse, But Gently
Use a gentle spray of water to loosen up dirt and grime. A bike mechanic once told me to use your hose as a gentle rain, top to bottom Avoid blasting water upwards, or directly into bearings, the motor, or electrical components.
3. Scrub-a-Dub-Dub, but Don’t Scratch-a-Datch-Datch
Dip your soft brush into the soapy water and start scrubbing away the dirt. Gently! Especially if you ride on a carbon frame (trust me on this one🤦♂️). Work from top to bottom, using different sized brushes to get into the nooks and crannies. Pay special attention to the frame, fork, and wheels, basically anywhere parts move. Use a sponge for more delicate areas, and a degreaser on the drivetrain. Using a chain scrubber is ideal to keep your chain in tip-top shape.
4. Rinse Again, but Keep It Gentle
Give your bike another gentle rinse to wash away the soap and loosened grime. Again, avoid high-pressure sprays near sensitive areas. I use a hand-held squirt bottle to hit tough spots with a targeted gentle blast.
5. Dry It Off
Use a clean towel to dry off the frame and components. Again, if you have a carbon frame, be careful not to scratch it. A little compressed air can help blow water out of hard-to-reach spots. Let the bike air dry completely before reinstalling the battery and display.
6. Lube It Up
MUY IMPORTANTE! Once everything is dry, apply chain lube to keep your drivetrain running smoothly. Look online or talk with your local bike shop to find a quality lube that fits your riding style. Wipe off any excess to avoid attracting dirt on your next ride.
Extra Tips for Keeping Your eMTB Clean
- Clean it after muddy rides! Don’t let mud dry and cake onto your components.
- Store it properly. A clean, dry space will help prevent rust and damage.
- Check for wear and tear. Cleaning is a great time to inspect your bike for any issues before they turn into expensive problems.
Wrapping Up
Cleaning your eMTB doesn’t have to be a chore. If I’m being honest, I have to say that I rather enjoy it. Being up close, cleaning my ride, lets me see all of the little imperfections that make my bike MINE. With a little TLC, your bike will stay in top shape, perform better, and last longer. Plus, there’s nothing quite like rolling up to the trailhead with a ride that looks (almost) brand new. Happy trails, and happy cleaning!
Do you have any cleaning tips that you would like to share? Send me an email, I’d love to hear about them!