What's worse than having your favorite route covered in grit and grime after a big storm?

Your electric bike getting soiled!

Basic maintenance between professional service intervals is always a smart idea, but as the seasons change and the weather gets nastier, these little acts of TLC become increasingly important.

Here are some tips:

• Remove your battery pack before performing any maintenance. Hold down the power button on your display once you've taken the battery out to remove any stored electricity. Using this method will prevent you from accidentally activating your bike while servicing it or otherwise interfering with the electrical system.
• Between professional maintenance periods, you don't need much fancy equipment to keep your bike in good condition. Get some lubricant, a rag, a chain-wear indicator, and tweezers or a flathead screwdriver to pick out crud and debris.
• Make sure your tires are in good shape by checking them regularly. You should inspect them for any shrapnel you may have picked up while riding. Remove anything embedded in them. Depending on how much of the object you removed, the tire may still be usable, although if the threads or casing are visible, it will need to be replaced.
• When the tread wears down, it becomes harder to maintain a grip on the road, especially in wet conditions. If you are able to see through the outer material or catch a glimpse of the casing, it's time to replace your tire.
• Clean the stanchions (AKA: the two tubes on the side) of your electric bike if it has a front suspension fork. If they're covered in grit, you'll get dirt inside the piston when the fork presses against them when you hit a bump. Your suspension will last less if it's covered in grit.
• Ensure your chain and derailleur are properly cleaned and lubricated.
• Chain wear is normal, and a chain-wear indicator can show you how your chain is doing. To avoid damaging other parts of your bike, replace your chain if it shows more than 0.75% wear.
• Keep the hinges of your electric bike clean. You can lube the pivot points by spraying a little lube in them, closing and opening them a few times, and wiping away the excess lube with a rag.