When e-bike fails on the trail
Posted by Visual-Slip-4750@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 42 comments
Couldn’t find the way to ask this site before posting so I hope this is not repetitive. My bike is ready for springtime riding. Had a few3mile runs to check that all is OK. Got to wondering what can I do if my bike fails mechanically. How do you tow? I bike with others but they have regular bikes so for them to tow me is a lot of work. Assume I cannot pedal the bike with no power. Any thoughts are welcomed
Rogue_Wraith@reddit
If you cannot pedal the bike without power...you don't have an ebike.
You have a motorcycle.
That not withstanding, bring the tools you need to effect repairs with you. This should be easier on an eBike, since weight is less of a factor.
Things like quick links and an air pump turn trip-ending problems into minor annoyances.
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
Even a 150lb ebike with a 750W motor that is too heavy to pedal without assist is not a motorcycle.
We have standard definitions already. Redefining terms for your own amusement isn't helpful.
TheVoiceOfEurope@reddit
Yes, yes it is.
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
A 1 HP motorcycle? Stop being absurd. It's not even a moped.
The more accurate description is an escooter with a seat and pretend pedals.
Fair-Discipline-1005@reddit
Agree...👍
fier9224@reddit
Did you know that if you don’t have anything to contribute but agree, there’s actually a button for that? It’s the upvote.
trevor_plantaginous@reddit
If it's a mid drive thats not really always the case. Ironically mid drives are much better for hills and MTB'ing in general. But if a mid drive fails it will often prevent you from pedaling at all.
Rogue_Wraith@reddit
I have a middrive and, short of jamming something in the motor, cannot come up with a scenario where that would be the case.
I regularly ride mine with the motor off.
Dramatic_Bluebird595@reddit
Umm... Chain snaps and you don't have a quick link?
Rogue_Wraith@reddit
That's not the motor failing, and quick links were literally one of the specific things I suggested carrying.
BoringBob84@reddit
All good points! I was very deliberate in building my ebike to keep the weight low, the tires of standard size, and the gearing low so that I could pedal it a reasonable distance without the motor. I have had a few opportunities to test this!
I also have a carefully thought-out set of tools. I have wrenches (multi-tool) for almost every fastener, a spare tube, a quick link, new brake pads, lubricant, a tire pump and patches, and materials and tools for temporary repairs (e.g., zip ties, wire, tape, knife, pliers, etc.). All of this fits in a compact bag under the saddle and weighs less than 1 kg.
Odd-Lime-2738@reddit
Nice. Just want to suggest adding a Kevlar spoke. Takes up almost no room, but when you need it, you really need it.
BoringBob84@reddit
Ooooo - sweet idea. Thanks! 👍😊
Latter-Ad-1523@reddit
Fyi future readers: Don't listen to this bro about this emoto propadanda.
TheVoiceOfEurope@reddit
You repair it.
Quicklink, chain splitter, set of allen keys, spare tire, patch kit, pump, leatherman,...It all depends how far from home you plan to ride: weight vs "how far do I want to push this bike".
Visual-Slip-4750@reddit (OP)
Thanks. Got the tools, spare tube. Just ordered an inexpensive tow rope. Think we’ll do ok.
Danube11424@reddit
some trails prohibit e-bikes on trails due to damage.
Repulsive_Aside_4122@reddit
You either pedal or push.
TopRepulsive4766@reddit
Most ebikes you can pedal if you lose power. Some are not all that easy to pedal however. You might get a decent workout though.
JuniorKey9708@reddit
I once broke the hub on my bike while climbing. It was miles and miles back to the car. At least it was all downhill. I got really lucky, it would have easily been hours hiking to get to where someone could pick me up.
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
Bring a toolkit that addresses the most common forms of failure. Rehearse the process of making repairs at home.
If you have a failure that you cannot address on the trail, have someone ride back and return with a vehicle with a rack to transport home.
If this option is not available, plan loop routes that keep your maximum distance from home to a distance that can be walked.
Odd-Lime-2738@reddit
Pedal, scoot or push. Worst case, you carry. Same as on an acoustic.
Realistically, most repairs short of a major breakage can be made on the trail well enough to get you somewhere else.
Visual-Slip-4750@reddit (OP)
Thanks everyone. I can fix a flat on a trip. I have a bike tool kit and extra slim for new tubes. What I just ordered is an inexpensive tow rope which is I think is a good idea. And yes I plan a few more shake down cruises . Be safe and pray for America we are not in a safe place and the USA willnever be the same.
o_Divine_o@reddit
You should always bring tools to fix the bike, tire spoons, zip ties, extra chain, extra tube, tire patches (the sticker type), air pump or co2 to fill the tube, little bag of dawn soap (makes tire changes easy), and first aid stuff..
You should have everything that can get you back up and running, unless the damage is catastrophic, like you snapped the weld joints or bent a rim in half.
You can ride an electric bike without power. However weight and if it's a fat tire can make it feel like you're riding through molasses. If you can help it, never buy a fat tire ebike. Fat tire is for beaches and bikes too cheap for a full suspension, not an ideal solution for a suspension replacement, just makes it softer during bumps. However due to the contact patch you end up feeling more bumps than a thin tire.
Now, towing, you want a rope. Once you've stapped the rope around the handle bar neck and their seat post, wrap a frew sticks around that rope so that slack doesn't get tangled up in anything. You want break points so it can still flex and turn easily, just not a lot of slop.
I don't do the stick thing but would for someone I don't think can manage this tow like I would.
AlternativeResort477@reddit
When I was new to long analog bike rides I once got a flat 5 miles from home. Without a patch kit I got to walk it five miles home. Now I keep a patch kit and small pump.
chrispark70@reddit
There is no such thing as an analog bike.
Spiritual-Chameleon@reddit
Similar story. I was on a paved trail, but more than a mile and a half from an exit point / nearest street. I had to push my bike and call a taxi (pre-uber, I may have even used a payphone) to get back to the trailhead start point
chrispark70@reddit
Kick. Kick. Kick. Keep your bicycle in good working condition.
Mindless-Concept8010@reddit
Hub motor or mid-drive? Hub motor, pedal home. Mid-drive? Call AAA.
BassesNBikes@reddit
Or get out your quick link.
Gold_Area5109@reddit
You should be able to cut power and still pedal... it'll suck but you can do it.
Assuming the mid-drive isn't physically fucked too bad anyway.
CraziFuzzy@reddit
why do you think you can't pedal it? Isn't that why it has pedals?
haikusbot@reddit
Why do you think you
Can't pedal it? Isn't that
Why it has pedals?
- CraziFuzzy
^(I detect haikus. And sometimes, successfully.) ^Learn more about me.
^(Opt out of replies: "haikusbot opt out" | Delete my comment: "haikusbot delete")
CraziFuzzy@reddit
haikusbot delete
CraziFuzzy@reddit
haikusbot opt out
thetonk@reddit
Speaking for DIY mid drive Bafang (possibly all). Other than my motor seizing up, the chain snapping, or completely destroying the derailleur, it rides like a loaded mtb. Actually, even with the chain snapping or derailleur failing, you can still fix it enough to pedal home. If not, hike a bike if you are alone. Towed with friends.
SnuffyMcfluff@reddit
If your bike fails mechanically (shifters, chain, derailer etc) You fix it. If it fails electronically (motor, speed sensor, control panel) you pedal it. It will be a heavy bike, but it will still be a bike.
RMG-OG-CB@reddit
You can for sure pedal with no power - or you don't have an ebike... that is what we do if we have an issue!
Aww8@reddit
You walk it to the nearest Trailhead then you call a friend.
Gumlog@reddit
There's a search box at the top of the screen.
What you do is either pedal, push, or carry the ebike depending on the bike and what exactly has failed.
Physical_Click9769@reddit
Ive wondered the same, if im far and can't walk home before dark i plan on at least walking to a public area and locking it up somewhere, Uber home to pick up my car. If im in the middle of nowhere..well.. thats the risk/adventure part I guess 😬
nomadrone@reddit
You push