1604. That’s how many miles were on my ebike when we put our ebikes away last Fall. We bought our ebikes in July 2021, so those 1604 miles were ridden over the course of about a year and a half. However, Dan and I are not hardy. We don’t ride at all during the winter months. Once it gets cold, we’re done, and we put our ebikes away.
Putting our ebikes away means taking off the lithium batteries and storing them in the basement. The ebikes stay in the garage, but the very cold temperatures are not good for the batteries. This is the only time we take the batteries off of our ebikes.
When we put our ebikes away, we made a mental note to get them serviced before we began riding in the spring. So, in early March, we took our ebikes to the Bike Stop Cafe for a refresh. My brakes had gotten quite “loose”, and we’d been having another issue which was driving us crazy.
Whenever we’d go to charge our ebikes, it was a very tenuous process. The procedure is to plug the battery charger into the wall outlet, and then plug the other end of the charger into the port on the battery. The light on the battery starts as red, but once the battery is fully charged, the light will change to green.
The issue is we couldn’t get the light on the charger to be red. We could tell from looking at the ebike’s display, that the battery needed charging. And we knew from working with the ebike company, that the batteries were still good – and able to be charged. The company even sent us two new battery chargers.
Still we had issues. We tried cleaning the port and the connector. We’d twist and turn the cord, and then after 25 tries or so, we’d get that coveted red light, and then we’d back away slowly. Carefully. Maybe not even breathing as we didn’t want to do anything to disturb our accomplishment – which became harder and harder to achieve.
So, when we took the ebikes in, we described our issues and asked for an exorcism. Whatever the cost, we were willing to pay.
Which was good since our bill ended up being $333.60 (half of 666!) when we picked up our bikes.
Now, you’re probably gasping, but let me explain what all was done.
Each ebike received a “bike tune up” which was $80 per bike. This seems to be a reasonable annual cost to maintain an ebike. On my ebike, the brakes had gotten really loose. In addition to whatever was done to get the brakes in top condition again (kind of a critical requirement), my brake cable needed to be replaced.
Apparently when my ebike was assembled, the brake cord used was not long enough. This was mentioned to me previously when I had my ebike looked at because the chain had got stuck when I was shifting. That story is in another blog post, so if you want to read about it, click here.
In any case, I got a new cable which cost $23.60. Not bad.
The last $150 of the bill was due to the exorcism. They didn’t have to call in a priest (probably would have been cheaper), but they did have to call in an electrician. The issue was the port had corroded and had rust on it, thus making the connection with the battery charger a crap shoot. Although, my guess is you’d have better odds in Vegas.
Now, the port does have a little rubber cap which is supposed to go over its opening. And that little sucker had a mind of its own. On both our ebikes, that little cap would not stay on. Every time we’d put it on, and the moment we turned around, it would pop off. Almost like it had eyes.
We’d tried using a little strip of gray, duct tape but somehow we didn’t stick with that plan. We just accepted that the little cap wanted to hang its head out and flap in the wind. Just like a dog does out the car window. You just can’t fight it!
So the priest, I mean the electrician, did something so the battery connections which would it make reliable every time, and those rebellious caps were sent packing and new, submissive ones were put in their place. So there!
The man at the Bike Stop Cafe also mentioned that these connections can also corrode more quickly in the South – due to the humidity and the salt in the air. And here, we thought we were just having fun when we rode miles and miles at Gulf State Park.
In any case, we and our ebikes are back in business thanks to the Bike Stop Cafe. We’ve taken our first ride of the year, and now the display on my ebike says 1614 miles.
Yes, getting our ebikes ready for 2023 did cost $333.60, but you know what? It was worth every penny. Amen.
Chambers on the Road 
Although I’m not a biking enthusiast, I loved reading this post, Betty. As with all of your posts, your tongue in cheek and mischievous brand of humor had me smiling or sometimes chuckling to myself as I read this piece. I’m happy your e-bikes are roadworthy again and I look forward to reading about your upcoming adventures!
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Thank you, Terry! I am glad the post had you smiling and chuckling. We were just so happy when that charging issue got fixed! Hope you have a great Friday!
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Hello Betty. New to your blog. Do you guys have any articles on your site about transporting the E bikes while camping. I noticed on the Friday funny picture that it looks like one bike was sitting across the dinette. How do you secure it? How do you keep it from scratching other things in the camper? And what do you do with the other bike?
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Hi Stephanie! Welcome to the blog. We bring both our bikes into the camper. We have a jack knife sofa (because we have a Murphy Bed), so we flatten the sofa for one bike. The other bike we put on the dinette. We put a vinyl tablecloth over the sofa/dinette. We put an old pillow under the pedal, so it doesn’t smash into the couch/dinette cushions. We also have a large mat that we lay on top of the dinette cushions, too; although, we just started doing this. It was a gift – this is a good way to transport it, and it protects the dinette cushions more. When we travel, if we stop for one night, we don’t take the bikes out. We just stand the one on the sofa up, and scoot around it. It sounds like a lot when I type it out, but it isn’t. This works just fine for us. There are lots of ways to transport bikes, but this is how we do it. I do have a blog post where I show a picture of this, and I’ll put that link here. Also, on the heading of my blog, I have an “ebike” section. There’s a number of articles there. Let me know if you have other questions, and if I can answer, I am happy to do so. I love talking about biking and camping! Here’s the link: https://chambersontheroad.com/2021/08/01/where-exercise-meets-fun/
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Thanks Betty for the quick reply. The Pictures in your linked article were a great help. We do have a swag man bike rack on the back. But we do feel that it causes some sway even though it’s a RV rated bike rack. We’re wondering if there was a better solution. We have a Ford F150 shortbed (not long enough to put bikes in upright) and a Rockwood mini lite with a Murphy bed (like you) 2507S model. And as we get older we’re trying to get away from lifting up a 65 pound bike every time it was transported either on the truck or the camper.
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I understand! Our ebikes weigh 60 pounds. We kind of roll it up the steps. Good luck, and have fun camping and bike riding!
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This is a good reminder that e-bikes need to be maintained. That’s $333 well spent!
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I totally agree! The good thing was our tires were still in good condition. Hope you are enjoying your new ebikes!
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I know you are glad to get your e-bikes ready for the season and especially resolving that charging issue. I know that is a small price to pay for all the pleasure you will have riding them. And, I too, do not ride in the cold.
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You are right! We were sooo frustrated with the charging issue. I researched online and couldn’t find any info to help us. We do get a ton of fun out of riding those bikes, so I totally agree it was worth it. Have a great Friday, David!
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Thanks and you too, Betty!
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Interesting. I have never ridden an e-bike before (or really any bike for years). I might give it a try one of these days!
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We rented ebikes a couple of times before we purchased them – once in Hawaii on our own, and once as part of a tour of Garden of the Gods in Colorado. That’s how we knew we would love them! Enjoy your day!
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Cheaper than many hobbies, better for you, and more fodder for the Friday Funnies!
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You are exactly right! Those two ebikes have provided hours and hours of entertainment, exploration and exercise, and hopefully will continue to do so for years. In my book, it’s an excellent value. Riding my ebike is a joy in my life, and if I can get a Friday Funny out of it – all the better! Have a great Friday!
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Oh, Betty, you crack me up. I know how much you enjoy your bikes, so I’m glad you got them fixed. Calling in an electrician is like calling in a surgeon – all part of the exorcism, I guess. Have a wonderful weekend!
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Thank you! The bike shop had to schedule the electrician, so we ended up leaving our bikes there for a couple of weeks. It was worth the wait, and I’m glad we brought them in early in March. It’s just now getting warm enough to ride. I hope you have a wonderful weekend, too!
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With your bikes in top condition, you will be ready to make the most of every spring day — whether you are having an adventure with your RV or enjoying some time at home. Stay safe!
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Thank you! You hit the nail on the head! We are so looking forward to Spring – riding our ebikes and traveling in our travel trailer – God willing! Hope you have a great day!
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It was worth that money to know your bikes are in top notch shape for the new season! My ebike (made by Raleigh) has also had a few minor issues. The odometer keeps track of both the total miles ridden, plus the miles on the current trip, which you can reset back to zero each time (if you remember). Lately I would KNOW that I reset the odometer back to zero after a ride, but when I turned it back on for the next bike ride, it would say 13.3 miles. WHAT? Not a huge problem, I just reset it back to zero again (if I notice and remember). And there was a taillight on the back that was connected to the battery, so if the battery was on, the light was on. Somehow it broke off. I have no plans to ride my bike in the dark, but it was still annoying. After doing some research, I found that Raleigh does not distribute any ebikes in the United States any more and so I would not be able to find a replacement part. Instead I found a different light that you can charge and strap on as needed. I always take my battery off after every use and bring it in the house. I look forward to reading about more if your upcoming bike/camping adventures!
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I think with most things there can be minor issues. Now that you mention the taillight, both our taillights came off, too. And it sounds like ours works just like yours did. We usually don’t ride at night, but we sometimes do when we are in Pentwater. So, we need to get those fixed and/or look into a light to wear like you got. Thanks for the reminder and the idea! I do wonder why you bring the battery in after every use. Our batteries lock into our bikes, and it is a wrestling match to get them off. 🙂 We do have some really good camping with biking trips planned this year. Some new places, so I am really looking forward to this year. I always say “God Willing” because I don’t take such things for granted. Thanks for your comment, and I hope you have a great Friday!
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At home it can be pretty hot in the garage or shed where my ebike would be during the summer which is not good for the battery. While we are in AZ, the bike is sitting outside so I think it is less temping for someone to steal it if the battery is not in plain site. It is generally safe where we are inside an RV resort with a gate, but I heard that someone had their bikes stolen. Yes, I have to wrestle with the battery to get it off. You might be able to get a replacement tail light for your bike assuming that brand is still selling ebikes. What brand are yours?
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I think you are right about the ebike being less tempting to steal without the bike! We bought our ebikes at a little bike place in Michigan. The ebikes are from Stone Mountain Bike Company. We still have the taillights; we just have to figure out how to keep them from falling off. Or as you mention, order new ones. I always hesitate though because I think new ones might do the same thing.
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$333 sounds like a lot, but your peace of mind in having a tuned up E-bike is worth it!
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Hi David. $333 is a lot of money. No doubt! But I know we bought more than peace of mind. Now, the brakes and charging work perfectly – which is needed, of course. As you know, I am a very frugal person. But what we spend on those ebikes is of great value to us – in so many ways. Thanks for reading and your comment, and I hope you have a great Sunday!
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Oh yes. The Southern humidity can consume and ruin just about everything in time. I’m glad your bikes are up and ready to run so you can share adventures with us!
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Thank you! Our summers can be pretty humid here, too. Thanks for reading, and enjoy your day tomorrow!
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Excited to see where you get to ride your bikes this year.
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We’ve got some fun stuff planned – God willing. Thanks for being our cheerleader!
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I am so impressed with that many miles on your ebike! And now you are ready for more miles and fun!!! 🙂
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Those ebikes are so fun to ride. We usually ride at least 10 miles. Otherwise, I tell Dan, “I don’t feel like I did anything.” Thanks for your comment, and I hope you have a great rest of the week!
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