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Reading time: 7 min | Category: Ownership
A fat tyre electric bike is more complex than a regular bike and less complex than a motorcycle. Maintained properly, a quality bike lasts years of regular use without major issues. Neglected, even a good bike develops problems that are more expensive to fix than they would have been to prevent.
The First 6 Months — What We Cover
Every fat tyre electric bike we sell comes with 6 months of free tweaks and adjustments. This is a genuine service offer that reflects the reality of how new bikes behave.
Cables stretch slightly after the first few weeks of riding, which can cause brake lever feel to change and gear indexing to drift. Brake pads bed in against rotors. Bolts settle under regular use. None of these are problems — they are normal for any new bike. Coming in for a quick check at 4 to 6 weeks of riding catches all of these early and costs you nothing in the first 6 months.
Monthly — What to Check Yourself
Tyre pressure
Fat tyres run at low pressure compared to standard bike tyres — typically 10 to 20 PSI depending on your weight and the terrain you ride. Check monthly. Under-inflated tyres roll less efficiently, drain the battery faster and increase the risk of pinch flats. Over-inflated tyres reduce the grip advantage that makes fat tyres valuable. A basic floor pump with a pressure gauge is all you need.
Visual check
Check the tyres for any obvious damage or embedded debris. Check brake pads are not worn down to the metal. Check nothing has come loose — particularly the battery connection if your bike has a removable battery.
Every 200-300km — Chain and Drivetrain
Chain cleaning and lubrication
A clean, lubricated chain is the single most impactful drivetrain maintenance task. A dirty chain accelerates wear on the sprocket and chainring — turning a cheap chain replacement into a more expensive drivetrain job. Clean the chain with a chain cleaner tool or rag and degreaser, let it dry, then apply chain lubricant and wipe off the excess. After wet rides, clean and lube the chain before the next ride.
Annually — Workshop Service
An annual service at our Richmond workshop covers: brake pad wear and hydraulic system condition, cable and housing condition, wheel bearing check, battery health check, motor and controller check, full bolt torque inspection. This catches things before they become problems. The cost is significantly less than the cost of the repairs that an unmaintained bike eventually needs.
Battery Care — The Most Important Long-Term Habit
Charge between 20-80% for daily use. Running to zero regularly and charging to 100% and leaving it there are both harder on lithium cells than partial charge cycles.
Store at 40-60% if not riding for an extended period. A battery stored fully charged or fully flat degrades faster. Charge to around 50% and store in a cool, dry place.
Use the supplied charger. The charger specified for your battery. A generic charger may not match precisely and affects battery health over time.
Never charge a cold battery. Let the battery come to room temperature before plugging in. Charging lithium cells below zero degrees damages them permanently.
What to Bring to the Workshop
Bring it in for: brake feel that does not improve with cable adjustment, any unusual motor noise or hesitation, battery that is not charging properly or showing unexpected range drop, any impact damage to the frame or motor area.
Frosty handles all servicing for the brands we stock at our Richmond workshop. We know the bikes, stock the common parts, and less common parts come quickly through our brand relationships.
Workshop services and pricing → | Complete buying guide → | Ask our team →
Last updated: July 2026 | 435A Bridge Rd, Richmond VIC 3121 | 03 9421 2293
Frequently Asked Questions
Monthly: tyre pressure check (fat tyres run 10 to 20 PSI — check with a gauge), visual check for tyre damage, worn brake pads and loose components. Every 200 to 300km: chain cleaning and lubrication. After wet rides: clean and lube the chain before the next ride. Annually: workshop service covering brake pads, cables, wheel bearings, battery health check, motor and controller check and full bolt torque inspection.
Charge between 20 and 80% for daily use — avoid running to zero regularly or leaving at 100% for extended periods. Store at 40 to 60% charge if not riding for more than a few weeks. Keep the battery in a cool, dry place — not a hot garage or car boot. Never charge a cold battery — let it come to room temperature first. Always use the supplied charger. These habits significantly extend battery life beyond the 3 to 5 year typical lifespan.
Every 200 to 300km of regular riding, and after every wet ride. A dirty chain accelerates wear on the sprocket and chainring — turning what would be a cheap chain replacement into a more expensive drivetrain job. Clean with a chain cleaner tool or rag and degreaser, let dry, apply chain lubricant and wipe off the excess. This is the single most impactful maintenance task for the drivetrain.
Any tweaks or adjustments in the first 6 months after purchase — cables stretching and needing re-tensioning, brake pads bedding in, gear indexing drifting, bolt settling under regular use. None of these are problems — they are normal for any new bike. Coming in at 4 to 6 weeks of riding catches all of these early and costs nothing. The 6 months of free adjustments is a genuine service offer, not a marketing line.
Yes. If we stock the brand and you need service in Melbourne, we will look after it. Frosty handles all servicing for the brands we carry at our Richmond workshop at 435A Bridge Rd, Richmond VIC 3121. We know the bikes, stock the common parts, and less common parts come quickly through our brand relationships. Book a service appointment through our website or call 03 9421 2293.
Typically 10 to 20 PSI depending on rider weight and the terrain you ride. Under-inflated tyres roll less efficiently, drain the battery faster and increase the risk of pinch flats. Over-inflated tyres reduce the grip advantage that makes fat tyres valuable on varied surfaces. Check monthly with a floor pump that has a pressure gauge. Your bike's manual gives the specific recommended range for your model.
