Clean and lube an e-bike chain, step by step

Park Tool says to check wear with a chain wear indicator before you clean. A chain worn past its service life should be replaced, not cleaned (Park Tool). See check and replace a chain.

Bosch says to remove the battery and, if you can, the display before washing, and to cover a display or remote that can't come off (Bosch).

A repair stand keeps the chain level. Without one, lean the bike on something stable where you can still pedal backward to reach the whole chain. Park Tool suggests gloves, an apron and cardboard under the bike (Park Tool).

Shift to the smallest rear cog, and the smallest chainring if you have more than one (Park Tool).

Use a bicycle degreaser. With a chain scrubber, seat the chain in the brushes, fill to the line and pedal backward at least thirty turns. Without one, dip a stiff brush in degreaser and scrub the chain by hand (Park Tool).

Park Tool rinses the chain with soapy water in the scrubber (Park Tool). Keep it gentle. Bosch rules out high-pressure and steam cleaners, because water can be forced into the motor, hub and frame bearings (Bosch).

While the chain is clean, wipe down the chainrings, rear cogs and derailleur pulleys (Park Tool).

Run the chain through a clean, dry rag, then let it air dry. Lube only once it is dry (Park Tool).

Use a chain lube and put a small drop on each rivet (Park Tool). Bosch says to apply it where the chain runs freely, not at the front or rear sprockets, and to keep lube off the disc brakes (Bosch). iFixit suggests a light or wax lube for dry weather and a heavier lube for wet weather (iFixit).

iFixit suggests letting the lube soak in for a few hours (iFixit). Then wipe the outside of the chain with a clean, dry rag so it doesn't collect dirt (Park Tool, Bosch).