Tools
What the repair guides call for, what each is for, and which guides use it.
- Axle nut wrenchToolMany hub motor e-bikes hold the wheel with axle nuts instead of a quick release. You need a wrench of the size your maker states, and a torque wrench to refit them.
- Bike degreaserToolBike degreaser strips old oil and grit from the chain and cogs. Finish Line Citrus Degreaser lists at $17.00 at REI and Park Tool CB-4 at $19.95 on Park Tool's store.
- Bike greaseToolBike grease protects threads and bearings from seizing and creaking. Park Tool's PPL-1 PolyLube 1000 4 oz tube lists at $10.95 on Park Tool's store.
- Bike repair standToolA repair stand holds the bike off the ground while you work. E-bikes are heavy, so check the stand's weight rating first.
- Bottom bracket toolToolA bottom bracket tool removes and fits threaded bottom brackets. Match it to your cups by notch count and size; Park Tool's BBT-69.4 lists at $29.95 at REI.
- Brake bleed kitToolA brake bleed kit lets you push fresh fluid through a hydraulic brake to remove air. It must match your brake's fluid type.
- Brake pad spreaderToolA pad spreader pushes hydraulic brake pistons back into the caliper so new pads fit over the rotor.
- Cable cuttersToolCable cutters cut brake and shift cables and housing cleanly without crushing them.
- Cassette lockring toolToolA cassette lockring tool removes and installs the ring that holds a cassette on the rear hub.
- Chain checkerToolA chain checker shows how far your chain has stretched so you can replace it before it wears out the cassette and chainring.
- Chain lubeToolChain lube keeps an e-bike chain quiet and slows wear. Pick dry lube for dusty rides and wet lube for rain; Finish Line's 4 oz bottles list at $12.00 at REI.
- Chain toolToolA chain tool pushes chain pins in and out so you can shorten, remove or install a chain.
- Cleaning brushesToolA few bike brushes make washing and drivetrain cleaning faster and gentler. Park Tool's four piece BCB-4.2 set lists at $25.95 on Park Tool's store.
- Crank pullerToolA crank puller removes crank arms from the spindle. Pick one for your crank bolt size; Park Tool's CCP-22 fits square taper, PowerSpline and Bosch BNI cranks.
- Floor pump with gaugeToolA floor pump with a gauge lets you set tire pressure to the range printed on your tire.
- Hex keysToolWhat hex keys are, which ones an e-bike or scooter owner needs, and how to use them without damaging bolts.
- MultimeterToolA multimeter reads voltage and other electrical values. On Pedalwise it's only for a charger check your maker's guide describes, and never for battery packs.
- Pedal wrenchToolA pedal wrench is a long, thin 15 mm wrench for pedal flats. Park Tool's PW-5 lists at $27.95 on Park Tool's own store.
- Spoke wrenchToolA spoke wrench turns spoke nipples to true a wheel or adjust spoke tension.
- ThreadlockerToolThreadlocker is a liquid that keeps bolts from shaking loose. Use medium strength blue where a part must come apart again; Park Tool's 10 ml bottle lists at $19.95.
- Tire leversToolTire levers help lift a tire bead off the rim without damaging the tire or tube.
- Tire pressure gaugeToolA tire pressure gauge reads the air in your tires so you can set them to the maker's number. Pick one that fits your valve type.
- Torque wrenchToolA torque wrench lets you tighten bolts to the value the maker specifies, so parts neither loosen nor get damaged.
- Torx keysToolTorx keys fit the star shaped bolts on rotors, brakes, stems and some seat clamps. Park Tool's TWS-2 fold-up set lists at $29.95 on Park Tool's store.
- Zip tiesToolZip ties hold e-bike cables clear of moving parts. Keep spares and flush-cutting side cutters on hand, since most electrical part swaps end with new ties.
Guides ask for these, but they have no page yet
- Flat side cutters
- Tire
- Clean rags
- Flashlight
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Needle-nose pliers
- Phillips screwdriver
- 8 mm wrench
- Flathead screwdriver
- Small flat screwdriver
- 14 mm socket wrench (some Xiaomi models)
- 5mm wrench
- Chain scrubber (optional)
- Clean rag
- Crimping tool
- Derailleur hanger alignment gauge (optional)
- Digital pressure gauge (optional)
- Flat head screwdriver
- Flush cutters
- Flush cutters (for zip ties)
- Flush cutters (only if you need to snip zip ties)
- Master link pliers
- Measuring caliper
- Nitrile gloves
- Open-end wrench (18 mm on many models, check yours)
- Open-end wrench (7mm)
- Pad spreader
- Paper towels
- Patch kit
- Phillips and flat screwdrivers
- Phone camera (to photo each plug before unplugging)
- Pick or awl
- Rotor truing fork
- Ruler
- Safety glasses
- Screwdriver (to fit the limit screws)
- Screwdriver (to fit the magnet screw)
- Sealant injector (optional)
- Shock pump
- Smartphone with the maker's official app
Need a pro?
If these steps didn't fix it, find a shop near you in our partner network of shops that work on electric rides.