Electric Bike Revolution: Installing Rear Wheels Easily

Installing a rear electric bike wheel can be a little more difficult than installing a front wheel, but it's still a straightforward process. It's helpful to have a partner to provide an extra set of hands. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about removing and installing a rear electric bike wheel, including how to check that your rotor is in the right place, reconnect the motor cable, and test that the wheel is stable and the electric drive is working properly.

Removing the rear wheel

First, unfasten the quick-release lever and pull the wheel out. If your bike doesn't have a quick-release lever, you may need to use an Allen wrench to remove the wheel. Once the wheel is out, lift your rear derailleur and hook the chain back onto the freewheel. Check that your rotor is in the correct position as you do this. Now is also a good time to check your anti-turn washers are sitting inside the frame.

If you're removing the wheel to service it, you may want to flip the bike upside down so gravity can assist you. A bike stand can also make this process easier. Use a 10mm wrench to rotate the axle around.

Be careful when removing the motor cable. E-bike cables are sometimes tightly connected, so don't pull hard to avoid damaging the interface or the cable itself.

Reconnecting the motor cable

To reconnect the motor cable, first, make sure the arrows on the motor cable line up. Then, reinsert the plug. You can then install a new zip tie to secure the motor cable to the frame.

If the cable is difficult to remove, do not pull it hard to avoid damaging the interface or the cable itself. It is recommended to flip the bike upside down and use gravity to assist with the process. A bike stand can also make this part much easier. A 10mm wrench is critical to accomplishing this task. The rear axle has flat sides on either side and the 10mm wrench will slot onto that to rotate the axle around.

Checking the anti-turn washers

When installing a rear electric bike wheel, it's important to check the anti-turn washers. To do this, first, lift your rear derailleur and hook the chain back onto the freewheel. Check that the rotor is in the correct position as you move things into place. Then, check that the anti-turn washers are sitting inside the frame.

It's important to ensure that the anti-turn washers are in the correct position to prevent the wheel from turning in the wrong direction. This could cause damage to the bike and potentially cause an accident.

To check the anti-turn washers, you may need to lift the rear wheel and turn it gently to ensure the wheel spins smoothly and without friction. This will help you identify any issues with the washers.

If you encounter any problems, it's recommended to consult a professional or seek guidance from a reputable source.

Testing the brakes

Once you have installed the rear wheel of your electric bike, it is important to test the brakes to ensure they are working properly. Here are some steps to follow:

• Reconnect the battery and power on the e-bike.
• Lift the rear wheel and turn it gently to ensure the wheel spins smoothly and without friction. This step is crucial to verify that the wheel is properly aligned and functioning optimally.
• Test the brakes by applying pressure to the brake levers and observing the response. Ensure that the brakes engage effectively and bring the wheel to a controlled stop.
• Take a short test ride to confirm that the rear wheel remains stable and the electric drive functions as expected. Pay close attention to any unusual noises or vibrations during this ride, as they may indicate an issue with the installation.
• If you encounter any problems, such as a difficult-to-remove cable, exercise caution. Avoid pulling the cable forcefully to prevent potential damage to the interface or the cable itself.
• If your bike has a rear derailleur, remember to lift it and hook the chain back onto the freewheel. Check that the rotor is in the correct position as you move the components into place.
• Additionally, inspect the anti-turn washers to ensure they are sitting inside the frame as intended.

By following these steps, you can confidently test the brakes and ensure the safety and functionality of your electric bike after installing the rear wheel.

Flipping the bike upside down

Before flipping the bike upside down, you should have unfastened the quick-release lever and pulled the wheel out. You should also have lifted your rear derailleur and hooked the chain back onto the freewheel. Check that your rotor is in the right place as you move things into position. Now is also a good time to check on the anti-turn washers and make sure they are sitting inside the frame.

Frequently asked questions