How to check your e-bike chain (in 30 seconds)
Most e-bike owners only think about the chain when it skips or breaks. By then, the damage is already in the cassette teeth — and a chain replacement turns into a drivetrain replacement.
The 30-second wear check
You only need one tool: a chain wear indicator (about €8). Drop it onto the chain. If the "0.75" prong sits in, replace the chain. If the "1.0" prong sits in, you probably need a new cassette too.
Why e-bikes wear chains faster
Mid-drive and high-torque hub motors put 80-90 Nm through the same chain that's designed for a 200-watt rider. On a Bycycle City U at full assist, the chain sees roughly 3-4× the load of an unassisted bike.
- Check chain every 500 km on an e-bike (vs. 1,500 km on a regular bike)
- Replace at 0.75% elongation, not 1.0%
- Use a wax-based lube — it picks up less grit than wet lube
What to do if your chain is past 1.0%
Don't just swap the chain. A new chain on a worn cassette will skip under load — especially on hills with motor assist. Replace both together. On the City U, that's a 30-minute job in our Copenhagen workshop, covered free during the warranty period.
Tools you'll need
- Chain wear indicator
- Chain tool or quick-link pliers
- Cassette removal tool (if replacing both)
