5 Common Problems With Giant E-Bikes (Do This Before…)


giant e-bike problems

Do you know what Giant E-bike problems are? Well, you are at the perfect place to find the answer to such a question.

When it comes to e-bikes, the cycling behemoth Giant is a leader, not a chaser. But even still, your Giant e-bike may give you trouble now and again.

Whether it’s your first week on the road or your one hundredth, these four common problems with Giant e-bikes can perplex and confound. But never fear. We’ll help you understand what’s wrong with your bike and what to do about it.

Here are 5 common problems with Giant E-bike:

  1. RideControl Problems
  2. RideControl Won’t Turn Off
  3. RideControl Won’t Turn On
  4. Problems With Bike Chains
  5. Keeping Your Battery’s Charge

1. RideControl Problems

The RideControl is the command center mounted on the handlebars. Depending on which model you own, it’s either the small mounted controller on the left handlebar or the console that tells you your battery levels, speed, and distance in the center.

Read also >> 8 Common Problems With Electric Bikes (Do This Before…)

Read also >> 3 Common Problems With iGO Electric Bikes (Do This Before…)

2. RideControl Won’t Turn Off

The most common problem Giant e-bike cyclists come across has to do with the RideControl not turning off.

Even if you power it down, it turns itself right back on a few seconds later. This can drain your battery, which makes it challenging to ration energy on longer rides.

Even though Giant e-bikes are water- and mud-proof, moisture can still accumulate in the connector. This moisture is often the culprit of your RideControl not turning off.

The best thing to do would be to detach all the electronics and let everything dry out for a few hours. You can speed up the process somewhat with a pressurized air canister, but fair warning, this adds an extra layer of risk and isn’t recommended.

Definitely do not use a hair dryer, as it could melt important components and cause irreversible damage.

If your bike still won’t turn off after having dried out, a local bike store or Giant retailer would be able to take a closer look.

3. RideControl Won’t Turn On

But what if you have the opposite problem? The RideControl won’t turn on, effectively turning your zippy e-bike into a large, expensive cruiser with no pedaling assistance to get you up those steep hills.

The good news is that there is a solution. The bad news is that it is probably an issue with the battery that you won’t be able to fix on your own.

Some cyclists reported that this problem was fixed when their battery’s firmware was updated. A process that required them to ship their battery back to Giant itself.

Alternatively, it may be that the connection between the battery and the bike is faulty.

You can start by inspecting the bike to see that the battery is charging correctly. However, if charging isn’t the problem, because of the risks involved in working with batteries, both to yourself and to your bike, you’ll have better results if you just leave this one to the professionals. 

You’ll want to visit your local Giant retailer to have them take a closer look.

4. Problems With Bike Chains

Just because you have a battery and pedaling assistance doesn’t mean you aren’t still riding a bike. Yup! That means bike chains will continue to fall off, stiffen up, skip gears, and all the rest.

Good maintenance is the best solution to issues with your chain. Keeping the chain clean and lubricated will avoid the worst of it. 

If you’re having difficulty changing gears, give it a good wash and lubricate. Because e-bikes put more torque on the chain and run for longer, it’s recommended that you use an all-season chain lube.

There are chain lube products explicitly marketed for e-bikes, and these will work fine. Still, if you’re noticing a significant price difference or already have lube for your non-electric bikes, there’s no need to use the specialized version. The parts are the same as on a regular bicycle, so it won’t make much of a difference.

Another thing to look out for is regular old wear and tear. As your bike gets older, the chainrings can start to dull. If the chain begins skipping as you ride, this is something to look for. You may need to replace old parts to keep your ride smooth.

5. Keeping Your Battery’s Charge

Giant’s EnergyPak batteries are prime examples of just how far electrical engineering has come. Both water- and mud-proof, these tanks can keep you powered for many miles.

Without proper upkeep, your battery’s max capacity can start to lower. Sure, you can just replace it with a new battery, but a replacement costs hundreds of dollars. Instead, you’re better off putting a little effort into keeping the one you have in good shape for as long as you can.

Battery problems mostly come from improper storage. If you don’t plan on using your e-bike for longer than a month, you’ll want to keep the battery at 60% of its charge disconnected from the bike and out of the cold. 

So, if winter is coming and you don’t plan on riding until spring, charge the battery until three of the five charging lights are on and pull the battery out of the bike to bring it inside.

The bike itself can stay in your garage if you like, but the battery will lose capacity if left out in the cold.

Once a month, you should check the charge of the battery to ensure it isn’t sitting depleted for long periods of time.

Try to keep it around 60% and charge it at least once every three months, regardless of its percentage.

Summary

E-bikes are breathing new life into the cycling world. Whether you’re a commuter or a leisure cyclist, you can rest assured that Giant’s e-bikes will give you the quality you want. 

Now that you’re familiar with the types of problems you can expect with these models, you can plan ahead. Good maintenance and a little know-how will go a long way in ensuring you’re cruising smoothly for years to come.

Just remember that Giant has a good reputation for its customer service. So if you’re ever having issues, know that a quick stop at your local bike store or Giant retailer will get you back on the road in no time.

References

https://www.ebicycles.com/brand/giant-electric-bikes-review/

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/global/campaigns/what-parts-need-service-and-how-often/22941

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John Muranko

John is Founder and Senior Bike Editor at ProBikeCorner. John is a bike and travel addict who has cycled through 17+ countries and doesn't really have any plans of stopping. He´s passionate about helping others by creating technical resources, in-depth reviews and more…

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