E-Bike Motor Noises: What's Normal

In plain English

Most e-bike motors make some noise, and geared hub motors are noisier than direct-drive ones. What matters is a change in the noise. A click once per wheel turn usually means something is touching the wheel (a cable tie, the motor cable, a bent rotor). Grinding, crunching or a new rattle points to worn parts inside, which is a shop job.

Work from the top. Steps go from free and easy to shop jobs. Switch the bike off before touching any connector. Tick each step as you go. Your progress is saved on this device.

1. 1Compare to how it used to soundFree A new or changed noise matters more than the noise itself. Note when it happens: under power, coasting, or all the time.
2. 2Spin the wheel and watchFree Lift the wheel and spin it slowly. Watch where the tire meets the rim and where the rim passes the brake. Look and listen for rubbing, wobbling or clicking.
3. 3Check for things touchingFree Look for cable ties, the motor cable, fenders, the kickstand or a brake rotor touching anything as the wheel turns.
4. 4Check the axle is tightFree A loose motor axle can click or clunk under power and is dangerous. Tighten the axle nuts if they're loose.
5. 5Have the motor testedShop job If the cable and connector look fine, a shop can test the motor's wiring and sensors. Opening a motor or working on its high-current wires is a shop job.

Parts you might need

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Only buy a part if the free steps didn't fix it. Always match the voltage and connector type to your bike.

• Cable ties

  Keep wires tidy and away from moving parts.

  Link coming soon

• Bike multi-tool or hex key set

  Fits nearly every bolt on a bike. Useful for almost every guide here.

  Link coming soon