Hi there!

Here is the e-bike policy for Kickstand Community Bikes in Vancouver, BC. I would be interested in hearing how other shops have dealt with this!

• Kickstand is not able to allow repairs on electrical components of e-bikes to take place within the shop. This includes motors, batteries, and other electrical components.
• Repairs to non-electrical components of e-bikes may be able to take place in the shop based on the following requirements to ensure a safe working environment for all shop users and volunteers:
• The e-bike must be mountable on our workstand, normally by the seat post;
• The user should be capable of mounting their e-bike onto a workstand on their own, without assistance from a Kickstand volunteer. A volunteer may assist at their discretion;
• Repairs to e-bikes on the floor of the workshop are not allowed due to our limited space. If the shop is not busy a Keyholder may override this requirement at their discretion;
• Only one e-bike is to be repaired in the shop at a time. If the shop is not busy a Keyholder may override this requirement at their discretion.
• If the keyholder or volunteers do not feel comfortable with a repair proceeding, Kickstand reserves the right to refuse the use of our space.
• Shop users should remove the battery if able to before mounting their bike on a stand.
• Kickstand is not responsible for determining if e-bikes are legally able to be used on public roads and is not responsible for the outcomes of any repairs conducted within the shop. If you know your e-bike does not comply with Provincial legislation regarding e-bike use on public roads, please do not bring it to Kickstand.
• Kickstand’s repair stands are rated to 100lbs per bike. Lifting a heavy e-bike onto a stand can pose health and safety issues. Mounting an e-bike in a stand should only be done with proper support and if volunteers and shop users feel able to do so safely.
• Batteries should not be charged inside of the shop.

Cheers,

Jo Bleecker

On Sun, Nov 30, 2025 at 5:38 PM weogo--- via TheThinkTank <thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org> wrote:

Hi Folks,

My guess is e-bikes are here to stay for a while.  Then we will be going back to simpler systems that don’t need so much exotic materials, energy and processing. 

Agricultural equipment giant John Deere has been fighting a losing battle with farmers who need to fix their machines in a timely fashion.
I can see right-to-repair laws being enacted so consumers or reasonably competent mechanics can service e-bike systems.

Similar to the ridiculous number of derailleur hangers and the universal-fit ones now possible,
E-bike manufacturers need to standardize on a few mounting options and software.
Batteries need to be interchangeable.

E-bikes aren’t just about going fast.
I know several older people and folks with health issues that are riding e-bikes around here because the mountains are so steep.
One young friend lost his license because of drunk-driving and is looking for a cheap, used e-bike to get to work.

Some good e-bike maintenance information here:
  https://nextgenebike.com/middrive-ebike-ultimate-performance-guide/
Scroll down to 7, Maintenance and Longevity...  for some maintenance protocols.

Our Co-op is writing an e-bike repair policy. 
One consideration is not storing non-UL-listed batteries at our shop, or
possibly not allowing them in the shop at all.

When e-bike maintenance/repair training for the masses becomes a thing, sign me up.

Does your shop have an e-bike policy?  Can you post it, or a link?

Thanks and good health,  Weogo
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