Over time, the components of an electric bike naturally wear out. When your e-bike starts making squeaking noises, it’s usually a sign that something isn’t quite right. The earlier you identify and fix the issue, the easier it is to prevent further damage.
In addition to brake squeaks, electric bikes may produce other sounds as well. You might hear creaking or clicking noises while riding. These sounds often occur when pedaling, as the drivetrain is in motion—but in some cases, the noise may persist even when you’re not pedaling, including on a pedal less electric bike operating purely on motor power.
Identifying the source of the squeaking noise is crucial. An electric bike has many components that can produce unwanted sounds. Once you locate the source, you can address the specific part accordingly.
Below are the most common causes.
Squeaking often occurs when part of the wheel rubs against the brake pads. Start by checking whether the wheel is properly seated in the dropouts—the slots where the wheel axle connects to the bike frame.
Improper installation can cause the wheel to sit unevenly, leading to brake pad rubbing. Remove the wheel, tighten the quick-release skewer, and reinstall the wheel securely. Pay special attention to the bike wheel front, as misalignment there can directly affect braking performance and noise.
A squeaky chain is often dry and in need of cleaning and lubrication. Thoroughly clean the chain and apply a suitable bike lubricant to restore smooth operation.
If the noise comes from the crank area, loose bolts may be the cause. Hold the crank arm connected to the pedals and gently wiggle it. If there is side-to-side movement, tighten the bolts using the appropriate size hex key.
A squeaky derailleur is usually caused by dry jockey wheels. Clean them thoroughly with a dry cloth, then apply one drop of lubricant to the axle of each jockey wheel. Don’t forget to lubricate the derailleur pivots as well. Rotate the pedals to help distribute the lubricant evenly.
One of the most common questions we receive is: Why does my electric bike squeak when I pedal? In many cases, the pedals themselves are the source.
Remove the pedals and lubricate them thoroughly. While doing so, check the washer between the pedal and the crank arm. If the washer is damaged, replace it before reinstalling the pedals.
The saddle is mounted to the seat clamp via two rails. If the saddle squeaks, the clamp bolts may need tightening. Use the correct size hex key to tighten them securely.
If the saddle creaks and tilts forward or backward, we recommend taking the bike to a local e-bike shop for inspection—especially if you recently purchased it during one of the best bike sales, as initial adjustments are often needed.
Fixing squeaky e-bike brakes is usually straightforward. Follow these steps to eliminate brake noise and restore smooth, quiet braking.
Determining whether the front or rear brake is causing the noise is relatively easy. While riding slowly, test the brakes separately.
If squeezing the left brake lever causes noise, the front brake is likely the issue.
If squeezing the right brake lever produces squeaking, the rear brake is the problem.
If both brakes make noise, adjustments are needed on both ends.
If possible, wipe the brake rotor with isopropyl alcohol and a clean paper towel. Brake pads should only be cleaned if they still have sufficient thickness; worn pads must be replaced.
When cleaning brake pads, use a degreasing cleaner. After removing and cleaning the pads, allow them to dry completely before reinstalling.
The process for replacing front and rear brake pads is essentially the same. If you hear a sharp, high-pitched scraping sound when braking, your pads may be near the end of their service life.
Worn brake pads offer reduced grip, which causes noise and significantly lowers braking performance. Replacing them promptly improves both safety and comfort.
These solutions should help you fix squeaky brakes and enjoy a smoother, quieter riding experience. Comfortable riding is essential—don’t treat maintenance as a burden.
Brake noise is often caused by pad wear rather than contamination. If that’s the case, replacing the pads is the best solution. You can find high-quality replacement brake pads and accessories like foldable locks on the TT-EBIKE website to keep your bike secure and road-ready.
With proper maintenance, your electric bike will stay quiet, reliable, and enjoyable to ride.
