Cleaning & Storage
How to wash a CEMOTO electric bike or dirt bike without damaging it, and how to prepare it for storage.
Cleaning
The golden rule
Clean the exterior only. The owner manual is specific: the electric elements can only be cleaned on the outside. There is no need to maintain the inside, and do not open them yourself. Opening sealed electrical components voids the warranty on those parts.
What to protect
| Component | Why | How |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | Water ingress damages windings and bearings | Never direct a jet at the motor or its cable exit |
| Controller | Sealed electronics; the fins need airflow | Never direct a jet at the controller or its connectors |
| Battery and charging port | Water in the charging circuit is a fire risk | Cover the charging socket; never wash with the battery port open |
| Display and connectors | Water in connectors causes corrosion and intermittent faults | Avoid directing water at the cockpit and connector blocks |
| Bearings (wheel, headset, bottom bracket) | High pressure drives water past seals | Never use a pressure washer |
| Fork and shock seals | High pressure drives grit into the seals | Never use a pressure washer |
| Brake discs and pads | Contamination reduces braking and causes noise | Avoid soaps and oils on braking surfaces |
Recommended method
- Let the bike cool. Do not wash a hot motor or hot brakes.
- Remove the battery if your model allows, and cover the battery compartment and charging socket. If the battery is not removable, keep water away from the charging port.
- Rinse with low pressure, using a garden hose without a high-pressure nozzle. Work from the top down.
- Wash with a mild detergent and a soft brush or sponge. Use a separate brush for the drivetrain, which is greasy.
- Clean the drivetrain with a dedicated degreaser and a stiff brush. Rinse thoroughly, then re-lubricate the chain while it is still slightly damp so the lubricant penetrates the rollers.
- Clean the controller fins of mud so they can dissipate heat. Use a soft brush.
- Dry with a soft cloth and allow the bike to air-dry fully before riding.
- Wipe the fork stanchions and shock shaft clean to protect the seals.
- Check the brakes after washing. A short, gentle braking session warms and dries the discs.
What not to do
- Do not use a pressure washer. It is the single most damaging cleaning tool for a bike.
- Do not use solvents, degreasers or aggressive chemicals on painted surfaces, plastics or the display.
- Do not aim water at electrical connectors, the motor, the controller, the display, bearings or seals.
- Do not wash with the battery charging port open or the socket damp.
- Do not submerge any part of the bike. Never ride through deep water, and never submerge the motorcycle — electrical and drive components may be damaged.
- Do not open sealed electrical components to clean inside.
After wet-weather riding
Even if there is no mud, wet-weather riding leaves moisture in the drivetrain and connectors.
- Wipe the bike down and dry the chain.
- Lubricate the chain — this is the most important action after a wet ride.
- Check electrical connectors for water ingress; disconnect and reseat them if in doubt.
- Test the brakes and all lights before the next ride.
Storage
Short-term storage (days to a few weeks)
| Action |
|---|
| Clean and dry the bike |
| Leave the battery at roughly 40–70 % charge |
| Turn the power switch off |
| Store in a dry location, out of direct sun, away from freezing |
| Avoid leaving a fully charged pack in a hot environment |
Long-term storage (weeks to months)
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| 1. Clean thoroughly | Dirt left on the bike attracts moisture and causes corrosion. Clean, then dry completely |
| 2. Protect the drivetrain | Lubricate the chain generously |
| 3. Set the battery charge | Charge to approximately 50 %. A full charge stresses the cells over time; a flat pack can permanently lose capacity or latch the BMS protection |
| 4. Disconnect the battery | Remove it if the model allows, or disconnect it so it cannot slowly discharge. Even switched off, some systems draw a small parasitic current |
| 5. Store the battery correctly | In a dry location within the recommended temperature range — approximately 68 °F (20 °C) to 45 °F (7 °C). Never store frozen or at extremely high temperatures; extreme temperatures will permanently damage the battery |
| 6. Reduce tire pressure slightly | Particularly in freezing conditions, where a fully inflated tire is more vulnerable |
| 7. Protect from corrosion | Apply a protective spray to metal surfaces if the storage location is damp. Lubricate cables |
| 8. Cover the bike | Use a breathable cover. Avoid plastic sheeting that traps condensation |
| 9. Do not rest the bike on flat tires | Support it so the tires are not taking the full weight in one spot if stored for months |
Bringing the bike out of storage
- Inspect the full bike for corrosion, fluid leaks, cracks and pest damage.
- Bring the battery to room temperature before charging.
- Fully charge the battery.
- Check and correct the tire pressure.
- Check the chain tension and lubricate the chain.
- Check the brakes — lever feel, pad thickness and free movement.
- Test the throttle, lights, horn and display.
- Check all fasteners — axles, stem, calipers, pedals.
- Complete the Pre-Ride Inspection before riding.
- Ride gently for the first few minutes and re-check after the first ride.
Storage temperature reference
| Condition | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Recommended battery storage temperature | ~68 °F (20 °C) to ~45 °F (7 °C) |
| Avoid | Freezing conditions |
| Avoid | Extremely high temperatures, direct sun on the pack, hot vehicles |
| Consequence of extremes | Permanent battery damage |
Warning reminders
From the CEMOTO owner manual:
- AVOID riding in the rain for long periods of time.
- AVOID water contact to the motor and electrical lines.
- NEVER ride through deep water.
- ALWAYS use caution when going through puddles.
Submerging the motorcycle in water can damage electrical and drive components.
Also note: never touch the motor or brakes immediately after use. These parts get very hot and can burn skin. Allow them to cool before cleaning or servicing.