E-BIKES
Yes! We can (probably) service your e-bike.
Thanks to a grant from EWEB, Shift is now able to service e-bikes! We are so appreciative of EWEB’s commitment to e-mobility and proud to serve as a resource for the community.
We do not service e-motos.
Shop Services
Does Shift service Class 1 and 2 e-bikes?
Yes! Shift will service any e-bike that conforms to the federal definition of a bicycle. That means that if your e-bike pedal assist or throttle tops out at 20mph, we can service it.
Does Shift service Class 3 e-bikes, e-Scooters or e-Motos?
No. Shift does not service any motorized vehicles without operable pedals, or with motors capable of exceeding 20mph.
How is e-bike service different from acoustic bike service?
Because e-bikes often use electrical components that aren’t standardized and are often proprietary, issues can take much longer to diagnose, and tend to cost more to repair or replace. We won’t have an idea until we look at it, so the best way to find out is to bring the bike into the shop.
Does Shift charge a diagnostic fee to intake an e-bike?
Yes. In order to intake an e-bike with battery or electrical issues, we charge a flat, non-refundable diagnostic fee. After the diagnostic fee is paid, we will diagnose and assess the bike and will provide you with a quote for the parts and labor needed to fix the issue. At that point you can decide whether to proceed with the work. The fee covers the time it takes to diagnose and research electrical issues, and to search for replacement parts (if needed), but does not cover any repairs. If we are able to diagnose and have a fix for the issue, and you accept the quote, the fee will be applied to the total repair cost. While we cannot offer a guarantee that your bike can be repaired before intake, we will do our best to ascertain whether the e-bike has a known irreparable issue, a failing or dangerous battery, or was manufactured using parts which we know to be unavailable.
How much does e-bike service cost?
As with acoustic bikes, repair costs depend on a lot of factors. If the e-bike is having complex electrical problems, repair costs (not including the diagnostic fee) are generally more expensive than on an acoustic bike. If the e-bike is just having low-tech mechanical problems, the cost should be the same or similar.
Is my e-bike worth servicing?
Most of the time, yes. But not always. E-bike technology is relatively new, developing rapidly, and manufacturers are having difficulty adapting to the pace of progress. Many manufacturers are either out of business or do not support their products past the point of sale. We generally suggest that customers consider the price they paid for a bike when deciding how much money to put into fixing it. Many cheap (and not so cheap) e-bikes sold online end up in landfills because they are not designed or able to be serviced. The best way to ensure that you end up with an e-bike that will be supported by the brand and can be readily repaired is to buy locally, from a respectable retailer.
Does Shift perform e-bike conversions?
Not currently, but one of our longtime team members, Tom Holden, runs a local e-bike conversion business called Cyclized. He will take your acoustic bike, or one of ours, and add a high quality battery and motor at a reasonable price (and his work qualifies for an EWEB subsidy!).
Converted bikes are much easier to repair because they use standard and non-proprietary bike parts and electrical components. If you’re considering an e-bike, conversions from reputable companies like Cyclized are a great and affordable way to go.