Spinning the cassette backwards by packpedalling......how to?

[locoboy]

Being new to E bikes, I didn't realise that when you back pedal the hain doesn't move and the cassette doesn't rotate!
When cleaning and lubing the chain on my normal bike I spin the cranks backwards whilst cleaning/lubing. How do you achieve this with an EMTB? is there something you can attach to the crank arm that engages the sprocket or is the motor not supposed to turn backwards? for info it's a shimano EP8 Rs motor.
Thanks

 

[2WheelsNot4]

Correct, the cranks and chain are two separate entities and it's only the pedals that turn backward.

To lube the chain you need a friend to run beside you applying the lube as you cycle slowly

In seriousness. Lift the bike up ,and if you have a stand hook the saddle nose on to the stand to lift the back wheel and turn the pedals as normal(with the power off). You can then lube it just as you would before.

 

[Zimmerframe]

Some people just put an allen key in one of the spider bolts, so the crank catches on it and it turns the chainring backwards.

You can buy specific products to do this.

You can also just grab the chain and pull up along the bottom, left to right. Or brave your fingers in the spider (with the motor off) and spin the chainring backwards.

 

[Bomble]

Amazon.de

I Use one of these, easier to find then an Allen key too

 

[Doomanic]

I have the bike in a stand and use Walk mode to rotate the cranks.

 

[Jimbo Vills]

I have the bike in a stand and use Walk mode to rotate the cranks.

Too much effort just to turn the pedals by hand?

I thought you KSL boys were made of sterner stuff

 

[Doomanic]

It’s a carryover from my FF days…

 

[Doomanic]

And we need to save all our energy for riding.

 

[Frank_Denmark]

I have the bike in a stand and use Walk mode to rotate the cranks.

I always use the walk-button and bike stand

 

[GolfChick]

Upside down and pedal it forwards, use something to lift the bars off the ground though otherwise your controller will get scuffed.

 

[Ziggyrags]

Some people just put an allen key in one of the spider bolts, so the crank catches on it and it turns the chainring backwards.

You can buy specific products to do this.

You can also just grab the chain and pull up along the bottom, left to right. Or brave your fingers in the spider (with the motor off) and spin the chainring backwards.

I was wondering if rotating the cranks backwards on an EP8 might damage the torque sensor, causing the E010 error; just a thought!
I think that lifting the rear end and rotating the pedals forward is the best option.

 

[Tim1023]

Some people just put an allen key in one of the spider bolts, so the crank catches on it and it turns the chainring backwards.

You can buy specific products to do this.

You can also just grab the chain and pull up along the bottom, left to right. Or brave your fingers in the spider (with the motor off) and spin the chainring backwards.

I use the allen key method. Just make sure you put some tape on the key where hit meets the crank to avoid chipping the crank. Also helps to identify the correct key from the set

 

[steve_sordy]

I lube the chain when the bike is in my workstand.

 

[eMullet]

Just take a hook and loop and tie the crank to the spider. Works fine. Remove battery while doing this. I've noticed on EP8 that spinning the chainring backwards powers up the bike for some reason. Maybe the motor is acting like generator and wakes the battery?

 

[James_C]

I use the allen key method. Just make sure you put some tape on the key where hit meets the crank to avoid chipping the crank. Also helps to identify the correct key from the set

Tried this and in my opinion its going to wreck the bolt/damage the crank arm.

Far easier to do it in a work stand using a chain cleaner. I superglued the handle on the other side so it runs through in the correct direction.

 

[Tim1023]

Tried this and in my opinion its going to wreck the bolt/damage the crank arm.

Far easier to do it in a work stand using a chain cleaner. I superglued the handle on the other side so it runs through in the correct direction.

I can understand the concern, but I've had no problems at all.
Smart idea with the chain cleaner. Maybe you should patent that before Park Tools creates a cleaner with handle sockets on both sides for standard- and ebikes

 

[GreaseNipple]

You could connect a spider leg to the crank arm with a releasable tie wrap.

 

[RustyMTB]

I hook the nose of the saddle over the horizontal arm of the bike stand to lift the back wheel off the ground a couple of inches or so & rotate the cranks by hand. Works for me.

 

[Doug Stampfer]

I tip the oil into a bucket & throw it at the rear end.
I do this on the road obviously, not on the driveway

 

[Jirkovo]

 

[eMullet]

All well and good, but that requires both a tool in the axle and chainring that has fixing bolts. That rear axle tool is merida specific thing and some ebikes dont have any bolts on the spider because the chainring is one-piece construction.

 

[Jirkovo]

1:30 min

 

[Jirkovo]

1:00...

 

[High Rock Ruti]

Being new to E bikes, I didn't realise that when you back pedal the hain doesn't move and the cassette doesn't rotate!
When cleaning and lubing the chain on my normal bike I spin the cranks backwards whilst cleaning/lubing. How do you achieve this with an EMTB? is there something you can attach to the crank arm that engages the sprocket or is the motor not supposed to turn backwards? for info it's a shimano EP8 Rs motor.
Thanks

High Rock Ruti

I replace the chain more often.....!

Warm Regards Ruti

 

[Darren]

grab the chain and pull is all I do, just turns the motor - probably best to make sure it's switched off first.

 

[geehaw]

I cable tie the crankarm to the chainring works a treat. Allen key/Torx key depending on chainring bolt also works, but can do some minor surface damage to crankarm.

 

[cabbynate]

I can understand the concern, but I've had no problems at all.
Smart idea with the chain cleaner. Maybe you should patent that before Park Tools creates a cleaner with handle sockets on both sides for standard- and ebikes

They already have one...

 

[jaselikebikes]

YEP, JUST DO THIS..

 

[MrSimmo]

Alan key in one of the ring bolts, small bit of wood between the alan key and the crank arm (as being an idiot, the alan key gets jammed otherwise) and bob’s your uncle fannys your aunt…

Or just grab the chain with a hand and pull backwards whilst using the other hand to pour the chain oil and your teeth/chin to hold the bike steady

 

[IainF]

Double sided velcro around the back of one of the arms of the spider, then around the crank. Takes seconds, doesn't scratch anything and you can spin the pedals backwards and use your chain cleaner as normal!