A Spring Maintenance Guide for Your Jorvik Tricycle
Winter can be hard on your tricycle. Salt, grime, cold weather, or simply months of storage take their toll. An electric tricycle is the same as your car – it requires some TLC and regular servicing to keep it functioning as it should.
Before you get your tricycle back on the road and head out for longer spring rides, it’s important to ensure everything is in working condition. Our tricycle technician, Sam Radbourne, has helped us put together a few top tips to give your Jorvik a spring once over.
Whether you’re an everyday city rider or prefer an off-road adventure on your mountain tricycle - here's what to check and how to keep your Jorvik running smoothly.
Chain: clean and lubricate
Why it matters: Winter salt and grime accumulate on chains. A dirty chain makes pedalling harder, reduces your range, and wears components faster.
What to do:
- Wipe the chain with a dry cloth to remove loose debris
- Look for rust spots (light surface rust is normal; deep pitting means replacement)
- Apply chain lubricant specifically designed for bikes/trikes (not WD40)
- Wipe off excess
How often: Every 4-6 weeks during riding season
If something's wrong: If the chain is heavily rusted or stiff, simply get in touch with us and let us take a look. Chains typically last 1,500+ miles.
Tyres: check pressure and condition
Why it matters: Under-inflated tyres make pedalling harder and reduce your electric range, whereas over-inflated tyres compromise grip and increase puncture risk. Winter potholes and cold weather can also damage sidewalls.
What to do:
- Check the recommended PSI printed on your tyre sidewall
- Use a track pump or visit a local bike shop to inflate to the correct pressure
- Look for cracks, cuts, or excessive wear on both rear tyres and front
- Check for embedded debris (glass, thorns, stones)
How often: Check pressure monthly and inspect condition every 2-3 months
If something's wrong:
- Small cuts or cracks: monitor them, but they're usually fine
- Bulges or deep cuts: the tyre needs replacing. Contact us for replacement tyres.
- Punctures: most are easily repaired using a puncture repair kit or by a local bike shop
Did you know? Our puncture-resistant tyres significantly reduce flat risk, but no tyre is completely puncture-proof. Regular pressure checks prevent most issues.
Brakes: test and inspect
Why it matters: Spring means longer rides and potentially wet paths, especially during those unexpected April showers, this means your brakes need to be sharp and reliable.
What to do:
- Squeeze both brake levers, they should feel solid with firm resistance, not spongy or soft
- Spin the wheel and apply the brake, it should stop within 1-2 rotations
- Check brake pads for wear (should have at least 2mm of material remaining)
- Look for any cracks or damage to brake lines
How often: Check monthly, especially before longer rides
If something's wrong:
- Spongy brake feel: might be air in the system or worn pads.
- Slow stopping: brake pads likely need replacing. Get in touch with us and we can help advise on replacement
- Visible damage to lines: don't ride your tricycle and give us a call immediately, where one of our team can advise.
Did you know? Jorvik tricycles use hydraulic brakes on higher-spec models, which means better stopping power and less finger strain. This is particularly important if your grip strength is limited.
Frame and bolts: inspect for damage
Why it matters: Winter salt and grit corrode metal. Small issues caught early prevent larger problems later.
What to do:
- Visually inspect the frame for surface rust (cosmetic but worth touching up)
- Give major bolts and connections a gentle wiggle, they should feel tight
- Check welds and joints for any visible cracks
- Look at paint and decals, any damage exposes the metal underneath and could lead to further damage
How often: Once a season (spring is ideal)
If something's wrong:
- Cosmetic surface rust: touch up with paint or rust treatment
- Loose bolts: tighten them gently, don't force and overtighten
- Visible cracks in welds: don't ride. Give our team a call - this is a very rare but serious occurrence
Did you know? Our aluminium alloy frames are naturally corrosion-resistant, but the finish still needs care. Regular cleaning prevents most rust issues.
Battery care
Why it matters: Batteries perform better when properly charged and stored. Spring riding puts demands on battery life, especially as they may have gone unused for a period over winter.
What to do:
- Charge fully before your first big spring ride
- Store in a cool place (not direct sun or unheated garages)
- Check connections are clean and dry before connecting
- Monitor range on your first few rides and compare it to autumn performance
How often: Before spring season starts, then ongoing
If something's wrong:
- Range noticeably shorter than before winter: might be a battery health issue.
- If the battery won't charge, check that connections are clean and tight.
- Physical damage or swelling: don't use.
Did you know? Our batteries are designed to last years, but performance degrades slightly each winter. After 3-4 years of regular use, you might notice reduced range.
What to do if you're unsure
Most spring checks are simple and easy to carry out. Our tricycles are built using quality parts, so spring should simply be a time to give your trike a dust off and a quick once over – requiring very little work to get back on the road.
However, if you’re not confident, you can give our team a call and we can either talk you through the process or help you find a local service technician to have a look at your Jorvik Tricycles.
Remember, these little bits of care don’t take much time but can be essential to keeping your tricycle in good condition.