1 · The friction
Sound familiar?
What riders and shop owners tell us.
“Nobody will touch my e-bike”
A growing number of shops won't do electrical work on bikes they didn't sell.
Source: Upway
“It's wearing through brake pads”
The extra weight and power wear brakes, chains and tyres faster.
Source: Hubtiger, 2025
“I searched for repair and got nothing useful”
Searching “electric bike repair near me” often comes with uncertainty.
Source: Airtasker
“We turn away e-bike calls every week”
Shops without e-bike training lose service work they could have kept.
Source: Pattern we see in bike shop enquiries
2 · The numbers
E-bike servicing, by the numbers
50%
Of floor space some shops are moving to e-bike sales and service
Hubtiger, 2025
28%
Of bikes imported into Australia in 2023 were e-bikes
Flow Mountain Bike
$139
One Sydney shop's e-bike electrical diagnostic fee
Pedl
$110
Minimum assessment charge at one Melbourne e-bike shop
Melbourne Powered
There's work out there. The shops that win it are clear about what they service and what it costs.
3 · Straight answers
The questions bike shop owners ask us
Is e-bike servicing worth it?
Usually. E-bikes wear parts faster, so owners come back more often, and many can't find anyone willing to help.
Should I service brands I don't sell?
Service the motor systems you're trained on, whoever sold the bike. Say no clearly to the ones you're not.
Do I need training?
For electrical work, yes. Motor makers such as Shimano run dealer training and certification.
How should I price it?
Charge a clear diagnostic fee up front, then quote the repair. Published Sydney and Melbourne examples sit between $110 and $139.
What should my website say?
Which motor systems you service, your diagnostic fee, and how to book. That's what owners search for.
What about batteries?
Be careful. Only handle batteries you're trained and insured for, and follow current NSW safety guidance.
4 · The decision
Say yes, say some, or say no?
Service everything if
Your mechanics are trained across systems.
You have the diagnostic tools.
You want the volume.
Service some if
You're trained on one or two motor brands.
You want to grow carefully.
You can say no clearly.
Avoid
Taking electrical work you're not trained for.
Vague pricing that turns into arguments.
A website that doesn't mention e-bikes at all.
5 · In practice
What adding e-bike servicing usually looks like
Challenge
E-bike owners keep calling, and the shop isn't sure what to say yes to.
Action
Train on one or two motor systems, set a clear diagnostic fee, and publish what you do and don't service.
Result
1 page
One clear e-bike page answers most calls before they happen.
6 · Quick answers
More questions
What's a normal e-bike diagnostic fee?
Published examples in Sydney and Melbourne range from $110 to $139.
Can I turn away e-bikes?
Yes. Just be clear on your site about what you do and don't service.