These bikes are not your “typical” bike. It’s not just about basic cleaning and maintenance. These bikes have an electrical system that runs on batteries. This system is now much more complex and must be worked on by a certified technician. There are several organizations in the world that come together to do just that. While the biggest growth is still in Europe, Asia is catching on fast. Not far behind is North America. Several prominent providers are coming together to establish a standard eBike service certification. This market is expected to grow by at least 9.5% in the 2017-2021 period.
In the US, the Light Electric Vehicle Association (LEVA) is leading the way with online and in-class training for eBike Technician Service Certification. In-class training is offered at one of three locations: Fort Myers Florida, Danville Virginia, and in Winston-Salem North Carolina.
The Level 1 course is offered online and is free. There is a $50 fee to take the exam and earn the certificate.
Level 2 is an 8-hour intermediate course that includes both classroom and hands-on training. Topics covered include electrical theory, the function of eBike components, how to diagnose component failures, and how to replace faulty electronics. Students will also learn how to set up eBikes, solder, make electrical connections, use multimeters, use motor controller throttle testers, and how to set up and interpret Cycle Analyst power meter data during training. A Level 2 toolkit is available for purchase ($750) after class.
The Level 3 course is also 8 hours long and contains more advanced training. Again, this class is both in-class and hands-on. Students receive instruction in hot-running computer-controlled battery analyzers, as well as diagnosing and repairing complex electronic faults. All required components that are required for the class will be provided as part of the class.
As of 2015, LEVA has added a Level 4 course. This level teaches eBike connectivity and software troubleshooting. As eBikes become more and more interconnected through technology, certified eBike technicians will learn how to troubleshoot Wi-Fi and smartphone connectivity, as well as other software issues.
Classes are taught by industry experts Dr. Don Gerhardt and Edward Benjamin. Cost varies by membership level and status. There is a discount for LEVA membership. Membership is currently $30 per year.
The training is intense. There is investment of time involved. It’s not as simple as learning on the job. However, given the expected growth of the industry, becoming an eBike Certified Service Technician is valuable to the bike enthusiast.