Broken Spokes on a Hub-Motor Wheel

In plain English

Hub-motor wheels carry a heavy motor and push hard on the spokes, so they're more likely to break, especially if spokes have worked loose. One broken spoke means the others take extra load, and more will follow. Fixing it properly means replacing the spoke and truing the wheel.

Work from the top. Steps go from free and easy to shop jobs. Switch the bike off before touching any connector. Tick each step as you go. Your progress is saved on this device.

1. 1Squeeze the spokes in pairsFree Go round the wheel squeezing neighboring spokes together. They should all feel similarly tight. A loose or rattling one is a warning sign.
2. 2Spin the wheel and watchFree Lift the wheel and spin it slowly. Watch where the tire meets the rim and where the rim passes the brake. Look and listen for rubbing, wobbling or clicking.
3. 3Take broken spokes out of the wayFree If a spoke is snapped, wrap it around a neighbor or tape it so it can't catch the frame, chain or brake.
4. 4Ride gently, or not at allFree If the wheel still spins straight without rubbing, ride slowly and directly to a shop. If it wobbles or rubs, walk it.
5. 5Have the wheel checkedShop job A shop can true (straighten) the wheel, replace spokes and check the hub bearings.

Parts you might need

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Only buy a part if the free steps didn't fix it. Always match the voltage and connector type to your bike.

• Bike multi-tool or hex key set

  Fits nearly every bolt on a bike. Useful for almost every guide here.

  Link coming soon

• Cable ties

  Keep wires tidy and away from moving parts.

  Link coming soon