Hub Motor Clicking

[chandlerweb]

Got my Powabyke X-6 today Very pleased with it overall but was surprised by the significant continual clicking noise of the hub motor when riding. As this is my first ebike, Im not sure if this is normal. From some posts on here, I am guessing it is the sound of the ratchet in the hub motor as opposed to it being faulty. Can anyone confirm this and possibly describe how I might know whether the level of noise it makes is to be expected?

Thanks in advance.

 

[torrent99]

Got my Powabyke X-6 today Very pleased with it overall but was surprised by the significant continual clicking noise of the hub motor when riding. As this is my first ebike, Im not sure if this is normal. From some posts on here, I am guessing it is the sound of the ratchet in the hub motor as opposed to it being faulty. Can anyone confirm this and possibly describe how I might know whether the level of noise it makes is to be expected?

Thanks in advance.

Clicking? That's a bit unusual.
2 things I can think of:
1) It's the freewheel?
2) Spokes settling in? Loose?

 

[Barnowl]

Rad posted a review on the x6 in which he said:

"I’ve had a few niggles with the bike, one documented on this forum was a weird noise from the front wheel after just 30 miles riding. Powabyke were exceptionally helpful as were Halfords (surprisingly) and the fault was traced to spokes becoming loose and was easily rectified."

PS: Rad said before the problem was identified it was

"Sort of a metallic sound but similar to the noise you'd get from having something stuck in the spokes. I can't replicate the noise just by spinning the wheel. It only occurs when the bike has weight on it."

 

[Patrick]

I've got an X6, the freewheel in the hub motor is much louder than the one in the rear wheel. When you pull back the throttle the clicking stops just before the motor kicks in.

If you're used to unassisted bikes which only click when you actually are freewheeling then it's a bit disconcerting hearing it click away while you pedal. I was a bit irritated by it at first but now I don't really notice it (just as I don't notice the freewheel on my unassisted bike when I'm going down hill).

Patrick

 

[eddieo]

I would try all the spokes first for tightness...it is a common fault on hub motor bikes........

 

[Mussels]

If the clicking is irregular and there when you spin the wheel by hand then it could be something rattling around in the rim, you need to describe the noise better.

 

[Rad]

The freewheel clicks, but under power there should only be the hum of the motor.

Put the bike on its stand, make sure the front wheel is off of the floor, open the throttle with one hand and turn the pedals with the other hand. if the clicking you describe is not evident when the wheel is under power but unloaded, and is evident when the wheel is under load then it's likely to be the spokes. Take it back to where you got it and ask them to have a look. If all else fails get in touch with Frank Curran at powerbyke. He's an incredibly helpful chap. Good luck with it.

 

[chandlerweb]

Thanks guys. The clicking/ticking noise is very regular - I counted 20 per revolution. Its similar in sound to the rear wheel but louder. When the motor is on, the noise stops. I think it must just be a feature of the hub motor. I got the bike online and there nearest store is over 2 hours drive away so would like to avoid that option if possible. I will keep an eye on it and see how it goes.

If/when I take the bike for a service, do you know if they will open up the hub motor itself and check that too?

 

[torrent99]

Thanks guys. The clicking/ticking noise is very regular - I counted 20 per revolution. Its similar in sound to the rear wheel but louder. When the motor is on, the noise stops. I think it must just be a feature of the hub motor. I got the bike online and there nearest store is over 2 hours drive away so would like to avoid that option if possible. I will keep an eye on it and see how it goes.

If/when I take the bike for a service, do you know if they will open up the hub motor itself and check that too?

Sounds exactly like the freewheel in the motor, since it's a) regular b) disappears when the motor is on. i.e. it sounds like it's normal!

 

[Patrick]

Thanks guys. The clicking/ticking noise is very regular - I counted 20 per revolution. Its similar in sound to the rear wheel but louder. When the motor is on, the noise stops. I think it must just be a feature of the hub motor.

That's sounds just like my X6. It's not a bike for stealthy cycling, when it's not clicking loudly it's doing an impression of a very small milk float.

Patrick

 

[Rad]

It does sound normal then Patrick. You're not wrong about the sound of the hub motor but it only sounds that loud because you're right on top of it. Get someone else to ride it past you and you'll be surprised at a) how fast they're going, and b) how much quieter it is.

 

[chandlerweb]

That's sounds just like my X6. It's not a bike for stealthy cycling, when it's not clicking loudly it's doing an impression of a very small milk float.

Patrick

Exactly! I quite liked the quaint bell it comes with but then once I started riding it, I realised I didnt need it. If Im free-wheeling, people hear the approaching ticking noise, or if Im using the motor then they hear the humming sound. Makes me a bit self conscious but Im sure I'll get used to it.