Replacing disc brake pads on a folding e-bike

Replace pads when the friction material is under 1 mm thick, when braking becomes noisy under light lever pressure, or when lever travel reaches the bar before the bike slows. Electric bikes wear pads faster because of the extra system weight.

Remove the wheel, then pull the retaining pin or clip. Push the pads together slightly to release them from the caliper and lift them out with the spring. Keep the spring — many replacement sets ship without one.

Reset the pistons with a plastic tyre lever before fitting new pads. Never use a metal screwdriver against the piston face.

After fitting, ride at walking pace and apply the brake firmly around twenty times without coming to a complete stop. This transfers an even layer of pad material to the rotor and removes the initial glaze.