How to Properly Bed-In Your E-Bike Hydraulic Brakes

If your new e-bike has noisy brakes or lacks stopping power, you likely haven't "bedded them in" yet. Bedding-in is the essential process of depositing a thin, even layer of brake pad material onto the steel rotor. This creates the friction necessary for powerful, silent braking.

Why Bedding-In Matters for E-Bikes

E-bikes are heavier and travel at higher average speeds than traditional bicycles. This puts immense heat and pressure on your hydraulic system. Failing to bed them in correctly can lead to:

Glazed pads: A smooth, hard surface that causes a loud squealing noise.
Reduced safety: Significantly longer stopping distances.
Vibration: Uneven material deposits that cause a "pulsing" feeling in the levers.

The Step-by-Step Bed-In Process

Find a flat, paved area away from traffic where you can safely reach speeds of 20–25 km/h.

1. Accelerate and Controlled Braking

Pedal your e-bike up to roughly 20 km/h. Firmly and steadily apply one brake (start with the rear) until you drop to a walking pace.

Note: Do NOT come to a complete stop. Keep the wheels turning to ensure the pad material spreads evenly across the entire circumference of the rotor.

2. Release and Repeat

Release the brake and accelerate back to speed. Repeat this process 10 to 15 times for the rear brake, then 10 to 15 times for the front brake.

3. High-Speed Burnishing

Once the brakes feel "grippy," increase your speed to 25–30 km/h. Apply the brakes more aggressively—again, slowing to a crawl but never stopping fully while the lever is squeezed. Repeat this 3 to 5 times.

Critical Tips for Success

Avoid Contamination: Never touch the rotor or brake pads with your bare fingers. Oil from your skin can ruin the pads.
Don't Lock the Wheels: You are looking for a firm, consistent drag, not a skid. Skidding prevents the smooth transfer of material.
Cooling Down: After the final set, ride for a few minutes without using the brakes to allow the rotors to cool down naturally.