As you gear up for winter cycling, keep in mind three essential preparations: charging, storage, and riding. We’ve put together some helpful tips to enhance your adventures during this chilly season.
Charging for the long distances
Very cold weather can reduce battery efficiency, potentially leading to a decrease of up to 20% in available power. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure your battery is fully charged before setting out on a longer journey. Charging a cold battery can adversely affect its lifespan, so it’s advisable to avoid doing so. If your battery is cold, allow it to warm up to room temperature gradually before charging, which may take an hour or more.
Readers tip
If your e-bike has built-in lights and you frequently ride in dim conditions, it’s wise to carry an additional set of lights for added safety. While riding without power is possible, being visible to other road users is essential.
Storing your eBike
If you plan to use your bike extensively during winter, store the battery at room temperature with a charge level between 30% and 60%. If using less often, it's advisable to check and top up the battery monthly to maintain this optimal range. Avoid leaving the battery fully charged or completely drained. It’s a good idea to bring the battery indoors to a warmer place, if possible either if you’re at work, or at home.
If your bike has a removable battery, you can store the bike itself in a secure shed or garage during winter, as only the battery is sensitive to cold temperatures. Wet conditions typically aren't an issue; if both you and the bike get soaked, removing the battery (if possible) after your ride, and carefully cleaning the battery compartment, will help the contacts dry properly. And remember for security reasons, it’s also recommended to remove the battery when parking away from home, as it is the most valuable part of your e-bike.
Readers tip for cleaning
We advise against using a pressure washer on e-bikes, as it can damage connections and force water into unwanted areas. Instead, clean your bike by hand with a small amount of water and bike-specific cleaner or mild detergent, ideally with the battery installed to protect the terminals. After washing, ensure the bike is thoroughly dried before removing the battery for recharging or storage.
Ready to ride
An e-bike is well-suited for cold and wet conditions, as its frame and components are designed to resist splashes and endure a variety of temperatures. However, the performance of the e-bike battery can suffer in extremely low temperatures. When riding in cooler temperatures, it’s best to take it easy. Choose a lower gear and maintain a steady pedalling rhythm to optimise your e-bike's battery range, ideally around 80 RPM.
Most e-bikes come with various assistance levels. To enhance your ride experience, think about starting with a higher assistance level. This approach can help warm up the battery effectively, after which you can switch back to your regular assistance level. However, be mindful of your remaining range, as relying solely on eco mode may not be the best strategy during winter.
Riders tip
Don't hesitate to ride your bike in cold weather; electric bikes are built to handle the challenges of typical winter weather, so with some care for your battery and bike, a little chill won't hinder your enjoyment.
