E-Bike Winter Guide
Electric bikes and winter are a challenging combination, often presenting quite a few obstacles. However, with a few tips, the right equipment, and a bit of care, you can tackle these with ease. Our comprehensive winter guide will help you and your e-bike get through the cold season safely.
Winter equipment for you & your e-bike
E-Bike Accessories for Winter
With a well-equipped e-bike, you can not only ride safely through winter but also make maintenance easier. Installing mudguards is especially recommended at this time of year, as they keep dirt and mud on the road rather than on your e-bike. In addition to quality lights that enhance visibility even during the day, suitable tyres are essential. Opt for wide tyres with ample tread and an appropriate rubber compound. Protective covers for the e-bike display and neoprene covers for the battery help prevent damage, allowing you to enjoy your e-bike for longer.
Winter Gear for Riding Your E-Bike in Winter
Do not just prepare your e-bike for winter, make sure you are well-equipped with appropriate clothing and gear. An essential item – as in any other season – is, of course, a sturdy and well-maintained helmet. To protect against the cold, wind, and precipitation, wear warm gloves, arm warmers, leg warmers, and a hat that fits comfortably under your helmet. Waterproof overshoes will help keep your feet warm and dry. A suitable wind- and weatherproof jacket completes your winter outfit. When buying, also look for light colours and sewn-in reflectors to enhance visibility.
Tip for Winter: Layered Look
When e-biking in winter, wear multiple layers of clothing. This way, your outfit can more easily adapt to different temperatures. You can comfortably start a longer ride with slightly lighter clothing. After a few minutes of movement, you will warm up quickly.
Maintaining Your E-Bike in Winter
Cleaning
Moisture, dirt, snow, and salt take a particular toll on your e-bike in winter. For this reason, this season demands a bit more maintenance effort from you. Regular cleaning of the e-bike and its components is therefore essential. Water, washing-up liquid, and a cloth are suitable tools for this purpose. It is even easier with specialised brushes and cleaning agents designed for bicycles.
Check Components
Regularly check all essential components of your e-bike during winter. The gears and brakes are particularly important. Ensure all parts move smoothly, and watch for worn brake pads and disc rotors. The minimum thickness of the rotor is usually printed on the disc. Additionally, periodically check the tyre pressure as well as the air pressure in the suspension elements.
Maintaining & Renewing the Drive System
During winter, the drive system of your e-bike requires a bit more lubricant than usual. Therefore, it is a good idea to check the chain, chainring, and cassette more frequently. Clean these components before applying fresh lubricant. Despite the extra wear from salt, water, and dirt, be cautious with the amount of maintenance product you use. After winter, it is also worth considering whether it would be beneficial to renew the drivetrain. This way, you will be fully equipped to start spring in top form.
Your checklist for winter e-bike maintenance
- Clean regularly
- Check components
- Monitor wear
- Check air pressure
- Lubricate the drive regularly
Storing Your E-Bike and Battery Correctly in Winter
If your e-bike will remain unused for an extended period over the winter, there are a few details to consider. Before storing the e-bike, it is advisable to clean it thoroughly. The location for storing the e-bike should be dry and warm. If there is no suitable place in the house, it is recommended to cover your e-bike. Additionally, discharge your battery to a remaining capacity of between 40% and 60%, and remove it when parking the bike. An appropriate storage location should be clean, dry, and kept at room temperature. This way, the cells will remain fresh, and the e-bike will be in good condition for the first ride in spring.
Riding or storing an e-bike in winter
Checklist for Proper Winter Storage of E-Bike & Battery
- Clean the e-bike
- Store the e-bike in a dry and warm place
- Discharge the battery to 40% to 60%
- Store the battery indoors
E-Biking in Winter – Useful Tips
E-Biking in Winter
Despite the best care and perfect equipment, you should be particularly cautious and attentive when enjoying winter e-biking. Difficult road conditions, darkness, and changeable weather can quickly become a challenge for both rider and machine. Therefore, always ride with your lights on, use cleared paths, and avoid cobblestones, tram tracks, and large piles of leaves whenever possible. Additionally, operate your brakes gently and with care. An e-bike with ABS can also provide extra safety.
After the Ride
Especially in winter, ensure that you have a protected location for parking your e-bike. Ideally, this space should not only be dry but also warm. If you must park your e-bike outside for an extended period, it is advisable to use a bike garage. When parking, remove any heavy dirt and snow residues. If possible, take your e-bike battery indoors and store it at room temperature. This way, it can ideally warm up to room temperature before charging, which helps preserve the cells and ensures reliable charging.
Dos & Dont’s forE-Biking in Winter
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