Best Tips for Electric Bike Storage During the Winter
The joy of riding an electric bike is very common among many people. Racing at top speeds on the streets and through the woods can be thrilling. It is also possible that you use your bike mainly to transport yourself to and from work and school. It does not matter what its main purpose is, electric bikes are effective in every scenario.
Electric bikes can be used year-round. They are designed to withstand freezing temperatures and scorching sun rays. In the winter months, however, many ebike riders consider storing their bikes more convenient than riding. Well, that might be their personal choice. But storing an electric bike isn’t as easy as it sounds.
Best Tips for Electric Bike Storage During the Winter
The winter months mean you’ll be storing your e-bike for a prolonged period, not just for 4 or 5 days like you usually would. Additionally, weather conditions in winter are unpredictable, as they can be extremely cold, rainy, or snowy. It is critical to consider these factors when storing e-bikes over the winter.
When it comes to storing your ebike, there is no need to be overly concerned. Taking a few simple steps and performing some basic maintenance will suffice. The following tips will help you store your electric bikes during the winter;
Cleaning Your Bike
You must prepare your bike for storage as carefully as you select the space where you will store it. In the same way you prepare your car or any other item that you are planning to put away for long-term storage, do the same with your electric bike.
Make sure there is no trace of salt or water on metal parts such as the chain, frame, gears, or cassette because these are most prone to corrosion. It is possible to clean these parts with a cloth, water, oil, and bicycle lubricant. Your electric bike can take some water but do not use a pressure washer on your electric bike.
You should also get rid of all the dirt from your electric bike’s frame and tires. Besides cleaning the battery contacts, you should always ensure they are dry. It is also helpful to maintain your chain by applying some bicycle lubricant at the end so that it stays smooth until your next ride.
Understanding your type of battery
The most ideal way to store electric bike accessories like batteries is by removing them from your electric bike and storing it somewhere else. The battery of your electric bike is the major component of your electric bike. It is usually the most expensive component as well as being the heart of your electric bike.
It is also pertinent to understand that the ebike battery is not the same for all electric bikes. As a result, each battery type has different requirements that are required to be met to store it safely. It is important to know that lithium batteries need to be charged every 6 months, and they should also be stored in a cool and dry place as lithium batteries are more likely to pose a safety hazard.
On the other hand, if you have a lead battery in your electric bike, you need to maintain it more frequently than the lithium one. They should also be stored in a cool, dry place since high temperatures can shorten their useful life. Lead batteries should be recharged every three months to maintain their good condition.
Partially charge your battery
It is important to store your battery properly to avoid permanent damage that can greatly reduce a battery’s life and functionality. Battery voltage should never be allowed to drop below the manufacturer’s specifications. Battery chargers will not detect batteries that are below their recommended voltage, and therefore will not charge them.
An electric bike that has a fully charged battery is also not recommended for storage. An ideal charge for an electric bicycle battery is between 35% and 75% before it is stored. According to some, you should charge it up to 80%. Essentially, this prolongs battery life. It is also pertinent to understand that lithium batteries discharge quickly in warm conditions and slower in cold conditions.
Storing your electric bike
Even though electric bikes are built to withstand severe conditions, it is still ideal to store them in protected locations such as a garage, basement, or any shed area. Extreme temperatures in winter can affect your electric bike’s components.
Precipitation, snow, and subfreezing temperatures can damage your bike’s electrical components and accessories. In order to keep your bicycle dry and cool when not in use, store it in a location that is both dry and cool. Wet places aren’t suitable for it, so keep it away from them.
To protect your electric bikes from debris or dust in your garage, you can cover them with waterproof covers. If you do not have enough space in your garage, especially if there is a car parked inside, you can simply hang your bike to the wall by using a wall mount stand.
In case, you’re really tight on space and can’t take your bike inside your apartment. One effective way is to remove the battery from your electric bike and store it inside. Because batteries can be more sensitive to temperature fluctuations, the bikes are more robust and can stay in your garage or shed without any damage.
The 48v ebike battery used by Addmotor in its latest models of electric bikes is UL-certified. With this certification, these batteries are more rigorous and compatible because they are tested with many durability tests for longevity and safety.
Bottom Line
The care of your electric bike in winter is just as critical as the care of any other vehicle. The proper way to store electric bikes in winter is to follow these simple tips. Since you’ve learned how to store your electric bike properly during the winter, taking it out again after the season is over shouldn’t cause you any problems.
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