How to Take Care of an Electric Bike in Winter? Safety, Maintenance, and Operation

In Brief: Electric Bike in Winter — FAQ

Quickly check the answers to the most popular questions regarding storing and operating electric bikes in winter.

How to Protect an Electric Bike for Winter?

You can store an electric bike in winter in an unheated room or even outside, but be sure to remove the battery and store it at a temperature of at least 10℃, charged to about 50-60%. Protect the mechanical components of the bike for winter in the same way as traditional bikes (cleaning, lubrication).

Can an Electric Bike Stand in the Cold?

Yes, but if you plan to store it in such conditions for a long time, move the battery to a heated room, and protect the bike from moisture with a cover.

Can You Ride an Electric Bike in Winter?

Although many e-bike manufacturers prohibit it, you can also ride a properly prepared bike in the winter.

How to Prepare an Electric Bike for Winter Riding?

The basics are sealing electrical components and their connections. Also, prepare mechanical components. Lower the saddle and tire pressure or switch to special winter models.

How to Protect an Electric Bike for Winter?

You also need to take care of your electric bike in winter when you don’t want to use it. Ideally, store it in a dry room at a temperature of at least 10℃. If you have such conditions, protecting an electric bike for winter involves cleaning the mechanical components and covering them with grease (similarly to a regular bike) and charging the battery to about half. Check the battery discharge status every two months and recharge to about 60% if necessary.

If you need to store an electric bike in an unheated room or under a shelter or balcony, be sure to remove the battery and store it at a temperature of up to 25℃. Clean and lubricate the chain, bearings, and cables. Cover the bike with a tarpaulin or a special cover to protect it from moisture and potential precipitation (if stored outside).

How to Prepare for Riding a Bike in Colder Seasons?

Depending on your preferences and, above all, weather conditions, you can also use an electric bike in winter.

To properly prepare for this, you should remember:

• our experts’ advice on caring for the battery in winter, which we present in the next paragraph,
• sealing the electronics. If you’re unsure if your bike’s manufacturer has done this, it’s worth taking the bike to a service center that will professionally seal it,
• avoiding excessive battery discharge and charging it in the cold,
• lubricating critical components,
• reducing air pressure in tires to increase grip. It’s also a good idea to buy tires with a winter tread or even studs. Yes, using studded tires on a bike is entirely legal,
• lowering the saddle to make it easier to control the bike.

Also, ensure proper lighting and reflective elements to increase your visibility. Remember about appropriate clothing to provide thermal comfort in changing conditions.

CityLion Experts Advise: How to Care for the Battery in Winter?

The battery is a crucial component of your e-bike that requires special care in winter, both when storing the bike for the entire season and when riding in winter. You also need to take care of electrical connections, so keeping the contacts clean and protecting them is crucial if you plan to take a longer break from riding.

“To maintain optimal battery capacity, lithium-ion batteries should be stored at temperatures of 10°C to 25°C, in a dry place with no humidity fluctuations. Avoid unheated, uninsulated garages and cells to prevent moisture from entering the connectors and enclosures of electronic devices. It is recommended to keep the battery half-charged (cell voltage about 3.6 V, corresponding to the nominal voltage for the cells used, e.g., for 10S (36V) packs – 36 V, 13S(48V) – 46.8 V, etc.), to maintain maximum pack capacity.”

Explains Stanisław Zagrajek, Director of Technology and Development at CityLion.

Low temperatures have a negative impact on the performance of your battery, but CityLion battery users do not notice significant decreases in e-bike ranges in winter. However, operating and charging conditions are crucial.

“You should not charge the battery in sub-zero temperatures, so removing it from the bike to transfer it to a heated room makes sense. However, remember not to connect the battery to the bike when the contacts are moist.”

Adds Dariusz Mikulski, City Lion Engineer.

Do You Ride an E-Bike in Winter? Remember These Activities!

If you ride an electric bike in winter, remember to clean the bike of snow and water after each ride. The most damaging effect is caused by salt spread on the roads, which leads to very rapid corrosion not only of electrical connections but also of all other metal parts, including the bike frame. However, do not use a high-pressure washer to wash your e-bike; instead, wipe the wet surfaces dry. Regularly protect drive train components with appropriate lubricants.

It is also important to start without assistance, which prevents wheel slippage on slippery surfaces. After starting to ride a cold bike for about 15 minutes, do not use full electric power. Allow the battery and motor to slowly reach optimal operating temperature. Maintain the battery’s charge level, and above all, avoid storing it discharged below about 20% capacity in negative temperatures.

In addition to servicing activities, also remember to use common sense. Avoid riding a bike in difficult conditions. This also applies to situations where there is a thick layer of snow on the roads. Continuously monitor your speed while riding, noting that your braking distance may be significantly extended. Remember the principle of limited trust in other road users, especially pedestrians – they can also slip.

Summary

Using an electric bike in winter can bring a lot of joy and help you maintain fitness. However, for it to be safe, both your e-bike and your head need to be properly prepared for the season. We wish you safety and traction.