Storing your e-bike over the winter – five tips for e-bike storage in the cold season
As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, it’s time to give your e-bike some extra protection and safely send it into hibernation. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind if you want your electric vehicle to start up again without any problems even after the cold season. In this article, we’ve compiled five helpful tips and tricks that will ensure you store your e-bike perfectly over the winter.
IMPORTANCE OF CORRECT STORAGE TO HELP YOUR E-BIKE LIVE LONGER
The cycling season ends as soon as the first frost hits the fields. According to a recent study by a research team at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, the majority of everyday riders ride their bikes several times a week, even in winter, to commute to work. However, there are also many people who don’t ride their e-bike when it's cold in winter – and who don’t get their bike out of the garage until spring.
But even if you don’t move your e-bike in winter, you should still give it some loving care while it's not moving. This is because incorrect storage for several months can quickly affect the lifetime of your pedelec. This is all the more true since e-bikes are even more sensitive than classic bikes due to their electronic components.
1. STORING YOUR E-BIKE IN WINTER: COLD IS OK, MOISTURE IS NOT
Our first tip is to choose the right winter quarters. While the cold usually doesn’t bother an e-bike, moisture can damage the bike. Find a dry, cool and frost-free place to store your e-bike. A garage, a cellar or another interior with an average temperature of between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius is ideal. Also make sure that the storage area is secure and will protect your bike from being stolen. You should definitely not leave your e-bike outside in winter.
By the way: When we talk about the correct storage location, that also includes how you store your bike. While a normal bicycle can easily be hung on a hook in the garage, a significantly heavier e-bike is often impossible to hang. So keep this in mind when planning your e-bike's hibernation.
2. THE RIGHT PREPARATION: CLEANING
Before you park your e-bike over the winter, you should always clean and maintain it thoroughly. This is because not only rust can attack the e-bike and its components, but also dirt. Remove mud, dirt and dust to protect the frame, chain and other parts from corrosion. Basically, a bucket of lukewarm water and a sponge are enough to do the job. There are also special e-bike cleaning products.
Important: When cleaning, make sure that the e-bike’s sensitive contacts and electronic elements are protected.
3. STORING YOUR E-BIKE OVER THE WINTER IN TOP CONDITION:CARE AND MAINTENANCE
In this context, check the e-bike for possible signs of wear or damage and, if necessary, carry out any repairs. The chain should be well lubricated, the brakes checked and all screws tightened. You should pump up the tires, too. After all, you'll only be able to use your e-bike immediately in spring if you leave it stored in good shape. You also prevent damage such as rust from getting worse over the long hibernation period.
4. E-BIKE BATTERY IN WINTER: PROPPER STORAGE IS ESSENTIAL
While cleaning and maintaining your e-bike, you should also remove all electronic components such as the bike computer and the e-bike battery. This brings us straight to the fourth tip: what to do with the e-bike battery in winter. This should be stored separately from the e-bike inside. This is because batteries are sensitive to extreme temperatures. Their feel-good climate is typically between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius. You should also make sure the battery is charged somewhere between 30 and 60 percent – this is where lithium-ion batteries feel most comfortable.
On a practical note, for battery storage, the FIT batteries have a special charging mode called “Storage State”. You can activate it in the menu of the e-bike display.
5. E-BIKE STORAGE: TARPAULIN AS ADDITIONAL PROTECTION
Last but not least, you can cover your e-bike with a tarpaulin. This will protect it from dust. This also applies to electronic contacts on a small scale. A cover can work wonders here. Various providers offer specific bicycle covers for e-bikes. There are also battery covers for the respective e-bike models.
STORING YOUR E-BIKE OVER THE WINTER - OUR CONCLUSION
As you can see, it is crucial to store your e-bike correctly to ensure its longevity and functionality. With the tips listed here, you’ll be well prepared to get your electric vehicle safely through the cold season. From selecting the right storage space, thorough cleaning and maintenance, to special care for your e-bike batteries – all these measures help ensure that your e-bike is ready for immediate use again in spring. Because at the latest, when the frost disappears from the fields, the next cycling season will begin.
Do you regularly ride your e-bike in winter? In the following blog article you will find more tips for e-biking in winter: E-biking in Winter
13.12.2023