As winter approaches, you may be wondering what to do with your electric bike. If you have a daily routine that consists of going out every day to ride a bike in the park, you will undoubtedly feel worried about the arrival of winter.
Some electric bike lovers wonder if they can go out for a ride during the cold winter days while others understand that they should store them but just don't know how. If this is your case, then you are in the right place.
Things to Consider When Storing an Electric Bike
You might think that storing your electric bike is something simple, but it really is not. There are several things you should keep in mind before doing so to prevent it from being damaged. The following 3 tips will help you keep your electric bike safe and in good working order during and after the winter.
Identify What Type of Battery Your Electric Bike Has
Keep in mind that not all electric bikes have the same type of battery. The most common batteries used for these two-wheelers are made of lithium or lead.
Both batteries have their own requirements, so the way you store one or the other will depend a lot on its type.
For Lithium Batteries
These batteries need to be charged every 6 months and stored in cool, dry places. Lithium batteries generally pose a fire hazard, but if they are used and stored correctly, then the risk will be minimal.
For Lead Batteries
On the other hand, lead-acid batteries need to be maintained more frequently than lithium ones. It is important that these types of batteries are stored in cool and dry places where there are no high temperatures so as not to shorten their useful life. In fact, it is advisable to refrigerate them on some occasions.
Lead-acid batteries must be charged at least every three months, unlike lithium batteries.
Charge the Battery Properly
It is always advisable to charge the battery of an electric bike according to what is established in the manufacturer's instruction manual. A battery for this type of vehicle is expensive, so it is important to charge it correctly and prevent it from deteriorating quickly.
- Lithium batteries: They must be charged at least every 6 months
- Lead-acid batteries: They must be charged at least every 3 months
It is never recommended to let the battery discharge below the voltage established by the manufacturer. In fact, when a battery is below its recommended voltage, the charger will not detect it, and therefore, it will not recharge the battery.
You must bear in mind that it is not recommended to store the electric bike with a fully charged battery. Ideally, the battery should be charged between 35% and 75% before storing the electric bicycle. Some recommend charging it up to 80%. The idea of this is to prolong battery life.
While battery charge is an important thing to consider when storing your electric bike, the temperature is also vital. Batteries should be stored at temperatures between 32-68 F (0-20 ℃).
It is important to consider that if you have a lithium battery, the frequency with which it will discharge will be higher in warmer climates and less on cold days.
Don't Leave the Battery in Your Electric Bike
A very common mistake that people make is that they store their electric bikes without removing the batteries. Battery contacts could corrode from condensation buildup caused by changing temperatures.
You should not only remove the battery from your electric bike but it is also recommended that you use a little grease to prevent the contacts from corroding.
Cleaning Your Bike Before Storage
We have already given a preview of this in the previous point, but now we will go even deeper when it comes to cleaning the electric bicycle.
You should make sure to clean the parts of your electric bike that are most prone to corrosion. They are:
- Chain
- Frame
- Gears
- Cassette
To clean these parts, you need to have a cloth, water, bicycle lubricant, and oil. The most important tips to clean your electric bike are:
- Be sure to use lube on your bike chain, so corrosion doesn't affect it
- When washing the parts of your electric bike, do not use pressurized water, as this can cause damage to them.
- Wait for the cassette and chain to dry before applying a little more bike lube.
- If you know how to disassemble your electric bike, it is recommended that you clean each part separately for a more thorough cleaning.
Top Ways to Store an Electric Bike
Now that you know the most important things to do before storing your electric bike, it's time to choose the ideal place for it.
Storing Ebike in a Garage
One of the most common places that electric bike owners use is the garage. However, the conditions inside the garage can influence how you will store your vehicle:
- Use a waterproof cover: This is necessary if the generation of debris or dust is very common in your garage.
- Put your bike on a floor rack: This is ideal if your garage is spacious enough.
- Hang your electric bike: Not all garages have enough space, especially if there is a car inside. In those cases, you could hang the electric bike from the ceiling using a pulley. You can also hang it on the wall with a wall mount.
Storing Ebike in an Apartment
If you live in an apartment, it can be a bit tricky to store your electric bike, but it is not impossible.
Because an apartment might not be such a spacious place, many people use a wall mount to hang their electric bikes on the wall. Obviously, it is vital that you consider the size of your apartment as well as the weight of your vehicle.
If you have a little more space, then a good idea would be to place your bike upright in your apartment where it will not be an obstacle for anyone.
Storing Ebike on Balcony
Storing your electric bike on your balcony is a good idea whether you live in a townhouse or an apartment. Make sure to cover the bike with a waterproof cover to protect it from the cold winter weather.
Storing Ebike in a Shed
This is not an option for everyone as not everyone has a shed in their homes. In case you have one, how you store your electric bike will depend on the size of the shed. For example:
- If you plan to store only the electric bike in the shed, then you can leave it parked as normal. Put a waterproof cover over it.
- If your shed is not that big and you also have other things stored there, then you should place your electric bike vertically.
Conclusion
Winter can be very long, especially for those people who cannot go that long without riding their electric bikes. However, it is essential to take care of a vehicle of this type since cold weather can affect not only the bicycle but also its battery.You already know how to properly store your electric bike during the winter, so you should not have any worries when taking it out again once the season is over.
