E-bike in winter: the 5 most important tips
In order to reach your destination with your e-bike even in winter, you should pay attention to some aspects. This article tells you exactly what to look out for when you're out and about with your e-bike in winter.
E-bike in winter - pay attention to the range
If the temperatures drop in winter, this affects an e-bike.
- If you have been on the road with your e-bike several times, you can roughly estimate how far you can go with a charged battery. However, you should know that a battery doesn't last as long in winter as it does in summer.
- This phenomenon has to do with the electrical resistance that increases when it is cold: this is why a battery discharges faster. The range is also related to driving behavior, air resistance, the weight of the driver and the tire pressure.
- So drive shorter distances in the cold so that you get to your destination. Alternatively, you can of course take a spare battery with you.
Keep the battery warm
Do not leave the battery in the cold longer than absolutely necessary.
- If a battery gets too cold, it can lose capacity. It is therefore advisable to keep it as warm as possible so as not to experience any unwanted surprises.
- If you drive longer at low temperatures, it makes sense to put the battery in a thermal protection cover. This way it can survive the cold better and does not lose any performance.
- After driving, it is best to take your battery into the warm. Store it here at room temperature and do not use it until the next trip.
E-bike batteries charge at room temperature
When charging the battery, the same applies as when storing:
- At best, batteries with lithium-ion cells should not only be stored at room temperature, but also charged. If the battery is charged at too low temperatures, this can also lead to a loss of performance.
- When the battery is charged, you can start your next trip. But make sure that the battery is warm enough. Hypothermic batteries do not last long.
- Before using the battery, warm it up in a heated room so that it is not too cold. Then you can use it as usual and drive off.
E-bike battery in winter: how to store it correctly
Do not leave the battery on the bike when you park it outside.
- If you don't want to drive in the cold, remember to remove your battery from the bike. If you have to use the e-bike spontaneously, make sure that the battery has full power.
- Store the battery when you are not going to be riding the bike for a long time, at temperatures between zero and 20 degrees Celsius. Also always make sure that the room is dry.
- Ideally, the battery is about 30 to 60 percent charged when you store it. On a light-emitting diode display, this corresponds to approximately two to three lines.
Store the e-bike correctly
Not only the battery has to be stored correctly, but also the bike itself.
- You should decide whether you want to store your e-bike indoors or outdoors. Consider how often you will use it and what the condition of the battery should be.
- If you decide to store the bike outside, it should be protected from snow and rain. A garage or cellar is best suited. But make sure to store the battery separately.
- If you store your e-bike indoors, then the room should at least be dry. If the room also has room temperature, you can leave the battery on the bike.
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