“One of the best ways to make sure you can ride your electric bike every day for years to come is to keep the battery in good shape.”
E-bike batteries should not be exposed to extreme temperatures, either cold or heat. If you live in an area where the winters are long and the temperatures drop to the absolute minimum, how will you properly care for your e-bike battery?
Well, during the winter, the e-bike batteries require some extra attention. The argument that the gel used in electric battery tends to stiffen in cold temperatures can be used to support this. Accordingly, your e-Bike battery’s health and performance will be affected.
WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR E-BIKE BATTERY IN THE WINTER?
We advise using an ebike at least once every two weeks because riding in the winter is a lot of fun. Alternately, keeping your e-bike in the running position will help you keep your health. But some people want to keep their electric bikes in storage for longer. Here are some suggestions for taking good care of your e-bike battery over the winter.
- REMOVE THE BATTERY IF UNUSED
If the temperature drops to -4°F or -20°C, you shouldn’t ride your electric bicycle. Simply shut down your battery, release it from the frame, and take the battery out of the frame to store it. The battery in your e-Bike will suffer if it is kept in a chilly environment. You are advised to at the very least remove the battery from your e-bike and store it when not in use because it may not be easy for all of you to bring your e-bike inside the house.
- CHARGE THE BATTERY INSIDE
Never charge a battery when it is 32°F (0°C) or lower. Although charging your batteries below zero may appear to be fine from the outside, the lithium plates inside the batteries will be permanently damaged. Before plugging in your battery to charge, let it a few hours to warm up at room temperature. This will enable a faster, healthier charging. Don’t forget to unplug the device on time. Long-term plugged-in usage will shorten the life of your battery and harm the battery plates.
- KEEP YOUR BATTERIES IN A CONTROLLED AREA
As you store your battery, make sure the environment is dry. It must be a secure indoor space with a temperature that is maintained at between 50 and 77 °F (10 and 25 °C). Keep your batteries wrapped in cloth or in an airtight drawer to prevent humidity.
- START YOUR BIKE INSIDE AT A HIGH TEMPERATURE
You can still ride your e-Bikes if the weather is extremely severe in your area. Your battery must only be started inside at a greater temperature. The internal resistance of the battery causes it to generate heat, which keeps the batteries warmer. It’s unlikely that the batteries’ temperature will fall to -20°C or -4°F. Although they can be discharged to the lowest temperatures, lithium-ion batteries won’t discharge below this range. Additionally, below 50°F or 10°C, the discharge mileage tends to decrease.
- USE WINTER TIRES
Your electric bike probably only has rubber tires that are appropriate for summer riding conditions. You need to choose more suitable tires that can survive on slick, icy, and snowy surfaces, just like in a car.
This should motivate you to spend money on new tires that will transform your e-bike into a superior winter vehicle. When you want to plow through inches of soft snow,a fat tire bike comes in useful. Slick tires, meanwhile, are a terrific choice for plowed roads or icy terrain.
- CLEANING THE BIKE
It should go without saying that more rain and dirt will be present during the winter. This is not a problem because the bikes are made to protect the battery from rain. Once the ride is over, you might need to clean the bike.
As a pressure washer can harm connections and force water into places it shouldn’t, we don’t advise using one on our e-bikes. Instead, fully dry the bike before removing the battery to recharge or store it. We recommend doing this while the battery is still fitted to ensure the connections are covered.
HOW CAN YOU RIDE YOUR E-BIKE SAFELY IN THE WINTER?
Riders using electric bikes should take extreme precautions in the winter months since road conditions can become hazardous or even dangerous.
A helmet for head protection, luminous clothing, adequate lighting, and lowering your seat are all excellent methods to keep safe while riding for fun or commuting in chilly weather.
Although riding in severe winter weather conditions is strongly discouraged owing to the increased risks of black ice or blizzards; you might want to think about removing your feet off the pedals when on slick surfaces like sleet or snow for greater stability control.
Another smart move is to adjust your seat so that your feet are considerably closer to the ground for stability. You can remove your feet off the pedals and let them dangling closer to the ground when riding on slick surfaces.
DON’T WORRY ABOUT THE COLD WHEN RIDING
When in use, lithium-ion batteries will warm up a little, and that warmth will help keep the battery’s temperature above five degrees. It is essential to mention that the cold cannot harm the battery; following our instructions will help you get the most out of your batteries’ lifespan.
Don’t allow the winter weather keep you from riding your electric bike; they are made to withstand all of its elements. Riding in the cold is acceptable and won’t have any long-term negative effects on the battery’s health.
WRAPPING UP
“Don’t be frightened to ride your bike in the cold, despite all we’ve stated so far!”
The batteries of electric vehicles are somewhat harmed by both severe temperatures, which are defined by cold (-4°F or -20°C) and heat (167°F or 75°C). Inappropriate storing will cause more damage and poor performance. Winter maintenance of your e-Bike battery is crucial because if the damage was brought on by incorrect use, storage, or charging, the guarantee will not cover your costs.
Himiway e-Bikes use customised lithium-ion batteries with the best charge cycles and the slowest discharge rates. Your electric bike can be charged 1000 times easily, which is a significant amount more than other competitors on the market. Our e-Bikes provide prolonged trips because they can keep a charge for a lot longer than other models. Simply follow the above advice for e-Bike Battery winter maintenance and take full advantage of Himiway e-Bike rides.
