Riding Tips for Cold Climes (or Climbs…!)
While you may not be a member of the House of Stark (Game of Thrones devotees will understand…), the winter climate can bring additional challenges for E-Bike riders – particularly if you live in an environment that experiences snow, ice, or significant rainfall. Like the Starks, E-Bike riders should be prepared for the coming winter.
It’s important to be aware of how slick terrain, limited visibility and wet conditions will affect both your E-Bike and your riding experience. Adequate preparation and consideration will ensure you get the most out of your winter E-Bike rides and might even see these cooler excursions becoming your favorite way to get outdoors in the cooler weather.
Here are a few suggestions for riding safely in challenging winter conditions (or Winterfell…):
1. Slow Down
You would slow down if you were driving, so the same goes for your E-Bike. Give yourself more time to react by reducing your speed and looking ahead for potential dangers like icy patches, slick spots, or puddles on the road or trail.
2. Lower Your Seat
Lowering your center of gravity will give you more stability and control over your E-Bike. Lower your seat enough that you can place both feet flat on the ground when you are seated. While this will make it more difficult to pedal in a fully upright position, the lower seat will help you stay balanced in challenging conditions.
3. Warm up the Battery
E-Bikes can operate in below-freezing temperatures, but you should warm up your battery before plugging it in to charge. Simply bring your cold battery indoors to allow it to slowly warm to room temperature and then charge it.
Cold batteries do not charge efficiently and may not reach full capacity, which will limit range and power. Conversely, rapidly heating the battery may cause lasting damage. If you need to store your E-Bike outdoors in cold weather, we recommend using a thick, protective cover to insulate both your bike and battery.
4. Install Fenders or Mudguards
Along with cold temperatures, the wet conditions caused by snow, ice, and rain may damage the battery if you don’t take adequate precautions. Protect your E-Bike battery with fenders, a chain guard, or wrap-around mudguards. The guards are positioned to stop mud and slush from splashing on your battery and other components.
5. Use Wider Tires for Your E-Bike
If you plan on riding on icy streets, snowy roads, or slushy trails, it’s important to make sure that your E-Bike has tires designed for winter conditions. Use wide, studded tires when riding on icy terrain or plowed roads. Because wide tires cover more surface area than standard tires, they are better at gripping the ground.
It’s also a good idea to slightly lower the pressure in the tires. You’ll get better traction, more grip, and the risk of losing control will be reduced.
6. Light the Way
Winter brings shorter days, reduced light, fog, and rain. Check the lights on your e-bike. You want to make sure you’ve got good visibility. Check out our range of EBC lights and make sure that you can see what’s ahead so you can react appropriately.
