Riding in a Winter Wonderland? Whether the first sign of inclement weather sends you in or out of doors, Electric Bike Company has some tips for both riding and storing your e-bike when temperatures get frigid and weather turns wild. Dealing with below freezing temps, and icy, snowy, rainy conditions requires some special attention.
So, whether you plan to store your e-bike this winter or brave whatever Mother Nature has in store, here are our best tips for maintaining your e-bike this winter.
For those continuing to ride:
- Weatherproof, winter apparel. Water-resistant, super warm gear, like jackets with waterproof zippers, high collars, and 10,000 to 20,000mm ratings, are necessary to keep rain and snow from seeping in and getting you soaked. Base layers should keep you dry. Merino wool is a great base layer because of its moisture-wicking, water-repellant nature. To keep rain and snow out of your eyes, wear a brimmed hat under your helmet and glasses. These can keep water and snow from affecting your vision. Lastly, keep hands and feet warm. If. Your hands and feet get cold and wet, your body temperature will drop – making your ride miserable and unsafe. Waterproof gloves and waterproof shoes or shoe covers are a must.
- Mud flaps and Fenders. When it snows and rains, you don’t need it flying up from the ground too. Fenders protect you, your bike, battery, and other bike components from water and debris, and are a winter necessity.
- Weatherproof gear. A water repellent trunk bag or pannier bag keeps important items and electronics safe from the elements. Store extra layers, all weather gloves, rain gear and hi-vis vest or jacket so you’re always prepared.
- Keep the lights on. Hours of darkness outnumber the hours of light in the winter. Front and rear lights are a must. Not only for your ability to see your path as a driver, but also to ensure your visibility to other vehicles. Additional lights and capabilities only increase you ability to communicate to other vehicles and improve safety, such as high/low beam, turn signals, brake lights and automatic sensors. Adding lights elsewhere, like your helmet helps to increase visibility. EBC’s E-Helmet features front and rear lights (and optional flashing modes) to provide optimal visibility while riding in the snow and rain. Additionally, seeking out apparel and e-bike accessories that feature reflective elements help you stay visible.
- Ride like it’s icy and wet. Brake early, be cautious when turning, and look for slick spots. When roads are icy and wet, things are slick, slippery, and more dangerous than they are in ideal conditions. So, it’s important to be mindful and alter your riding style accordingly. Breaking in advance helps avoid loosing control. Taking corners at a slower speed and keeping an eye on the road for hazardous spots helps keep you in control.
- Be Prepared. If you know you’ll be riding in the snow or rain, plan your route accordingly. Know where your going, how much power you’ll need to get there, and pack appropriate clothing and reflective gear to keep the ride safe and dry. If you’ll be using GPS, be prepared with a phone mount to keep it handsfree.
- Clean up. When your reach your destination take a moment to give your e-bike a wipe down. While EBC bikes are made to ride in inclement weather, it helps keep your e-bike well maintained to take the time to dry off the battery and frame after a really icy, wet ride.
For those planning to store:
- Clean up. Like most important equipment, your e-bike needs to be cared for and cleaned regularly. Prior to putting it away for a long winter’s nap, you should:
- Gently clean your bike (note gently) using water and a sponge.
- Wipe down and dry with a dry cloth.
- Pay special attention to the battery, ensuring all is dry to prevent corrosion.
- Lube the chain, turning the pedal to move it around.
- Store in a safe place. Your e-bike should be stored in a cool, dry place, avoiding high humidity and below freezing conditions. The ideal would be between 32 degrees and 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Go the extra mile for batteries. Batteries are the power behind your ride and require a little extra love. To ensure they’re properly taken care of, store them in a cool, dry place where they won’t freeze. Batteries are best stored between 32 degrees and 104 degrees Fahrenheit, and can handle greater extremes (but only for a short while before extreme temperatures begin to cause damage). Most importantly, your EBC Lithium batteries should be fully charged before storing them. We recommend charging your battery every 3 weeks during non-use to protect your battery’s longevity.
- Coming out of hibernation. When it’s time to bring your e-bike out of hibernation, it’s important to perform some basic maintenance to make sure everything is running smoothly and read to ride!
- Check tire pressure and tread. 35-40 psi for Model R and J. 40-45 psi for all other models.
- Check brake pads and gear shifts.
- Lubricate chains to keeps things running smoothly.
- And, if all of this sounds intimidating, take it to your local bike shop and let them handle the tune up!
EBC is committed to making e-biking the best experience for everyone on the trail and encourages all EBC riders to practice good etiquette. We do our part by producing the best American-made, custom-built electric cruisers in the world. Using the highest quality, globally sourced materials and components, employing talented local bike builders, inspecting and testing every e-bike, and constantly innovating to ensure safe, secure, and exceptional rides—even really cold and wet ones.
Lastly, don’t forget we’re giving away an EBC Project Beautiful Model Y Purple Pear E-Bike! Now through November 21st, enter for your chance to win. There are a variety of ways to enter and earn extra points to increase your chances of winning. Visit here for more info.
The EBC E-Bike Giveaway ends November 21, 2023. The winner will be announced in our Instagram Stories on November 22, 2023. Good luck!
