Short, cold air and often snow or slush make e-bike winter tips necessary. The weather doesn't make it easy for us e-bikers! That's why many people store their e-bikes in the basement or garage and then don't pedal again until spring. One thing is clear: it doesn’t have to be like that! You just have to pay attention to a few important rules and you can let the wind blow around your nose even in the cold season! This is how you can easily get through the winter with an e-bike:
Winterproof: Prepare the e-bike
In winter the weather is wetter, colder and of course darker than in the summer. That's why you should carry out (or have) a complete check of the e-bike. Lighting, braking systems and circuit components should work perfectly to cope with any weather condition. By the way, wetness doesn't really affect e-bikes because the components are protected from rain and splash water, including the motor. The battery is protected when driving in sub-zero temperatures; you can also use a neoprene cover from a specialist retailer, but this is not a must.
Battery protection
The battery, as the most sensitive component of the e-bike, can lose capacity at low temperatures, which can ultimately affect the range. During winter operation at temperatures below zero degrees, it is therefore highly advisable to remove the good part, then store it at room temperature and only put it back into the e-bike shortly before the next ride. After the tour has ended, you should ideally store the battery indoors at temperatures between 10 and 20 degrees. When charging the battery, the following also applies: The lithium-ion cells should be plugged into the charger at room temperature.
Use the e-bike in snow and ice
In unpleasantly adverse weather conditions such as slippery roads or snow drifts, you should decide individually whether to ride - in many areas, tires with spikes make sense in order to implement e-bike winter tips. In winter you should only get on an e-bike if you are confident enough to cycle under the very difficult conditions. Looking ahead and driving are essential, especially on snow-covered or icy bike paths and trails. When starting on a slope after a short standstill, too much engine support is annoying - with the Bosch drive system, for example in turbo mode - otherwise the tires will spin and the grip will gradually be lost. If you regularly drive over covered snow in winter, you can use studded tires. However, these are only approved for e-bikes with support up to 25 km/h. E-mountain bikes really love snow tours!
The right clothing for winter biking
When it comes to clothing when cycling, e-bikers have a big advantage: if the temperatures drop and thick winter clothing is needed, you won't sweat straight away thanks to the electric motor support. Breathable jackets are still helpful because they trap the body's heat but allow air to pass through and are comfortable. Fingers get cold very quickly on an e-bike, so suitable gloves are essential, as are bike pogies in very cold regions (wind guards on the handles). Buff scarves, headbands and hats keep you warm and these days they also fit under your helmet, which you should never do without, even in winter. In the dark winter time it is of course particularly important to be clearly perceived by other road users. Light-colored clothing with reflectors is essential!
Correct assumption: secure the e-bike
You can leave your own e-bike to winter both indoors and outdoors, as long as it is protected from snow and rain. Of course, garages or basements are ideal. However, if you want to store your Pedelec under a carport or in an unheated shed, you should remove the battery and store it at room temperature. Batteries from e-bikes that have not been used during the entire winter break should also be removed and stored with around 30 to 60 percent charging capacity in a dry, not too cold place. In comparison to some other battery models, the Bosch PowerPacks do not need to be connected to the charger when resting - regardless of how long the e-bike is not used.
Those were our e-bike winter tips for all readers – stay fall-free!
Text: Bosch ebike Systems
