Practical Tips for Winter Ebike Storage

1. Clean Your Ebike

Before storing your ebike, start with a thorough cleaning process. Use water to wash away accumulated dirt and salt, paying special attention to the frame. This is expecially important because salt and moisture can act as a corrosive on aluminum surfaces. Your bike chain is especially vulnerable to the effects of sale corrosion.

Once cleaned, ensure the frame is wiped dry to prevent any lingering moisture. Additionally, inspect and clean the battery contacts to ward off potential corrosion. Don’t forget to lubricate the chains for smooth operation.

2. Store Your Ebike and Battery Properly

Proper storage of your ebike and its battery is crucial. Consider these practical tips:

• Remove the Battery: Take out the battery and store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing lithium-ion batteries with a completely depleted charge or a completely full charge. Typically you want to leave around 70-80% charge on your battery if you plan on letting your bike sit for extended periods of time.
• Cool, Dry Storage: Store your ebike in a cool, dry place. Maintain a storage temperature between 32º and 68º Fahrenheit. A consistently cool and dry environment contributes significantly to preserving your bike’s components.
• Regular Charging: If you lack a battery indicator, a brief charge every few months helps maintain the battery’s health during storage. Just be careful not to overcharge your battery for maximum longevity.
• Use a Bike Cover: If you absolutely have to store your ebike outside, consider investing in a quality bike cover. This additional layer of protection shields your ebike from moisture, low temperatures, and dust, ensuring it emerges from storage in optimal condition. You can buy a high quality bike cover for between $40-$80 depending on the size of your bike or bikes.

3. Tire Care

Proper tire care is essential for longevity:

• Inflate Your Tires: Ensure your tires are properly inflated before storing your ebike to prevent damage.
• Keep Your Tires Off The Ground: To further protect your tires, reduce the weight on them during storage or consider hanging the bike. This minimizes the risk of flat spots.

4. Gearing and Brake Maintenance

Take simple steps to maintain gears and brakes:

• Shift to the Lowest Gear: Shifting gears to the lowest position (gear 1) removes tension from the derailleur spring during storage, preventing unnecessary strain.
• Check and Fill Brake Fluid: Before storing your ebike, refill the hydraulic brake fluid reservoirs. This ensures optimal brake performance when you’re ready to ride again. This only applies to hydraulic disc brakes of course.

5. Post-Winter Check

As winter transitions to spring, prepare your ebike for the riding season:

• Basic Tune-Up: Have your ebike checked for a basic tune-up to address any issues that may have arisen during storage. This preventive measure sets the stage for a smoother riding experience.
• Test Ride: Before embarking on longer rides, take your ebike for a short test ride. Check brakes, gears, and overall functionality to ensure everything is working correctly. A simple spin around the neighborhood could save you from potential injury or prevent you from being stranded. In the event that you have a mechanical mishap, the last thing you want is to be miles away from home and without the proper tools.