E-bikes are no longer just a fun hobby. They are now an essential mode of transportation and here are some tips to safely enjoy your e-bike even during the coldest months of the year.
#1: Know Your Abilities
Winter conditions can be dangerous and unpredictable, catching even the most experienced e-bikers off-guard at times. Before you head out into the snow, it is worthwhile to consider your personal abilities and how they stack up against the risks of riding in winter.
#2: Know Your E-Bike
Before you try to use your e-bike during the winter, it’s important that you first get used to it under good weather conditions. Rain, snow and ice are not ideal conditions for testing the limits of what your bike can do.
Specifically, you should get a feel for how fast your bike can go, how the throttle control works, and how the bike responds to braking. You should also know the range of your battery to avoid getting stuck without power in the middle of icy temperatures.
#3: Winterize Your E-Bike
Before taking your e-bike out in the winter, there are things you should do to make it safer and more comfortable. Here is a great video explaining some of these tip.
Additional tips that were not explained in the video:
Lower your seat to keep your feet closer to the ground. The only thing that is predictable about winter riding is its unpredictability: a lower seat will help you maintain your balance if you hit an icy patch, and will make it easier for you to quickly put your legs out to avoid falling.
Put strips of anti-slip tape to your brake and gear controls to prevent your hands from slipping at inopportune moments.
Batteries are not fond of cold weather. A neoprene cover will protect your battery from sub-zero temperatures.
#4 Take Care of Your Battery
Your battery is the heart of your e-bike, and it is imperative that you take proper care of it throughout the winter months. You should expect to have lower-than-usual power and range when riding in sub-zero temperatures. Between rides, you should keep the battery indoors to prevent it from getting too cold.
How you charge your battery matters. If you charge it immediately after a ride, when it is cold, you risk damaging the cells. Instead, bring the battery indoors when you get to your destination, and allow it to slowly warm up to room temperature before you charge it. The battery should never be warmed up by being placed beside a heater.
When your battery is charged and you are ready to put it back on for your next ride, first ensure that the battery terminals are dry and free of snow. This is where your neoprene cover comes in handy as it will help keep in the heat and extend the range.