Basically, you can ride with pedelecs and e-bikes in winter, but you have to prepare the two-wheeler for use in ice, snow, and cold. An expert explains what matters.
If you want to pedal in the winter, you not only have to dress warmly, you also have to take care of your bike more than in the summer. In pedelecs or e-bikes, the demands on the driver and maintenance are particularly high. How to prepare the electric bikes for the cold season and use them in snow and ice, explains Philipp Zimmermann, e-bike expert, and CEO of e-mobility service provider Greenstorm.
The battery does not like cold
Just as cars have a lot to do with the battery in winter, the rechargeable lithium-ion battery also has a special significance for e-bikes. "It is considered the most sensitive component and can lose capacity at low temperatures, which subsequently has a negative effect on the range," says Zimmermann. At temperatures below zero degrees, the expert advises removing the battery after each ride. It is best stored in the apartment, the office or another not too cold and dry place and only shortly before you leave again used in the pedelec. You should also charge the battery at room temperature - but not directly after a ride in the cold, but only when the battery has reached room temperature again.
For drivers who do not use their e-bike in winter, Greenstorm recommends that the battery be stored in half-full condition and at room temperature (not below 20 degrees). This ensures that there can be no so-called deep discharge and the battery after the winter break continues to have a maximum capacity.
Store dry, clean frequently and oil
"In any case, you should take into account significantly higher care expenses in winter than in summer," says Zimmermann. When driving in the uncomfortable season pedelecs are often wet. It is even more important to protect the bikes from moisture when they are not in operation. "It does not necessarily have to be in a basement or garage, and a carport can provide protection," says the expert. "At least the battery should always be stored dry and not too cool."
Since pedelecs often come into contact with salt and dirt in winter, it is especially important to clean them regularly with a sponge or cloth. In addition, it is advisable, according to Zimmermann, to clean and oil the chain again and again. He also recommends cleaning the contacts of the battery regularly with maintenance oil.
Adapt driving style
The drivers also have to adapt to winter conditions and act more cautiously. "When it comes to snow and slipperiness, you should always drive slower and remember that the braking distances are longer and it can be easier to lose control of your bike," says Zimmermann. Those who expect to be frequently on a snow road can mount tires with a coarser profile for more grip.
Bicycle lighting plays an even bigger role in winter than usual, as it gets darker on the one hand and on the other hand there are generally more cloudy days when visibility is poor. So you should check regularly if the lights are working in the back and the front. In addition, it is advisable to wear reflective clothing or a signal safety vest in order to be clearly visible to other road users.
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