2023-12-06 08:26:00
Maintaining your electric bike is a no-brainer, even if you don’t intend to use it during the winter. To help you keep your electric bike in tip-top condition, here are some simple tips.
When winter comes, most cyclists tend to put their bikes away. Some people, especially the most endurance ones, continue to ride an electric bike even in winter, regardless of whether it rains, freezes or snows. Those who are part of this group of cyclists know that even the best electric bike must be maintained to maintain its condition. Here’s how to keep cyclists safe on the road.
Maintaining an electric bike: prepare before winter
Let us point out that a good cyclist must maintain their electric bike well before winter. This process is carried out all year round at a regular rhythm in order to ensure the fluidity of its use and prolong its lifespan to the maximum.
In fact, before the first frosts, it is necessary to plan a complete revision of the Electric mountain bike from a specialist. If you do not use the bicycle for a long time, you should operate the brake levers regularly to prevent the hydraulic pistons from failing. Knowing that the tires constantly lose air, you have to hang the bike to keep it longer.
It is also necessary check wiring, lighting to ensure optimal use of the vehicle during winter.
Cleaning your electric bike
In winter, snow and salt are two factors that can dirty your electric bike. Therefore, it is necessary spend time cleaning the bike. To do this, even if it is a folding electric bike, nothing too complicated.
A bucket of water, a sponge and, for hard-to-reach places, a handled brush are the most recommended cleaning tools. If the dirt is particularly stubborn, the bike should be sprayed with a special cleaning agent beforehand. After washing, dry the bike and wipe it with a lightly oiled cloth to preserve it.
Maintaining your electric bike during the winter: lubrication service
Additionally, maintaining an e-bike during the winter involves lubricating it. Usually, key components of an electric bike are lubricated at the factory. However, theadding additional lubrication in certain crucial areas can extend the life of the bike and improve its performance. Here are some of the areas to lubricate:
- Pedal threads on the crankset
- Some selected headset components and both bearings
- Bottom bracket axle before installing the crank
- The inside of the seat tube before installing the seat post
- Front quick release skewer or axle.
Chain lubrication
The chain is one of the elements affected by this intervention. Indeed, over time, the lubricant applied at the factory on the chains degrades, and you will have to apply it more regularly, depending on usage and driving conditions.
To do this, you need to pour a few drops of oil on the lower strand of the chain, then turn the transmission backwards so that the oil spreads over all the links. A little oil won’t hurt the derailleur and shifter either, as well as the bottom bracket bearing, brake levers and saddle suspension.
In the case of a Decathlon electric mountain bike, you should know that the front and rear suspensions require a little special lubricant from time to time. Don’t forget to check the thickness of the brake pads or linings, as well as the brake rotors and lighting.
The most important thing to maintain your mountain bike or electric cargo bike during the winter is to protect your battery. This does not work effectively in extreme conditions or temperatures. This phenomenon is well known: in winter, our cell phones discharge faster than usual. Likewise, electric bike batteries lose their performance at low temperatures. Therefore, keep your battery in a room or garage at room temperature. The other components of the bike work smoothly in the cold.
Additionally, if you are not riding during the winter, check the battery every month in order to maintain it at an average charge level. The battery level should not drop below 60% for an extended period of time. It is therefore preferable to recharge it from time to time. Be aware that by depriving a battery of juice, you risk reducing its lifespan and long-term performance.
Always charge the battery at room temperature
After a trip, wait patiently for the battery to reach room temperature before plugging it in. Do not use any other heat source to speed up the process, otherwise the components may be damaged. Charging at temperatures between 10°C and 20°C maintains higher performance and takes care of complex internal parts.
Be aware that battery life may be less than normal when riding your bicycle in cold weather. But don’t worry, this drop in performance is temporary, it willwill come as soon as the weather warms up. To avoid this drop in autonomy, you can put a neoprene cover around your battery to protect it from the cold.
Should you maintain the motor of an electric bike in winter?
Being a block, the motor is one of the sealed components. No need to pay special attention to it. A little lubrication can help smoother and quieter ride. Be careful not to apply too much lubricant to the rear hub, which might damage the electrical components. Remove the motor assembly to properly lubricate the rear hub.
Furthermore, it is necessary to maintain the connectors and cables of your electric bike so that it can ride safely during the winter. These elements must always be protected from splashes and humidity. Please note that poor maintenance risks causing electronic failures as well as premature wear.
If you regularly use your electric VTC in winter, consider check the condition of the connectors. It must be cleaned and applied a hydrophobic spray which repels humidity and ensures good circulation of electrical information. In addition to the electronics, it is necessary to check the tightness of the motor in the frame. Vibration can cause screws to loosen.
Better storage options
The last thing you want to focus on when it comes to maintaining your intersport e-bike in winter is how you store it between rides. Except for the battery, the bike can be stored outdoors. You just need to make sure it is well protected from rain and snow. For this reason, it must be placed in a garage or cellar: a place that will stay dry overnight. Investing in a cover is also a good idea. Winter storms often bring gusty winds, and with a cover you can minimize e-bike repairs needed due to nicks and dents caused by debris.
The best electric bikes to adopt in winter
It should be remembered that during the winter season the roads are slippery. You must then be vigilant in choosing the best electric bike or a suitable model.
Urbanbiker Vienna
Urbanbiker aims to offer a reliable means of transportation, even in winter. Its Viena model is proof of this. This electronic bike incorporates an 840 Wh battery and a 250 W motor. It has a hydraulic braking system ensuring greater safety on slippery and dangerous winter roads.
This bike incorporates various elements that make it comfortable to ride, including a Freeway brand saddle, ergonomic handles, and Hutchinson puncture-proof tires.
The Urbanbiker Viena offers 5 modes d’assistance, and is equipped with a speedometer, an odometer.
Riverside 540e
The Riverside 540e is one of the electric bikes versatile and powerful to adopt in winter. It benefits from an alloy frame as well as a Suntour NCX SF 17 suspension fork. In the hybrid category, it offers a sportier position compared to urban models.
Suitable for winter use, its powerful engine delivers up to 60 Nm of torque. This bike has a 418 Wh battery offering a range of 90 km.
ELOPS 920E Connect
ELOPS 920E Connect, Decathlon’s connected bike can also be your ally in winter. It features TEKTRO brand disc brakes guaranteeing powerful braking.
Thanks to a maximum torque of 50 Nm, the Brose motor offers much higher performance than hub motors. It should be noted that the pedals of the ELOPS 920E Connect are not made of rubber, reducing the risk of skidding on slush
Replace your tires
Apart from maintaining your bike properly and choosing the best model, you should replace ordinary tires with winter tires, electric Fatbike style. The particularity of these tires lies in the fact that they grip better on the most slippery tracks and resist the least favorable temperature conditions. And to move more easily in slush or snow, also bring studded tires which will also offer better stability. Furthermore, in winter, you can under-inflate the inner tube a little to increase traction on the trail.
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