Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Key Point |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature | Store at room temperature (50-77°F / 10-25°C) |
| Charging Guidelines | Follow the 30-80 rule to optimize battery longetivity; avoid charging at or below freezing |
| Long-Term Storage | Keep charge between 30-80% for periods over two weeks (dependent on ebike brand) |
| Winter Riding Caution | Avoid temperatures below 4°F; expect reduced range in cold weather |
| Moisture Protection | Keep the battery dry; consider a neoprene cover or waterproof battery bag |
Winter Challenges for Ebike Batteries
As the temperature drops, ebike enthusiasts face unique challenges in maintaining their ebike’s battery health. While many riders brave the winter frost, ebike batteries are less enthusiastic about chilly weather. Understanding how cold temperatures impact your ebike battery’s performance and lifespan is crucial for winter battery maintenance.
After all, we all want our ebike’s mechanics to withstand time and conditions! Plus replacement ebike batteries are very expensive and are one of the most expensive components to replace on an ebike.
Proper Storage and Temperature for Proper Winter Battery Maintenance
Practicing proper winter battery maintenance is key to the longevity of your ebike’s performance. The battery is essential to a smooth, reliable ride, so take the proper precautions when using and storing your battery.
Bring It Inside
Always store your ebike battery indoors to adhere to proper winter battery maintenance. Brands like Rad Power Bikes and Juiced recommend keeping batteries at room temperature, specifically within 50-77°F (10-25°C). Charging the battery indoors is equally important; never charge it at or below freezing. Allow the battery time to acclimate before charging, especially if exposed to cold outdoor temperatures. Not adhering to these guidelines can not only reduce battery efficiency but may also void your warranty. Additionally, many brands don’t recommend charging when the ambient temperatures are above 100°F.
Most brands recommend charging on hard dry surfaces that are dry and away from the sunlight. Place the battery and charger so it doesn’t become a tripping hazard and don’t leave the battery unattended.
Storage Tips for Inactive Batteries
If your ebike will remain unused for more than two weeks, avoid leaving the battery fully charged. Manufacturers like Bosch suggest maintaining a charge between 30-60% during extended storage periods. A fully charged battery left idle can gradually lose battery – so check on it every month. Rad Power Bikes, for instance, recommends a 50-75% charge for long-term storage, while brands like Juiced and Ride1Up advise an 80% charge. Lectric recommends storing at a charge no more than 75% or about 50V. Following these guidelines can significantly extend your battery’s life and save you money.
The 30-80 rule for extreme battery optimization
Some brands share ways to optimize your ebike’s longevity. A useful tip is the 30-80 rule, as recommended by Ride1Up: keep your battery charged between 30% and 80% most of the time. This means avoiding a full charge before every ride unless you need the maximum range. This recommendation is for the hardcore optimizer. Most people don’t do this, but it helps to understand where your battery is happiest if you want to prolong its life.
If you want to charge up to full after every ride though – don’t sweat it. Juiced Bikes emphasizes frequent charging—it’s better to charge every few days than once every few weeks or months. Rad Power Bikes simply recommends to charge your battery up after every ride:
We recommend charging the battery fully after each ride so your battery can power you for the full range the next time you ride Rad! The battery has no “memory,” so you can charge your battery after each and every use, even if you just take a spin around the block.
Rad Power Bikes
Popular Ebike Brand Charging Recommendations
| Brand | Storage Recommendations | Charging Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Lectric | Store with charge no higher than 75%. Store in dry, shaded areas at moderate temperature (about 72°F). | Charging time: 4-6 hours. Disconnect charger when full. Battery rated for 800 charging cycles. Recommended to use the brand’s own charger to avoid damage. |
| Ride1Up | Keep battery above 30% and below 80% if possible. Ideal storage temperatures: 50°F – 77°F. – Check the battery once a month. | Use the provided Ride1Up brand charger. Wait 30-60 minutes after use to charge, especially in hot months. Unplug charger when complete. Avoid leaving battery on charger unnecessarily or for extended periods after full charge to prevent degradation. |
| Rad Power Bikes | Recommended charging range: 41°F to 77°F. Do not charge if battery is warm from riding or in temperatures above 100°F. | Charge in a safe, dry, indoor area away from direct sunlight, dirt, debris, or any ignitable materials. – Do not charge unattended. – New battery should arrive with 50% to 75% charge. – Recommended to charge fully after each ride. – Charge at ambient temperatures of 41°F to 77°F. |
| Aventon | Store in a dry, climate-controlled indoor location between 32°F – 104°F. Charge battery to 75%-80% for long-term storage and check monthly. Remove battery from bike when storing long-term. | Charge in a temperature-controlled environment, preferably indoors, between 32°F – 104°F. Charge on a hard, flat surface like concrete or metal. Avoid overcharging; unplug when the charging indicator shows completion. Never charge overnight. Avoid charging in very hot or cold temperatures. |
This table presents the specific storage and charging recommendations for ebike batteries from Lectric, Ride1Up, Rad Power Bikes, and Aventon, aimed at optimizing their performance and longevity.
Winter Riding Considerations
Ebikes can be a blast to ride in the snow, especially if the ebike is designed for it. Fat tires, especially at lower tire pressure or knobbier tires can make a huge difference. Don’t let the colder temps or snow keep you from having fun on your ebike year round – assuming you’re taking care of your ebike.
Temperature Limits for Riding
Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, are detrimental to ebike batteries. For instance, Rad Power Bikes advises against riding in temperatures below 4°F. It’s important to remember that cold weather can significantly decrease your ebike’s range, similar to how a smartphone battery drains faster in low temperatures. Therefore, planning your rides and battery usage according to the weather conditions is essential during winter.
Just because you can withstand the extreme cold doesn’t mean your rig can!
Protecting the Battery from Moisture
Another crucial aspect of winter maintenance is protecting the battery from water. Snow melting into puddles can pose a risk. It’s a basic, yet vital rule: keep your ebike battery dry. To understand your ebike’s protection against moisture and dust, check out our blog on IP ratings.
Storing the battery in a dry place, like a basement with a dehumidifier, can help. Additionally, using water & flame-resistant battery bags is both great for storage needs and storage while traveling with your ebike. Neoprene battery covers offer insulated protection to prolong your battery’s range. Take a look at our favorite options!
Battery Cover (small and large sizes available) 
Waterproof and Flame Resistant Battery Bag (small and large sizes available)
Preparing for the Winter
Maintaining your ebike battery during winter requires a combination of proper storage, smart charging practices, and protection against the elements. By adhering to these tips, you can significantly extend the life and performance of your ebike battery, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable riding experience even in the colder months.
Remember, the key to successful winter battery maintenance lies in understanding your specific ebike model and battery and following the manufacturer’s recommendations.
