Winter e-bike care: Battery and cleaning tips
When the weather turns cold and the temperatures drop, the e-bike usually goes on its winter break. It is important to look after your e-bike properly over winter to make sure that it is still at its best and ready to go again next season, and that the battery keeps working efficiently for a long time to come.
In this article, we explain how to care for e-bikes properly at the start and end of winter, what is important to bear in mind for battery care in winter – and how WINTERSTEIGER bike washing systems can make your life easier.
What do you do with the e-bike battery in winter?
It is very important to remove the battery from the e-bike for the winter break. It is best stored at room temperature in a safe, dry place. The battery will be particularly happy in a cellar or a dry, unheated room. The optimum charge level for storage is between 30 and 60 %. This keeps the battery functional and means it less susceptible to overheating and short circuits.
An extra tip: As part of your battery maintenance, clean the contacts and protect them with a little Vaseline or contact spray before putting the battery into storage. This helps to keep moisture away from the sensitive contacts and is an effective way of preventing corrosion and potential startup problems in spring.
How do you store an e-bike for the winter?
It is worth cleaning the bike thoroughly before the winter break. This protects your e-bike's frame and technology from the damaging effects of salt, dirt, moisture, and rust. WINTERSTEIGER bike washing systems are a particularly convenient way to wash your bike. The Velobrush Smart and Veloclean Core models work with warm water, gentle brushes, and low pressure – ideal for a gentle clean that doesn't require you to remove the battery at any stage in the process.
Then it's time to dry the bike, oil the chain, and check the tire pressure. Once you have done all this, it is best to store the e-bike in a dry, frost-free room – for example, in a garage that stays at a constant temperature or in a well-ventilated storage room.
Outdoor storage? This is not advisable. If the e-bike is left outside over winter, there is a risk of the following damage: Rust on metal parts, brittle seals, corrosion on electronic contacts, or limited battery functionality. The risk is particularly high if the e-bike has not been cleaned properly beforehand.
Therefore: Clean the bike, remove the battery, and put it away for the winter – this will keep the bike in good shape over the winter and means it will quickly be ready to ride again in the spring.
How to care for your e-bike properly over winter
During the winter months, it is worth visiting your e-bike regularly to check that everything is OK. For example, check the battery level every few weeks and charge it up a little if necessary.
If you want to be extra safe, you can seal the frame with a special protective agent. This makes the first wash of the spring easier later on because dirt and debris will not stick to the bike so easily and residues can be rinsed off more quickly.
Preparing your e-bike for spring: Get the cycling season off to a successful start
As soon as the first warm days arrive at the end of winter, you'll no doubt be looking forward to your next bike ride. But before you jump back on the saddle of your e-bike, there are a few things to consider:
- Check the battery status and recharge it if necessary.
- Check the tire pressure, brakes, chain, and gears.
- Remove any traces of dust or maintenance residue from your e-bike.
If you don't have space at home to give your e-bike a thorough clean, keep an eye out for WINTERSTEIGER bike washing systems – many bike workshops, bike rentals, and specialist sports stores already use them.
Particularly practical: If there is a Velobrush Smart near you, you can easily handle the whole process yourself – simply pay at the card terminal to start the wash cycle.
Convenient e-bike cleaning with WINTERSTEIGER
Whether you are cleaning your e-bike before its winter break or getting it ready for spring, WINTERSTEIGER bike washing systems will have your bike sparkling clean in no time. Companies from a wide range of industries are already using these practical systems to expand their range of services or on-site infrastructure.
Are you also considering expanding your range of services with a bike washing system like the Velobrush Smart or Veloclean Core? Then get in touch! Together, we will determine the best model for your site.