Everything You Need to Know About Ebike Storage
It's no secret that e-bikes have become more popular recently, but with that increase comes a range of new problems. While they are perfect for short and long journeys, the problem is finding a secure place to keep them. Don't risk losing your prized e-Bike-how to put it away safely.
Most consumers who own an electric bicycle merely park it on their front porch or lean it against a wall when not in use. These aren't wise choices since they may ruin your bike's paint job and lead to costly repairs. If you want to avoid that, read this article to learn how to store your e-bike while not using it properly.
Where to put them, what sort of rack is ideal, and how much room they require are all things that this guide will help you determine.
Storing Your E-Bike This Winter
It's OK if you want to take a longer vacation from riding your bike than the typical four or five days. With a solid plan in place, you and your partner will be ready to go as soon as the weather warms up. In colder weather, riding an e-bike isn't always worth the potential dangers you'll face on the road.
The first step is to make an appointment for autumn maintenance at your neighborhood bike shop and have them look it over and fix any problems you've been having. So that when winter comes, you're all set.
It is preferable to find out about any issues in the fall, before the cold weather sets in, rather than in the spring, when there is more demand for appointments and fewer openings.
Clean Your Bike Using Recommended Cleaning Steps
Secure and clean your ebike for long-term storage in the same manner, you would like your vehicle or boat for the wintertime.
Since your electric bicycle is generally waterproof, you can take a bucket of soapy water and wipe it off with a sponge. If you need to clean your bike, use the garden hose, but avoid the jet spray setting. Instead, use a spray nozzle on your garden hose to lightly rain on it from above and avoid areas that are not recommended to get soaked.
Your electric bike is equipped with several electronic equipment and components that are especially vulnerable to moisture and cold. Your best bet is to find a dry, cool place to keep your bike. Please do not put it in a damp or humid area.
Some of the top places to go are:
- Car park
- Shed
- House Parking Basement
Your bicycle will be protected between 32 and 68 degrees, the optimal range for storage. The electrical components of your e-bike can withstand temperatures as low as minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit but much lower, and you'll be stretching their limitations. You shouldn't do it, but you have to if you have to.
Considerations for Electric Bike Storage
It's essential to think about a few factors before deciding where to put your electric bicycle. If you follow the advice given here, you won't have to worry about the security of your e-bicycle.
- It's best to keep the electric bike out of the rain, snow, and mud.
- Don't keep anything in a crowded area. Avoid blocking the path of other cyclists with your electric bike.
- Find a place with a rack designed specifically for e-bikes. The best e-bike rack will allow you to hang or stand your electric bike.
- Keep your electric bike out of direct sunlight if your garage has a window inside.
- Do not place any items atop your electric bike. Nothing should ever sit or lean on it.
- Avoid keeping your bike near any inflammable herbicides, detergents, or ammonia-based products in the garage.
Keeping an Electric Bike in the Garage
You may store your bike in any dry shed or garage during winter, but you can also purchase special bike storage shelters. Even if the motor and battery are completely watertight, it is still possible for corrosion to develop on any exposed metal components if the e-bike is stored in a wet environment.
The chain on any bike, powered or not, can rust if it gets wet, and the electrical connections for cables on an e-bike may corrode if they aren't appropriately protected. When reinstalling a detachable ebike battery, a proper connection may be ensured using a dab of conductive terminal oil.
Winter riding has unique challenges due to 'salt,' although they are no greater than those encountered on a regular bike. It's recommended that you wash, grease, and dry your e-bike after each ride in the winter.
You may clean your e-bike with simple soap and water. Avoid using a regular pressure washer since this might cause water to be forced into moving components, breaking seals, and bad bearings.
Storing An Electric Bike in An Apartment
A few things to consider when deciding where to put your electric bicycle within your apartment space.
The Storage of Batteries
You should keep your lithium-ion battery charged between 40 and 80 percent when storing it and charge it again when it drops below 20 percent. To maintain a nickel-cadmium battery's storage life, charge it to 80% and let it drain for two months. You should also avoid exposing your battery to extreme temperatures or moisture.
Tools for Lubrication
Lubricate the chain and any other moving components that may need it. Choose a lubricant compatible with your bike's drivetrain and pick what's best.
Separate your battery while not in use
When bringing your electric bike inside, please remove the battery and keep it in a dry, cool place. Keeping it plugged into cycle may drain the battery quickly. Removing it may help.
Dry Your E-Bike
When you're done cleaning the mud or snow from your electric bike, wipe it down with a clean towel. The bike's surfaces will be protected from collecting filth and debris.
Be Sure to Maintain Proper Tire Pressure
Your electric bike's manufacturer may recommend that you store your bike with the tires inflated. This will guarantee that the tires are always ready for use.
Always make sure there are no dangling screws or bolts
Make sure to give your bike a thorough once-over before putting it away for the winter. Loose screws, damaged parts, etc., will be less of a problem in the long run if this is done.
A Winter Survival Guide for Storing Your Electric Bike
Tip 1: Remove Melted Snow and Road Debris Sand
Be sure to give your bike a good cleaning and check it over for any problems by looking for loose bolts, replacing any worn drivetrain parts, testing the air pressure in the tires, and lubing the chain.
Instead of figuring out how to replace parts on your own, you should take them to an authorized dealer once a year for maintenance. That way, when spring finally arrives, you won't have to worry about getting your bike ready for the trails or making any last-minute tweaks.
Tip 2: Only fully charge your bike when you plan to use it
Maintaining a battery charge of 70% or greater but not 100% is recommended for winter storage of your electric bicycle. Your best bet for protecting your bike over the winter is to bring it inside for the season. If this is not feasible, you should remove the battery and display unit (if present) and keep the device inside. Maintaining your battery at a temperature of 30 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended.
Also, keeping your battery at 100% for extended periods can shorten its lifespan, so disconnect it from the charger whenever possible. A winter battery check is something you should do every couple of months.
It is doubtful that a rapid charge will be necessary if the battery is at 40% or above, but if you find that the battery indicator has gone too low, you may give it a quick charge to bring it up to the appropriate storage voltage. If your device doesn't have a battery life indicator, you should charge the battery for at least 30 minutes once every few months.
Tip 3: Secure the Battery
Enclose the battery mount in a Ziploc bag or other cover for further protection from ants, spider, and other harmful stuff like dust and moisture.
Unwrap the battery mount in the spring after the weather warms up to ensure it is dry and clear of dirt and debris, then replace the plastic if you wish to store it longer.
Final Thoughts
Like any other bike, your e-bike needs a safe place to be stored while not in use. The increasing value of e-bikes makes them a prime target for thieves. Maintaining a safe area to keep your e-bike and locking it to a secure anchor on the ground should be your priority. Maintaining your ebike in a safe and clean environment is a common sense action that every cyclist should do.
If you follow these steps, you may expect to enjoy your purchase for many years to come. Feel free to take your ebike out of lockup for a winter ride and then return it; be sure to follow the guidelines above each time. Take all the required safety measures to protect yourself while having fun on the road or the path.