You do not want to give up your Ebike in winter despite the cold and snow?
With a few simple tips from us, you do not have to, but can continue to commute to work or go on beautiful winter rides!
Here are our tips to keep you safe.
Cycling in the Snow
What is actually different about the roadway in winter? It is completely different because of black ice or a dense snow cover.
When there is black ice, which is not always directly visible, your tires can lose grip, in the worst case, you can lose control of your bike. Apart from the slippery aspect caused by black ice, the road surface is unchanged.
You will have a bigger change of road surface when the road is covered with snow. The snow will hide bumps in the road or other obstacles that can easily throw you off balance. In addition, there can be a considerable difference in height between the tire track where most traffic has been on, and the snow that lies around it. If you stray from that track, you can start to slide or your wheels will sink in so deep that you could risk a rollover.
So, you get the idea: riding without snow already requires concentration, but snow and black ice are even more challenging for you and your bike.
technique mATTERS
In freezing temperatures and snow-covered roads ride extra carefully and be aware.
For example, the melted water from the snow that melted during the day can freeze at night, making riding your bike the next morning more like riding on an ice rink.
If you have fresh snow you may find larger heaps caused by wind dispersed snow and this can throw you off balance. It may also cause the front or rear wheel to go off in curves. Therefore, always have your hands on the brakes.
If necessary brake first only with the rear brake. To avoid losing control you should generally shift your weight a little to the rear and avoid fast steering movements. However, if you lose confidence when the road is slippery, it is always best to stop and push your bike along before risking a fall.
How to care For Your Bike in winter
Due to colder temperatures, your e-bike and all components that are installed on your Ebike are exposed to higher stress. Good news is you can remedy this with regular bike care.
Clean your e-bike after every tour in the wet or snow, so that you protect the chain from rust, the brakes from corrosion and excessive wear. Otherwise, the brake pads are worn quickly and the braking performance is no longer as it should be. Try and get your hands on special antifreeze chemicals made by brake manufacturers for your brakes, so they can not freeze in snow and cold.
The most important parts are your tires. Without functioning tires you have problems both in the dry and in the wet. Here is what you should do: Check that your tires still have enough tread and no visible holes that could cause a flat tire. The tire pressure plays an equally important role to ride in the snow without problems. For tire pressure in winter, less is more! Ride with 0.5 bar less than usual, because that means more grip for you and more grip brings better adhesion on a road full of snow or black ice.
Battery storage and charging
When temperatures are often cold, battery performance generally drops much faster. Therefore, it is advantageous to store the battery at temperatures between 10 and 20 degrees, i.e. in your warm home. Make sure that you install the battery only shortly before your upcoming ride as this is the only way to ensure optimal energy utilization by the battery.
You should also make sure that you never completely discharge your battery, especially in winter, because this is not good for the battery and it can lose power faster! So, always make sure that your battery has at least a charge level of 30-40% when you park your Ebike, when the next ride is imminent.
Conclusion
Riding with your e-bike may not always be as enjoyable in winter with prevailing weather conditions such as snow or black ice. However, they are not an obstacle to completely give up cycling. With the right attitude and preparation, you will be able to brave the winter and maybe even enjoy your tours with the aim to build a snowman.
