Winter care for e-bike batteries: How to maintain optimum performance despite the cold 

E-bikes need to be winterised so that we can enjoy riding in difficult weather and road conditions. You should pay particular attention to the e-bike battery, as it is largely responsible for the performance and range of the e-bike. Here are some important tips to help you secure your mobility and remain independent. We’ll show you what you should pay particular attention to in winter to keep your e-bike and battery in optimum condition. 

Protection and care of the e-bike battery

E-bike batteries are the centrepiece of your electrically assisted bike. They are crucial for performance and range. Certain protection and care measures can be particularly helpful over the winter months to maintain the performance and, above all, the longevity of the battery in the best possible way. You should consider the following points: 

• Cleaning and care: The battery should be cleaned of dirt, snow and ice before you use your e-bike.
• Cleaning agents: A dry, soft cloth is often sufficient for cleaning. If possible, avoid using water altogether and never use aggressive cleaning agents!
• Transport in winter: If you have to transport your e-bike in winter, it is advisable to protect the battery well from the cold. Insulating neoprene sleeves that you can place around the battery can help. 

Storage of the e-bike battery

Die richtige äußerliche Pflege der Batterie deines E-Bikes während der Wintermonate ist sehr wichtig. Gleichzeitig solltest Du auch die richtige Lagerung des Akkus bedenken – gerade dann, wenn Du für längere Zeit nicht biken wirst und du dein E-Bike bereits in die Winterpause verabschiedet hast. Die passende Lagerung des AkkusProper external care of your e-bike battery during the winter months is very important. At the same time, you should also consider the correct storage of the battery – especially if you are not going to be riding for a long time and you have already given your e-bike a winter break. Appropriate storage of the battery is of crucial importance, as prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can have a lasting negative impact on battery performance. Below you will find some important tips on how to optimise the winter storage of your e-bike battery: 

• Storage location: If your e-bike will be outside in the cold and wet for a long time in winter or if you will not be using your bike in winter, it is advisable to dismantle the battery and store it at room temperature and in a dry, well-ventilated room if possible. 
• Storage temperature: Ideal storage temperatures for your battery are around 10 to 20 degrees Celsius – and not below 7 degrees Celsius. Extreme cold can reduce the capacity of the battery and impair its performance. 
• Charge status: A charge level of 70 percent is ideal. It is best to check the charge level of your battery regularly and if it falls below 30 percent, you should recharge it. 
• Recharge: Only use suitable chargers to charge your battery. You should charge the battery after every use; deep discharging is not recommended. If your electric bike is not used for a long time, it makes sense to charge the battery every two months, as a certain amount of self-discharge occurs. 

Different types of batteries react differently to cold, so it is advisable to find out about the specific recommendations. Lithium-ion batteries can lose performance at extremely low temperatures. Particular care should therefore be taken in frosty weather. Before using the e-bike in very cold weather, you should warm up the battery by storing it in a warmer room for some time. 

Protection against moisture and dirt

In general, it is particularly important in winter that you protect your e-bike and its battery from moisture and dirt as much as possible, as electrical components are sensitive to this. Here are some tips on this: 

• Mudguards: Mudguards can prevent snow and mud from splashing from the tyres onto the electrical components. Mudguards also keep the most important parts of the bike clean. 
• Bike cover: If you have to park your e-bike outside for long time, use a weatherproof bike cover to protect it from rain and snow. Make sure that the cover covers the entire bike and fits snugly. Special rain covers help to protect the battery from direct moisture. 
• Protect battery connections: Always keep the electrical connections of the battery clean and dry. Check and clean them regularly as mentioned above. 

Overall, caring for your e-bike and its battery is a little more demanding in winter, but the extra attention pays off. Regular maintenance and following the specific recommendations will help you to significantly extend the service life of your bike and its electrical components. 

Cycling in winter continues to offer many health-promoting benefits and requires relatively little effort if you follow a few basic principles. With a little care, you can ensure that your e-bike works optimally even in the cold season.