Autumn is upon us, which means more rainy and cold days on the e-bike. At Promovec, we know the struggle of commuting in colder weather, so here are some helpful tips for you.
Maintenance of your e-bike
Promovec's components are designed and produced for the Scandinavian climate. We have high demands on the durability and reliability of our components, even when the weather is not always offering warm and sunny days.
Our electric components and batteries are designed and produced with these conditions in mind. They are water-resistant, preventing moisture and water from entering the battery, motor, or display when cycling in rainy or snowy weather. However, we recommend parking your e-bike in a dry place or under a shelter to protect the electric components from the colder weather.
The bike doesn't do well when exposed to rain and moisture for extended periods, as it can lead to rust and wear, especially on brake pads, chains, and gears. Therefore, permanently remove unwanted dirt from your bike and check if the chain needs oil, which may have been washed away in the rain.
Remember that you can significantly extend your bike's lifespan with these maintenance tips:
Regularly clean your bike frame with water and soap.
The chain should be cleaned frequently by removing dirt and road salt. Always apply chain oil to each link after cleaning.
Check your bike for loose screws and bolts.
Periodically inspect other bike components, such as gears, chains, brakes, tires, etc., and seek professional help for heavier maintenance tasks.
Additionally, Promovec recommends using professional bike mechanics for a service check 1-2 times a year.
Make your ride more comfortable and safe.
To make your rides on cold and rainy days more comfortable, it's important to have bike tires with good traction on slippery roads. The tires must always be properly inflated, as tires with low air pressure can affect both the motor and battery performance. The correct tire pressure for your bike can be found on the side of the tire itself.
It's worth remembering that e-bikes are more potent than regular bikes. Therefore, we always recommend adjusting your speed to the weather conditions and being aware of the surface when cycling on wet and slippery roads. To avoid accidents on the bike path, consider reducing your speed for better control and safety.
In addition to keeping a safe distance from other cyclists, good mudguards for your bike's tires can prevent unnecessary splashes of water on both you and other cyclists. If you want to avoid water and wind further, consider getting bike-friendly rain clothes for your daily commute.
Finally, visibility in traffic is essential for a safe and enjoyable bike ride. In most parts of the EU, it is a legal requirement that your e-bike has lights on between sunset and sunrise, and it's a good idea to turn them on in low-visibility conditions, such as rainy or foggy weather. Also, consider reflective elements on your rain gear and helmet for added protection.
Battery Maintenance
Although our batteries are sturdy against rain and frost, charging and storing them correctly can prevent discharge and a shorter lifespan.
Temperature affects the battery cells and decreases their capacity. For this reason, the battery discharges faster on cooler days, and the range decreases more quickly depending on the assistance level.
When charging an e-bike battery, the ideal temperature is between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius (59 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit) under dry conditions. Charging an e-bike battery at temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) or below 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) can damage the battery cells.
Properly charging your battery will extend its lifespan. Therefore, charge your battery as often as possible and keep its capacity between 20-80%. The battery should neither be discharged entirely nor left in the charger for an extended period.
If you are storing your bike during the winter months, please pay attention to the following for winter storage of your battery:
The battery should be fully charged.
Charging should occur at least once a month for 24 hours to keep the battery cells active and maintain the warranty.
If the e-bike is stored outdoors or in an unheated space, it is recommended to remove the battery and store/charge it at room temperature.