How to best care for your e-scooter and e-bike during the winter - Tips and advice for longevity

Winter is approaching, and for many that means putting away the electric scooter or e-bike in favor of more traditional means of transportation. But did you know that it is perfectly fine to continue using your electric two-wheeler even during the cold season? With proper care and maintenance, you can extend the life of your electric scooter or e-bike and at the same time avoid unnecessary repairs. In this blog post, we go through the best way to take care of your electric scooter and e-bike during the winter, what you should think about before and after riding, as well as how to protect your investment against cold and weather stress.

Prepare your electric scooter or electric bicycle for winter

Before you start using your electric scooter or e-bike during the winter, it is important to inspect the vehicle and make some preparations. Here are some things you should do to avoid problems when the temperature starts to drop.

1. Check the battery

The battery is the heart of your electric scooter or e-bike, and the winter cold can affect its performance and lifespan. Lithium-ion batteries, which most electric vehicles use, work best in a temperature range between 15-25°C. When the temperature drops below zero, the battery may lose capacity and charging may be slower. Here are some tips to protect your battery during the winter:

• Store the battery indoors : When you are not using your vehicle, bring the battery into a warm area. Do not leave it in the cold, especially for long periods.
• Charge the battery indoors : It is best to charge the battery when it is at room temperature. Allow it to warm up a bit after a cold ride before connecting the charger.
• Avoid deep discharges : Do not allow the battery to be completely discharged during the winter, as this can damage the cells. Keep the battery above 20% capacity and charge it often.

2. Change to winter tires or studded tires

If you intend to use your electric scooter or electric bicycle regularly on winter roads, it may be a good idea to invest in winter tires or studded tires. Winter tires provide better grip on snow and ice, and studded tires are especially good if you often ride on icy or slippery surfaces. It is important to have the right tires to ensure both your own safety and the safety of others in traffic.

• Winter tires : Made with a special rubber compound that maintains flexibility in cold weather and offers better grip on snow and slush.
• Studded tires : Has small metal studs that provide excellent grip on icy roads. Studded tires can be a bit more expensive but are well worth the investment if you ride in icy conditions.

3. Lubricate chain and moving parts

Winter weather, especially when there is a lot of moisture and salt on the roads, can cause corrosion and wear on the chain and other moving parts of your electric scooter or e-bike. To avoid rust and extend the life of these parts, you should:

• Use a water-repellent chain oil : Regularly apply a special winter or water-repellent oil to the chain to keep it smooth and rust-free.
• Lubricate other moving parts : It is also important to lubricate brakes, suspensions and other moving parts to prevent them from freezing or seizing in cold temperatures.

How to ride an electric scooter or electric bicycle safely in winter

Once you've prepared your electric scooter or e-bike for the winter, it's time to think about the ride itself. Winter road conditions can be challenging, but with the right techniques, you can stay safe on the roads.

1. Wear the right clothes

Riding an electric scooter or e-bike in winter means you have to protect yourself from the cold and wind. Here are some tips to keep you warm and comfortable:

• Layer upon layer : Wear multiple layers of clothing to keep warm. A warming layer closest to the body, an insulating layer to keep the heat and a protective outer layer that is wind and waterproof.
• Reflector and safety : As it gets dark earlier in the winter, make sure you have plenty of reflectors and lights on both yourself and the vehicle. A reflective vest and bright lights are a must to be seen in traffic.

2. Adjust the speed

It is important to drive more slowly in winter, especially if there is snow, ice or slush on the roads. By slowing down, you reduce the risk of skidding or losing control of your vehicle.

• Avoid sudden movements : On slippery surfaces, it is easy to lose grip if you make sudden maneuvers. Smooth, gradual movements are key to maintaining control of the vehicle.
• Brake gently : Use both brakes simultaneously and gently when you need to slow down. Avoid using only the front or rear brake, as this may cause you to lose grip.

Care and maintenance during the winter

After using your electric scooter or e-bike during the winter, it is important to continue with regular maintenance to keep the vehicle in good condition.

1. Wash off salt and dirt

Winter roads are often salted to keep them free of ice, but salt is also one of the biggest culprits when it comes to rust and corrosion. After each ride, especially if you have driven on salted roads, you should:

• Rinse the vehicle : Use a damp cloth or rinse the vehicle with water to remove salt and dirt. Avoid using pressure washers as this can damage the electronics and push water into parts where it shouldn't be.
• Dry thoroughly : After washing, be sure to dry the vehicle thoroughly, especially around electrical parts and the battery.

2. Check the tire pressure

The cold can cause the tire pressure to drop, which can affect grip and make the bike harder to handle. Therefore, regularly check that the tire pressure is at the correct level, especially if you have changed to winter tires.

3. Charge the battery regularly

As mentioned earlier, it is important to charge the battery regularly during the winter, even if you do not use the vehicle daily. Store the battery indoors and avoid it being completely discharged.

To think about when winter is over

As spring approaches and temperatures rise, it's time to once again adapt your electric scooter or e-bike for warmer weather. Here are some things to keep in mind when winter is over:

• Switch back to summer or all-terrain tires : If you've switched to winter tires or studded tires, you can now switch back to tires that are better suited for warmer temperatures and dry roads.
• Service the vehicle : After a full winter season, it may be wise to give your electric scooter or e-bike a thorough service, where you go through the brakes, chain, battery and other important components.
• Clean thoroughly : Give the vehicle a thorough wash and clean to remove any salt and dirt residue that may have accumulated over the winter.

Summary

Using your electric scooter or e-bike during the winter is entirely possible with the right preparation and maintenance. By protecting the battery, investing in the right tires and being diligent about maintenance, you can continue to enjoy your electric vehicle even in the colder months. Remember to adapt your driving to the weather and to maintain your vehicle carefully after each trip to avoid unnecessary damage.

Winter doesn't have to put an end to your driving - with the right preparations, you can continue to enjoy smooth and environmentally friendly transport all year round!