BRRRR....Winter is coming... The temperature is dropping and the days are getting shorter, the end of the year is almost upon us and so is winter. With these 5 tips, steam your bike winter-ready and you can safely hit the road in the coming months.
1. Think about your battery
Will your electric bike stay in storage for a while during the winter? Then make sure to charge your battery at least once a month . Ideally with a short ride in between.
Does the temperature fluctuate around freezing? Then be sure to store your battery frost and moisture free. Your battery can withstand some cold, in fact, it slows down the aging process. But once below freezing, there is a risk of condensation forming and this is absolutely to be avoided.
More tips on maintaining your electric bike's battery can be found here.
2. Keep it clean
Extend the life of your bike by giving it a regular polish. When it rains or snows, a lot of dirt ends up between the chain or other parts, which can cause wear and tear.
Your chain should be cleaned with special degreaser and then lubricated with chain oil. A little lukewarm water and washing-up liquid will do for your frame.
3. Tires
Pump up your tires once, not too hard because that could cause you to just slip faster. Slightly softer tires increase the tire surface area and thus your grip on the track.
4. Be seen!
Winter, that means shorter days and longer nights, so good visibility is key. Make sure you are seen by other road users by wearing fluorescent clothing or strips. Check your lights so that you too can spot your surroundings and that slippery spot in time.
Discover the ABUS Urban-I 3.0, a helmet with integrated LED lights and reflectors for 360° visibility.
5. Perform maintenance
After a solid summer season, it is not an unnecessary luxury to reward your bike with a maintenance so that it is also armed against the winter weather. Be sure to have your brakes and all moving parts checked by a specialist.