It must have been a fantastic experience cruising on your electric bike (e-bike). You probably had a chance to explore scenic trails and make new friends as you work a muscle or two.
However, the time has come to stash your e-bike away for the off-season. Perhaps you’re returning to work after an extended leave, embarking on a long vacation, or ushering in winter weather.
Whichever the case, storing and caring for your electric bike properly is imperative.
Following proper storage and maintenance techniques ensures your e-bike is ready to roll the next time you need it. It also prevents costly repairs resulting from totally avoidable damages.
Read below as we highlight the top ways to store and care for your e-bike during off-seasons.
1. Understand the Benefits of Proper E-Bike Storage
Storing your electric bike properly minimizes the impact of adverse weather on both the e-bike’s mechanical and electrical components.
Note that battery performance typically declines in colder temperatures. Winter is also characterized by increased condensation, which results from the cooling and contraction of air. The condensation can cause the metallic elements of your e-bike to rust and corrode.
Now, the significance of proper e-bike storage should be emphasized regardless of the prevailing weather.
Summer may be just as brutal to your e-bike components. The combination of warm temperature and ultraviolet (UV) rays can degrade the e-bike’s lubricant and shorten the battery’s lifespan.
Moreover, prolonged inactivity can degrade your e-bike’s tires, consequently reducing the performance of gears and chains.
While you can mitigate these hazards by investing in premium e bikes, proper storage is also paramount. And that brings us to the next technique – pre-storage cleaning.
2. Clean Your E-Bike Thoroughly Before Storage
This should be a no-brainer. However, it’s surprising how many bikers do not appreciate the significance of pre-storage cleaning.
Cleaning your electric bike preserves its aesthetic appeal and reduces the risk of corrosion caused by dust and dirt settling on its surface. It also prevents harmful debris, such as rocks and splinters, from getting lodged in the bike’s sensitive chain system.
To clean your e-bike, start by turning the power off. Depending on your brand, you may need to remove the battery altogether.
Next, pick any visible debris from the bike, focusing on inaccessible areas like the sprockets and chain links.
Now, wipe loose dirt off the bike’s surface. Be sure to wipe electrical contacts with a dry, soft fabric.
Finally, cleaning the frame, gears, and chain is recommended before winding at the wheels and tires.
And when you’re done, let the e-bike dry outside completely. Remember to wipe off any lingering moisture, as this could accelerate corrosion.
Photo Credit: Unsplash.com
3. Perform Mechanical Checks
Besides cleaning, your electric bike deserves a comprehensive mechanical checkup prior to storage. Below are essential areas to focus on;
The brake system
Your e-bike’s brake system should be in a crisp condition before storing the bike during off-season.
Check the cables for signs of fraying and replace where needed. Also, address any leaks on the hydraulic lines.
Remember to do a test drive to gauge the brake pads’ responsiveness. Fix any misaligned pads to avoid uneven wear during storage.
Moving parts
Gently lubricate all moving components, including the chain and drivetrain. The grease creates a barrier against moisture, guarding against corrosion.
When done with the gears, adjust them as required to achieve a smooth shift.
Use clean fabric to wipe off any excess lubricant. Excess grease can attract dirt and form a deadly mixture that could exacerbate corrosion.
Tires
Examine your electric bike’s tires carefully for evidence of wear and replace accordingly. Common signs to look for include cuts, bulges, and workout treads.
Check the tire pressure as well. This is necessary if you’ll be storing the e-bike with the wheels on the ground.
Underinflated tires can cause unevenness on the wheels while overinflated tires are a major risk for blowouts.
Battery and electrical systems
When done with the mechanical parts, inspect the electrical components for loose connections or broken parts.
If your e-bike has a detachable control unit, remove it and store it indoors.
Finally, examine the battery level to ensure there’s enough charge. Do not store your e-bike with a flat battery.
Similarly, avoid overcharging your e-bike battery. Many experts recommend partial charging of 80 – 90% to boost the battery’s longevity.
4. Pick an Ideal Storage Location
Electric bikes should be stored indoors during the off-season.
Keeping your e-bike inside prevents exposure to harsh environmental factors outdoors. Besides, it’s easier to maintain a controlled environment indoors.
Common places where you can store your electric bike include the garage, basement, or a shed.
Insist on the coolest and driest spots in these areas. Avoid locations around the doors, windows, or walls. Instead, opt for a central spot with a more stable temperature.
Consider security as well when picking a suitable storage location for your electric bike. This is especially important if you’re storing the bike in a standalone shed.
Tie the bike down with a sturdy, tamper-proof lock. You might also install home security systems, such as surveillance cameras and motion-activated lights, to remotely monitor your valuable e-bike.
Detach all valuable accessories too, including the batteries and lights. Besides being common targets for burglars, these components are also more vulnerable to adverse weather. It’s best to store them in frequently visited rooms where you can actively monitor their condition.
Lastly, store your e-bike where it remains accessible when needed.
5. Invest In Relevant Accessories
Despite your best efforts, adverse weather might still wreak havoc on your electric bike. So, it’s important to invest in additional accessories to ensure the bike remains in crisp condition during the off-season.
Below are examples of essential e-bike storage accessories;
Weather-resistant cover
A weather-resistant cover, preferably a silicone one, is a crucial accessory to have before storing your e-bike.
Use it to protect the electrical connectors and displays against water ingress.
Frame protector
Despite its sheer strength, your e-bike’s frame is helpless in the face of extreme weather.
Frame protectors, such as adhesive film or foam tubes, reduce corrosion risks. They also shield the frame from scratches when moving the bike.
Battery storage case
A battery storage case provides your e-bike battery with the much-required insulation against temperature fluctuations.
It also cushions the battery from accidental drops or impacts.
Stand
E-bike stands help maintain the bike’s tire and wheel condition.
Some stands elevate the bike off the ground, preventing pressure points on the tires.
Photo Credit: Unsplash.com
Wrap Up
The benefits of proper e-bike storage are immense. Feel free to use this article as your practical guide to safely cleaning, maintaining, and storing electric bikes.
