When the weather turns cold in winter, does the electric bicycle battery seem to become less durable overnight? Compared with summer, the battery performance can be reduced by up to 40% in winter. So, how to storing your electric bicycle batteries last longer in winter?
Does not riding an electric bicycle really have something to do with the cold weather? If the temperature is below 0°C, the battery's power will drop by nearly 50%. Nowadays, the cruising range of electric bicycles has a lot to do with the outdoor temperature. It is normal for the battery power to decrease in winter. When it comes to the maintenance of electric bicycles in winter, please follow the three-step principle: frequent charging, frequent maintenance, and more assistance.
→Read: Winter Cycling Gear: Tips for Cold Weather Riding?
1. Increase the number of charging times
When riding in winter, be sure not to leave the battery in a low-power state for a long time. You must develop the habit of charging in time at night no matter how much you travel every day.
2. Pay attention to the charging sequence
When charging, first plug in the battery plug, then plug in the power plug. After charging, first pull out the power plug, then pull out the battery plug.
3. Remember routine maintenance
Start the electric bicycle to avoid large current discharge, otherwise it will cause great damage to the battery. When starting the electric bicycle, do not turn it to the maximum power. It is best to change the power from slow to fast.
4. Be particular about battery storage in winter
If the vehicle is parked in the open air for several weeks without use, the battery should be removed and stored in a room to prevent the battery from freezing and damage. Do not store the vehicle in a state of power loss. If it is not used for a long time, charge it once a month.
5. Pay attention to battery cleaning
It is also important to clean the battery terminals and apply special grease to protect them. This can ensure reliable start-up of the electric bicycle and extend the life of the battery.
6. Equipped with a dedicated charger
When charging, you must use a matching dedicated charger. Because the battery formula and process are different, the technical requirements for the charger are also different; therefore, do not mix chargers.
7. Do not overcharge
Do not overcharge the electric bicycle battery, as "overcharging" will cause battery damage; if the electric bicycle battery does not stop charging for a long time after being fully charged, the current will continue to flow into the battery, and the voltage will continue to rise; the result of the voltage increase is It will aggravate the thermal reaction of the electrolyte, which may cause the battery shell to deform (expand) or cause the battery to explode.
8. Don’t inflate your tires too much
→Read: Why is tire pressure important for mountain electric bike?
When riding an electric bicycle in winter, pay special attention to check whether the tire pressure is sufficient before going out. It is better to deflate the tire to 2/3 of the usual amount. Increasing the contact area between the wheel and the ground can prevent slipping.
9. Lower the center of gravity and avoid sudden braking
Lower the seat as much as possible, lower the center of gravity, and keep a distance of more than 3 meters from the vehicle in front to prevent the vehicle in front from slipping and tripping you. Do not brake suddenly, otherwise the wheels will slip and lose balance. Try to avoid sharp turns; within the permitted range of the road, the larger the turning radius, the safer it is. Do not compete with motor vehicles to prevent being hit by motor vehicles that are skidding. When encountering snowy ground and uneven ice surfaces, it is best to Get out of the car and push.
10. The decline is too obvious and needs to be detected.
If the mileage of an electric vehicle drops significantly when the temperature drops or the battery has been used for more than two years, you need to go to a regular electric vehicle shop or repair shop for testing. Your battery is likely to need to be replaced.