How to Protect Your E-bike Battery in Winter

Your electric bike battery needs a proper maintenance routine to improve its lifespan. Since batteries are more prone to damage during winter, they need extra care and maintenance. Although users could use the information in their manual or manufacturer's guide, but you need further details and explanation. As a result, this guide compiled everything you should know about e-bike battery protection during winter.

Charging Your E-bike Battery

You may charge your battery while fixed to the electric bike or charge it independently. If charging your ebike battery, do it at the standard room temperature, usually between 0°C and 40°C. The charging temperature also should match the recommended range.

You should avoid overcharging your e-bike battery to prevent overheating. Once your battery is fully charged, unplug it from the power source. You may also set a timer if you need more time to monitor your battery as it charges constantly. The set time to fully charge most HAOQI batteries is about 7 hours. Once fully aware of this, you can check if the charging has been completed as time elapses. Follow the charging tips below to enjoy a long battery life or duration.

• Make sure to charge your e-bike after a long break. Keep the percentage between 30% and 60%, even when the battery is unused.
• Avoid charging the electric bike battery in a hot temperature above 110°F. Also, do not leave your battery to stay outside, especially during winter when the weather is freezing.
• Make sure to use a suitable charger for the e-bike battery. It is highly recommended that you use your electric bike brand. You may contact the HAOQIcustomer team if you use any of the brand's products.
• Stay away from flammable objects while charging your phone to avoid a disaster.

Storing Your Ebike Battery

Beyond knowing how to ride an e-bike, you must keep the components safe. After riding into the cold weather, properly store the battery at an ideal temperature. You can create an indoor space for your e-bike if it is used for a short time. Follow the tips below for storing your battery in the proper condition.

• Make sure to switch off the battery before storage.
• Avoid placing the battery on a damp surface. This could cause the battery cells to deteriorate.
• Store the battery in controlled weather conditions.
• Constantly check the stored battery to confirm if it is in a suitable condition.

Carrying Out Check Routine on Your Electric Bike Battery

Even though batteries naturally lose value as they age, users' maintenance routine still matters. You need to ensure the battery is constantly connected to the bike controller. Also, clean the interface to remove contamination from foreign substances, such as snow, mud, and grit. This will prevent the cells from being depleted or overworked. If you notice any leakage from your e-bike battery, you should consider getting a replacement instead.

Always Keep Your E-bike Battery Dry

Most ebike batteries can survive under minimal rainfall. However, dry the battery before inserting it into the electric bike again. This will prevent the battery from corroding, especially using the traditional lead-acid battery. You may also use cleaning agents like battery terminal grease and electrical contact cleaners. These items will prevent water from further damaging the electric bike battery.

Even the highest quality battery will reduce in capacity when submerged in water. Thus, if you ever find your battery in a large pool of water, the first thing is to switch it off. However, it is less likely you will be able to use the battery again. You can only try it by drying it up and checking the battery's working condition.

Why Electric Bikes Have a Shorter-Range During Winter

If you have been having trouble covering long ranges or distances, it's most likely because the e-bike battery has been overly exposed. Typically, low or frosty weather affects battery performance. The electric bike battery charging cycle is being affected by the cold weather. This implies an imbalance in the time it takes a battery to charge, and then fully discharge. The ebike battery will begin to discharge at a faster rate. Even when the battery is kept back in a warm temperature, it never goes back to being the same, especially when exposed to cold for a long time).

The conductivity of the ebike battery also drops due to a float in the liquid electrolyte. The lithium-ion in the battery then constantly moves from the anode to the cathode pole. Unlike components like e-bike frames, batteries cannot withstand harsh weather conditions.

Riding Tips to Extend Your E-bike Battery During Winter

Since e-bike batteries drain faster during winter, how can you increase the battery usage duration? Below are tips that may work for you.

• Ride at a slow speed: To boost your ride range, start slowly until you can pedal on a smooth surface. Riding at a very high speed would quickly drain your battery, reducing the range. It would be best to ride within low and medium assist levels. Riding at a high pedal level could heat the battery, especially when the motor is overworked.
• Avoid rough rides: Riders can extend their e-bike battery by riding smoothly. Frequent start and stop may affect your battery performance, so maintain the same frequency. Also, confirm if the tire is punctured or not. A punctured tire may slow your ride speed, affecting the battery capacity.
• Take a second battery: If you are riding a long distance, take a second one. The mileage a single-charged battery can cover is usually indicated in the package or user's guide. Thus, pack a second pattern in an insulating e-bike bag for optimum performance. If you do not have an e-bike bag, you may put the extra battery in your jacket as long as the battery is kept warm. Refrain from riding your e-bike with a low battery. Not only does it affect the battery life, but it also puts the rider at higher risk.
• Offload heavy items: Ensure not to overload your electric bike while riding in winter. This is because heavy loads will affect the range of your e-bike range. Meanwhile, the first step in knowing how to ride an e-bike is understanding its ride requirements. Thus, always check for the maximum load capacity of your e-bike before taking it to the road. Before you pack for a trip, make sure to offload unnecessary items. You may also maximize the e-bike rack to pack certain items. This will minimize the stress of packing things in your backpack.
• Care for the battery: You must adequately handle your ebike battery while riding in a cold climate. Make sure to oil the chains regularly, and keep the tire at the correct pressure to minimize the stress on the e-bike battery. If riding a mountain bike, constantly carry out a winter check. You may also book an appointment with a specialist for professional recommendations.

Conclusion

Winter rides could be fun, but your battery capacity will determine the electric bike's performance. Follow the tips discussed in this article to protect your e-bike battery from extreme weather conditions. Also, implementing these tips will save you from unnecessary costs or expenses. It will also help you to have a smooth ride without experiencing any difficulty on the road.