How to care for your e-bike battery in winter
It's that time of the year again when the temperature is at the barest minimum, and the winter snow has graced our streets. Cyclists become more conscious of their riding styles and habit and try to adjust them to suit the change in the weather. When cycling in the winter, you would agree that things are slightly different than a jolly summer ride. For example, the brake activations are faster when used on snow-filled roads; the throttle requires a little extra effort to feel the effect, and so on.
All electric bicycles are powered by a removable lithium-ion battery pack that is rechargeable and strong enough to power the e-bike for several hours of riding. The KBO bike batteries come in different capacities and sizes. Moisture and electric bikes do not go together; therefore, you must be extra careful in the winter.
The effect of cold temperature on your batteries
Extra cold temperatures do little good to your battery's life span and efficiency. When the weather is at extremes, many things can go wrong when you expose your electric bike's battery to this condition. Here are some possible ways to mitigate them:
Faster draining batteries:
You might have noticed that after giving your battery a full charge, it drains quickly in the cold. This draining means that instead of lasting up to 10 hours for an active ride, it lasts three hours. This is a sign that the battery needs a winter jacket too. The cold temperature causes the saved-up battery in the power pack to drain out very quickly, especially when it gets to 60F. At this point, all the stored energy comes out in larger quantities. When the battery reaches freezing, be sure you will have used half of your total battery life. The upside to this is that when the temperature normalizes or increases a little, the battery will not drain so fast anymore. It’s better to learn how to extend your battery range while riding ebikes.
Pro tip: Start your ride with a warmer battery that has been kept indoors for a long time.
Salty batteries:
During winter, there is a large amount of sodium chloride (common salt) in the atmosphere and on the road. This chemical compound can come from snow hills on the road. When you ride your electric bike in these weather conditions, there is a high tendency that the salt content can get into some exposed parts of the battery. This experience will not be good because the sodium chloride will get mixed up with the chemical composition and ions in the battery. This, in turn, will cause the battery to function below capacity. It could lead to a chemical reaction that will cause the acidic content of the e-bike's battery to leak. When this occurs, it is safer not to handle it with bear hands.
Pro tip: Wipe the battery and battery pack before and after use.
No full-charge batteries:
Science makes us understand that moisture is an enemy of some chemical compounds and electricity. Always remove your batteries and take them indoors for a reasonable charge after every ride. Charging your e-bike battery in the cold will stop it from attaining its full capacity and reduce its lifespan after some time. This is because moisture will affect the electrical fixtures, and the battery may never reach a hundred percent full charge. This semi-charge could be why you get the notification of a full charge and then head out to ride, only to discover that the battery was never complete in the first instance.
Pro tip: Always charge and store your battery indoors or in an enclosed space, away from moisture
Tips on how to care for your e-bike battery
Here are some ways to maintain your battery and maximize its lifespan, especially in winter:
Store your batteries indoors:
This is one of the essential tips in e-bike battery care for winter. Storing your batteries indoors protects them from harsh weather conditions and gives them enough warmth to prolong their lifespan. It would help if you also learned to hibernate your batteries when they are stored indoors. This hibernation involves leaving the battery at a 50% charge level if you will not use the bike in the next two months. The batteries will automatically discharge and remain healthy for your subsequent use.
Charge your batteries at the correct times:
The last thing you want to do after a ride is to charge your batteries. The battery's temperature would still be high immediately after the ride, so you want to clean it up with a clean towel and wait. You must 30 minutes after your ride before charging is ideal for your battery's life span.
Never overcharge your batteries:
There is nothing higher than a hundred percent full charge. Leaving your battery to charge more even after it has indicated a full charge would not give it extra battery life. In reality, this overcharge kills the battery and reduces its life span.
How far can your e-bike go in winter?
The All-Terrain Electric Bike KBO Tornado bike is one renowned e-bike that can perfume excellently in winter. This all-terrain fat tire electric bike has a battery capacity of 48V 14Ah. Rain or snow, this e-bike model will weather the storm with you and ensure you have a safe and fun ride. The tires are 26 x 4 inches and can bear a load of up to 350 Ibs. The range of your e-bike will determine how far it can go in winter.
The KBO Tornado bike ranges from 30-45 miles, which is recommended when choosing an e-bike for winter. The distance your e-bike can go also depends on how you use and manage it. Treating your e-bike intentionally and with absolute care will serve you well for a very long time.
Conclusion
Caring for your electric bike battery in the winter could be a walk in the park if you abide by the tips shared above. You can get the best out of your e-bike and get real value for your money if you are meticulous and wise enough to adopt these tips. This winter, you can enjoy riding your all-terrain fat tire e-bike without hassles. Remember, the battery is the powerhouse of your electric bike, and you must ensure you take proper care of it at all costs.
