How to Protect Your Ebike Battery in Summer | KBO Bike

Electric bikes are the latest craze for good reason. They are gaining popularity and offer various benefits over standard road bikes.

E-bikes are the most popular type of bike on the market, and their popularity is only increasing. They are durable, simple to use, and economical, and they assist people in living and traveling more sustainably. What is there not to like?

The electric bike has evolved and is ready to revolutionize how we travel. Technology has evolved, and regulations have been established to allow them to operate on public roadways.

What exactly is an E-bike?

An e-bike, also known as an electric bike, is similar to a regular bike but has a built-in motor that performs the work for you. It features a frame and a seat where you may sit and two pedals to propel the bike ahead. Most essential, a motor coupled to a battery runs the e-bike when cycling or not.

E-bikes are pretty popular since they are more adaptable than regular bikes. They're also growing more popular since they're quicker and simpler to operate, even if you're not able to ride a traditional bicycle. These bikes, however, are not intended to replace traditional bikes, which continue to be popular. They are a sensible answer for individuals who wish to enjoy a bike ride without breaking a sweat.

Why Are Electric Bicycles Becoming So Popular?

Their allure stems from their ability to level the playing field for riders of all skill levels. They enable couples, groups, and families with varying fitness levels and experience to ride together and make riding accessible across rough terrain and long distances.

Cycling has long been a great way to stay active, save money on transportation, and enjoy the flexibility to explore when traveling. However, after 20-30 miles, many riders find cycling rather exhausting.

Electric bicycles overcome this problem by providing a little more push as needed.

The pedal assist might push cyclists enough to attempt routes that would otherwise be out of their comfort zone. And because riders do not tire as quickly, you may bike for more extended periods, which can offer up chances for journeys that most people would not consider.

Like other electric vehicles, electric bikes create less noise and do not contaminate the environment. You'll be able to cover much ground and have a fantastic time doing it with the e-bike!

An electric bike, like any other bike, requires routine maintenance. Cleaning and maintaining your ebike will keep it functioning smoothly, effectively, and safely, contributing to a more extended battery and motor lifespan.

When should you service your electric bike?

In many ways, electric bicycle maintenance is similar to that of a traditional bike. Some components, notably the drivetrain (cranks, chain, and sprockets), are vulnerable to increased forces and wear.

As a result, washing and maintaining your ebike regularly is critical if you want to get the most out of it.

To begin with, a clean bike is a happy bike. Dirt and muck increase component wear and, when combined with water and grease, may build a paste that, at best, reduces your bike's efficiency and, at worst, quickly wears through consumable parts.

The smoother your electric bike operates, the more efficient it is, and the longer the life of its critical components.

 Maintain a clean and well-running drive-train: battery life and power output are meaningless if your gears are grinding and skipping all over the place. Riding a bike with a clean, efficient drive-train and well-set gears is a more delightful experience that will help you get the most out of your bike in the long term.

Suppose your drive-train appears abnormally dirty (typically a buildup of black muck on the chain or, on electric mountain bikes, in particular, mud lodged in the jockey wheels of the rear derailleur). In that case, you may clean it with a cloth or a degreaser.

Electric bike chains need to be lubricated more frequently than non-assisted bicycle chains. Applying a quality lube to your chain regularly helps guarantee that your transmission operates smoothly. Bikers should do this after every ride and clean and dry the bike.

Applying oil to an ebike isn't always as straightforward as it appears. Most ebikes cannot be backpedaled, so place the bike in a work stand (or ask a buddy to lift the rear wheel off the ground) and turn the pedals to distribute the lubricant equally.

If your bike has a 'walk' mode, you may use it to have the cranks (and back wheel) spin slowly, allowing you to lubricate the chain easily.

You should also check the tyre pressures on your ebike regularly. Under-inflated tyres are not only potentially dangerous, but they may also waste power and limit efficiency, resulting in less battery charge. Running tyres at too high a pressure, on the other hand, might affect comfort and traction, especially if you're going off-road.

First, maintain your tires filled to the recommended pressures shown on the tire's sidewall, but experiment to discover the correct pressure for you, balancing weight, comfort, grip, and rolling resistance.

There is no better way to spend the summer than on an ebike. It's a safe bet that you'll spend much time on two wheels, seeing old friends for the first time in ages or stopping by some of your favorite lunch spots.

With all of your summer adventures ahead of you, here are a few pointers to keep your battery healthy—and you up and riding all summer long.

Keep direct sunlight away from your battery.

You may like soaking in the sun, but your battery is not. Keep it out of direct sunlight for longer than an hour.

While we always recommend storing your bike inside, extract the battery and keep it in a cool, dry location away from direct sunshine, dirt, debris, extreme temperatures, and caustic household objects if this is not feasible.

When charging your battery, keep it away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Find a sheltered space indoors and between 50 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

These easy methods can help extend the life of your battery. Extreme temperatures might deteriorate the components that create electricity for your ebike, resulting in premature capacity loss.

Avoid riding in extreme heat.

Avoid riding your ebike in temperatures above 113 °F to maintain battery health and retain its range per charge.

Like many electronics, including most mobile phones, your battery will protect itself from overheating by shutting down when it gets too hot. Don't be alarmed if this happens to you. This typical protective control occurs when the interior temperature exceeds 140 °.

It must cool down before regular use may resume. Take the batteries indoors for about an hour, ideally between 50 °F and 77 °F.

Avoid salt and saltwater.

A little beach spray on a hot summer day may be soothing, but it's terrible for your batteries.

Salt is corrosive and has a high electrical conductivity. As a result, we advise against riding your ebike in regions where you are likely to come into contact with salt and seawater, such as straight on the beach.

If you do come across salt or salt water, there are several precautions you can take to assist limit any harm to your bike or batteries.

Remove the battery, use a clean, dry towel to wipe down the battery casing and tray, and make sure the connections are dry and clean. Then, moisten a clean towel with fresh water and wipe the bike frame and mechanical components, allowing them to dry thoroughly before replacing the battery. Avoid spraying water directly into electrical features such as the display or battery tray.

Regular maintenance, such as lubricating your chain, is always vital. However, it should be done more regularly when there is a chance of salt or saltwater contact.

We understand that detecting exposure can be difficult. However, you can usually tell when the bike has been exposed to salt or seawater by the white, chalky residue that salt leaves behind.

Regularly inspect your battery.

Examine the battery terminals for corrosion, which can appear as green dust or film, and ensure that the battery is only warm to the touch while charging and not hot, indicating damage.

Before you ride, ensure the battery is fastened to the frame.

If your battery does need to be replaced, be sure to buy the correct replacement battery for your model straight from the manufacturer since they were constructed with additional durability in mind. The battery and charger are meant to function in tandem.

Changing things up and utilizing third-party batteries or chargers may cause the battery to be charged too quickly or lose capacity. Too much heat can cause severe and irreversible harm to your battery.

To get the most out of your ebike this summer, you need to make sure you perform routine maintenance on it. That includes protecting the more sensitive components like the battery.