The Best Way To Store An Electric Bike

When you buy and use an e-bike, you are inevitably responsible for maintaining and storing your e-bike to certain standards to ensure proper and safe use.

 

What’s the best way to store an electric bike? Electric bikes are best stored in a cool, dry place away from high humidity and frequent temperature changes. Store partially charged e-bike batteries. Store it separately from the e-bike. The ideal temperature for storage is between 0 and 20 degrees Celsius (32 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit).

 

If you’re not going to be using your e-bike for an extended period of time, it’s even more important to make sure your e-bike and its battery are still well-kept before and throughout storage. While you can leave a conventional bike in the garage for months on end, electric bikes require more frequent maintenance.

 

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Likewise, e-bikes work best when used frequently, so try not to store them for too long. Fear not, though: if you follow the proper steps, you’ll quickly realize that storing and maintaining your e-bike isn’t that difficult.

 

This article will outline what you need to know to store your electric bike safely and optimally!

 

Things to Consider Before Storing Your Electric Bike

Before preparing to store your electric bike, there are three main factors to consider and understand: proper cleaning, charging and battery care. The reason these factors need to be considered is that they play an important role in the short- and long-term safety and functionality of your e-bike.

 

Know your battery

First, get to know your e-bike’s battery. There are several different types of batteries for e-bikes, but the most popular are lead- or lithium-based batteries.

 

ALSO READ: What is the difference between an e-bike battery? – in this article. And, how far can an e-bike go? What is the range of electric bikes? – in this article.

 

Lead-acid batteries are considered to be the batteries that require the most frequent maintenance and should not be stored at high temperatures as this can quickly reduce their battery life. It is recommended to be billed at least every three months. It is recommended to store these batteries in a cool, dry place. They can also be refrigerated.

 

 

There are several different types of lithium batteries, including lithium manganese, lithium ion, and lithium iron phosphate. Lithium batteries need to be charged at least every six months. And, similar to lead-acid batteries, they should be stored in a cool, dry place.

 

While lithium batteries are considered a fire hazard, the likelihood is extremely low if you follow proper protocols and ensure your batteries are not stored or charged near a fire hazard; nonetheless, you should be aware of the potential risk.

 

Quick Tip: It should be noted that “cool and dry climates” are repeatedly emphasized as the best climates for storing batteries.

 

You’d better choose an area that doesn’t face major temperature fluctuations. Climates subject to extreme temperature changes, such as outdoor sheds, are disadvantageous as this can cause condensation which can damage the battery.

 

charge the battery

Next, make sure to charge the battery according to the instruction manual that came with your e-bike. Improperly charging the battery will cause the battery to deteriorate and possibly cause the battery to die.

 

Replacing batteries can be expensive. Later in this article, we will further outline the optimal charging and accurate temperature ranges required for battery storage.

 

 

When using an e-bike, the battery should not be allowed to discharge below the recommended cut-off voltage. When you plug the charger into a battery below the cutoff voltage, the charger usually won’t detect it and won’t charge the battery.

 

cleaning your electric bike

Cleaning your e-bike is important once you’ve taken care of your battery and taken care of it properly, especially if you plan to store it for long periods of time.

 

Dirt, water, salt and mud buildup is natural if you use an e-bike regularly. So before storing, you want to make sure to eliminate any chance of corrosion or damage to your e-bike parts by cleaning them regularly.

 

 

How to Prepare Your Electric Bike for Storage

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Now that you know why it’s so important to properly maintain your e-bike before and during storage, we’ll move on to how to accomplish the steps you need to take.

 

Storing E-Bike Batteries Separately

First, you should not leave the battery on the e-bike when storing it. This is because changing temperatures and climates, especially those where condensation can form, can corrode battery contacts.

 

It is recommended that you remove the battery from the e-bike when preparing to store it. Using a “thin layer” of terminal grease on the battery helps protect the battery contacts from corrosion.

 

Store electric bike battery 30-80% charged

Next, it is recommended not to fully charge or fully discharge the battery (for example, store at 100% or 0%). It is recommended to charge the battery within the range of 30% to 80% for storage. It’s best to partially charge the battery for storage as this will help keep the battery’s capacity for longer.

 

This is the scientific basis for how temperature affects batteries. In this particular case about lithium batteries: “The lithium powder inside the battery reduces its resistance as it gets warmer. This means that in warm conditions your battery will discharge faster and require more frequent Recharge. Lithium batteries are best stored in cold conditions with maximum internal resistance and can remain fully charged for extended periods of time.”

 

Quick Tip: While you should store the battery in a cool, dry climate, warm the battery to room temperature before charging. Charging an e-bike battery from a cold state can cause potential damage.

 

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You should not leave the battery charged for the entire storage time, as while this will not affect its life, you may increase the risk of an electrical fire. It’s a good idea to invest in a wall timer (see Amazon) that automatically shuts off the main current after a certain amount of time. This will help make your process easier!

 

Store e-bike batteries at 0-20C

It is also recommended that you store the battery between 0 and 20 degrees Celsius (32 – 68 degrees Fahrenheit). The ideal temperature is around 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit). This will ensure your battery lasts longer.

 

Simple tip: The most important factor to remember is that batteries should not be stored below freezing.

 

Clean Your Electric Bike Before Storage

There are some basic steps you can take when cleaning your e-bike before storing it. All you need is a few towels, some water, bike oil and lubricant, and dish soap.

 

The main parts of an e-bike you should clean are the frame, chain, cassette, and gears. Use a bike lubricant on the chain to make sure your e-bike doesn’t rust.

 

 

You should not use pressurized water on an e-bike as it can cause potential damage. After the chain and cassette are completely dry, be sure to apply some lubricant to both.

 

After the basic cleaning is done, if you are proficient in mechanics, you can take the e-bike parts apart for a more thorough cleaning. However, you can also choose to go to your local e-bike shop for further cleaning before storing.

 

If you store your e-bike outdoors or in a non-temperature-regulated basement, be aware of moisture and condensation in the air, as they can cause rust. If you can’t store your e-bike anywhere else, be sure to check the condition of your e-bike frequently throughout storage.

 

Important Tips to Remember

At the end of the day, the steps you need to take when storing your e-bike and battery are simple. When in doubt, there are a few key things to keep in mind.

 

First, be sure to consult the instructions and/or manuals that came with your e-bike and e-bike battery. The manual lists important information and protocols for specific brands and battery types of electric bikes.

 

For batteries with a smaller fire risk, such as lithium batteries, precautions can be taken, such as installing smoke detectors in the area where you charge the batteries and purchasing a fire extinguisher, placing them in an appropriate vicinity of the location where you are charging.

 

Make sure you don’t charge the battery near flammable items – even if it’s too close to the car it could be a potential risk.

 

Lastly, do not use any charger other than the one provided with your specific bike and/or battery. Follow proper e-bike cleaning instructions to ensure it remains optimally functioning, and check your e-bike frequently for maintenance.

 

No need to be intimidated by storing your e-bike. Properly maintaining and storing your e-bike is very easy as long as you take the necessary precautions!

If you are looking for a new way of commuting or want a healthier lifestyle, we are here to help you. Visit our website to learn more about electric bikes and electric scooter or please leave information to us.