Getting your e-bike ready for a Scottish winter

An e-bike shrugs off a lot, but winter in the west of Scotland finds the weak spots. Rain, road salt and cold all get to work on the battery, the electrics and the drivetrain. A little preparation now saves a lot of grief in February.

Look after the battery

The battery is the most expensive part of the bike, and cold is what it likes least. Range drops noticeably in low temperatures, which is normal and not a fault. What does damage is charging a freezing cold battery or leaving it flat.

• Bring the battery indoors if the bike lives in a cold shed or garage. Let it warm to room temperature before you charge it.
• Do not store it empty. If the bike is going to sit for weeks, leave the battery somewhere between half and three quarters charged and top it up now and then.
• Keep the contacts clean and dry. A wipe with a dry cloth is all it needs. Never spray anything into the battery mount.

Water and the electrics

E-bikes are built to be ridden in the rain. What they do not like is being blasted with a pressure washer or left soaking wet. After a filthy ride, rinse with a gentle hose or a bucket and a sponge, keep the water away from the motor, display and connectors, and dry it off. Check the rubber caps on the charging port and any cable connectors are pushed home.

The drivetrain works harder

A motor puts far more force through the chain, cassette and chainring than your legs do. Add salt and grit and a winter chain can be worn out in a couple of months. Clean and lube the chain more often than you think you need to, and get the chain wear checked. Replacing a chain in time is cheap. Replacing a chain, cassette and chainring together because the chain was left too long is not.

Brakes, tyres and lights

• Brake pads wear faster in winter because the grit acts like sandpaper, and an e-bike is heavier and faster than a normal bike. Check them monthly.
• Tyres. Drop the pressure a little for more grip on wet roads and consider a tyre with a bit more tread if you are on rougher lanes. Look for cuts in the tread where flints hide.
• Lights. If your lights run off the main battery, remember they eat into range on a dark commute. If they are separate, keep them charged and carry a spare.

Before the worst of it arrives

A pre winter check catches the things that are about to fail, sets the brakes and gears up properly, and makes sure the electrics and connectors are in good order. We work on e-bikes from the mainstream brands and we come to you across Glasgow and West Dunbartonshire. Have a look at our e-bike page or our services and book in before the clocks go back.