Maintaining your bicycle battery in winter

Deep discharge destroys your battery

The winter cold causes your battery to have less range. It is wise to put your battery to work every now and then. Get on your bike every now and then!

When your battery has been gathering dust for a while, it may experience deep discharge. This is because every battery has to deal with self-discharge, it slowly runs out. This is an expensive joke, because a battery that is discharged too deeply is unusable. A new battery for your electric bike will quickly cost €400. That is why we give you 8 tips to extend the life of your bike battery.

8 tips to extend the life of your battery

1. Charge the battery indoors in cold temperatures

Is it below 5 degrees outside? Always charge your battery indoors, preferably between 10 and 20 degrees. Cold temperatures can reduce the charging capacity of your battery and shorten its lifespan. By charging indoors, you prevent unnecessary wear.

2. Protect the battery from moisture

Moisture is fatal for your e-bike battery. Take your battery inside when it is cold or damp outside. This prevents moisture from seeping into the battery cells, which can cause corrosion and other damage.

3. Storage when not in use

If you are not using your electric bike for a while, remove the battery and store it 50% charged in a dry place between 10 and 20 degrees. Storing the battery fully charged can cause unnecessary stress on the battery cells. By storing the battery half full, you prevent deep discharge and extend its lifespan.

4. Acclimatize after a cold ride

Did you go on a cold winter ride? Let the battery acclimatize for half an hour inside before charging it. A cold battery has a lower capacity and can be damaged if you charge it immediately after a cold ride.

5. Charge regularly

Check regularly if your battery is still sufficiently charged. Self-discharge always causes a battery to slowly drain, even when you are not using it. Make sure you check at least once a month if the battery is sufficiently charged to prevent deep discharge.

6. Use a battery cover

A battery cover can help protect your battery from (extreme) winter temperatures and moisture. This cover isolates and ensures that your battery stays at the right temperature for longer, which benefits performance and lifespan.

7. Avoid running out of fuel completely

Try to avoid running the battery completely flat. Complete discharge can damage the battery cells and reduce capacity. Charge the battery when it has about 20-30% capacity left.

8. Regular maintenance

Schedule regular maintenance for your e-bike and have the battery checked by a specialist. A professional can identify and fix any problems early, which can significantly extend the life of your battery.