Electric assist bikes (e-bikes) are fun and can be ridden even in snowy or wet winter weather. However, just as with a standard bicycle, you may need some accessories (layered waterproof outerwear, googles, studded tires, etc.) for comfort and safety. Most e-bike models also feature a high-quality, water-resistant casing to protect your battery from wet and cold conditions. You can ride an e-bike at any temperature, but the colder it is, the more it may impact the battery’s range. So bring your battery (or the entire bike + battery) inside if you’re not riding it, if possible.
Riding an e-bike in cold weather
An electric bike’s system, including the motor, battery pack, display, and connection points, is usually designed as a sealed unit to withstand wet weather. This protects the electrical system from getting wet while riding in the rain or wet snow. The critical distinction here is that e-bikes are water-resistant but not waterproof. So, it’s a good idea to avoid heavily flooded roads, streams, and deep puddles that could submerge your bike’s electrical components.
Since electric bikes may have different limitations, you may need to refer to your owner’s manual or check with your manufacturer to find out your bike’s IP rating first. If you live in an area with frequent rain, you’ll want to make water resistance a top priority when making your purchase decision.
Riding an e-bike in ice and snow conditions
Yes, you can ride your e-bike in the winter. However, riding in extreme cold, snow, and icy conditions will require more maintenance, protection, and care. With advancements in tire technology and clothing warmth, there are fewer reasons not to take your electric bicycle out and enjoy the winter season. All e-bikes can handle winter riding, but the wider the tire, the better, especially if studs can be installed for icy conditions. That said, you must follow the key points below to ensure you enjoy riding your bike during the winter.
Use the correct type of tire
Like a regular bike you might use for winter riding, the tires that come with your electric bicycle are great for most dry pavement riding, but not for winter. Maneuvering a bike (with or without a motor) requires tires that handle ice and snow. Then, by adding studs to those winter tires, your e-bike becomes a fantastic winter vehicle! Great for riding on plowed roads and for hard-packed or icy conditions. If you are looking at a fat-tire e-bike for winter riding, ask the dealer whether studs can be added to the bike’s tires before purchasing.
Battery Care
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A center post battery mount is standard for many e-bike models
The general rule is that a 36-volt, 10.5Ah (ampere-hours) battery should get 20 to 40 miles per charge with the average rider + gear & cargo weight less than 200 pounds in ideal weather conditions. You’ll get fewer miles the higher the assist level you use. You might get 60 miles or more on a single charge on the low assist. To maximize your e-bike battery’s lifespan, charge it often, especially when it’s below 60%.
Before charging, make sure your battery is in a room above freezing. Otherwise, you could harm the cells. It is no problem to ride the bike in below-freezing conditions (it doesn’t damage the battery). However, make sure you let the battery warm up slowly before charging it. When riding an e-bike in very cold weather, you will notice a drop in power and range. Don’t worry; this is normal when riding an e-bike in the winter.
Knowing your e-bike’s battery life and performance in cold weather is good. If you intend to commute to work or use the bike for a backcountry experience, test it out to see how the range changes with colder temps. And the steps you should take to ensure continued performance. For instance, purchasing a neoprene e-bike battery cover might be an option. Also, if you stop midway on your journey to warm up, bring the battery inside whenever you aren’t riding. This will keep the battery’s temperature up and give you extra power!
Avoid riding through slush
Riding your electric bike through snow is not only possible, but it’s also super fun! (See the Pedego video below for proof) What’s not fun is riding through slush. The watery, salty snow splashes up your gears and can seep into hard-to-reach areas, leading to rust. If you must ride through slush, wipe down the entire bike, lube the chain, and so on. Afterward, try to store your bike in a warm, dry location.