I have a confession to make: I am obsessed with my electric bike. I take it everywhere with me, from commuting to work to weekend adventures in the great outdoors.
But as much as I love riding it, I’ve realized that I need to give it some TLC when it’s not in use. That’s why I’m sharing my tips and tricks for storing your electric bike.
Why is it important to store your electric bike properly?
Storing your electric bike properly not only ensures that it lasts longer, but it also keeps it safe from damage and theft.
After all, electric bikes aren’t exactly cheap, and you don’t want to have to replace yours sooner than necessary.
So, how do you store your electric bike?
Here are my tips and tricks for storing your electric bike:
1. Clean Your Bike Before Storing It
Before you put your electric bike away for the season or an extended period, make sure to give it a thorough cleaning.
Dirt and grime can accumulate on the bike’s frame, and the wheels can collect debris that can damage the tires over time.
Use a soft-bristled brush, soap, and water to clean your bike, and don’t forget to dry it off completely to prevent rust.
2. Store Your Bike in a Dry Place
Water and moisture can wreak havoc on your electric bike’s components. When storing your bike, make sure to keep it in a dry place, such as a garage or shed.
If you don’t have a covered space, consider investing in a waterproof bike cover to protect your bike from the elements.
3. Keep Your Battery Charged
If you’re storing your electric bike for more than a week, make sure to keep the battery charged.
Most bike batteries last for 2-4 years, but leaving them uncharged for too long can cause them to lose their charge capacity.
To keep your battery healthy, charge it to about 50% and store it in a cool, dry place.
4. Use a Bike Stand
Storing your bike upright can help prevent flat spots from developing on the tires.
Consider investing in a bike stand, which will keep your bike upright and stable. Alternatively, you can hang your bike by its wheels using a bike rack or hooks.
5. Lock Your Bike
Electric bikes can be a prime target for thieves, so make sure to lock your bike whenever you’re not using it.
Invest in a sturdy lock, and use it to secure both the frame and wheels. If possible, store your bike in a locked space, such as a garage or shed.
6. Check Your Tire Pressure
Before storing your electric bike, check the tire pressure and inflate them to the recommended level.
Over time, tires can lose pressure, which can lead to flat spots and other issues.
By keeping your tires inflated, you can help prevent damage and prolong their lifespan.
7. Lubricate the Chain
Lubricating the chain can help prevent rust and keep it running smoothly.
Before storing your electric bike, apply a light coat of chain lubricant to the chain, and wipe off any excess. This will help keep your chain in good condition and prevent it from rusting.
8. Remove Accessories
If your electric bike has any accessories, such as a water bottle holder or a bike computer, consider removing them before storing your bike.
Accessories can become damaged or rust over time, and removing them can help prolong their lifespan. Plus, it can make storing your bike easier and more efficient.
9. Cover the Bike
Even if you’re storing your electric bike in a dry place, it’s a good idea to cover it with a protective cover.
A bike cover can help keep dust and debris from settling on your bike, and can also protect it from accidental bumps or scratches.
10. Check Your Bike Periodically
Even if you’re not using your electric bike, it’s a good idea to check on it periodically.
Check the tire pressure, battery charge level, and overall condition of the bike to ensure that everything is in good working order.
This can help prevent any surprises or issues when you’re ready to ride again.
Electric Bike Storage: Location, Location, Location!
When it comes to storing your electric bike, location is everything. Here are some specific factors to consider when selecting the perfect storage spot:
Temperature: High or low temperatures can cause damage to your electric bike’s battery, motor, and other components.
Therefore, it’s important to choose a storage spot that maintains a moderate temperature. For example, you could store your bike in a garage that is insulated or climate-controlled, or choose a location in your home that doesn’t get too hot or cold.
Avoid storing your bike in a location that is exposed to direct sunlight or near a heat source, as this can cause the battery to degrade more quickly.
Humidity: Excess moisture can cause rust and corrosion, which can damage your bike’s frame, chain, and other metal components.
When selecting a storage location, consider the humidity levels in that area. For example, a basement or a storage unit with poor ventilation may have higher humidity levels.
Instead, choose a location with good air circulation, such as a garage with windows that can be opened, or a shed with vents.
Security: Unfortunately, bike theft is a common problem. To keep your electric bike safe, look for a storage location that is secure and difficult for thieves to access.
For example, you could choose a storage unit with a heavy-duty lock, or store your bike in a garage with a solid door and strong locks.
If you don’t have a secure location at home, consider renting a storage unit specifically designed for bikes, which may offer additional security features.
Accessibility: While you want to choose a storage location that is secure, it’s also important to choose a location that is easy to access when you need to take your bike out for a ride.
For example, storing your bike in a hard-to-reach location like an attic or a crawl space may make it difficult to get your bike out quickly.
Instead, choose a location that is convenient and accessible, such as a garage or shed that is located near your home’s entrance.
Preparing Your Electric Bike for Use After Storage
Congratulations, your electric bike has been safely stored! Now it’s time to get your ride back on the road.
Here are some of my tips for preparing your bike for use after a long period of storage:
Check the Components: Before you take your bike for a spin, it’s important to check its components. This includes examining the brakes, tires, chain, and other key parts to ensure they are functioning properly.
Make sure there are no visible signs of wear and tear or damage that may have occurred during storage. If you notice anything that needs attention, take care of it before riding.
Charge the Battery: If you haven’t used your electric bike in a while, the battery may have lost some of its charge.
Before your first ride, make sure to charge the battery fully according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will ensure that your bike is running at full power and that you’ll have plenty of juice to get where you need to go.
Test the Battery: Once your bike’s battery is fully charged, it’s a good idea to test it before riding. Start by turning on the bike and checking the battery’s charge level.
If it’s not at 100%, let it continue to charge until it reaches a full charge. Then, take your bike for a short test ride to ensure that the battery is working correctly and that you’re getting the expected range.
Perform Maintenance: While your bike was in storage, some of its components may have deteriorated or become dirty.
Before riding, it’s important to perform any necessary maintenance tasks, such as oiling the chain, checking the brake pads, and cleaning the bike’s frame. This will help ensure that your bike is running smoothly and safely.
In short, getting your electric bike ready to ride after storage requires checking the bike’s components, charging and testing the battery, and performing any necessary maintenance tasks.
By taking these steps, you can ensure that your ride is smooth, safe, and ready for whatever adventures lie ahead.
FAQs
How long can I store my electric bike?
You can store your electric bike for several months, as long as you take the necessary precautions to protect it from the elements and keep the battery charged.
Can I store my electric bike outside?
While it’s possible to store your electric bike outside, it’s not recommended. Exposure to the elements can cause damage to your bike’s components, and it can also make it easier for thieves to steal.
Do I need to remove the battery when storing my electric bike?
You don’t necessarily need to remove the battery when storing your electric bike, but it’s a good idea to keep it charged and store it in a cool, dry place.
Can I store my electric bike in a vertical position?
Yes, you can store your electric bike in a vertical position using a bike stand or by hanging it by its wheels using a bike rack or hooks.
Storing your bike upright can help prevent flat spots from developing on the tires. Just make sure that the bike is stable and won’t tip over.
It’s also a good idea to periodically rotate the tires to prevent flat spots from developing.
Can I store my electric bike with a full battery?
It’s not recommended to store your electric bike with a fully charged battery.
Lithium-ion batteries can suffer from what is known as “charge creep,” where the battery slowly loses its charge capacity over time, even when not in use.
To prevent this, it’s best to store the battery at around a 50-75% charge level.
Do I need to lubricate my electric bike before storing it?
Yes, it’s a good idea to lubricate your electric bike’s chain and other moving parts before storing it. This will help prevent rust and corrosion from forming and keep the bike running smoothly when you’re ready to ride again.
What should I do if I’m storing my electric bike for an extended period of time?
If you’re storing your electric bike for an extended period of time, such as over the winter months, there are a few extra steps you should take.
In addition to cleaning and lubricating the bike, you should also remove the battery and store it separately. You should also consider covering the bike with a breathable bike cover to prevent dust from accumulating.
What should I do if I’m not sure how to store my electric bike?
If you’re not sure how to store your electric bike properly, it’s always a good idea to consult the manufacturer’s instructions or reach out to a professional bike mechanic.
They can provide guidance on the best storage practices for your specific bike model.
Can I store my electric bike with the tires inflated?
Yes, it’s recommended to store your electric bike with the tires inflated to their recommended pressure.
This will help prevent flat spots from developing on the tires and ensure that the bike is ready to ride when you take it out of storage.