5 Golden Tips on How to Store Your E-bikes Safely

If you’re riding your electric bike regularly, you’ll want to store it somewhere handy and have it ready to use. For example, most people just leave it on their porch or lean it up against a wall somewhere. But if you’re not planning to ride it for a few months - maybe due to a holiday or a lay-over during the winter months - there’s a bit more you should do to make it ready for later use.Electric bikes, if not stored correctly, can endure permanent damage.

Generally, an e-bike should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from high humidity and frequent temperature changes. The battery should be partially charged. The battery should be stored separately. In order to maintain proper storage, the ideal temperature is between 0 and 20C.

After learning how to store an electric bike, you might wonder what type of storage is best for your e-bike and its battery, or whether you should store your e-bike outside. Keep on reading and you will figure out!

1. Store the Battery Separately

While storing electric bikes, it is important to not leave the battery on. As temperatures fluctuate, it is possible for condensation to build up and corrode the battery's contacts. Thus, when preparing your e-bike for storage, you must remove the battery first. You can protect the contacts of the battery by applying a thin layer of grease. A step-through e-bike with a removable battery from hovsco is one of the best electric bikes for seniors.  

2. Charge the Battery to 30 to 80%

Experts recommend that you never store a fully charged or fully discharged battery. To prevent deterioration, the storage temperature should range from 30 to 80%. This method is the best because it preserves the battery's capacity for a long time. Moreover, different batteries require different amounts of charging. According to a survey of the hovsco team, Bosch recommends between 30% and 60%, while Shimano suggests 70%. Furthermore, it is best to keep the controller indoors. 

3. Temperature Range of 0 - 20C for Batteries

When storing your bike, it is recommended to keep it between 0 and 20 degrees Celsius (32 - 68 Fahrenheit), with 10 degrees Celsius (50 Fahrenheit) being the ideal temperature. You can also use this method to make your battery last longer.

When storing your e-bike, try not to leave the battery charging all the time. Rather than improving battery life, it increases the risk of electrical fires. To simplify things, make sure that you get a wall-plug timer that automatically turns off the main current after a period of time.

4. Get Your E-bike Lubed

When you apply lube, let it sit a bit and then wipe off the excess. You don't want excess oil on your chain because it picks up dirt (which makes things wear faster) and increases the amount of grime that builds up on your sprockets and shifters. Messy chains leave hard-to-remove grease tattoos when you touch them, and if you transport your bike in your car, they will do the same to it.

To maintain a clean drive train, wipe down the links and sprockets after applying lubricant. This is typically as simple as wiping the parts with a rag. To keep your skin away from the gunk and chemicals, put on some disposable gloves first. Over-lubricated or heavy oil not intended for bicycle chains can lead to a black mess in the drive train.

However, you'll need to scrub harder to get through any crud on the links. Depending on how dirty they are, you may be able to wipe them clean. Moreover, excess oil will work its way into your drive train's nooks and crannies, causing more damage. By using the right lube and not too much of it, you can avoid the hassle.

5. Clean Your Electric Bicycle

Although e-bike batteries and motors are sealed units, you should avoid washing any bicycle – electric or not – with a powerful jet wash because the power of the water could force its way through the bike’s numerous seals.

If necessary, use a brush and (optionally) a bike-specific cleaning product to quickly cut through dirt and grime on your e-bike. Be sure that all connections remain sealed by leaving the battery in its housing, but turn off the e-bike system before washing it (and make sure it's not charging). Dirt can accumulate in charging ports, so check inside and clean any mud with a dry cloth or brush. When washing the bike, close the port.

When you're done washing the bike, use a clean cloth to dry it off. Avoid the disc brakes (you don't want oil or other cleaning products accidentally getting on them). The battery contacts might need cleaning every now and then. To do this, you will need a soft, dry brush, cloth and (optionally) switch lubricant.

For bikes that have a second battery (as an optional accessory that can be connected for longer rides), it's always best to disconnect the battery before cleaning the connections and clean them with a soft, dry brush. There may be a speed sensor magnet on the wheel of your e-bike. Using a soft cloth, clean this to prevent problems from occurring.

Can Electric Bikes be Stored Outside?

If you just park the e-bikes for a while, then what you should do is put them under a cool shadow. But if you are going to store them outside,we definitely don’t recommend it.

Dangers of Storing E-bikes Outside

While e-bikes are designed for use in the rain, they can be damaged if they are left in the rain for extended periods. In addition, since you will be taking out the battery, extra rain water can seep into the frame and damage the motor and battery compartment. The best way to store your e-bike long term is to keep it dry.

UV Radiation: On the opposite end of the spectrum, too much sunlight can disintegrate the structure, overheat electrical components, and weaken the colors if left in direct sunlight for too long. Even if kept out of the sun’s direct rays, UV radiation will cause long term damage, even without direct sunlight contact. Just as you can get a sunburn even on a cloudy day, your e-bike can erode even without constant exposure to the sun.

More Likely to Get Stolen: Stolen e-bikes are the biggest risk associated with storing them outside. Since e-bikes are much more expensive than traditional bikes, it is more likely that thieves will attempt to steal them. The fact that you don't keep your e-bike at home also encourages thieves to try to steal it.

If, however, due to your limited space, you cannot store your bike inside, leave it outside. Maybe you're wondering if it's okay to store your bike outside. The bike can be stored outside with proper care and maintenance, though you will probably want to bring a few parts home for long-term storage.

Try to Find a Roof, or Buy a Bike Cover

Although a roof or bike cover won't provide the exact same protection as storing it inside, they will be similar. It will be much less likely for you to suffer water damage as well as being exposed to UV radiation. Using an outdoor roof or pavilion to store your e-bike, or covering your e-bike properly, will help you avoid most of the problems associated with storing your e-bike outdoors.

Invest in a Good Lock

Locks are just as essential as covers of some sort. You can't pedal an e-bike without the key or battery inserted if it has an internal locking mechanism. Most e-bikes, however, require you to purchase a lock. Although many types of locks are available, we recommend using multiple locks to increase security and protection, especially for long-term storage.

Bottom Line

It is important for bicycle owners not to be intimidated by the process of maintaining their electric bikes. As an alternative, it is best to take all the precautions necessary to properly store and take care of your bike. Always check your owner's manual when in doubt. In the event of an electrical fire, you can also install a smoke detector or mount a fire extinguisher.

It is strongly advised not to use a charger other than the one provided by the manufacturer. You can keep your electric bike in perfect condition as long as you follow the instructions above.