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If you are planning to store your bike during the winter or for any extended period without use, there are a few things you can do to ensure the health and longevity of your battery and a hassle-free first ride in the springtime.
Battery Care
The battery is one of the most essential components of your Ride1UP eBike. It is also the most sensitive to temperature.
- Keep your battery in a dry, room-temperature place
- The ideal storage temperature for Lithium Batteries is 50° - 77° F / 10° - 25° C. We recommend storing the battery close to this temperature.
- For models where the battery can be removed via key, we recommend removing and storing the battery indoors.
- 500 Series, 700 Series, Core-5, LMT’D, Café Cruiser, and Prodigy all have removable batteries
- We recommend keeping your Roadster v2 or Roadster Gravel indoors if possible.
- Keep the battery charged to an appropriate level we recommend between 40-80%
- Never store the battery for long periods at less than 30% or over 80%
- Put a reminder on your calendar once a month to check the charge of your battery
- Do not store the battery on the charger
- You can use an outlet timer to prevent overcharging
- For more information on battery best practices, see Ride1UP Electric Bike Battery Health - Dos and Don'ts
- If you do ride your bike during the winter, you may see reduced range from your battery during the very cold weather
If your battery has been in below-freezing temperatures, bring the battery inside and let it come back up to room temperature before attempting to charge it.
Drivetrain
A few quick drivetrain adjustments before putting your bike away for the winter can help you have a hassle-free return to spring riding.
- Shift your derailleur down to the smallest cog, this takes the tension off the spring in the derailleur.
- Storing your drivetrain clean and lubricated is best; leaving debris on the drivetrain for long periods of time can be detrimental to the longevity of the components.
- Tip: Use more chain lube than you would normally do during the riding season. This will help protect the chain. You will need to wipe off the excess in the spring, but a healthy chain is worth it!
Other Considerations and Suggestions
- If possible, hang or lift your bike up off the concrete to prevent dry rot on the tires.
- Tires lose pressure naturally over time; make sure to keep your tires inflated. Sitting on a flat tire for long periods can lead to sidewall damage
- Bike shops are busy during peak season. Consider scheduling regular maintenance, like brake bleeds and tune-ups in the winter to avoid long lead times in spring.
Please see this related article: Battery Long-Term / Winter Storage.