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E-bikes have become a popular mobility option all year round—even in winter. But many users are asking themselves: Why does the e-bike battery seem to lose power in winter? And does the cold cause permanent damage to the battery? In this article, we explain what really causes the loss of power in freezing temperatures, how to store your bike battery in winter, and what you should bear in mind when charging and storing it over the winter.
It's early morning, temperatures are below freezing, your breath forms little clouds—and suddenly your e-bike stops halfway. The battery is empty, even though it was full the day before. Anyone who rides an e-bike in winter may have experienced this phenomenon before. And there's a good reason for it: cold weather can actually affect the capacity of an e-bike battery.
This is due to the chemical processes in the lithium-ion cells. At low temperatures, these processes slow down, which can lead to a noticeable decrease in available capacity. The colder it gets, the stronger the effect—at temperatures below freezing, the range can drop by up to 30 percent. However, these losses are usually reversible: as soon as the battery warms up to room temperature again, it returns to its original performance.
To ensure that your e-bike battery remains as powerful as possible in cold weather, you should always take it indoors with you as soon as you park your bike. An e-bike battery cold protection cover in the form of an insulating neoprene sleeve is also particularly effective. These covers help to keep the battery's operating temperature stable while riding – this can make a significant difference, especially on short journeys or commutes.
It is also worth reducing the assistance level and avoiding unnecessary strain. Riding with lower assistance and at a steady speed not only conserves the battery, but also saves energy.
In winter, it makes sense to plan your daily route according to the reduced battery performance. Commuters in particular should take into account that the usual range will be shorter in cold conditions. Energy consumption also increases on wet or snowy roads. Therefore, drive with foresight and in moderate assistance modes.
A tip: If you regularly travel longer distances, you may want to consider a second battery to be on the safe side in case of an emergency.
If you want to buy a winter-ready e-bike but are put off by the high initial investment, you could consider leasing a company bike. With this option, the bike is deducted from your gross salary as a monthly leasing rate, which can lead to tax advantages. This allows you to finance a high-quality e-bike without having to pay the full amount up front. The leasing model makes it much easier to get started and offers a flexible way to invest in modern bikes on a regular basis. With bike leasing, employees can save up to 40 percent compared to buying. With the Lease a Bike leasing calculator, you can calculate the savings and monthly leasing rate for your dream bike.
Do e-bike batteries really lose power in winter?
It's true: e-bike batteries temporarily lose power in cold weather. But with the right care and storage, you can still ride without any problems in winter. A well-maintained battery will not suffer any permanent damage from the cold, and with a few simple measures you can ensure that your e-bike performs at its best – even in sub-zero temperatures.
No. The loss of power in cold weather is temporary and purely temperature-related. As soon as the battery warms up again, full capacity is usually available again.
The battery should be stored at room temperature (59 to 68 °F) and at a charge level of around 50 to 70 percent. Avoid cold temperatures, moisture, and complete discharge. This will ensure that the battery is stored safely and will last a long time.
Wait until the battery has warmed up to above 5°C. Only then should it be connected to the charger. The protective mechanism prevents charging when cold in order to avoid cell damage.
Typical signs are permanently reduced range, charging problems even at room temperature, or noticeable charging times. If the battery does not recover even in warmer conditions, you should have it checked. Specialist workshops can use diagnostic tools to analyze the condition of the cells in detail.
The same applies in winter: charge the battery as needed. But avoid completely discharging it on a regular basis. Frequent recharging with moderate discharge is better for cell health. It is important to bring the battery to room temperature before charging to avoid charging problems in cold conditions.
Yes - with the right care and equipment. An e-bike can function reliably even in cold weather. Battery protection, adapted riding style, and warm charging are crucial. Those who ride regularly also benefit from leasing models with an integrated service package.
To ensure that your new bike is a safe and functioning companion for work and leisure, you should have it serviced regularly. You can easily carry out some maintenance yourself without contacting a professional. We have summarized some tips and tricks.
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