Depending on where you live in the world, winter might mean a small drop in temperature, or it could call for a drastic change in climate, bringing several feet of snow. For those who live in areas where heavy snowfall is expected, a common question we get is whether they can still take eBike for a ride.
The quick answer is yes, you can ride an ebike in the snow, but doing so is a very different experience compared with riding when it’s warm, and the roads are clear. Some eBikes just aren’t equipped for handling heavy snowfall, with improper riding leading to heavily damaged eBike equipment. We wanted to answer as many questions about biking in the snow as we could, so here is our guide to eBike riding during the winter:
What Kind of eBike do I need?
eBike Motors
Both mid-drive and hub-drive motors can be used for riding in the snow. However, mid-drive motors are recommended when riding in heavy snow for a couple of reasons. Mid-drive motors provide more torque than hub-drive motors, making them less likely to get bogged down in the snow.
Additionally, hub-drive motors are more exposed to the snow and can get jammed or even damaged as snow interferes with the hub-drive system. If you are riding through just a few inches of snow, either eBike motor will be fine. Areas with more than 8 to 10’’ of snow require a mid-drive motor only.
Tires
Fat tires are best for riding in the snow. While many cyclists ride with standard mountain bike tires and are fine, fat tires are more efficient as they ride on top of the snow rather than forcing their way through it. Some fat tires even have studs, providing more significant traction support for areas where ice is beneath the snow. In terms of PSI, try to stick to tires with very low pressures, especially those you can deflate to the 5 to 20 PSI range.
Brakes
There are several important factors to consider when it comes to braking in the snow. Because of how slick the ground is, riders should always expect they will need at least twice the stopping distance generally required for their eBike compared to riding in normal road conditions. Larger rotors will help you stop sooner than smaller rotors, which can be overwhelmed and overheat or break.
It’s much better to ride through the snow with hydraulic disc brakes rather than mechanical disc brakes. Water and snow can enter mechanical disc brake housings quickly, leading to less effective braking power or potentially having them fail.
The deeper the snow, the increased need for optimization. There are several key maintenance steps you should perform to keep your bike in excellent working condition.
How to Maintain Your eBike During the Winter
Carefully Handle Your Battery
You can ride in freezing temperatures with your eBike, but be aware that your battery drains more rapidly in extreme temperatures. Your overall range can decrease by 10% to 20% in freezing weather. After Your ride, take your battery inside with you, especially if you plan on leaving your eBike frame outside for more than 24 hours.
Before charging your battery, make sure that both the room and the battery itself are warmer than 45 degrees. Recharging your battery below freezing temperatures can lead to serious charging issues and potentially blow out a cell and permanently damage your battery.
Lube Your Drivetrain More Often
Cleaning and applying lube to your drivetrain isn’t a desirable activity for many cyclists, but it is an important one if you are riding through heavily packed snow. The more you ride your bike, and the denser the snow is, the more worn out your chain and drivetrain will get from your riding.
Lubing and cleaning your components will keep them in good condition and also make it harder for the snow to get in, freeze, and damage your components. This maintenance leads to our next and most important tip of all.
Wipe Down Your Frame after Serious Rides
Quite often, it’s not the cold temperatures that will cause your eBike to be damaged in the winter. Instead, your eBike will get covered with snow, road salt, and other substances that can corrode and damage your bicycle if left alone for extended periods. To prevent this, take a couple of minutes to thoroughly wipe down your eBike with a towel every time you finish a serious ride through the snow. Using compressed air to blow debris and moisture out of components is an even more effective cleaning tool. It’s quicker than using a towel, and you can get to every part of your eBike frame.
Taking care of your eBike throughout the winter is essential, but just as important is taking care of yourself. Your bike might be in great shape for riding through the snow but depending on how cold it is outside or how dense the snow becomes, you might not be adequately prepared for it. So, here are a few essential accessories that you should consider to keep you just as comfortable as your eBike while riding through the snow.
Important Gear to Have While Riding Through Snow
Winter Riding Boots and Gators
While many cyclists just throw on hiking boots, specialized winter riding boots are designed specifically with snow riding in mind. They have the great benefit of making it easy to walk through snow and intended to fit pedals and maintain good foot grip compared to hiking boots that can often slip off easily. When riding through heavy powder, snow will get tossed up as you ride, which is why having gators for your boots will provide extra protection and keep your feet warm and free from any loose powder.
Winter Gloves and Cycling Pogies
If you can’t find specialized winter cycling gloves, try to find gloves that will keep your hands warm but also provide you with good finger movement so you can still grip the handlebar, gear shifter, and brakes. If you are going on an extended ride, you are better off adding bar mitts or a cycling pogie, to be more precise, to your eBike. Cycling pogies will protect your hands against the snow while also letting you wear thinner gloves that are easier for your hands to maneuver with. Some eBike companies even make specialized pogies for their most popular eBike models, so be sure to check your eBike manufacturer’s website before looking for a third party brand.
Full Body Coverage
Riding eBikes in the snow is especially tricky because you’ll often be wearing snow gear, all of which tends to restrict movement. For our part, it’s better to be warm, comfortable, and safe at the expense of some performance rather than failing to wear enough clothing that you end up having a miserable time out riding. Ski pants, snow jackets, cycling sweaters, caps, and scarves are highly recommended for those riding out in the snow. Be sure also to wear a helmet, because while the snow might cushion your fall while riding in the snow, crashing during the winter can often be more dangerous than the summer due to the ice that is usually beneath it.
Conclusion: Wear the Right Gear, and Have Fun!
Riding through the snow is a very different experience than riding when it’s nice and warm out, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid it altogether. Whether as an excuse to get outside or as a way to take in the beauty of nature during the heart of winter, there’s plenty of reasons why you might want to go out and ride your eBike during the winter. If you have the right bike for it, wear the proper gear, and make sure that you maintain your eBike after every ride, you can have just as much fun snow riding as you would from everyday riding. Just take your time, drink plenty of water, and remember not to push yourself, and you won’t have to wait out the winter to ride your eBike again!
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