From an early age, we’re told electricity and water don’t mix. But, back in those days, electric bikes didn’t exist. It’s inevitable that someday you’ll be out riding on a sunny day that turns rainy, or your summer purchase will need to keep carrying you through winter.
Your first time riding in the snow can feel a lot like learning to ride from scratch.
It’s a whole new world - stopping distances are longer, freezing temperatures can affect your brakes and battery, and you’re likely to be in a different space (both physically and mentally) than you were in the carefree spring and summer months.
While most tips for riding an e-bike in the snow are similar to riding a traditional bicycle, some maintenance and riding tips are unique to e-bikes. Read on and find out how you can keep riding safely all winter long!
First and foremost, dress appropriately - and that doesn’t mean as warmly as possible!
Common wisdom says that you should be somewhat uncomfortably cold when you start riding because your body heat will warm you up while you ride.
If it’s your first time cycling in the winter, you might not have all the kit you need for a perfectly comfortable ride - and it can get expensive if you need to buy it all at once. Here’s our list of essential items for winter cycling.
Each layer serves a different purpose: The under layer keeps you dry, the mid layer warms you up, and the top layer protects you from rain or wind.
Having three layers also gives you room to remove items if you get too warm, so don’t substitute three layers for one super-warm jacket. Any other things that warm you up are a bonus, but without these three layers, you’re going to have an uncomfortable (and chilly) winter.
You might be convinced you’ll reach your destination before the sun sets, but any unexpected setbacks could leave you riding in the dark.
Only half the benefit of lights is for your visibility, and the other (just as important) half is to ensure that motorists can see you. You should always have front and back lights with you in the winter months, even if you’re sure you won’t need to use them. Better safe than sorry.
No matter how warm your body is, some parts of your body won’t be able to retain heat: Your hands, head, and feet. Gloves, a beanie or balaclava, and thick socks should be able to get you through most winter days.
Ideally, you’ll want to get items specifically made for cycling, but you can use what you already have in a pinch.
Even the best winter kit won’t do much to protect you if you’re constantly splashing mud, snow, and water up into your face and back while you ride. Many cyclists don’t like the look or bulk of mudguards, but we’d venture to guess that riding wet is an even less appealing option.
When you hop on your e-bike for the first time in the snow, turn off your pedal assist so you can get a feel for your e-bike’s handling. You can slowly increase your pedal assist as you become more and more comfortable with the extra power.
Even after practice, you may find that you don’t feel confident going as fast as you would in the warmer months, so don’t put pressure on yourself to match your summer speeds. Safety first!
While riding, be aware that road conditions can change from wet to icy, and it isn’t always easy to spot where it changes. If you find yourself suddenly on ice, stay steady and slow down. The last thing you want to do is panic and lose control.
Generally, cyclists will use their front brake for slowing down and their back brake for stopping - but those rules go out the window when you find yourself on ice. You want all the front traction you can get.
If you need to use your front brake, use it gently in conjunction with your back brake so your front wheel doesn’t stop rolling.
If the worst happens and you crash or damage your e-bike in the snow, at least you’ll know Sundays Insurance has your back. We cover your e-bike for accidental damage, malicious damage, theft (from and away from home), and more. Get an online quote.
Batteries like to live in the Goldilocks zone - where it’s not too hot, not too cold, just perfect. Unfortunately, winter has its own plans. Here’s how you can keep your battery safe throughout winter:
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