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How to ride and maintain your eMTB in Winter

AMFLOW
-
09/12/2024

Winter has arrived in the northern hemisphere. While many cyclists are using trainers for indoor riding, eMTB riders might be trying to squeeze in a few last rides before bad weather. But don't let a little snow stop the fun. Riding in cold months, especially in areas with lots of snow and ice, can be intimidating.However, it doesn't have to be. Here's our guide to riding and maintaining your eMTB during winter.

Can you still ride your eMTB in the winter?

Of course you can! With their wider tires, eMTBs can be well-suited to winter riding, but there are a few things that you’ll want to take into consideration before heading out to shred some snowy trails.


The first thing that you’ll want to consider is what typical winter weather looks like in your area. If where you live tends to get a lot of snow and ice, you might want to consider investing in a set of winter tires to maintain your traction. Be sure to check the weather and trail conditions before heading out and remember that winter riding isn’t about speed or performance. Take it easy and always have fun!

As well as thinking about what your bike is able to handle, whether it's all-mountain or enduro, know what you’re able to handle. Having the right gear for winter adventures can be the difference between a fun ride and spending the rest of your day curled up by the fire trying to get warm again. Know what the average winter temperatures are in your area and have the appropriate clothing to keep you warm. Its always better to have more layers than you need, so its good practice to overdress. You can always take layers off if you get hot, but it can be hard to get warm again if you’ve started off with insufficient apparel.

How to look after your e-bike battery in the winter

Electronic components and cold temperatures are not the best of friends. While you can still ride your eMTB in colder temperatures, there are a few extra steps that you’ll want to take to lengthen the lifespan of your eMTB battery.

- Avoid leaving your eMTB outside for long periods of time when you aren’t using it. E-bikes should be stored indoors whenever possible, so try to avoid leaving your eMTB out in the cold for extended café stops or hot chocolate breaks.

- Keep any electrical components dry and clear from snow. Make sure that the charging port is well-covered before heading out in snowy or wet conditions. If the charging port or battery connections do get snow in them, dry them out thoroughly before plugging the bike in.

Keep in mind that the battery life of your eMTB will be slightly reduced in the cold so your bike might not have the range that you’re used to. If you’re planning on doing any longer adventures, fully charge your bike before heading out and check the estimated range on your bike’s display. A range extender or spare battery can also come in handy.

Three things to winter-proof your eMTB

As well as some good winter clothing for yourself, there are a few things that you can get for your bike to make winter riding more comfortable and easier on the bike.

Winter tires

A good set of winter tires will be very helpful in keeping your traction on wet or snowy trails. Most winter tires have small metal studs in the tread for better grip. If you’re in an area that gets a lot of snow and ice, winter tires will make your winter riding much more enjoyable. Decreasing your tire pressure slightly for the winter can also help with extra traction in the snow.

Fenders

To keep the worst of the elements off of both you and your bike, a set of fenders are essential. Many mountain bike fenders are easy to put on and take off, so they can be easily removed when the weather gets drier.

Lights

Even if you aren’t riding on the roads, it gets dark much earlier in the winter and you don’t want to get caught on the trails in the deepening gloom. A good set of lights, specifically a good front light that will illuminate the trail and any obstacles in front of you, will mean that you can focus on riding, not the clock.

Storing your eMTB vs riding in the winter

While riding in the winter can be fun, there are times when it may not be possible or when you simply may not want to. If your area is prone to getting snowed in for long periods of time, or if you just prefer staying inside where its always nice and warm, then you can always store your eMTB until the weather improves.


A few bike shops offer storage as a service, which can be beneficial if you have limited space to store your bike at home. However, if you do have enough space, getting your eMTB ready for storage is easy.

Ideally, you’ll want a warm indoor space to store your eMTB. As we mentioned earlier, the battery needs to be kept warm, so a storage room or heated garage will work best. If a cold space is your only option, remove the battery from your bike and store it separately, before covering the bike with a tarp or bike cover. Always make sure to dry your bike thoroughly before storing it to avoid any of the components rusting.


To ensure that the battery lasts for as long as possible, charge it to between 40 and 60 per cent before putting the bike into storage and check it periodically to keep it in that range.

Whether you choose to ride through the winter or store your bike to wait for spring, knowing how to properly look after your e-bike will make your next ride all the more enjoyable. No matter how you spend the winter months, always be sure to have fun and be safe! If you're looking for new trails to conquer and enjoy, explore eMTB destinations in the EU, where stunning landscapes and thrilling rides await.
Amflow PL

Amflow PL

The Amflow PL electric mountain bike offers 850 watts of power in an ultra-light sub-20kg build. With an unrivaled combination of power, range, and weight, it delivers the ultimate ride.

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