With the advent of the autumn and winter seasons, the temperature gradually decreases, and the range of e-bikes may be affected. However, by paying attention to and maintaining the following aspects, you can effectively maintain its range, so that your travelling remains smooth.
Impact of cold weather on battery and riding performance
Cold weather can significantly reduce the performance of e-bike batteries. The lithium-ion batteries used in most e-bikes are sensitive to low temperatures. When the temperature drops, the internal resistance of the battery increases, resulting in lower efficiency and shorter range. In addition, cold weather can make pedalling more difficult by increasing air density and resistance on slippery or icy roads. These factors can shorten your riding range if you don’t take preventative measures.
Impact of cold weather on battery and riding performance
1. Battery maintenance and use
Suitable charging environment
Temperature has a greater impact on battery performance. In the autumn and winter seasons, try to charge your e-bike indoors, where the temperature is generally higher than outdoors, which is conducive to the charging efficiency of the battery. If there are no indoor charging conditions, choose to charge during the day when the temperature is relatively high. Avoid charging at low temperatures (e.g., below 0°C), as low temperatures reduce the battery’s charge acceptance capacity, which may lead to undercharging, thus affecting the range.
Also, keep the charging environment dry and ventilated to prevent the battery from getting damp. A humid environment may trigger short-circuiting or damage to the battery, reducing battery life and performance.
Reasonable charging frequency and time
Do not wait until the battery is completely drained before charging. It is generally recommended to start charging when the battery has about 20% – 30% of power remaining, so as to avoid over-discharging the battery and prolong the battery life. In the autumn and winter seasons, as the performance of the battery decreases, it is even more important to pay attention to maintaining good charging habits.
For lithium batteries, the charging time should not be too long. Generally the charger will automatically stop charging when fully charged, but to be on the safe side, do not leave the battery in a charging state for a long time, especially at night. Overcharging may cause the battery to heat up and damage it.
Use battery warming devices
Some high-end e-bike batteries come with warming devices, or you can purchase specialised battery warming covers. These warming devices can keep the battery warm during riding and reduce the effects of cold temperatures on battery performance. In particularly cold weather, the use of battery warming equipment can effectively improve the battery life.
2、Riding habit adjustment
Appropriately reduce the speed
The faster the speed of the e-bike, the greater the motor power consumption, the higher the battery consumption. In the autumn and winter seasons, appropriately reducing the riding speed, such as 10% – 20% from the maximum speed, can significantly reduce the battery consumption, extend the range. For example, if you normally ride at a maximum speed of 25km/h, you can control the speed to about 20 – 22km/h in autumn and winter.
Reduce rapid acceleration and braking
Sharp acceleration will cause the motor to produce a large amount of power instantaneously, consuming a large amount of electrical energy. Similarly, hard braking causes the kinetic energy of the vehicle to be converted into heat energy, and more electricity is needed to restart the vehicle. During riding, try to accelerate and decelerate as smoothly as possible, and anticipate road conditions in advance to reduce unnecessary energy loss. For example, when approaching a traffic light, let go of the accelerator in advance and allow the vehicle to slow down naturally, rather than waiting until the last minute to brake.
Reasonable use of power assist modes
Many e-bikes have different power-assisted modes, such as pure electric mode, power-assisted riding mode and human-powered riding mode. In the autumn and winter seasons, you can choose the power-assisted mode reasonably according to the road conditions and physical strength. For example, on a flat road, you can use a lower level of assistance, or appropriately adopt the human-powered riding mode, which can not only exercise your body, but also save electricity. When encountering climbing or headwinds and other conditions, and then appropriately increasing the power level.
3、Vehicle maintenance and repair
Check tyre pressure regularly
When the temperature drops in autumn and winter, the tyre pressure will decrease. Insufficient air pressure will increase the friction between the tyres and the ground, making the vehicle drive with more effort, thus increasing the power output of the motor and battery consumption. Regularly check the tyre pressure and keep it within the proper range as required by the vehicle manual. Generally speaking, the tyre pressure of a fat tyre E-bike may be between 30 – 50psi, depending on the tyre type and vehicle requirements.
Maintaining the motor and drivetrain
Keeping the motor and drivetrain in good condition improves the vehicle’s energy conversion efficiency. Regularly clean dust and debris from the motor and transmission components (e.g. chain, sprocket, etc.) to prevent them from affecting the heat dissipation of the motor and transmission efficiency. At the same time, lubricating oil can be added appropriately to reduce friction between parts, making the vehicle run more smoothly and reducing electrical energy consumption.
Check the vehicle’s electrical system
Regularly check whether the vehicle’s electrical wires are firmly connected to avoid circuit failures caused by loose or poor contact, which adds extra power loss. If you find any broken or aged wires, replace them promptly to ensure the proper functioning of the electrical system. In addition, check whether components such as the vehicle’s controller and instrument panel are working properly; these components may also affect the battery’s range if they malfunction.
Bodywel F20Pro e-bike extends range during cold season
Vélo électrique pliable à pneus larges, 500 W, 48 V, 15 Ah, autonomie maximale de 120 km, batterie amovible, facile à ranger et à transporter, adapté à la conduite en extérieur
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Le Bodywel F20Pro is a great choice for those looking to maintain their range in cold weather. Designed with 20×4.0 wide tyres, it comes with a 48V 15.6Ah removable battery that can be recharged anywhere for up to 120km on a single charge, and a rugged construction that makes it ideal for rugged winter terrain. Equipped with a 48V 500W 55NM brushless high-speed motor, it is powerful and perfect for hunting and fishing trips.
Conclusion
Maintaining the range of your e-bike during the autumn and winter months requires thorough preparation, optimised settings and good riding habits. Protecting your battery from the cold, adjusting your bike settings and equipping it with the right gear can dramatically improve your riding experience during the colder months, and Bodwel models such as the F20SE and F20PRO, with their advanced battery features, are an excellent choice to ensure that your e-bike rides remain productive and enjoyable, even when the temperatures drop. By doing it the right way, you can continue to enjoy the convenience and fun of your e-bike all year round.
