How to choose
December 1, 2024
Do you know how to store e-bike fast?
The way you store any kind of bicycle can affect its performance and durability, especially if you are doing in the wrong way.
Electric bicycles are no different, except they have their own specific storage guidelines that are worth adhering to.
You do, after all, have other electrical components that need special attention. To keep with the spirit of efficiency associated with electric bikes, it’s in your best interests to develop an exhaustive (not exhausting) storage strategy. We’re going to show you how.
From getting your bike ready for storage to cleaning it up and inspecting it, we’ll cover it all.
You’re also going to learn how to prepare the electric bike for storage, how to pick the right location to properly store it, different storage methods, and what to do with accessories.
Yes, electric bikes can be stored outside, but continuous exposure to rain, snow, sun, and temperature changes do have an impact on their overall lifespan.
Over time, these can eventually cause damage to the critical components of the bike's battery, motor, and electronics and influence its performance and durability.
In addition to ensuring that the bike is stored in a clean place, the bike itself must be clean. This is as simple as wiping it down with a dry rag when it’s dusty, and if you’re going to use soap and water, watch out for the electrical components.
Once you’ve covered the cleaning part, you can inspect the bike for any damages or issues. This is key because early detection can mean nipping the issues in the bud before they get worse.
From there, simply lubricate the moving parts to curb the effects of all the friction, and then you shift your focus to the battery next.
Storing the bike at the right battery level is key to guaranteeing that it lasts as long as it can.
Generally, you want to keep it at least 50 percent to 80 percent charged; anything below or above that isn’t ideal at all. That’s especially the case if you’re not going to be riding it for a while.
Wherever you choose to store your battery, it needs to stay in a cool and dry place. Room temperature should do because if it’s too cool, the battery won’t provide the expected range.
When it comes to tires, consistent and adequate inflation is key. Your bike’s instruction manual should have this information, though some bikes will have the recommended pressure written on the sidewall of the tires.
The moment you fill them up with air, you can begin to check for punctures or wear. For added protection, you can get a set of covers for your tires.
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Indoor storage is ideal, as it protects your bike from the elements while providing a long-term safekeeping solution.
Now if you’re going to keep your bike indoors, you need to be mindful of exactly where you keep it placed.
Dryness is a necessary feature, and you want that spot to remain at the same temperature throughout. You know how bicycles just have to fall over every now and again? You can lower the chances of that happening by having a bike stand or wall mount installed.
Understanding outdoor storage is important if you want to learn how to store an e-bike in a garage or a shed, for example.
Outdoor storage isn’t a bad idea if it’s only for a short period of time. Even so, you must take proper protection measures and maintain a standard.
Although your garage or shed may be safe, getting a weatherproof bike cover to protect your electric bike from debris and the elements is still a good idea.
This will also keep your bike safe from the sun, the rain, and, in many cases, UV rays. As a general rule, however, you’ll have to avoid direct exposure to direct sunlight and excess humidity.
The good news is there’s a wide selection of bike covers to choose from, and they’re usually hard-wearing and made from robust materials.
That’s what makes them better suited for the perils of the outside world. Indoor e-bike covers will do just fine for storing the bike in your house; however, they will protect it from more subtle dangers like dust and scratches.
Indoor covers are customarily made to be lighter and more porous as well.
There are also going to be differences in just how much of the bike a cover will cover. There are full covers encompassing the entire bike, and half covers cover only half of the bike.
The former can protect your bike for long stretches of time and is suited for long journeys, while the latter is fine for short-term storage or quick pull-and-ride situations.
There is also something called a transport cover for when you’re transporting your bike from one place to another.
This one is designed to protect your bike from all the bumps and rattles on the road, while a folding cover, on the other hand, is usually made to accommodate an inward folding bike.
You’ll do well to get a cover that’s the right size for your bike. Anything too small or too big can compromise the security of your bike.
Material is also worth considering because this too will determine just how well protected your bike will be.
Think about the climate in your area, how active of a rider you are, as well as your storage needs. After that, you’ll be in the perfect position to choose the right cover that fits your bike and your lifestyle.
There are two main types of bike stands available on the market. One is meant for storing the bike, and the other kind is for when you need to repair the bike.
Storage stands are usually fixed to the ground, while repair stands serve to keep the bike off the ground. The repair stand will offer more stability, so you’re able to work on the bike without worrying about it falling over.
In comparison, storage stands are meant to just keep your bike in a fixed place.
For bike storage on the go, there are many different kinds of bike racks to choose from as well.
There are roof mounts, which allow for your bike to be stored on the roof of your car, and trunk mounts, which allow you to properly store your bike on the trunk of your car.
Hitch mounts will let you place your bike in your car, while spare tire mounts provide a place to attach your spare tire.
Where you place your bike stand or rack counts. You want to choose somewhere easy to reach, a place that isn’t hidden, and somewhere safe.
There needs to be enough space around your rack or stand so that it’s easy to mount and dismount the bike.
There’s also the question of stability. You need to ensure your stand or rack is strong enough to handle the frame's length, the tires' wideness, or the handlebars' height.
Having your bike mounted to the wall means there’s more space to keep gear on the ground. It also means you can move with ease around where your bike is stored. They’re especially useful for indoor storage if you want to maximize your space.
When deciding on a wall mount, remember to take into account the make, dimensions, and weight of your electric bike.
You should also consider whether you want to mount the bike vertically, horizontally, or diagonally.
Then, you can move on to finding the perfect spot on your wall, and remember to follow the instructions that come with the wall mount. Before you know it, you’ll have secured excellent storage space for your bike on the wall where it’ll be safe and stable.
Electric bicycles are a desirable item that any thief may deem worth stealing. For that reason, you have to take some security measures to protect your investment.
It’ll be excellent if you get a quality lock and a strong chain that will link to a ground anchor. You can take it a step further and get your hands on a bike alarm or GPS tracker.
The moment someone tries to lay their hands on it or transport your bike anywhere, you’ll be able to know and take action.
It doesn’t just end with storing the e-bike well. You’ve got to consistently perform ruoutine maintenance check ups while it’s in storage, whether or not you frequently ride.
As soon as you discover a problem or potential problem, deal with it as soon as you can. It’s best to conduct repairs or maintenance before you take the bike out for a spin again.
You’ll need to take certain considerations into account when storing storing your e-bike during the winter.
For one, the right temperature for storing a bike is between 32 and 68 degrees, which is above freezing temperatures and at room temperature.
Since winter can expose your bike to salt and moisture, you’ll have to exercise some caution. What you can do is keep your bike clean and greased up where it needs to be before you store it away.
Now that you know how to store an e-bike and have learned useful storage tips, here are some ideas you can use in your own home:
Read Also: How to get the best e-bike for delivery
There you have it—now you know how to store an electric bike.
Proper storage should be a priority to keep your electric bike working efficiently and effectively, especially if you want to keep your bike's mechanical and electric parts safe.
After all, an e-bike has more complicated and sensitive components compared to a normal bicycle. It also comes at a higher cost, which should incentivize you to take proper care of it.
The right approach to storage can also keep vandals and thieves at bay. As electric bikes become more popular, people with malicious intent may want to take advantage.
Applying the safety measures mentioned above will mean you can enjoy your e-bike for years to come without any criminal incidents to deal with.
Protecting the e-bike battery is another reason for employing an all-inclusive storage plan. Not only is this the part most easily susceptible to damage, it’s also the priciest part of the bike.
Everything from the heat to the cold and even the smallest of dust particles can have a negative effect on it. Any one of those factors can affect the battery’s range, power, or performance.
In fact, the e-bike battery can even burst into flames under the wrong circumstances, which can be highly dangerous.
So, it all starts with cleaning and inspecting your bike regularly, and that involves wiping the bike, inspecting it for damage, and lubricating moving parts.
Once you have that covered, take the necessary steps to keep your battery well-maintained at all times.
For that, you should keep it partially charged and away from the bike, and it should be stored at room temperature.
After that, focus on your tires. They have to be inflated at the recommended pressure, checked for damage, and possibly even covered with tire covers.
Your storage location must also be carefully chosen, with your frequency of riding, weather conditions, and stability in mind.
You can then consider getting storage accessories such as bike covers, stands, racks, or wall mounts.
Also, you explore the various storage methods available according to your needs. Take some security measures, conduct regular check-ups, and be prepared for a different storage dynamic during the winter.
Now you know what it takes to keep your bike stored well.
Apply these guidelines at all times, and if at any point you feel out of your depth, consult someone who knows a bit more about e-bike storage, like the Whizz team.
Otherwise, you should be able to run a tight storage agenda. Now do the right thing and store your electric bike the proper way.
The electric bike should be stored in a clean, dry place to prevent rust or any damage. Make sure the bike stands on a strong stand or is mounted to a wall rack to save space and not topple over.
If extreme temperatures prevail in the garage, remove the battery and store it separately for longevity. The garage will need adequate ventilation and security against moisture and theft. Regularly check the bike in general, especially when not in use for extended periods.
The best way to store an electric bike is in a dry, secure location, protected from the elements and potential theft. Ideally, store your electric bike indoors, such as in a garage, basement, or living space.
If space is limited, consider using wall mounts or ceiling hooks designed for bikes. Keeping the bike off the ground can prevent accidental damage and save floor space.
Additionally, ensure the storage area is cool and dry to prevent battery degradation.
To prepare your electric bicycle for long-term storage, first clean it thoroughly to remove dirt and grime. Check and adjust the tire pressure to prevent flats.
The battery should be charged to about 40–60% of its capacity, which is optimal for preserving its health.
Disconnect the battery if possible, and store it separately in a cool, dry place. Covering the bike with a breathable fabric can prevent dust buildup without trapping moisture.
Can temperature affect my electric bike's battery during storage?
Yes, temperature can significantly affect your electric bike's battery during storage.
Freezing temperatures can reduce battery capacity and potentially cause damage, while excessive heat can lead to battery degradation and a shortened battery lifespan. It's best to store the battery in a temperature-controlled environment, ideally between 50°F and 77°F (10°C to 25°C), to maintain its health and efficiency.
What security measures should I consider when storing my e-bike?
When storing your electric bike, consider security measures to protect it from theft, even if stored indoors.
Use a high quality protection, such as a U-lock or a chain lock, to secure the bike's frame and front and rear wheels, especially if stored in shared spaces like apartment building bike rooms or garages. If possible, choose a storage location that is not visible from the outside to avoid attracting attention. Investing in a bike alarm or a GPS tracker can also offer additional security and peace of mind.
