The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and the snow is melting. There is no better feeling than a warm sunny day as winter in the Northern Hemisphere comes to a soft close. And there is no better way to enjoy the spring season than taking your e-bike for a ride.
It can be exciting to take your e-bike out of storage for the first time and to hit the pavement with your fat tires right away, but there are some key tips and tricks to riding so early in the new season. Today we are going to look at the DO’s and DON’Ts of spring e-biking.
DO Keep Your E-bike Dry
As many folks who live in the northern United States can attest, spring is a season full of fun, sun, and rain! It can be tempting to leave your e-bike outside, even just for one night, especially if you plan to use it the next day. However, because rainfall is so common in spring, this may be a bad idea. E-bikes, just like traditional bikes, do not like to be left outside in the rain. Not only can rain cause your frame and metal bike parts to rust, but it can damage the electrical components of your battery and motor as well.
Do everything you can to store your e-bike in a cool, dry location when not in use. If you need to lock it up under a parking garage or apartment awning, ensure no one steals it by using a foldable chain lock. Whatever you do, don’t leave your bike outside exposed to the elements. If you notice that rain is in the forecast for a few days in a row, consider bringing your bike inside to a garage, basement, or even into your apartment or home!
DO Keep Your E-bike Clean
In addition to keeping your e-bike dry, you’ll want to keep it clean as well! Spring riding is full of mud, dirt, and sometimes snow. Whenever you finish a ride, use a bicycle cleaner with a soft sponge to remove any caked-on mud or dirt from the frame, seat, or components. Then, dry the bike with a clean and soft towel. One trick many e-bikers claim works is to use their old bath towels as e-bike towels instead of throwing them away. By cutting a bath towel in half, you can always have a clean towel around to keep your e-bike nice and clean.
DO Watch for Icy Road Conditions
One common issue during the spring is the thawing and re-freezing of water on the roads and sidewalks. Snow melts during the day, when temperatures are high, and then freezes again at night as the air cools. This can cause a layer of ice to form on top of cement and dirt. Do keep an eye on the weather forecast and temperatures. By remaining vigilant for ice, you can lower the chance that you slip and fall on your morning bike ride.
DO Perform Annual Maintenance
Many riders store their e-bikes over the winter months and the bikes may accumulate dust or debris over this time. The metal components like gears and chains begin to dry out and tires lose air pressure naturally over time. For this reason, we recommend thorough annual maintenance before riding your bike for the first time in spring. We have an entire guide dedicated specifically to the annual maintenance you should perform to prepare your e-bike for riding in the springtime.
We also have another guide strictly devoted to bicycle chain lube which will be extra important before your first ride of a new season.
DON’T Ride Your E-Bike Through Deep Water
As snow melts and rain begins to fall more frequently, large puddles of water will pool around sewers, curbs, and ditches. It can be tempting to take a shortcut through some water, but it is not advised. Don’t ride your e-bike through deep water because it can damage the electrical components of the battery and motor. While the e-bike is designed to be weather-resistant, it is not waterproof!
DON’T Run Out of Battery Charge
Everyone knows the weather in March, April, and May can be finicky at best. It may look sunny one minute, and stormy the next. You do not want to be caught unawares in a spring thunderstorm with no battery power to get you home. Keep your battery charged when it gets low. Thanks to Himiway’s long-range battery technology, running out of juice is a rare occurrence. A single charge on a bike like the Himiway Zebra could last you between 60 and 80 miles. That is almost double the range of the competition, but in the end, all e-bike batteries must be charged from time to time.
DON’T Forget to Dress in Layers while E-biking
Our final spring e-biking tip is don’t forget to dress in layers while biking. The day may be cool as the sun rises, but it can heat up on your ride, especially if you are taking a long trip. Having a single heavy jacket may cause heat exhaustion. Instead, dress in multiple lighter layers that can be removed one at a time as the weather warms up. Use a waterproof outer jacket as the top layer. You can also consider a pair of waterproof cycling gloves with non-slip technology.
There you have it: all the do' s and don’ts of spring e-biking. Remember to keep your e-bike clean and dry, and well maintained, especially the first time you take it out of storage. Watch for hidden ice, and don’t ride through any deep water. Don’t forget to charge your battery and don’t forget to dress in proper layers for a wide range of temperatures. With these e-biking tips, you’ll be ready to go for the new riding season like a pro! Check out our Top 5 Places for a Spring Bike Trip if you are feeling adventurous and happy riding!
