10 insider tips for electric biking in the snow

Riding an electric bike in the snow it can be an exhilarating experience, but also poses unique challenges. The combination of power and snow conditions requires a different approach to ensure you are safe while having a blast. Here are ten tips to help you navigate the winter wonderland on your e-bike this year.

1. Choose the right tires

Snow and ice demand tires with better grip.

Those road tires you used all summer and fall sure were great for extra cornering grip on asphalt, but they have the opposite effect on snow and ice.

Knobbie mountain bike tires or fat bike tires are best for riding on snow, but icy conditions are best served with studded tires. They can often be found for between $50 on the low end and over $150 at the high end.

The joke (with some truth) has always been that a cheap alternative to studded snow tires is a handful of zip-ties wrapped around your tires, but now there are actual products with zip-tie functionality that are designed to attack on the regulars. tires and offers an economical alternative to studded tires. Many are intended for car tires, but you can only wrap twice on bicycle tires. It’s sure to do a number on your ride comfort when you’re back on the pavement, but it’ll be a lot better than smooth rubber on ice. Just don’t consider it a long term solution…and don’t try it if you have rim brakes!

2. Lower the tire pressure

Reducing tire pressure increases the contact area between the tire and the snowy surface, enhancing grip. When you’re in snow, reducing tire pressure is the simplest and easiest way to get more traction for free.

Be careful not to go too low, as this can cause pinch flats, especially if you hit a hard obstacle hidden under the snow. On fat tires, you’ll probably want to avoid going below 5 PSI unless you know you have no obstacles around. On mountain bike tires, staying above 10 PSI in the snow is a good rule of thumb.

You may also want to bring a small electric pump to increase your pressure when you return to the road. I tried it out such a small pump who can forget it in your pocket!

3. Adjust your braking technique

In snowy conditions, the brake requires extra care. Avoid sudden stops, and start braking earlier than you would on dry pavement.

Use the front and rear brakes evenly to maintain control. When in doubt, favor your rear break. You can slide your rear wheel easily, but the front wheel lock can set in the blink of an eye!

4. Reduce Speed

High speed and slippery surfaces do not mix well. Ride at a slower, more controlled speed to react quickly to unexpected obstacles or slippery patches.

Trust me, when everything is covered in a white blanket of snow, you’ll feel like you’re already faster anyway!

5. Use a Lower Assist Mode

High power modes can cause rear wheel spin. Using a lower assist mode on your e-bike helps maintain traction, especially when starting from a stop or climbing hills.

If you are using the accelerator, make sure to engage and release gently. We often have the bad habit of treating our e-bike throttles like an on/off switch, since dry pavement has all the traction we need and most e-bikes can’t spin the rear tire . But when it’s snowy and icy outside, you’ll find that sudden acceleration or cutting the accelerator before braking can result in loss of traction.

6. Keep your battery warm

Cold temperatures can reduce battery performance. Keep your battery at home when not in use, and consider insulating it with a battery cover when traveling in very cold conditions. Never charge your battery when it is below freezing (32ºF or 0ºC).

Many companies make their battery sleeves neoprene rubber that helps your battery maintain its working heat to last longer on rides in sub-freezing temperatures. They are there too universal battery sleeves that may work for you if your manufacturer doesn’t have their own.

7. Dress appropriately

Bring layers to stay warm, and don’t forget waterproof outerwear. Appropriate gloves and boots are essential to keep your extremities warm. Handlebar gloves are another great hack that allows you to wear thinner gloves to work the brakes and shifts while keeping your fingers warm.

Also, consider wearing a balaclava or thermal mask to protect your face.

In snow riding, I often wear a full-face helmet like a motorcycle helmet. With a scarf or balaclava that keeps my neck warm, I can tuck the top into my motorcycle helmet and keep my face toasty.

Ski or snowboard helmets can also be a great way to keep your ears warm without covering your entire face.

8. Be Visible

Winter days are shorter, and visibility can be poor. Use lights and reflective clothing or accessories to ensure you are seen by other road users.

Bright colors are more important than ever in winter, and a $7 high visibility vest it’s a simple and cheap way to be more visible to car drivers while you’re on an unprotected bike lane.

9. Plan your route

Avoid roads that are likely to be icy or heavily snow-covered. Stick to paths that are cleared or have less traffic.

Sometimes I’ll choose longer routes that keep me off the main roads so I don’t have to worry about car drivers having their own hard time with the weather. The last thing I want is someone who doesn’t know how to ride in snow making it harder for me to ride my bike in snow.

10. Regular maintenance

Snow and slush can cause rust and corrosion. Clean your e-bike regularly, paying particular attention to the chain and gears. A little road salt on your chain can turn it an angry shade of reddish brown after just a few wrinkles if you don’t take care to clean it.

Lubricate your bike’s chain and gears often to prevent damage from salt and moisture. Going from a lubricant in dry condition to a lubricant in wet condition in winter it is also a good idea.

Riding an electric bike in the snow can be a fun and refreshing experience, especially after a hot summer of sunny rides. And as snowy winters become less snowy thanks to our irresponsible environmental damage, we should take every chance we get to ride in snow while it lasts.

But as fun as it can be, winter riding is a unique challenge that requires extra precautions.

By following these tips, we can enjoy the snowy landscape while keeping safety as our first priority. Remember, every trip is an opportunity to explore and enjoy, no matter the weather!