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Storing your e-bike battery correctly over winter

When temperatures drop and your e-bike gets used less and less, one question becomes the focus of attention: how do you store the battery correctly over winter?

Many problems that arise in spring — reduced range, charging problems or even deep discharge — can be avoided if you know a few technical basics. In this article, you will learn how to store an e-bike battery correctly and thus protect it from long-term damage.

Why is cold weather harmful to e-bike batteries?

E-bike batteries consist of lithium-ion cells. These cells work because ions move within the battery. In cold temperatures, this movement slows down and the battery delivers less power. Charging or discharging the battery for long periods at very low temperatures can cause permanent damage to the cells.

How should an e-bike battery be stored correctly?

A lithium-ion battery survives the winter best in a cool, dry and frost-free environment. Rooms such as basements, storage rooms or living rooms where the temperature remains stable between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius are ideal. Extreme temperatures are the ‘enemy’ of the battery:

Too cold (below 0 °C) can lead to temporary reduced performance and long-term damage.
Too warm (above 25 °C) accelerates the natural ageing of the cells.
Moisture also plays a role. Condensation or corroded contacts can prevent the battery and bike from working reliably together in the spring. Therefore, the battery should always be stored in a dry and clean place.

Does the e-bike battery need to be fully charged for storage?

The ideal charge level for an e-bike battery is between 50 and 70 percent. Why?

A full battery is under higher voltage, which accelerates ageing.
An empty battery can slip into a critical range due to self-discharge, become deeply discharged and suffer irreparable damage. Even when the battery is inactive, it slowly discharges on its own, so the charge level should be checked every 4–8 weeks during the winter break and the battery recharged if necessary.

Can I charge the e-bike battery at sub-zero temperatures?

If the battery has been stored or transported in cold conditions for a long period of time, it should be warmed up to room temperature before charging.

Charging at low temperatures can damage the cells and negatively affect the battery's service life. This means that if it has been outside and has become very cold, you should leave it in a warm room to acclimatise for at least 30 to 60 minutes before connecting it to the charger.

Step by step: How to properly store your e-bike battery over winter

• Remove the battery from the bicycle and clean or wipe the contacts dry.
• Bring the charge level to around 50–70%.
• Place the battery in a dry, cool, frost-free indoor space.
• Check the charge level every few weeks and recharge slightly if necessary.
• Bring to room temperature before charging for the first time in spring.

This ensures that the battery is ready for immediate use in spring and delivers full performance.