If you’re an e-bike owner, you know how fun and exhilarating a winter ride can be. Frosty weather can put a damper on things, but it doesn’t have to. Here are our hottest tips for joyriding through the coldest season, so your SUPER73 keeps running smoothly all winter long.
Can I Ride an Electric Bike in the Snow?
Yes. Riding an e-bike in winter is safe and practical when you follow a few simple guidelines.
Winter riding does bring challenges you won’t see the rest of the year, like slick surfaces, blocked roadways, and piercing winds. You can overcome them by planning ahead, dressing appropriately, and following a few maintenance best practices.
Staying Safe on Snow and Iced Terrains
Slippery roads are the biggest concern when riding in winter. When roads ice over, standard bike tires may not provide optimal traction, which can limit your control of the bike. To stay in control:
- Avoid obviously slick surfaces.
- Go easy on the throttle on treacherous roads, and consider using pedal assist instead.
- Count on the fat tires that come standard on SUPER73 e-bikes to help you keep traction in your winter wonderland.
Want even more grip? Consider upgrading to GRZLY tires. These heavy-duty tires feature an aggressive tread design that provides superior grip on most surfaces.
Before you ride
- Check the weather. If temperatures are close to or below zero, you’re probably better off skipping your ride until it warms up.
- Don’t leave your bike outside in the cold. If temperatures are expected to fall below 30°F, bring your bike in to keep your battery functioning at its best.
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Do a final check. Before heading out, inspect your bike’s main components:
- Battery charge
- Tire pressure
- Brake function
- Chain, for rust or tight links (links that don’t bend easily as they pass through the rear derailleur)
If anything seems off, don’t ride until your bike is back in good working order.
Winter maintenance tips
Following a few best practices will keep your bike in top shape.
Clean your bike regularly. After every ride, take a few minutes to clean your bike. You can normally leave it outside to dry, but not on especially cold days, since leftover water will likely freeze on the surface. See our e-bike cleaning guide for safe supplies and tips.
Store your battery inside. Freezing temperatures can severely hamper battery performance, so bring your battery indoors when you’re not riding. If you wouldn’t leave your pets outside during a cold snap, you shouldn’t leave your e-bike battery out either.
Keep your battery charged to 30% or higher. If you decide not to ride in the snow, you may be tempted to stow your battery for the winter. That’s fine, but check its charge level periodically. Batteries should never be stored in a discharged state, which can cause “deep discharge” and reduce performance and lifespan. Aim to keep your battery at 30% or higher at all times, even if you won’t use it for a few months. For more, see our battery do’s and don’ts.
Consider a bike lock and cover. Cold weather makes for some fantastic rides, but not everyone feels the same way. If you’d rather stay toasty, keep your e-bike secure while it’s put away. After you bring the battery inside, consider a bike cover and bike lock to protect your bike until spring.
By following these simple tips, you can make winter riding on your SUPER73 safe and enjoyable.
Gear up for winter
Ready to get set up? Browse our official accessories and explore the full lineup to find the right ride for your adventures.
Questions? We’re here to help.
Not sure how to prepare your SUPER73 for the season? Call us at (949) 649-4607, Monday to Friday, 7AM to 6PM PST, or visit our Contact Us page.