Electric Bicycles 'Ssing Ssing' Riding the Untact Wave... Battery Management Crucial in Winter

Temperature-Sensitive Batteries, Pre-Check Riding Time Essential
Post-Ride Electric Bicycle Maintenance to Prevent Component Corrosion and Performance Decline

Electric Bicycle for Daily Use Phantom Q. Photo by Samchuly Bicycle

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] With the revised Road Traffic Act taking effect this month allowing electric bicycles to ride on bicycle lanes, interest in how to use electric bicycles is increasing.

According to the bicycle industry on the 6th, the population of electric bicycle users has increased as riding electric bicycles on bicycle lanes has become possible due to the legal amendment.

Electric bicycles have the advantage of easier and more convenient travel because they run on electric power. However, since they use batteries, it is important to properly manage the battery and related components. Especially in winter, when temperatures change rapidly, careful product management is necessary for safe riding and to extend product lifespan.

Temperature-Sensitive Battery, Checking Riding Time in Advance is Essential

The battery is one of the core components of an electric bicycle. The lithium-ion batteries used in electric bicycles do not undergo chemical reactions well at subzero temperatures, causing the battery to drain faster than usual. When the outside temperature drops to minus 10 degrees Celsius, the perceived riding distance can decrease to about 50% of normal, so prior preparation is necessary. Therefore, before riding an electric bicycle in winter, it is advisable to calculate the riding distance based on battery power considering the outside temperature and prepare extra battery capacity.

Also, when riding an electric bicycle in subzero temperatures, one way to prevent battery performance degradation is to wrap the battery with a hot pack, which can be easily purchased online or at stationery stores, and cover it with an insulating cover during riding.

Post-Ride Electric Bicycle Care to Prevent Component Corrosion and Performance Degradation

In winter, when coming indoors after riding, condensation may form on the bicycle due to the sudden temperature difference. If the bicycle is left without wiping, rust can develop on metal parts. Therefore, after winter electric bicycle rides, it is essential to thoroughly wipe off moisture on the bicycle surface with a dry cloth or rag. Especially for electric bicycles, care must be taken to ensure that parts where electric current flows, such as battery terminals, are free of moisture.

Additionally, calcium chloride spread on snowy roads can cause frame discoloration and component corrosion. After riding following snowfall, there is a high possibility that calcium chloride on the road is stuck to the frame, metal parts, and wheels, so it should be cleaned thoroughly with a damp cloth to prevent discoloration and functional degradation of each component.

Indoor Mounting and Storage, Regular Battery Charging for Long-Term Storage

In winter, it is best to store electric bicycles indoors where humidity and temperature changes are minimal. If indoor storage is difficult or the bicycle will not be used for a long time, the battery should be removed and stored separately. It is best to store the battery after charging it to 50%, but if adjusting the charge level is difficult, fully charging before storage is acceptable. Even if the battery is not used for a long time, regular charging once a month is necessary to maintain battery life.

Also, to prevent tire deformation, the air pressure in each tire should be lowered by 30% to 40% compared to usual during storage. To prevent dust accumulation on the drivetrain and chain, dust should be brushed off or the bicycle covered every 2 to 3 weeks to maintain performance.

A representative from Samchuly Bicycle said, “With the enforcement of the revised Road Traffic Act from this month, the number of electric bicycle users is expected to increase further. It is important to pay attention to care and storage to extend the lifespan when using electric bicycles in winter with large temperature changes or during long-term storage.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.