Is it possible to store electric bikes outside?
In terms of size, electric bikes aren't that different from traditional, motorless bikes. In any case, whether it is an e-bike or a regular bike, they are large and hard to store. Bike storage inside isn't an option for many bikers. We recommend storing your bike indoors if you can for the reasons outlined in this article.
If you can't store your bike inside, you might wonder if you can store it outside. You can store your e-bike outside if you take the proper care and maintain it, but you'll need to take a few parts inside for long-term storage.
Bring Your Battery In
Even though you can store your e-bike outside with the proper steps, you should always bring the e-bike battery inside for long-term storage. Traditional e-bikes use Lithium-Ion batteries, which can be stored in temperatures between 40°F and 70°F. When a battery is stored in temperatures above or below this range, it can potentially suffer damage, especially when storing it for an extended period of time. Make sure you store your e-bike battery in a stable, moderate temperature environment if you intend to keep it for a long period of time.
When your battery is taken care of, you may wonder what to do with the rest of your e-bike if you're storing it outside. Let us explain why the outside isn't the best place to store e-bikes for a long time before we move on.
Dangers of Storing E-bikes Outside
While e-bikes are designed to be used in the rain, they can be damaged if they sit in the rain for a long period of time. Additionally, because you'll be taking out your battery, extra rain water can seep into your e-bike's frame and cause damage to the motor and battery compartment. For long-term storage, it is important to keep your e-bike dry.
On the other end of the spectrum, too much sunlight can degrade structural integrity, overheat electrical components, and cause colors to fade if exposed to it for too long. Even when protected from the sun's direct rays, UV radiation can cause long-term damage. It is possible for your e-bike to corrode even without constant exposure to the sun, just as you can get a sunburn on a cloudy day.
Your E-bike is More Likely to Get Stolen: Stolen e-bikes are the number one danger of storing your e-bike outside. Due to their high price, e-bikes are more likely to be stolen than traditional bikes. Because you don't keep your e-bike at home either, thieves will be more inclined to steal it.
When storing your e-bike outdoors, we recommend taking the following precautions:
Top Tips for Outside E-Bike Storage
Though e-bikes are designed to be used in the rain, they can be damaged if they sit in the rain for a long time. Additionally, since you'll be taking out your battery, rainwater can seep into the frame of your e-bike and damage the motor and battery compartment. Keeping your e-bike dry is essential for long-term storage.
Too much sunlight can degrade structural integrity, overheat electrical components, and cause colors to fade if exposed for too long. UV radiation can cause long-term damage to skin, even if it is protected from the sun's direct rays. You can get a sunburn on a cloudy day, just as your e-bike can corrode without constant exposure to the sun.
Stolen e-bikes are the number one danger of storing your e-bike outdoors. E-bikes are more likely to be stolen because of their high price. You don't keep your e-bike at home either, so thieves are more likely to steal it.
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