Ebike Storage and Use Best Practices
STORING YOUR ELECTRIC BIKE
Ebike storage means that you’re going to be storing it for a prolonged period; not just 4 - 5 days like you usually might. Winter and summer can bring the threat of extreme conditions. Prolonged rain or snow can bring extremely low temperatures and a heat wave in other parts of the country can cause garages and outdoor temps to rise above 100 degrees even through the night. These factors all need to be taken into account when considering ebike storage. Extreme temps (either high or low) can negatively affect the battery and other components over time.
Clean Before Storing
Aventon ebikes are IPX4 water-resistant. This means you can clean your bike by hand, but should avoid using pressurized water.
Wash all dirt off of your frame and then wipe it down with a dry cloth. Ensure that the battery contacts are clean and dry to prevent corrosion. Afterward, dry and lube the chain using a bicycle chain oil. Follow up by rotating the cranks to allow the lube to circulate into the links and then wipe off any excess oil.
Ebike Storage
Electrical devices and components in e-bikes are sensitive to extreme temperatures. Store them in a cool, dry space, away from high humidity. A garage or outdoor shed is a good idea depending on where you live and what is available. The ideal storage temperature is between 32º and 68º. Storing your ebike outside is never recommended as corrosion and deterioration will be virtually unavoidable. A bike cover is only a temporary shelter but is not intended to protect a bike from the elements over a long period of time.
While your bike will stay dry during the long winter months in a garage or outdoor shed, the biggest enemy to your ebike and its components is high humidity. This will still cause some potential rust and corrosion over time. To prevent this, invest in a bike cover for added protection if your garage or shed is still susceptible to the outside elements.
Battery Storage
As your Ebike's battery is the most expensive individual part on the bike, it is also the part you will want to give the most care for. Proper battery storage is important for safety reasons as well as the lifespan of the battery. The fact of any battery is that it naturally degrades over time and regular use. Storing a battery in extreme temperatures or at an improper charge are both very effective ways to speed up the degradation of the battery so these must be avoided at all costs. Aventon batteries are lithium-ion, and should never be stored with their charge level completely depleted. Doing so means they might be unrecoverable after storage. Ideal storage of your Ebike battery involves a climate-controlled environment and the charge is to be maintained at a level of 75-80%. Check the charge level on a monthly basis and make sure that the percentage doesn’t drop under 75%. This will help extend your battery's life. Do not store Aventon batteries on their charger or attached to your ebike.
Battery Safety
Generally, extreme heat will cause a higher safety risk with a battery and extreme cold will mainly affect the performance but both should be avoided as a general rule. Storing the battery in a climate-controlled location away from heat sources and flammable items will provide the most stable and safe environment for storage. A battery fire bag is also a good idea for storing the battery as it protects the battery from outside factors that can pose a risk to the stored battery. The fire bags will generally delay or shield the battery from being affected by an external hazard in most cases and it is simply an extra layer of prevention but not an end-all solution to protect the battery. If the battery is ever dropped, damaged, or changes shape, stop use and contact Aventon customer support or your nearest Aventon dealer for assistance.
Storing Your Ebike Battery & LCD Screen
Store batteries and LCD screens in a cool, dry place to prevent freezing. Keep batteries near room temperature for optimal performance, as extreme temperatures can damage their chemistry. According to a Sciencedirect.com article on lithium-ion batteries, it's advised ebike battery storage temperature should avoid sub-zero temperatures for the best efficiency.