Unless you’re a year-round outdoor rider, you may be looking at snow drifts and dusting off the trainer. Before you hang up your wheels for the winter, remember that end-of-season maintenance is a must. Most importantly, if you want your Subito to be ready to hit the road in the spring, taking proper care of your battery is essential. Here are a few of the most common questions we’re asked when the temperature drops.

Can I let the battery run down completely over the winter?

If you’re storing your Subito over the winter, it’s essential that you check the battery level regularly – probably monthly. The battery should be charged at least every three months to preserve the battery life, even if the bike isn’t being ridden or the battery is not depleted. While it is recommended to let the battery fully deplete from time to time and then recharge completely, leaving it uncharged over the winter is not good for battery life. In general, avoid letting the charge drop below 10% on a regular basis. When storing your bike for more than 30 days, keep it charged between 40-60%.

Is leaving my Subito in an unheated garage ok?

Batteries do degrade over time, and temperature is a key factor in battery longevity. Ideally, charge your battery within a temperature range of 5ºC to 20ºC. Store the bike within a comparable temperature range, away from direct sunlight.

Can I ride my Subito in the winter?

The Ebikemotion components are designed to be used in poor weather conditions, such as rain and snow, and are protected against splashing, but not against immersion or pressurized water. Ebike batteries can be quite sensitive to temperature changes. On cold days, the battery range will probably drop substantially, and performance can suffer.