E‑bike in summer: tips for e‑bike batteries in summer temperatures and outdoor riding.
09 Jun
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Knowledge
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" is an old German proverb. So take care of yourself and your e-bike. We'll tell you what can happen if your e-bike gets too hot, how you can best care for it, and what to watch out for.
E-bike battery in the heat: What you need to know
At temperatures below freezing in winter, but also above 30 degrees in summer, your e-bike battery can be damaged. The ideal temperature is therefore between 5 and 25 degrees Celsius.
Influence of heat on the e-bike battery
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If the battery of an e-bike becomes too warm, this can lead to an increase in the internal resistance and thus to a lower performance of the motor. This means that more energy is converted into heat at the battery cells. This energy is missing from the motor and inhibits the performance of your e-bike. In the worst case, this can lead to a short circuit. However, serious damage can be avoided by taking simple precautions.
Can I leave my e-bike in the sun?
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Direct sunlight and temperatures above 30 degrees for an extended period of time can cause the performance of the battery to be affected. It is best to park the e-bike in a shaded area. If this is not possible, make sure that the battery is either removed or protected with a suitable cover.
Storing the e-bike battery in summer
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When the battery is removed, it should be stored in an environment where the temperature is less than 30 degrees. It is important not to store it in places that receive direct sunlight or where the air heats up a lot, such as in a car or camper.
Charging the e-bike battery in hot weather
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If you want to charge your e-bike battery during the summer, let it cool down and then charge it. It is recommended to charge the battery in a cool, shady place and not in a place with direct sunlight.
Protect e-bike battery from heat - cover and paint
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As with cars, the color of your e-bike will affect how much it heats up from direct sunlight. This can affect your e-bike battery as follows:
Pay attention to the frame color for batteries installed in the frame.
Light-colored paints heat up more slowly than dark ones.
Batteries with a white cover are better protected from the sun than batteries with a dark cover.
Tip: Use our Bike Finder and find the perfect e-bike with the matching battery cover or frame color.
E-bike in summer: tips for commuting and touring
In summer, not only your e-bike and battery need special protection, but also you as a rider. Appropriate clothing will help protect you on your next tour.
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E-bike clothing in summer
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In your free time or on your way to work, you will be comfortable with the following cycling clothes:
Body: A breathable and absorbent textile material works well as summer clothing. Special summer jerseys are also recommended. Cycling clothes that offer UV protection can also be a good choice.
Hands: special gloves made of mesh fabric provide better ventilation.
Shoes: Bike sandals or air-permeable socks provide good ventilation and can be comfortable to wear in the summer.
Solltest du deine Kleidung nicht wechseln können, dann achte darauf, dass du Kleidung mit folgenden Eigenschaften auswählst:
bright colors
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breathable material
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airy style
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Sun protection for e-bikers
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If you are riding your e-bike in summer, you need a suitable sun protection. Often, thanks to the cooling breeze, you don't notice the sunburn until it's too late and you come to rest in the evening. So that it does not come at all so far, carry for example:
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headgear: a well-ventilated helmet and scarves or net-like caps for under the helmet are recommended. For more information on choosing the right e-bike helmet and legal requirements, see our blog post "E-bike helmets from Burner Helmet - be safe and stylish on the road".
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a pair of sunglasses or special cycling glasses with UV protection.
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a cloth for the neck.
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Sunscreen: If you will be riding your e-bike in the blazing sun for a longer period of time, you should choose a sunscreen with at least sun protection factor 30.
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Tip: If you ride your e-bike or e-MTB in the summer, sun creams that adhere well even when sweating heavily and are waterproof are suitable. Special sports sun creams are also available for this purpose.
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The neck, nape of the neck, hands and face are particularly sensitive. Do not apply the sunscreen when you are already sitting on the e-bike saddle, but ideally 10 to 20 minutes before you set off on your e-bike ride, as the sunscreen needs some time to be absorbed into the skin.
Summer e-bike gear
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If you are going on longer e-bike rides in the summer, you should take the following products and provisions with you:
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Drinks: make sure you drink regularly. On particularly strenuous and hot tours, you may need 0.5 to 1 liter of fluid per hour.
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Light snacks
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sunscreen
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Bicycle tools for on the road
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Wind or rain jacket for cooler mornings or evenings and rain showers.
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You can stow your equipment in suitable bike bags. Choose models in lighter colors, as these do not heat up as much as black bags.
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E-bike care in summer
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To keep your e-bike in good condition in the summer, you should follow these care tips:
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Avoid cleaners when cleaning your e-bike in the blazing sun.
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If the timing belt has not been maintained for a long time, it can dry out and cause noises. A special treatment with sprays can help here.
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In particularly dry weather, dust can quickly accumulate on the e-bike. Wipe down your e-bike after longer tours and clean it thoroughly on a regular basis.
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Tip: If you ride your e-bike by the salty sea in summer, you should clean it after every ride. The salt in the air can stick to the bike and lead to corrosion. In our blog you more tips on cleaning and inspecting your e-bike, which are useful throughout the year.
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Summer e-bike tours
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As with any e-bike tour, proper planning is key to a successful ride in the summer. Keep the following tips in mind:
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Get an overview of your route: Can routes be ridden in the shade or only in strong sunlight?
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Move your tours to the cooler morning or evening hours: ozone levels are highest between 2 and 5 pm.
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Ride at a more leisurely pace and choose a higher level of assistance.
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Plan for more frequent breaks.
Tour ideas:
Coastal bike path along the Baltic Sea: How about a tour along the coastal bike path at the beautiful Baltic Sea? With your e-bike, you can effortlessly cover the entire distance while enjoying the sea air. Stop in between to visit the neighboring villages, taste regional dishes and sunbathe on the beach. But make sure you find a shady place to park your bike ;)
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Mountain panorama in the Alps: If you do like to climb the mountains, then the Alps are an absolute paradise for you. With your e-bike you can easily master the steep climbs and enjoy the green valleys and mountain lakes. Take time to breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy a typical Alpine snack in a mountain hut.
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Nature parks and lakes: If you love untouched nature, then summer tours through national parks and lake landscapes are an absolute must. With your e-bike you can ride through forests, along rivers and around lakes. Take time to relax in nature and enjoy the silence far away from the urban hustle and bustle.
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Urban city trip: If you're more of a city person, there are plenty of opportunities for e-bike tours in urban areas as well. Discover hidden corners, explore trendy neighborhoods and ride through parks and gardens. An e-bike allows you to cover longer distances and see more of the city. Take breaks in cozy cafes, try new restaurants and enjoy the lively city life.
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Summer, sun, e-bike fun
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Take advantage of the beautiful summer weather and get on your e-bike. In our blog you will find more articles and tips that will help you to ride your e-bike comfortably and safely, such as:
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How to properly charge an e-bike battery: 5 tips.
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Cell phone mounts for e-bikes: recommendations and legal requirements
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If you're still missing the perfect summer e-bike, check out our Bike Finder and find the right e-trekking bike, e-city bike or e-moutainbike for your next tour.
Conclusion:
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In summer, it is important to protect the e-bike battery from heat. When charging, the battery should be cooled down and the charging process should take place in a cool place. Bright colors and reflective covers can reduce heat buildup. Riders should also protect themselves in the summer by wearing breathable clothing and taking sun protection measures. Regular cleaning and care of the e-bike are also important to prevent corrosion. By planning tours well with shaded routes at cooler times of the day, riders can enjoy the e-bike experience in summer.
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For more useful tips and information, check out our blog.
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Your Velio Team
