E-Bike Battery: How to Store It for Winter

To store an e-bike battery for winter, remove it from the bike, bring its charge to between 30% and 60% (per the manufacturer's manual) and keep it indoors, somewhere dry and temperate, not in an unheated garage or a shed. Then check its level once a month or every two months.

It's the question we hear at the shop in October, when the trails are covered in leaves and the e-bike is about to spend the winter in the basement. The battery is the most expensive part of the bike, and a few simple steps preserve its capacity until spring.

Why winter is hard on a battery

A lithium-ion battery ages even when it isn't used. Bosch notes that it gradually loses capacity, even at rest. Quebec winters add two risks: cold and neglect. Cold temporarily reduces range, as we explain in our article on what really affects e-bike range, and a battery left at 0% or 100% for five months wears out faster than it should.

Step 1: Remove the battery from the bike

Take the battery off as soon as the bike is done for the season. Indoors, it avoids the temperature swings of a garage or shed, and you can keep an eye on it easily. If you clean the bike before storing it, remove the battery first: Bosch recommends not cleaning the battery with water and removing it before washing the bike. Our guide on e-bike maintenance covers the rest of the cleaning.

The Giant NewTour E+ 3: its battery, integrated into the down tube, comes out to spend the winter indoors.

Step 2: Aim for the right charge level

Neither full nor empty. For long-term storage, Bosch recommends a charge level of 30% to 60%. Also avoid letting the battery drain to zero. Other manufacturers give slightly different values, sometimes around 70%, so your battery's manual always takes priority. If you can't find it, bring your bike or battery model to the shop and we'll tell you the recommended level.

Step 3: Choose the right spot

Store the battery at room temperature, in a dry room, out of direct sunlight. A finished basement or an indoor closet is better than an unheated garage, a shed or a car trunk. Also keep it away from heat sources and flammable materials. Bosch also recommends a room fitted with a smoke detector.

Step 4: Keep an eye on it over the winter

Put a reminder on your calendar. Once a month, or every two months, check the charge level. If it's getting close to the bottom of the recommended range, top it up slightly, indoors, with the original charger. If you need to replace a charger, browse our selection of chargers or come see us with your bike's model.

The Shimano EC-E8004-2 charger ($289.99), compatible with Shimano STEPS batteries.

If you ride in winter anyway

In below-freezing weather, the manufacturer advises charging and keeping the battery at room temperature, then installing it on the bike just before you head out. Riding in winter doesn't stop you from treating the battery well: it stays indoors until the ride.

The bike itself, before the break

Without the battery, the bike can rest somewhere dry. Clean it, lube the chain and pump up the tires. For a full tune-up before the season, or if you have doubts about the motor or connectors, our workshop and team provide after-sales follow-up. Contact the team to book an appointment.

In spring: getting back on the road

Let the battery come back to room temperature, charge it normally, reinstall it and take a short test ride before the first big outing. If the range seems noticeably lower than in the fall, stop by the shop for a diagnosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you remove an e-bike battery in winter?

Yes, we recommend storing it indoors at room temperature rather than leaving it on a bike in an unheated garage. That way it's protected from the cold and easier to monitor.

What charge level should you store the battery at for winter?

Bosch recommends 30% to 60%. Other manufacturers give slightly different levels, so follow your battery's manual or ask us for the level for your model.

Where should you store an e-bike battery?

In a dry, temperate room in the house, away from heat sources and flammable materials. Avoid an unheated garage, a shed and a car trunk.

Are lithium batteries affected by cold?

Cold temporarily reduces range, and the manufacturer advises charging and storing the battery at room temperature. If needed, install it on the bike just before you leave.

Should you charge the battery during the winter?

Check its level once a month or every two months. If it's getting close to the bottom of the recommended range, top it up slightly with the original charger.

In conclusion

Remove the battery, aim for the right charge level, store it somewhere dry at room temperature and check on it from time to time: these four steps preserve the most expensive part of your e-bike until spring.

Looking for a gift for an e-bike rider? See our 5 gift ideas for e-bike riders, or our guide on what to give a beginner cyclist. And if you're still on the fence about going electric, a bike rental day in the spring lets you try one. Visit us in store in the Laurentians or browse our e-bikes.