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Myth or truth? Do e-bike batteries really lose power in winter?

Tips
All about bikes
8 January 2025

E-bikes are now a popular mobility option all year round - even in winter. But many users ask themselves the question: How does the cold affect the performance of the battery? The answer is that cold can actually affect the capacity of an e-bike battery, as the chemical reactions in the lithium-ion cells take place more slowly at low temperatures. Nevertheless, with the right care and equipment, you can ensure that the battery works reliably even in the cold months. Another advantage: e-bikes can be obtained via the company bike leasing model, which is a cost-effective solution, especially for companies and employees who want to use their bike in winter.

Close-up of e-bike from the front

How cold affects e-bike batteries

The performance of an e-bike battery is strongly influenced by the temperature. This is due to the chemical reaction in the lithium-ion cells, which takes place more slowly at low temperatures.

Loss of capacity

Cold temperatures can temporarily reduce the available capacity of the battery by up to 20-30%. The actual range decreases, especially at very low temperatures below 0 °C. As soon as the battery warms up to room temperature again, the full capacity usually returns.

Permanent damage possible?

A well-maintained battery is not normally permanently damaged by cold temperatures. It only becomes a problem if a deeply discharged battery is stored for a long time at very low temperatures.

Loading problems

Charging the battery can be problematic at sub-zero temperatures. Some batteries either do not charge at all or only charge slowly, as the charging process puts additional strain on the cells.

Store the battery in a warm place

Take the battery into a warm place after the journey. Ideally, it should be stored at room temperature around 15-20 °C. Avoid leaving the battery permanently outside in the cold, e.g. in an unheated shed.

Charging correctly

Only charge the battery at temperatures above 5 °C. If it is cold after a journey, allow it to acclimatize before connecting it to the charger. If possible, use a temperature-controlled charging station.

Use battery protection

Special protective battery covers made of neoprene or other insulating materials can help to maintain the temperature while driving and minimize the effects of cold.

Gentle driving style in winter

Avoid extreme loads, such as continuous riding in high support levels or steep climbs. This protects the battery and extends the range.

Plan range

Take into account the possible loss of capacity and plan your routes accordingly. Maintain a lower support level to save energy.

Close-up of e-bike battery

What to do if there are problems with the battery?

Drop in performance: If the range drops significantly over the long term, it may be worth having the battery checked by a specialist workshop.


Care: Regular cleaning of the contacts and proper storage contribute significantly to the service life of the battery.

Preparation is everything

It's true: E-bike batteries temporarily lose power in the cold. However, with the right care and storage, you can still be on the road in winter without any problems. A well-maintained battery will not be permanently damaged by the cold, and with a few simple measures you can ensure the full performance of your e-bike - even in sub-zero temperatures.

Company wheel leasing as an attractive option

If you want to afford an e-bike suitable for winter use but are afraid of the high initial investment, you can consider company bike leasing. Here, the bike is deducted from your gross salary as a monthly leasing installment, which can lead to tax advantages. This makes it possible to finance a high-quality e-bike without having to pay the full amount at once. The leasing model makes it much easier to get started and offers a flexible way to invest in modern bikes on a regular basis. With bike leasing, employees can save up to 40% compared to buying. The Lease a Bike bike leasing calculator can be used to calculate the savings and the monthly leasing rate for your dream bike.

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