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How do you store an e-bike in a garage?

How do you store an e-bike in a garage?

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It has been found that making a space for storing e-bikes can sometimes be a little difficult task because of the fact that there are a considerably large number of e-bikes available for you to buy. However, you can solve the issue easily by considering the factors such as space, accessibility, and the number of e-bikes you have. By taking the above things into consideration riders can find the best storage method for them. 

 

Ways You Can Store Electric Bikes In A Garage

Methods of Storing E-bikes in a Garage 

You have several methods to store an e-bike in a garage. Wall mounts for an e-bike are one option. What you need to do is hang the electric bike on the wall using a wall mount. The other method is using a floor stand. You have to walk your e-bike into it once installed. Some e-bike riders hang their bikes on the ceiling also. There are a few ways that you can do this. One is buying a pulley system. These are available on Amazon. Or else, you can attach hooks to your ceiling and hang e-bikes there. Using hooks to hang e-bikes has a limitation. That is to lift the e-bike up to the ceiling. You may need to carry the e-bikes over your shoulder or head. Doing this with a traditional bike is really difficult. The average weight of a typical bike is between 20 to 35 lbs. 

Floor Stands

This method is very convenient when you store your bike. Take the bike’s wheel in the front into the arms of the stand. This will hold the e-bike in place. However, the majority of floor stands come in a way that you can walk only one bike. But, there are floor stands that can store more than one as well. They can hold up to five e-bikes at one time. The benefits of this method are easiness to use, some floor stands are portable and you can carry them wherever you go with the e-bikes. 

However, there are limitations too. For example, they may need a considerably big space. Storing fat-tire e-bikes on a floor stand might also be a challenge.

 

On-Wall Storage: Vertical And Horizontal

Attaching your e-bikes on hooks to the wall of the garage is what happens in this method. These hooks are in the market in various designs. They are usually very easy to attach to the wall. It depends on how much space you have on your wall. So, considering the space, you have to choose the mode of the hook: vertical or horizontal. The vertical ones save your space while the horizontal ones occupy a considerably large space. The benefits of these methods are they can store bikes of any wheel size. And also, you can use your space more efficiently with this method. 

The drawback of this method is not good for little kids because it is hard for them to deal with hanging bikes off to a wall. 

 

Storing on Ceiling 

 

If you don’t have a big space on the floor you can use this method. Secure hooks to the ceiling of your garage and hang the e-bikes. Or else, you can shift them from a pulley system. This method helps you to save space for the floor and wall. The disadvantage is you need to have a minimum of 12ft space between the ground and the ceiling. 

 

E-bike Store Ideas In Garage For Short and Long Periods of Time

If you wish to keep your e-bike for a long period in good condition, the method that you are going to choose to store it is really important. You can’t treat e-bikes like you treat regular bikes.  They contain electronic elements. Some of these elements are prone to catch fire under some risky conditions. This is the reason why you need to look them after properly irrespective of the fact that you use them on a regular basis or not. The section below is going to focus on several good methods that you can use to store your e-bike both over short and extended periods of time. 

 

Methods to Store Your E-bike Over A Short Period

  • Refrain from leaving the e-bike outside 

Parking your e-bike outside in a manner that the e-bike gets exposed to various natural and artificial elements outside is not a prudent thing to do. Not only e-bikes, but regular bikes also are not appropriate to park in that way for a long period. Don’t ignore this fact thinking that your electric bike is in water resistance standard (IP67). That fact does not mean that you can park the e-bike outside without any shelter. 

 

The reasons for this advice are twofold. One is leaving your e-bike outside can expose it to unfavorable weather conditions and damage the bike. Another reason is there is a high possibility that e-bikes to disappear when you park them outside without proper care. Some might rely just on the fact that they have purchased a waterproof cover for their e-bike. They believe that once you have a waterproof cover, you don’t need to be alarmed. 

 

This is not correct because if you let your bike stay under extreme weather conditions, your bike will be affected by it. Such an effect has the ability to damage the e-bike’s lithium-ion battery. Consequently, the battery loses its energy storing and emitting ability. So, unless 

 

your e-bike’s battery is detachable, we strongly recommend you not to leave your e-bike outside even if you have bought a cover and a lock for the bike. 

 

The best thing to do is store your e-bike indoors, either in the house or in the garage. 

 

  • Cleaning before storing the e-bike 

 

After a ride, your e-bikes catch dirt and other filthy elements. So, if you leave it like that without cleaning you might get into a problem because this can accelerate the speed of corrosion of the e-bike’s frame. In addition, this speeds up the rusting of various components of your bike. Hence, cleaning the e-bike after every ride is healthy for your bike and for your pocket as well. Because the more care you put, the less you have to spend on expensive maintenance. 

 

Even though your plan is to store the e-bike just for a very brief time period, it is always wise to clean it up and store it. You don’t need any new or expensive things to do this. That is the good part of this. What you need is a bucket of water, a smooth cloth, and lube. However, remember that there are parts on an e-bike that you should not expose to water, ever. For example, the motor of the bike, brake pads, the battery pack of the e-bike, etc can be given. And also, make sure that you don’t let water get into the frame of the bike through openings that are in the frame. 

 

In addition to all these things, all the other parts of an e-bike are cleanable either with a piece of a wet cloth or else you can spray by using a low-pressure nozzle. Remember to add some oil or similar ingredients like the lube to the drivetrain. Apply them after washing the drivetrain and letting it dry. It is better if you can refrain from using a high-pressure washer because e-bikes are not resistant to that much pressure. 

 

Methods to Store Your E-bike Over A Long Period

 

If you don’t intend to take your e-bike for a ride for five to six months, there are several things that you need to do, in addition to the things that were in the above sections. 

 

  • Storing the battery of the e-bike at room temperature

As you know now, lithium-ion batteries won’t function properly if they are exposed to extreme temperatures. If you store your e-bike in a cold place,  this will accelerate the battery’s internal resistance. The final outcome of this effect of bad temperature is it affects the battery’s ability to hold a charge. Moreover, it can result in an overall subsiding of the capacity of the battery. On the other hand, extreme heat can increase the lithium-ion battery’s chemical reaction. Even though it has the ability to boost the battery’s performance it increases the speed of the battery’s natural degradation. So, neither the extreme coldness nor the extreme heat would be the ideal temperature. 

 

The best temperature hence is the room temperature to store your e-bike. If the battery is non-detachable, you have to keep the entire bike in a room or a garage where the temperature does not exceed 20oC. And also, the temperature of the room where you intend to store the e-bike should not be below 5oC. 

 

  • Charging the e-bike before storing it. 

You can’t store your e-bike without considering its charge level. Wherever you store it, either in a garage or any other place, make sure the battery level is at a certain level. You can find this range in the manuals of some manufacturers. If the manual you have does not specify which temperature it should be, follow the generally accepted level. It is between 30%-80%. 

 

Is It Fine to Hang an E-bike Upside Down? 

There is not any issue in hanging an e-bike upside down. However, there is an exception to this. They are e-bikes that have hydraulic disc brakes. When you turn an e-bike that has hydraulic disc brakes upside down, air bubbles start to float inside that hydraulic system. These bubbles might float through the entire system and consequently damage it. For example, let’s assume that air bubbles got into the levers. Then, you have to squeeze them several times prior to the system beginning to operate normally again. If this happens while you are riding down a steep slope, what happens next would not be very pleasant even to imagine. 

 

The Way To Store Your E-Bike Vertically

 

A common issue encountered by a lot of riders of e-bikes is that they don’t have a big space to fit their e-bikes. One of the best solutions for this problem is vertical racks. They are efficient as well. The capacity that one of these vertical racks has is up to five bikes. And, the space that needs for one of these racks is still less than the space that you need for a floor stand. You can purchase these hangers in various designs for an affordable price. 

 

If you are good at crafting, you don’t even need to spend money on a hanger. Make one by yourself! It is easier than you think. All you need is heavy-duty hooks, a piece of wood (this has to be long), and some screws. These are available in hardware shops. All you need to consider is their ability to hold something heavy like an e-bike.   

 

Storing An Electric Bike During The Winter Season 

It is always good to store your e-bikes indoors in cold weather. As we have mentioned in the above section, extreme temperature conditions can affect the battery of an e-bike. So, you need to store the e-bike at room temperature in the winter season as well. This is a must-do if you want to protect the battery of your e-bike from extremely cold weather. And also, make sure that the bike’s frame and other parts are devoid of mud, salt, water, etc. It is really important to consider this if you have ridden the e-bike under humid conditions in the winter. Moreover, don’t forget that it is really important to oil your bike chain after the cleaning process. 

 

Hanging an E-bike From The Garage Ceiling 

 

 

If you are thinking to hang your e-bike from the ceiling, you have got several options in this regard. The best out of them is to hang your e-bike using a pulley system. This is one of the most practical methods of hanging an e-bike from the ceiling. You have the choice to drill hooks that can hang bikes into the ceiling and then hang the bikes. Or else, you can buy an overhead rack for bikes. The sole problem with this method is that you need to raise the bike all by yourself up to the ceiling all the time you need to keep it away. Hope you know that an e-bike weighs up to 75 pounds. 

 

Final Words

There are a lot of methods to store your e-bike in a garage. The first thing that you need to understand is the capacity of space you have got to store your e-bike. Understanding it will give you the ideal storage solution. If your garage is more than enough to store up to five to six e-bikes, your best option could be a floor rack. The good part of a floor rack is it is easily accessible even for little children. 

 

However, the case is different when you have got only a very limited space in your garage. Then the most optimal method that you can go for is either hanging your e-bike on the garage wall or dangling it from the ceiling. True that these methods require extra effort from you. But, you need to store e-bikes carefully to keep them healthy for a longer period. 

 

 

       

 

 

 

How Do You Charge An E-Bike When Camping? 

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What means can you use to charge your electric bicycle when camping?

E-bikes are becoming popular, particularly among campers. It is because e-bikes enhance the quality of camping adventures. You can gain several benefits from e-bikes if you go camping on an e-bike. You can deal even with hard terrains easily with an electric bike, carry heavy cargo that you need for camping, and go a considerable distance. Even though e-bikes are smart, they are not without their drawbacks. The main thing is battery draining which happens after a long ride. You won’t be in trouble if you go on camping just for a single day. You can go home and recharge. But the problem comes when you go on camping for a considerably longer period.  

 

Can You Charge An E-Bike While You Do Camping?

There are several possibilities. One is plugging the e-bike on the ground of camping or at a shop. Or else, you can go for the options like generators, popular solar panels, or portable battery banks, and you have the option of getting it charged from a vehicle. Even though you have several options, keep in mind that each of these has its own merits and demerits. So, before deciding which option to pick, consider your camping mode, budget, and location you choose to do camping. 

 

Electricity At The Destination 

If you choose to go on camping in hinterland areas, you won’t probably have the electricity to charge your e-bike. But, if you select a paid campsite, they usually have RVs and other things that need to supply you with enough power. So, it is your duty to check the availability of electricity at a paid campsite, if you select one. The option when you are in the backcountry is to have an extra battery fully charged so that you don’t need to push your e-bike by yourself. 

 

Amount Of Power Required For The Charging Of An E-Bike

There are a lot of charging choices in the market. But, before studying them, you need to get an idea of the amount of power required by your e-bike. This differs according to the brand and your bike’s model. The larger your bike is the heavier will be the cargo you can haul. In addition, they are faster and allow you to travel long hours. Hence, this type of e-bike needs a larger battery and consequently more for charging. 

 

Lithium-ion batteries are the common type of battery the majority of e-bikes have. They need 500-800 wh to charge fully. The charging option you are going to select should be able to output more than the needed requirements of a battery. Then only you will be able to charge the battery completely.  

 

The Capacity Of The Power Source 

The issue might get complex if you go on camping with a lot of people. For example with your family. Then you inevitably have to charge e-bikes more than one at the same time. To that end, having a power source with enough capacity is a must. For example, if you need to charge two e-bikes simultaneously that have 500 Wh batteries, you need a power source that releases 1000Wh. 

 

The average time taken by batteries to charge fully is 3.5 to 6 hours. If it sounds like too much time for you and you have doubts about whether your camping experience gets ruined because of that, don’t worry as you have an option. If you don’t need your battery to reach 100% charging, charge it up to 90%. It won’t take a lot of time. A minimum of two hours will be enough. 

 

If you are planning to do cycling along the trails that you are very well familiar with, a medium percentage of charging will be enough to survive the journey because you know the trails. However, if you wish to ride on trails that are new for you, you don’t have an alternative other than charging the battery fully. 

 

The Possible Ways To Charge Your Electric Bike While You Do Camping 

 Solar Panels

Solar panels are an efficient option for charging your e-bike. One reason is the eco-friendliness of solar panels. If you take care of them properly, solar panels will serve you for a long period of time. The need to grapple with a lot of ingredients to collect extra fuel will no more be there if you have solar panels as a power source. This becomes an ideal power source for those who go on camping during the summer season since the sun gives its maximum energy during that season. 

 

However, solar panel chargers do have several drawbacks. The first thing is you might need a considerably big solar panel for the purpose of generating power that is enough for your electronic bike. Since panels of this model are really expensive, there is the possibility of thieves taking them away if you leave them recklessly at the campsite. 

 

And, solar power is not an energy source that is available equally across a country or a region. Some parts will provide you with strong solar power while some will not. Hence, when you go camping in areas where the sunlight is not that much strong, it will take hours to charge the e-bike. On average, it is four hours. If your choice is a solar power setup, having an extra battery for overcast days is better. 

Battery Banks

There are RVs that have a battery bank. In such a case, you can charge the e-bike from that conveniently. The alternative that you have is buying a 12 V deep cell marine battery to charge your e-bike. This would be ideal for camping vacations which are shorter in time duration. Apart from that, these batteries are available on the market for a reasonable price and you don’t need to tolerate the annoying sound of a generator if you opt for this method. 

 

In case you are wondering to go for this option, check properly the calculations to be sure that you have got adequate power for all the electronic gadgets that you are going to charge off the batteries. Another thing you need to do is keep the battery pack away from damp places. Be sure it is in a secure place also. 

 

Car Battery Transformer 

This is another option to charge your e-bike. If you don’t own an RV, use a DC to AC inverter. By using it, you have the chance to charge your e-bike from the battery of your car. This option would be the most viable for those who choose to boondock (dry camping). Why would there be a need to buy an extra battery when you have your car next to you at the place where you have arranged the campsite?  All you need to do is buy a quality converter. Then, you can go camping with a peaceful mind. 

 

This too is not without its limitations. Let us explain what they are. This method is not suitable for e-bike batteries that have 30Ah. Unfortunately, the majority of e-bike models belong to this category. And also, please read the packaging of the inverter and confirm that it is made of car batteries. The reason is there are some inverters that can harm the fuses of your car. If that happens, there is a chance that you get lost in the middle of a wild forest. 

 

Generator 

You will be good to go if you can go on camping with a good generator. However, you don’t need a huge generator for this. Just a small one is enough. There are small versions of portable batteries. They are capable of giving enough power for a battery of an electric bike. However, it is your responsibility always to examine the watt-hours just to be on the safe side. The good things about camping generators are that they are available in the market for an affordable price and they are durable. The limitation of this is the bothersome noise it creates when it is put to run. However, smaller generators produce less noise. And, keeping fuel ready by your side is also a must. 

 

In case you have got plans to spend money on a portable generator for charging your e-bike, consider the following. You have to buy a generator that has an output wattage that is bigger than your bike’s battery watts.  

 

Power Outlet As An Option 

 

Check the availability of power pedestals at the place where the camping ground has located. If you don’t intend to stay at that place, you don’t need to worry because there is still the opportunity to plug into an electrical power outlet. But, you need to pay a small sum. There are other places where you can go and ask for a favor to let you use their power outlets. Several of them are bike shops, public parks, cafes and restaurants, and, fire stations. 

 

It is your politeness to keep in mind that these aforementioned places offer you a helping hand. Don’t be impolite to intrude and scatter mud everywhere. If they say “no”, you have to respect their response and come outside without making a fuss about it. If you go to a shop, you can buy something from them to show gratitude. 

 

Charging Stations For E-Bikes

In some countries like Europe, there is high popularity of e-bike charging stations. Some companies in the USA are also trying to establish this system. From these places, you can get your bike charged for two types of fees. They are a flat fee or a fee per hour. 

 

For those who cannot find an e-bike charging station, you have an alternative. EV stations for vehicles are the alternative. Use websites to find such places. It is not very difficult. However, if you go on camping in a forest area, this option won’t be available for you because, in the middle of forests, there are no charging stations. 

Another Charging Option: Wind Turbines

The issue with this option is that it is still in the developing stage. Several companies are in the process of developing this method of wind turbine. Some companies are trying to manufacture hybrid ones, combining both wind and solar energy. These are also charging stations that have similar features as same as bike stations. This method is a very eco-friendly option and will give very satisfactory facilities for charging in areas where there is a strong wind. 

 

Riding Off-Grid 

People think that off-grid means going without WiFi. However, it actually denotes the idea of not having access to a power grid. If your plan is to go on camping with your e-bike for a longer period, getting ready with fully charged extra batteries would be the most suitable thing to do. The other thing that you can do is calculate the number of watts that you will need per mile. You need to calculate this by taking the nature of the terrain on which you are going on the ride. The weather conditions, uneven surfaces, and wind have a significant potential to decrease an e-bike’s single-charge range. Don’t depend on the manufacturer’s stated range because those calculations do not come from perfect conditions. 

How Often Should An E-Bike Battery Be Charged? 

Modern technology has given facilities to produce batteries that do not deplete completely. So, you don’t need to charge them daily. If you do so, the durability of a battery goes down. In addition, you may need to change the battery frequently. Hence, rather than charging your e-bike battery after each and every ride, charge it only when it is necessary to do so. 

 

Why Is It Worth Bringing An E-Bike To A Campsite? 

You won’t regret bringing an e-bike to the camping site. It does not matter whether you expect to go on a relaxing ride or to do boondocking, for both of these activities, an e-bike would add extra pleasure. Some camping grounds do not allow e-bikes on their terrains. So, check before you go there whether you can ride e-bikes at the camp premises. The reason is campsite regulations might have been imposed to put limitations on the speed of e-bikes.

 

Overall, having an e-bike with you when you go on camping can add to your experience more fun things. The important thing is having a strong plan to use power sparingly. It will keep your mind in relaxation too.   

 

Conclusion 

Switching to e-bikes has become a trend nowadays. These e-bikes make your rides more enjoyable by preparing space for you to explore any type of terrain. They even assist you in climbing steep slopes. As an e-bike rider, you need to understand that for a longer ride, you need more battery power. So, find out a suitable option that is elaborated above for e-bike riders. 

 

You have several options to go with. If you don’t like the sound of a generator, then you can use a battery bank. No space to use solar power? Don’t worry. You may encounter shops with amicable owners who would let you in to charge your e-bike battery. Since there are a lot of options to charge your e-bike’s battery while camping, don’t be discouraged if you get a dead battery in the middle of an enjoyable ride. 

Can you leave an electric bike in the sun?

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Will you leave an electric bike exposed to the sun?

   Most people love summer vacation as it has many activities and fun included. A summer spent without cycling and swimming is not a well-spent summer.

   When the sun is blazing high in the sky, lapping in the water or cruising in the cycle are the best ways we spend our summers. Love for bicycles has never left us, and it is not hard to retrieve cycling skills. Even if you have spent years without as much as touching a bike, you can easily brush up on cycling in a day or two.

   The emergence of the electric bike made cycling more enjoyable with many of its traits. From young to old, everyone can enjoy a ride in one. It also assists people with special conditions like; arthritis, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc. to experience cycling. 

   There are many features in ebike that we cannot see in traditional bikes and traits that make ebike stand out. A few of them are:

Pedal-assist –Cycling is all about pedaling, requiring more effort from us. How fast your bicycle moves forward depends on your stamina and the force you exert on the pedal. It may tire you up too fast. With the pedal assist in an electric bike, you can pedal with less effort and still move more quickly without exhausting yourself. 

You can adjust the pedal help according to the pressure you want to exert into pedaling. This feature in electric bikes makes you enjoy your ride with less tension in your legs and joints. 

  • Motor, controller, and battery

Including a motor, controller, and battery differentiates the traditional bike from an electric bike. They are the components that make the cycle an electric device.

The motor using the power from the battery propels the electric bike and supplies the energy yielded from the battery to all the electrical parts of the ebike. 

The controller is the main component that transfers electric energy from the battery to the motor as the current energy. It limits the flow of energy discharging from the battery to the engine. 

The battery of an electric bike supplies the energy required by the motor to propel the bike. It is one of the primary parts of an electric bike. You can have the engine and the controller, but without the battery, they don’t work. It is a battery that gives life to an electric bike.

These parts are what distinguish electric bikes from traditional bikes. Traditional bikes only take the energy from the rider and transfer it into the cycle to push forward. 

  • Speed

The force of exertion on the rider’s pedal determines the speed of the traditional bike. This speed is meager when compared to the speed of the electric bike. 

Electric bikes can speed up to 20-28 mph, depending on the electric bike’s class, using the motor’s assistance. 

When commuting, a person touring on an electric bike will reach the destination faster and less tiring than traveling on a traditional bicycle. It encourages people to use electric bikes more often than conventional bikes. 

  • Better physical activity

Cycling is not only fun but an exercise for your body. It increases your metabolism and endurance while making you stronger. With an electric bike, you can attain better results faster. 

When using an electric bike for physical fitness, you can cycle without acquiring any aid from your bike. You can ease your legs when you feel tired using the pedal assist. Or you can use the pedal assist in working on your workout and covering more areas. It would let you exercise for more time, increasing your results. And research shows it has a positive impact.

People who are starting to exercise through cycling will find it encouraging. They can start with little effort from their side and increase it gradually.

  • Safety 

Traditional bicycles on the road have high chances of crashing into other vehicles or street walls due to their complete control solely depending on the rider. Its speed would rise when the rider pedals faster and slow down when he pedals. But in an electric bike, you can control the bike’s speed. 

If a rider on a bicycle meets a condition where a sudden accident might occur, it might shock the rider, and he might lose his balance and control of the bike, leading him to crash into other vehicles. 

Electric bikes, on the other hand, would be easy to handle. Even though the rider controls the ebike, the motor and the controller have control of the bike. A person riding an electric bike has a low chance of crashing than one riding a traditional bicycle. 

An electric bike is better if you want to ride along a road with other vehicles. With its popularity rising, the crowd is slowly accepting it as a better means of transportation with safety.

  • Better commute

We all want to commute new and fresh and reach the destination perfectly fit to work without sweat or tiredness, with a cheaper means of transportation. 

Electric bikes hand out all. They don’t need any fuel for their motor to work but electricity to charge them up, and with little to no effort, you can commute to work while looking fresh and sweat-free. Whereas if you ride your bicycle, you will come to your workplace all sweat and tired, even before the day has started, you would feel your energy drained.

  • Explore new places

We go on trekking and cycling with friends and explore new places. Though the traditional bicycle limits the range of your exploring, you cannot go far as it would tire you up, and you will find that you have no energy to pedal back. But with an electric bike, you can explore new places far and wide.

You can pedal all through the way and use the motor’s assistance when getting back. You can also go on long trips with an electric bike, but take additional batteries with a full charge, and as there are lightweight batteries, one need not worry. 

An electric bike is better if you want to go on a more extended trip and explore more places with limited cash, as you do not have to buy gas for it.

  • Connect your phone 

Electric bikes’ main feature is their electronics. Though there were only motors, batteries, and controllers in the initial age of the ebike, many electronic gadgets are fused into it now.

Electric bikes have LED lights on the front of the bike, which torches when the motor starts up. It makes it comfortable to travel at night. There are also electric horns that work only when the electric mode of the bike is on. And there are also LCD monitor displays that show information like; battery level, speed, level of pedal assist, and many more. These displays can connect to your smartphones and operate apps like; GPS, tracking, fitness apps, navigation, etc. 

One can store the memories, places traveled, and the route you took to journey in your electric bike.

Some bikes have USB ports, too in them.

You can modify your traditional bikes by integrating electronics available in electric bikes.

 

  • Climb hills with ease

When cycling with friends or families, we go places far and high. But when going high, we walk the bicycle up there, as it requires more effort than one can give to climb steep paths. But with an electric bike, you can climb up with the motor’s assistance and reach up less tired and more energetic. 

Most electric bikes are designed for climbing hills and exploring ridges, as they replicate the bicycle’s model to build them, with extra features. 

  • High and quality materials 

To assemble electric bikes, manufacturers use high-quality materials as they will last longer than traditional bikes. Also, they have to be strong enough to carry the weight of the motor and battery with the rider. 

You can find that to make electric bikes; manufacturers use rare and expensive materials that would increase the bike’s lifespan. Not only the frame of the bike but to build its battery and the motor designers use high-quality materials. It often causes the price of the bike to hike up.

  • Carry loads

Traditional bikes are lightweight and easy to carry, whereas electric bikes are hefty even without their motor and battery. Though it will be exhausting to move around, it can carry loads. 

Some bikes’ design comes with a basket in the front or rear so you can carry things on the go. 

 

   Though there are numerous benefits of having an electric bike when compared with traditional bicycles, there are drawbacks too;

  • Heavier than a conventional bike.
  • It can be costly.
  • It takes time for the battery to recharge.
  • Maintenance and repair are expensive.
  • Battery disposal is not environmentally friendly.
  • Recycling batteries can be energy-consuming.
  • Due to electric bike parts and the whole machine itself being pricey, the chances of theft are high.
  • Replacing a battery is expensive.
  • It can be heavy when the battery is down, and the motor stops working.
  • Confusing legal laws in different regions.

 

   Designers use various types of elements to build electric bikes. They assemble in such a way you have to protect them from extreme weather as they would not be able to resist them. One should know what and how these extreme weathers affect the electric bike. 

 

Reasons you should not leave your ebike left in the sun

   Sunlight has numerous benefits, but electrical devices left in the sun for an extended period can damage the device. It goes for electric bikes too. We’ll see the disadvantages of leaving an electric bike in the sun:

  • Dropping the battery capacity 

When you keep the electric bikes under the sun for too long, the chemicals in the battery react to the heat and damage the battery’s health. It might lead to losing the battery’s capacity.

If a battery’s capacity has dropped, you would not be able to travel the distance you used to travel using the electric mode of the bike.

 

  • Drains battery 

If you leave the battery in the sun for too long and its heat, the battery may react and drain all its energy out. If you store your battery or bike in the sun, remember to charge the battery fully, as it will discharge itself. If the battery is empty due to heat, it might release its liquid components.

 

  • Flare up the battery

Components and cells inside the battery are not fire resistant, and it has high chances of burning due to extreme heat. Batteries, like lithium-ion batteries, are not fire resistant, and they have covers that comprise heat-protecting materials, but still, they can flare up.

Try to find a shade and park your bike there. And if you are not going to use your electric bike for the day, it is advisable to keep its battery in a safe and cool place.

 

  • Overheating the motor 

The motor heats up when it’s working and cooling off; it contains a cooling system. And when the engine heats up, it will automatically cool down or stop working. But when the sun’s heat reaches its extreme, the motor will heat up. And as the bike is not at the start, the engine would not be able cool itself. It will lead to the malfunctioning of the motor.

  • Malfunctions of the electronics 

Electric devices contain cells and elements containing a liquid that may not bear extreme heat. When you keep them in direct sunlight, liquids might heat up, exceeding the level of heat they can resist. It means they lose their property, resulting in the device malfunctioning. It can also happen to the electric bike if kept under the sun for too long. 

  • Leakage of battery

The charger’s controller controls the electric energy flow into the battery. The cells get enough energy to heat up and store the power to supply to the motor. But when it stays in sunlight for too long, it will receive more heat that would boil the liquid. And it would push the fluids out, causing leakage in the battery.

 

   Try parking elsewhere if you leave your electric bike in direct sunlight for too long. Or cover the ebike using sheets to protect it from harmful sun rays.

 

Conclusion

   Manufacturers make electric devices using water and heatproof materials. It would have many flaws that your electric devices find a way to let them in. Even if your electric bike or the battery is water and heat protection, do not store it in these extreme weathers.

   Leaving your electric bike can damage your battery, motor, and sometimes the whole system of the ebike. So if you happen to park your electric bike in a place where rays fall, try using covers. Or try to park someplace where there is shade.

   If the question, ‘can you leave your electric bikes in the sun?’, it can if it is for a short period, as it won’t affect the bike or its parts. But if you have to park there for too long, it is advised against it. Or at least cover the bike mostly where the motor is. Disconnect the battery from the bike and store the battery in a cool and dry place.

 

Do e-bikes make noise?

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Electric bicycles might make some noise.

 

The popularity of e-bikes is increasing day by day because of their cost-effectiveness and their contribution to a fit and healthy body. Despite all these good aspects, some people complain about the noise that these e-bikes make. It is worthwhile to examine this question further. Does really a noise come from e-bikes? Is the noise coming from e-bikes annoying? Does the noise of the e-bike create noise pollution? These are the common questions people have. Let’s get deep into this matter. 

 

If e-bikes make noise, which parts of the e-bike make such noise? The tires, chains, and motors of these e-bikes indeed release some amount of noise. People might have a false idea that e-bikes sound like motor cars with broken exhaust pipes. Hence, this article will be focusing on all the aspects that you may need answers to concerning the noise of e-bikes. 

 

What is The Reason That E-Bikes aren’t Entirely Silent? 

The preliminary thing about the physical structure of e-bikes is that e-bikes possess more elements than typical motorcycles. The world of technology is heading toward an advanced and noiseless future. Then why are not e-bikes completely silent? E-bikes are getting closer to the noiseless status. Yet, since it is still in the progress, let’s have a look at the things that create the noise of the e-bike. 

 

As mentioned above, e-bikes contain more components when compared to traditional bikes. The primary source of noise is the electric motor. There are three main types of motors for electric bikes. They are direct drive motors, geared hub motors, or intermediate drive motors. The thing that you are required to know is the amount of noise produced is low so that you do not have to cancel your deal to buy an e-bike if you are expecting to buy one. 

 

The noise of the e-bike That Comes From the Brakes 

You will hear a squeaky sound from e-bike brakes when they are in worn-out condition because of a lack of maintenance. This happens mainly when dirt gets attached in between the brake pad of your e-bike and the rotor attached to the wheel. What happens here is the brake pads push the dirt against the rotors when you use brakes. To get rid of this trouble, you have to clear the brake pads. Another reason that causes an e-bike’s brake to have a squeaky sound is a bent rotor. To resolve this, e-bike users can straighten out the bent area with a suitable spanner. 

 

Sometimes this noise coming from your e-bike can be embarrassing. Another thing that can cause such an embarrassing sound is a misalignment of the calipers or the worn-out nature of brake pads. Repositioning the calipers can solve this issue. If brake pads are in worn-out condition, the best possible thing to do would be to replace them. 

 

Noise That Comes From the Direct Drive E-Bike Motor

The direct drive motor category marks the biggest type of motor out of all the other motor types. Their position is on the wheel. Moreover, a big round of magnets encircles the direct drive motor. If it is an e-bike with a throttle, when you turn on the throttle, the motor starts to operate by rotating the housing. The wheel also starts to spin because it is an inseparable part of the casing. 

 

In general, this motor produces the lowest sound among others. But, it is not without its drawbacks. 

 

A direct drive motor is capable of giving ample torque to the wheel even at lower speeds. This is due to the size of the motor which is similar to the exact size of the wheel. Because of this largeness of the motor, it adds an extra burden to the bike which makes it difficult or tiresome to handle the bike. It is difficult especially when the riders have to climb a slope without the assistance of either the throttle of the e-bike or the pedal. 

 

On the other hand, a direct drive motor does not have the ability to move freely. The motor moves simultaneously when you start spinning the wheel. Resistance comes when the motor whirls past the magnets. As a consequence of this resistance, the motor needs extra energy. If you haven’t connected the motor of the e-bike to a power generator, then you will encounter resistance. Consequently, riding a bike without aid is more tiresome and challenging. 

 

Motor Connected To The Front Wheel And Rear Wheel 

An electric bike with a motor connected to the rear wheel is always quieter than an electric bike with a motor fastened to the wheel at the front. It is a proven fact that when the motor is attached to the back wheel, the noise produced is extremely low. The reason for a front wheel to produce more noise is the fork position. The more this fork swings, the more the motor releases noise. So, attaching the motor to the rear wheel will help you to reduce the noise of an e-bike. 

 

Noise That Comes From A Geared Hub E-Bike Motor

Geared hub motors are little in size but more efficient when compared to direct drive motors. You can experience a similar convenience as if you are riding a traditional bike when a motor of geared hub type is attached to the e-bike. There are other benefits too. One is that geared-hub motors have motor coils. This fact enables the motors to rotate faster than the bike’s wheel. Consequently, the motor can spin faster, providing more power. The noise produced by these motors in e-bikes is small. 

 

If you are familiar with the noise of a city trolley accelerating, the noise produced by geared-hub motors in e-bikes is almost similar to that sound. However, the volume is really low. You can understand this better by comparing the sound to the noise of the motor of the direct drive category. If you are riding the e-bike along the roads of serene countryside, then you can clearly hear this sound. Otherwise, if you are riding across the roads of a metropolitan city, among the hustle and bustle of city life, then you won’t be able to hear this sound. 

 

Noise That Comes From A Mid-Drive E-Bike Motor

More sophisticated e-bike motors of this type are still being processed by engineers and they will succeed soon in their endeavors. These motors are placed in the pedal part of the electric bikes. So, it is a little difficult to gather together and connect the motors to the surrounding figure of the electric bike. However, mid-drive e-bike motors appear to give the most easy-going and natural ride for the Ebike riders. 

 

Bike enthusiasts who are keen on e-bikes say that the motors of the geared hub e-bike are quieter than this type of motor. However, there is hardly any distinction between the two. 

 

The noise of the Electric Bike Chain

The noise of the chain emitted from e-bikes takes second place among other noises of the e-bikes. People commonly hear this sound. Chain noise is not a problem circumscribed to e-bikes only. This is a problem with typical motorcycles as well. It doesn’t really matter which chain type you are going to use because every chain type generates noise. 

 

It is understandable however that these larger chains emit more noise than smaller ones. Moreover, the good condition of the chain is also a key factor that decides the volume of the noise generated. You can identify chains with a low-quality easily by noise. They are usually louder because gears have better contact with these types of chains. This contact is rough, especially when the gears are put and unloaded. You have to maintain chains often to reduce this noise. 

 

The noise of The Electric Bike Tire

Tires are usually rough. When the tires of an e-bike get in touch with the road, it makes a noise. Even the traditional bike tires generate a similar noise. Tire noise is common in both e-bikes and traditional bikes. And, the tires of both types of bikes are identical. 

 

What can you do about this tire noise? Usually, the nature of the terrain on which you ride is a factor that decides the noise produced by the tires of the e-bike 

 

If you are riding on asphalt or a gravel road, even the smallest traction in the tire with the road generates noise. If you are riding a mountain e-bike that has off-road tires, the level of sound that comes is higher. This is due to the fact that those tires are bigger in size and have a substantial width also. 

 

When To Worry About the noise of the e-bike? 

It is when you hear squeaky or clanking sounds that you are required to address the issue that you have got. If you continue riding without caring for such noises, with time, the issues will get worsen. So, for example, if you hear a squeaky sound in the brakes, try to give appropriate solutions before you get back on your e-bike. Most importantly, if you don’t pay attention to the misaligned calipers, apart from generating unnecessary sounds, this has the possibility of pushing you into another danger. The e-bikers who use hub-drive e-bikes have to be attentive to sounds coming from the wheel where the motor is attached. What you are required to do is stop the bike and check for the place where the sound is coming from. 

 

How Can The E-Bike Sound Be Reduced? 

Did you know that noise of the e-bike is reducible? There are a lot of things that you have the ability to do in this regard. The majority of them pertain to the fact that you are required to make sure the e-bike parts don’t produce extreme vibration. And, you are required to check from which parts the particular noise comes. However, there is one thing you are required to note. That is the whirring sound of the electric motor is something that you cannot avoid. After figuring out which parts cause the noise, take the necessary actions to fix them.

 

And, check whether there are any loosened bolts and nuts on the bike. If you find them, fix them tightly. When the nuts of a bike are loose, there is a high possibility for the other parts connected to shake. This may increase the sound to a considerable extent. 

 

Another thing that you have the ability to do to reduce the noise generated from your e-bike is cleaning the electric bike. When you don’t clean your bike for a long time, it gets filthy. Then things such as sand and dirt come into contact with the bike’s chain. This creates a big vibration in the e-bike when you ride it, creating a louder noise. 

 

The good existence of anything depends on how well you maintain it. E-bikes are not an exception. Good maintenance for an e-bike is essential because with time the parts of the e-bike get worn out. By maintaining them properly, you can keep them lubricated. You can avoid a lot of noise-related issues if you take care of your electric bike well. 

The Way to Select An E-Bike That Produces Low Noise

Everyone likes to be an owner of an e-bike that generates less noise. Everybody who rides an e-bike experiences a different kind of joy and fun. Electric bikes feature a pedal and a motor. The experience that the riders of e-bikes get may vary according to the terrain on which they travel and the weather conditions as well. However, you cannot get rid of this noise entirely.. However, buying an e-bike with a low level of noise is the priority of many e-bike lovers. 

 

Usually, e-bikes do not produce an extremely loud noise that annoys the vicinity. The plus point about e-bikes is that you can regulate the level of noise as you wish. E-bikes have a low decibel level. Hence, they produce relatively lower noise than motorcycles. This is mainly because of the fact that e-bikes have a rechargeable motor instead of a gas motor. There are some e-bike sounds that help you for relaxation. Those methods are available online. Internet platforms are quick to respond to all your queries. As a result, you can get good reviews about these techniques from online platforms. There are reviews from individuals who use e-bikes and have good knowledge about these things. By reading these reviews you can get to know the things that one should expect from an e-bike before you purchase one. 

 

Conclusion

There are e-bike companies that work for and promote less noisy e-bikes or zero noise-emitting e-bikes. So, in the future, there will be e-bikes with zero noise in the market. 

 

All things considered, it can be said that the motor of an electric bike produces less noise when compared to the noise generated by gasoline-powered motorbikes. We have to admit the fact that e-bikes have some level of noise but they are significantly less troublesome in the noise they emit. The elements that make the noise in e-bikes are the motor, the chain, the tires, and the brakes. But, luckily these sounds are not that much annoying unless you let them exist for a long time till they reach a point that is worse. Noise is something important to consider before you purchase an e-bike. As discussed above, you are required to give proper maintenance after buying an electric bike. This will help you to mitigate the problems of the noise of e-bikes. 

 

Why e-bike battery draining so fast and how to fix it?

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Electric bicycle battery draining really fast and what to do about it.

Although the E-bike is more convenient and eco-friendly, regular issues with the battery are a common problem. The battery is a critical component that needs the detailed attention of the owner at the purchasing point.

 With the understanding of these issues, we will discuss two areas throughout this article to list down the steps to follow in diagnosing the issues with the battery and recommendations to secure potential extended battery life.

There are several areas where you have to diagnose the issue. I have listed a few of those areas below.

  • Power connection issue

 

To diagnose the issues encountered with your battery, check the charging capacity and level. Plug into the charger and inspect the charger and the charging speed. Check whether there is any incorrect alignment of the charger or an error with the power connection.

  • Regulate the Battery charging frequency

We propose you keep records of your Battery charging period and time. If you have charged your battery for six months ago or less, it has to perform in good condition, or else you may have to undertake to troubleshoot.

  • Be notified on Battery Life Span

The other most common reason is battery life span. The life span of a Lithium battery is about 2 to 3 years. However, it depends on the number of charging cycles. The estimated battery charging is 300-700 cycles. 

Sooner after the life span, the performance of the battery will gradually decline. However, it is fixable if it is due to some minor reasons such as a dead cell or faults related to circuits. Though it is cost-effective, repairing the battery is not always possible.

If it is repairable, get the advice of a professional service provider if you are not capable enough to undertake repairs.

  • Check the battery management System (BMS)

It is one of the most common issues related to the E-bike’s battery system. Once you troubleshoot the charger and battery separately and have zero faults with those items, it is most likely to be a fault with the BMS.

This system controls the balance of the battery’s cells during charging and discharging. Further, the BMS system ensures the quality of the battery by controlling power transport to the motor and regulating the battery’s heat. A fault BMS does not assure powering off the battery. Most issues related to the BMS are discharging of the battery and the unusual reduction of the battery power. Even though your E-bike is not in use, the battery has drained in an unusual pattern means it is an issue with the BMS.

You should be highly aware of the brand of the BMS you replaced with your off-branded battery or general battery. We do not recommend you open the battery in any instance on your own without proper instructions from a professional. You should highly care about the brand of the BMS when you are replacing it with your existing branded battery or general battery. Because of the connection between the battery and charger when replacing a BMS. We do not recommend you open the battery in any instance. Moreover, you should be more aware of buying an unbranded battery for your E-bike.

Once you conduct the trouble-shoot of your E-bike you may recognize the issue with the battery. I have listed possible issues below.

  1. Bulge of the battery pack.
  2. Not charging the battery
  3. Not running for a long
  4. No charger is available with the Battery pack
  5. E-bike is not turning on
  6. E-bike is not speeding up

Find the summary for each of the issues below.

Bulge of the battery pack.

It is a serious thing to consider if you have encountered such a problem with lithium-ion cells. If the battery is highly damaged; its cells turn to swell. If your e-bike’s battery has a bulge in it, turn off the power and remove the battery more carefully. You will not be able to check whether the battery has a bulge if it is positioned inside the bike’s frame. Then you may have to take out the battery. However, keep in mind to check the cables are disconnected properly before removing the battery. 

  • Not charging the battery

At the stage of troubleshooting, you may have noticed some issues with not charging the battery such as,

  • Power turned on
  • Power connection is provided properly
  • Whether the battery is in extreme temperature condition.
  • The charger is working and the level of the outage is over 36 Volts
  • Whether the battery charge port is clean?
  • Whether you have taken off the battery for a longer time?
  • Whether you have fused off the e-bike battery or charger for a long?

  • Not running for a long

As mentioned earlier, the lithium-ion battery has a general life span of 700 charge cycles. Therefore, the battery is more likely to lose its complete charge at the end of this level. However, if you do not concern about the life span and overuse even in the bad condition then the situation will be worse.

Similarly, you may have encountered charging capacity. If you have noticed such issues, please consider the following information in this regard.

  1. Is your battery fully charged?
  2. Have you experienced a slow disc brake?
  3. Whether the terrain performs as usual in terrain uphill?
  4. Do you require to assist the battery by paddling?
  5. Have you encountered any difficulty in bearing free spinning?
  6. Have you experienced a short circuit in the battery, wiring, or motor?

These are some of the situations where you may face slow battery discharging.

  • No charger is available with the battery pack

 

 

If a charger is available with you, it is indeed a good sign for the performance of the Lithium-ion battery. Because compared to other batteries it charges slowly. If you have noticed that your battery is not charging for a long period, you may charge it 100% and check the status. If it gets discharged without use, then there might be an issue with the short circuit or faulty battery.

You can troubleshoot the problem with the following test. I have mentioned step by step below.

  1. Take out the battery pack from the e-Bike
  2. Charge it up to 100%
  3. Test the battery by leaving it off the bike.

If you have noticed the power is remaining the same, then the problem exists with a circuit or the motor of the bike. If not, then that is an absolute fault of the lithium-ion cell.

  • How you can ensure that your battery is charged?

Check your battery charger, it properly indicates with a LED light. The color of the charger will change to red if the battery power is critically low. The green color indicates that you have fully charged the battery. There are some chargers which go turn off the light when the battery is fully charged. However, the red color is the indicator of less power or no power in both instances. 

It is important to keep in mind that the battery pack is not to charge for 24 hours. Because Lithium battery capacity will be reduced if it remains plugged in.

Depending on the battery model, the battery’s power level will be indicated, or the speed controller.

  • Do you require to assist the battery by paddling?

If your e-bike battery is on check the fuse of the battery pack. This type of fuse is generally placed on the left side of the battery because it will blow out in case of small circuits, vibration extreme power, and old age.

If there is no issue with the fuse and battery pack, you have to check the condition of the controller. Unless there is no issue with the controller, the signals to turn on the battery pack are issued. If the bike has fallen or water got in. the speed controller is not functioning properly.

Keep the hand “on” switch of the e-bike for 10 seconds. Some speed controllers turn on with the “M” button. Based on the model, the switch button may be changed. Make sure that the speed controller is proceeding

Secondly, keep your battery charged with at least two bars of power. Keeping the battery very low will adversely affect the bike turning on.

Importantly, check whether you have connected the cables properly.  Unless unclear paths will dislodge the cable connection. This issue is commonly faced by mountain electric bikes. Ensure the connection is tight.

  • E-bike is not speeding up

Your e-bike may speed up due to several reasons. The common reason is feedback magnet error occurs when the pedal crank or the rear wheel hub. If you have experienced an error with the switch, clear it properly with a cloth. Then it will work well.

Does the e-bike speed limit?

Certainly. E-Bike speed is limited to 25 km/h or 15.5 mph. This speed limit has been considered the road rule of the main cities of the world. Once a motor reaches the maximum limit, it will discontinue the power supply. Though the motor does not supply the power, the rider can pedal faster than 25 km/h. Subsequently, the battery management system supplies the power to the main door when the speed controller identified speed has reduced. It has the standard feature of most electric bikes. It ensures that the bike follows the general road rules.

Most often the rider does not detect e-bike battery issues correctly. Most of the standard e-bikes come with special features like a switch on the back and front brakes to stop the drive motor. These switches make wheels immovable. When both brake levers make active, they free up the switch. When the whole rear removes or the front brake lever, the switch limit is visible. Another important point is not to leave the e-bike in leaving rain.

It is important to check whether you have ordered the perfect match with the pedal assistant, only throttle or pedal only. Then you do not want to avoid post-purchase dissonance. A general bike with a minimum speed limit which with an active drive motor. It is a good safety feature that ensures a minimum speed of 1.8 mph.

A standard e-bike comes with 250W. It is more than enough to ride an e-bike on uneven roads. The drive motor is with a maximum power of 250W to 15 mph. The maximum weight to hold is 240 pounds in total. Though it is not much noteworthy, it supports charging the motor by pedaling. However, you can think of upgrading the bike with conversion gear.   

Conclusion

For the time being, e-bikes have developed their appearance. Most of the issues encountered with the e-bike are related to the battery. However, those issues are easily recoverable with less technical knowledge. The rider himself can solve these issues if he carefully goes through the manual and instructions of this site. I believe this article also provides sufficient information to keep the e-bike running fast for a long time. 

The most critical problem that occurs in the e-Bike is overheating and low voltage. The owner should ensure that the e-Bike battery is always in topped level. Then there will be very minimal errors in the bike for long life.

To sum up, we have listed the following instructions for you to maintain the e-bike.

  • Make sure you have charged the battery in full before troubleshooting the process.
  • Check the charger always. 
  • Make sure you have got the correct charger and the charger is working properly.
  • You have connected the charger correctly.
  • Check the battery and make sure you have aligned it properly.
  • Make sure the BMS is in order.
  • Avoid high temperatures and maximum charging to ensure the quality of the e-bike.

Ensure high Battery Potential 

Since battery determines the velocity and duration of the ride, it is a critical component to determine when purchasing an E-bike. Most E-bike owners reform the battery to meet their standards and specifications for the ride. Since it is an expensive component of the E-bike, we propose you keep up maintenance and make necessary repairs if necessary to fully utilize the battery and maximize the life span of the battery. 

We believe the following instructions will be useful for you to maintain the quality and maximize the potential of the battery.

  • Not to exceed the level of temperatures.

The extreme temperature will badly damage the lithium-ion battery. We do not propose you charge the bike during freezing weather conditions. Further, high humidity condition also adversely affects lithium-ion batteries. You may pack your e-bike in a dry area for maximum use of the battery.

  • Do not overcharge

        It is a good sign if you can keep the habit of not leaving the battery power 10% below capacity. It will reduce the battery life quickly. The most affordable range of bikes charges between 40%-80%