While cold climates, inclement weather and wind can all be off-putting to even the hardiest of electric bike users, winter doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying your daily commute or even getting out for some recreational biking. Follow these tips to make e-biking safe and enjoyable during the winter months.

 

Wrap up warm

If you're planning on doing an open-air commute on your electric bike during the cooler seasons, comfort is key. To ensure that you stay warm and comfortable, it is important to layer up properly. In freezing or near-freezing temperatures, it is recommended that you wear (at the very least) a scarf, a jacket, and gloves to protect against cold weather. Keeping your hands and feet warm is essential for maintaining control of your e-bike. In extremely cold temperatures, adding base layers, a hat, and even a balaclava face mask can provide extra warmth. Everyone's comfort level is different, so it's important to experiment with different clothing options to find what works best for you. When it comes to inclement and stormy weather, investing in lightweight waterproofs is crucial to protect your everyday clothing and to stop you from becoming cold. Look for vented jackets which can help regulate your temperature as you become warmer while riding your electric bike.

 

Be visible

During dark winter mornings and evenings, it is important to be visible to other road users. This means you’ll want to wear reflective clothing, or even add reflective strips and lights to your bike. While you should have an emphasis on being seen on the road at all times of the year, it is especially important in winter, when inclement weather and fog can cause visibility issues. Rear lighting in particular is crucial, as it makes your presence known to any motorists who approach you from behind. Blinking rear lights are great at improving the visibility of your e-bike, and a light mounted on your helmet can also help you to be seen earlier by motorists.

 

Think about item storage

Aside from layering and investing in cozy gear and accessories that enhance safety and comfort, there are a few other things that can make your winter rides more enjoyable. One such thing is on-bike storage, which can come in handy when you need to take off a heavy jacket or waterproof when the rain stops. Instead of carrying everything in a rucksack or side-mounted bag, consider using a rear rack on your electric bike. This will allow you to safely store your items while you ride without any safety issues. If you're commuting to work, a commuter bag can be a great option for securely storing everything required for your working day, from your laptop to your lunch.

 

Conclusion

These tips should hopefully inspire you to be more confident on your electric bike in the winter. Between lights, layers, and useful places to store the items you need to carry, you should be ready for everything winter can throw at you. Happy commuting!