All kinds of crazy things are in fashion among Estonians recently, such as winter bathing and riding an electric bike all year round
Is it really worth leaving an electric bike or a “bone steam” bike in storage just because the weather conditions are uncomfortable? Skip swimming because the water is cold? It is not a question for a convinced winter bather and year-round cyclist. More and more people are willing to get out of their comfort zone for the sake of health, and more and more people are riding electric bikes all year round. Especially those people who cycle between work and home every day – they already know how to enjoy riding in the fresh air, which is good for both body and mind. According to research by the German-based Sinus Academy (https://www.sinus-institut.de/en/), cycling in Germany is becoming more and more popular every year. Unfortunately, such a study has not been done in Estonia, but visually observing the street scene, it seems that we also see more and more cyclists on the roads all year round. For those who feel that riding a bicycle in cold weather is still too extreme, electric bicycle offers an excellent “softer” solution. Bosch electric motors give a good reason to ride an electric bike all year round – you can ride freely in any weather and you can choose how much you want to physically contribute to cranking. That way, you don’t have to worry about whether you can get back to cranking. Some good tips and thoughts that might encourage and inspire you to ride your electric bike outside more:
Safe and secure
Going outside in cold weather keeps you in shape, strengthens your immunity and reduces the onset of depression when there is little sunshine. Research by the Sinus Institute also proves this: the well-being of year-round cyclists is significantly higher. Regular cycling, regardless of the season, increases happiness and they have two fewer sick days a year. Even a short ride a day is enough to protect the body from pathogens. So, instead of risking infection with viruses and bacteria in crowded public transport, you have the opportunity to simply drive away from a cold!
Fast and sustainable
During the cold winter months, many people put cycling on the back burner because it can seem a little uncomfortable at first. Despite the icy headwind, an electric bicycle with a Bosch motor is a sustainable and comfortable alternative to a car or public transport. Traveling 10 kilometers a day to work with an electric bicycle instead of a car helps to save up to 350 kg of CO2 emissions per year! Especially for short distances, an electric bicycle is not only fast but also an environmentally friendly means of transport.
Safe and Visible
The right clothing makes riding an electric bike enjoyable even in the winter months. Instead of one thick jacket, we recommend dressing in layers, several thinner layers on top of each other. If possible, choose clothes that are breathable and waterproof – they protect you from wind and rain. In the dark winter months, it is very important to wear brighter, brighter and reflective clothes so that you are easily visible to other road users.
Careful and safe
It is a reasonable recommendation to drive carefully and at a pace suitable for you. In case of more extreme weather, you should also consider a little more time for riding with an electric bicycle. As the weather conditions change, it also happens that your usual route is impassable and you may have to consider an alternative route. Driving time and braking can be affected by, for example, wet leaves, sleet, snow or loose gravel on the road. In such conditions, you also have to handle the brakes more sensitively.
Charged and well maintained
If it is cold outside, the battery capacity of the electric bike may decrease. Therefore, we recommend removing the battery after driving, keeping it at room temperature and re-installing it just before driving again. Bosch batteries are all very easy to remove and install, and at the same time can be securely locked. For longer rides in sub-zero temperatures, use a thermal protector to protect the battery. Lithium-ion batteries should always be charged at room temperature whenever possible. NB! Be sure not to charge the battery in a place where the temperature is below zero! In order to maintain functionality and driving pleasure, electric bicycles should definitely be properly maintained. If you are not afraid to get your hands dirty, you can do a lot of things yourself. If your electric bike is heavily soiled from driving in mud or slush, be sure to wash off the mud and salt residue with soap and water. Oil the chain and your electric bike works like clockwork!
This post is based on data from Bosch eBike Systems.
