Maintenance · 79Bike · Sur-Ron · Talaria
How to store your electric motorbike for winter
Most batteries that "won't charge" in spring were stored badly the winter before: left at 0%, in a garage that freezes, or never topped up for months. Proper winter storage takes under an hour and prevents almost all of these problems.
Before storage: clean and inspect
Clean the bike (see our washing guide) and dry it thoroughly: mud and moisture encourage corrosion while it sits. Use the opportunity to spot wear parts to order over winter — pads, chain kit, tyres — so you're ready in spring.
The battery: 40–60%, dry and temperate
- Charge or discharge the battery to around 50%: neither full nor empty.
- If possible, remove it and store it indoors, between 10 and 20 °C, dry, on a non-flammable surface.
- Check the level every 4 to 8 weeks and recharge to around 50% if needed: self-discharge and the BMS's standby draw lower the level.
- Don't leave the charger plugged in all winter.
The bike: protect the mechanicals
- Lube the chain after washing to prevent rust.
- Inflate the tyres to the top of your usual range, or put the bike on a paddock stand to take the weight off them.
- Cover the bike with a breathable cover (not a plastic sheet that traps moisture).
- On a road-legal version, check your insurance: some policies offer a winter lay-up option.
Getting going again in spring
Let the battery reach room temperature, charge it fully with the original charger, then do a full check: brakes (firm lever, pads), chain tension and lube, tyre pressure, bolt torque and lights. Keep the first ride easy to make sure everything works. If the battery refuses to charge, see battery won't charge after winter.
Tools you need
- Original charger
- Breathable cover
- Chain lube
- Pressure gauge
- Paddock stand (recommended)
Step-by-step procedure
- 1
Clean and dry
Gentle wash, thorough drying, inspection of wear parts.
- 2
Set the battery to 50%
Charge or ride until about 50% charge.
- 3
Store the battery
Ideally out of the bike, indoors, dry, between 10 and 20 °C.
- 4
Protect the bike
Chain lubed, tyres inflated or bike on a stand, breathable cover.
- 5
Check every month or two
Check the battery level and top up to around 50% if needed.
- 6
Recommission
Battery at room temperature, full charge, full check, easy first ride.
Useful genuine parts
In stock, shipped in 3–10 business days.
FAQ
Can I leave the battery in the bike all winter?+
Yes if the room stays dry and frost-free, but you still need to check the level regularly. Removing it and storing it indoors is the best option.
Why not store it at 100%?+
A lithium battery stored full for a long time ages faster. Around 50%, stress on the cells is minimal.
What if I ride a bit in winter?+
No problem — electric bikes ride in the cold. Range drops in low temperatures; charge at room temperature and keep the battery warm between rides.
Key takeaways
Battery at 50%, dry and temperate, checked regularly; bike clean, lubed and covered. It's the cheapest prevention for a spring without nasty surprises.
Need a hand?
Our workshop in Toulouse Sud (France) services 79Bike, Sur-Ron and Talaria. Send us a photo or video of the problem.
Related guides
These guides are for information only. If in doubt about a safety-critical part (brakes, steering, wheels), have a professional do the work. Always follow the manufacturer's manual.