PatrickGSR94

I consider myself a year-round commuter. In the Memphis area we barely get any snow at all usually, but sometimes will have ice for a couple of days in the winter. Nothing major, not enough to warrant studded tires. But it does get cold, usually below freezing and staying below freezing for a couple of weeks at a time.

Yeah that's not that bad for most northern folks, but my commute is long, 30 miles round trip. On my road bike it takes at least 80 minutes to get to work in the morning, and for the past 3 winters my limit has been 20°F. Any colder and I drive the car. So I'm hoping with the e-bike now it will cut down on that time that I'm out in the cold in the morning. I can get to work in under 1 hour usually, but I've only done it in temperatures around 60 and above so far, and I can do the 30 mile round trip on a single 90% charge (charging to 80% the night before and topping off to 90% in the morning before leaving).

What will sub-freezing temps bring? Will there be a substantial hit to battery life? If so I'll have to bring my charger with me for sure. Will I notice any difference in actual speed performance? I have the BBS02 kit with 42-tooth Bling Ring and 11-28 8-speed cassette. 52V 13.5 aH (704 watt-hour) bottle battery from Luna. I usually use PAS 3 or 4 out of 9, and only bump it up to 5 or 6 on big hills. My commute rides usually average 16-17 MPH (12 MPH on my road bike in winter, if I'm lucky).

chas58

I don't notice much difference in speed/power. There may be a difference in range, but I haven't noticed anything. My battery gives me about an hour summer or winter. One nice bonus - I can use studded tires and really have no difference in performance. Without a motor, my studded tires are REAL slow.

I did drive a Volt one winter and it had a 30% reduction in range. But that had heated seats and cabin heater that I don't have on the bike.

(Hmmm, heated bike seats - that is an idea...)

Rick Imby

I agree with Chas on this. You will probably see less power coming from the battery but it is not suppose to damage the battery.

I have a spare wheel all set up with studs to put on the front of my bike. With just a front stud you can handle 90% of the ice (I live in Mt with a lot more slippery roads).

The studded tire will take a lot of extra power to go the same speeds With Ice around I slow down---cars cannot control themselves on ice The puddle that is frozen over on the inside of a corner can take you down before you even realize it is there---ouch

PatrickGSR94

Thankfully we get almost zero snow and get ice only a couple of times each winter. If it's icy I usually just work from home. Boss doesn't want us out in it with all the crazy non-drivers.

Robert C

I switch to studs every year. There hasn't been a year that I haven't had a few cases where I a glad that I have them. I hurt all of the time, there is no reason to make things worse than they already are.

As far as the battery, I keep my e-bike inside at night. That keeps the battery warm, then just pulling power from it on my commute will continue to keep it at an operation temperature.

2old

From what I've read (I reside in socal so no experience), definitely keep the battery as warm as possible (maybe try to insulate it on the bike as well as what RC said above) and doubt you'll make the round trip without 100% charge. This is a guess.

Bikewolf

@PatrickGSR94: Chapeau! Commuting about 80 minutes every morning (and back), that’s courageux! That, and trying to ride all year long (as I, and some others do)... RESPECT!

As some others suggest, a major tip is to keep and energize your battery indoors (>8°C). When riding, factor a theoretical performance drop of 25%. Usually much less, but bare in mind nevertheless.

Insulation might help. You can buy a cover for your battery pack etc.

Don’t have experience with studs on e-bikes.

chas58

That is a good point about keeping it inside. I keep mine in the garage, so it is cold, but not below freezing. When riding in freezing weather, I think the chemistry of using it probably keeps it warm enough.

There is no power loss. I've had 25% range loss in a car, but haven't had that problem on a bike (Then again, a Gen 1 Volt is good for about 30 minutes around town, my bike is good for an hour.

PatrickGSR94

Yeah all but one of my bikes stay inside. I charge the e-bike battery on the tile floor near the kitchen table, and the bikes live on the other side of the table up against the wall.

awm72

well, now we know you're single.

PatrickGSR94

Married with kid, but thanks for playing. My wife's bike lives by the kitchen table also. And I have a shelving unit in the corner holding my bike stuff and battery charging equipment for the e-bike, lights and camera batteries.