As winter approaches, cold weather and complex road conditions pose greater challenges for riders. Understanding special weather conditions is essential to staying safe in winter and ensuring the life of your scooter.
So, what should you pay attention to when buying an electric scooter in winter?
Important points for purchasing
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Precautions
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Purchase points
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Battery
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Cold temperatures can severely impact battery performance, reducing range and power efficiency.
In temperatures below 0°C (32°F), range is typically reduced by about 20% to 30% compared to optimal temperatures.
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It is recommended to purchase a large-capacity battery that can support the journey when the capacity drops by 30%.
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Tire type
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In cold weather, tire stability and traction are critical.
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It is recommended to purchase pneumatic tires, which provide better control, traction and stability.
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Tire width
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The larger the contact area with the ground, the greater the stability and the less likely it is to slip.
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Wider tires are better suited for slippery roads.
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Tire pattern
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Tire pattern is related to grip.
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The tread pattern of off-road tires usually has a deep and rough design to increase grip and traction on uneven surfaces.
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Braking
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In cold weather, the brake performance of your e-scooter may be affected.
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Generally speaking, electronic brakes are better suited for use in cold weather than friction brakes because they are not affected by temperature and provide more consistent braking.
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Waterproof
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When the weather is cold, the ground is slippery and electric scooters are more susceptible to erosion in rainy and snowy weather.
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IPX4 and above, minimum splashproof
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Protective equipment
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When you are outdoors in winter, you need to ensure safety and warmth.
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Windproof jacket; winter boots or waterproof shoes; goggles; gloves; helmet; knee and elbow pads
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Overview of recommended electric scooters for winter
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Product name
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Range
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60km（37miles）
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96km (60miles)
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70km（43.5miles）
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Tire
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10″ All Terrain Tubeless Tires
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10×4.5″ Tubeless Road Tires
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10*4-inch Fat Tires
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Braking
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Hydraulic disc brakes
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Disc Brake
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Mechanical Disc Brake
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Motor power
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1200W Brushless Motor
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3000W*2
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600W
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Battery
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48V 22.5Ah
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60V 30Ah
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48V 18.2Ah
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Load
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280lbs（127kg）
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280lbs（127kg）
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264.5lbs (120kg)
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Waterproof
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IP54
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IP54
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IPX5
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YUME SWIFT——Hydraulic stable braking
Motor Power: 1200W
Max Range: 60km (37miles)
Max Loading: 280lbs (127kg)
Brakes: Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Tires: 10″ All Terrain Tubeless Tires
Waterproof Level: IP54
YUME HAWK Pro——Wide tires and strong grip
Motor Power: 3000W*2
Max Range: 100km (62 miles)
Max Loading: 280lbs (127kg)
Brakes: Disc Brake
Tires: 10×4.5″ Tubeless Road Tires
Waterproof Level: IP54
ENGWE Y600 – IPX5 weatherproof
Motor Power: 600W
Max Range: 70km (43.5miles)
Max Loading: 264.5lbs (120kg)
Brakes: Mechanical Disc Brake
Tires: 10*4-inch Fat Tires
Waterproof Level: IPX5
How to store and maintain an electric scooter in winter?
Proper and proper care of an electric scooter is essential for its performance. Here are some suggestions:
Store indoors
Store in a dry, wind-proof place away from cold places. Extreme cold and heat can have a negative impact on the battery. The ideal storage temperature for the battery is 50-75°F (10-24°C). The removable battery can be removed and stored separately from the scooter.
Keep the battery charged
Regularly charge the electric scooter, even when not in use. It is recommended to keep the battery charge at 30%-80% to extend the battery life.
Preheat before riding
If the scooter is stored in a cold environment, bring the battery to a warm environment to preheat before starting. Cold conditions will temporarily reduce the efficiency and capacity of the battery.
Avoid charging in cold environments
Avoid charging when the temperature is close to or below freezing, as this will cause the battery to become less efficient or even damaged.
Maintenance
Keep the battery and scooter clean and dry. Moisture can damage electrical components, costly repairs and maintenance, and reduce performance.
Shorter range
In cold weather, the range of your scooter may be significantly reduced. Plan your trip accordingly to avoid running out of power before reaching your destination.
Regular inspections
Do some routine inspections and regularly check the battery for any signs of damage or wear. If there are any issues, it is recommended to seek professional help.
Clean your electric scooter
Cleaning your electric scooter can keep the vehicle’s appearance clean, extend the vehicle’s life, reduce the possibility of malfunctions, and improve the vehicle’s performance and safety.
Extended Reading: How to Clean an Electric Scooter?
FAQ
How to ride an electric scooter in winter?
Driving an electric scooter in winter requires enhanced safety measures. Key precautions include wearing proper gear, such as warm gloves, waterproof clothing, and non-slip boots, to maintain comfort and control.
Riding technique is critical. Reducing speed and increasing braking distance can reduce the risk of accidents on slippery roads.
Braking techniques
Braking hard and suddenly can cause loss of control or fall, especially at high speeds. Braking hard can also damage the vehicle’s brake system, increasing repair costs. Mastering the correct braking technique can avoid brake fade caused by wear and tear of brake components and avoid accidents.
Brake slowly
Slamming on the brakes can throw everything off balance, leading to potential slips or skids. Applying the brakes gently allows you to maintain stability and control when going downhill.
Avoid over-braking
Continuously slamming on the brakes can wear out the brakes and even cause overheating, reducing braking efficiency. Instead, apply the brakes gently and intermittently to control the speed of the vehicle without causing excessive heat to the brakes.
Maintain a balanced posture
When going downhill, leaning back slightly can help counteract the forward pull of gravity. This balanced position is key to a stable descent.
Keep a safe distance
This buffer gives you time to react if something unexpected happens. As your descent speeds increase, a little more space goes a long way toward safety.
Monitor your speed
Keep an eye on your speed. If you start to feel like you’re descending too fast, it’s time to gently apply the brakes. Keeping an eye on your speed can help you adjust as you go, ensuring a controlled and comfortable descent.
How cold is too cold for an electric scooter?
Electric scooters are typically in the optimal temperature range for maximum performance and safety between 0°C and 40°C (32°F and 104°F).
This is because below 0°C, battery efficiency decreases, increasing the risk to components such as mechanical brakes and suspension.
Above 40°C, the battery may overheat, shortening its lifespan and posing a safety hazard.
