Modified on Fri, 5 Dec at 10:03 AM

How to Prepare Your MOD BIKE for Winter

In this article: You’ll learn how to prepare your MOD BIKE for winter riding, protect key components from cold weather, prevent corrosion from snow and salt, and safely store your e-bike during freezing conditions.

This Article Applies to the Following Bikes

1. Winter Battery Care

Cold temperatures affect all lithium-ion batteries. Taking the right steps will protect performance and extend battery life.

Store the battery indoors

• Keep batteries between 32–115°F (0–46°C) when not in use.

• Never leave the battery outside overnight in freezing temperatures.

Battery charge for storage

• Store the battery at 50 percent charge if unused for more than 30 days.

• Storing a battery full or empty can permanently damage the cells and is not covered under warranty.

• Charge only when the battery is at room temperature.

Warm the battery before charging

• Do not charge a cold battery.

• Let it naturally warm to room temperature before plugging in.

• Charging a frozen battery can permanently damage the cells.

Expect reduced winter range

• Batteries are less efficient in the cold.

• This is normal and will return to full performance in warmer weather.

Keep battery contacts dry

• Wipe away snow, slush, and condensation before inserting or removing the battery.

• Never store or charge the battery while wet.

If storing the bike for long stretches in cold weather

• Check the battery periodically to ensure it remains healthy.
  

• Power on the bike briefly and run the throttle for a moment to circulate battery activity.

• Do not let the bike sit untouched in freezing temperatures for extended periods.

• This light exercise helps keep the battery cells balanced and the system responsive.

If storing for 25 days or longer

• Drain or charge the battery to 50 percent before storage.

• Storing full or empty can cause permanent damage and is not covered under warranty.

• Check battery level once per month.

2. Protecting Your Bike From Salt, Slush, and Moisture

Winter road conditions introduce corrosive elements that can damage metal components and electrical parts.

Wipe down the bike after each winter ride

• Road salt is highly corrosive to frames, bolts, chainrings, and spokes. 

• Use a damp cloth to wipe the frame, fork, fenders, and any exposed metal. 

• Dry the bike afterward to prevent rust.

Clean and lubricate the drivetrain more often

• Winter riding requires more frequent chain lubrication. 

• Use a wet-condition chain lube to repel moisture. 

• Clean grit from the chain, freewheel, and derailleur regularly.

Avoid high-pressure water

• High-pressure hoses can push water into bearings and electronics. 

• Use a gentle rinse or a damp cloth instead.

Inspect hardware for corrosion

• Check bolts, quick releases, racks, and mounting points. 

• Clean or re-lube any areas showing early signs of rust.

3. Tires and Traction Setup

MOD BIKES use frame-specific tire sizes that cannot be replaced with wider, studded, or winter-specific tires. Because of this, it’s important to maximize traction using the tires already on your bike.

Check and maintain proper tire pressure

• Cold weather lowers tire pressure over time.

• Inflate tires to the recommended PSI printed on the sidewall.

• Never overinflate, as high pressure reduces winter traction.

• Never go below the minimum PSI, even in snow.

Inspect tread condition before each ride

• Look for worn edges, flat centers, or thinning tread. 

• Reduced tread will significantly reduce traction in winter conditions. 

• Replace the tire with the same MOD-approved tire size if the tread is worn.

Be aware of winter traction limitations

• MOD tires are all-season but not ice-rated. 

• Ride slower, avoid sudden turns, and reduce pedaling force on slippery surfaces. 

• Expect reduced grip on ice, slush, and packed snow.

Avoid riding in deep snow

• Tires are not designed for heavy accumulation and can lose traction quickly. 

• If snow reaches the rim, avoid riding until conditions improve.

4. Brake System Checks

Winter weather affects braking performance more than any other system.

Inspect brake pads more frequently

• Pads wear faster in gritty winter conditions. 

• Replace them sooner if you ride regularly in slush or salt.

Clean rotors after wet rides

• Wipe rotors with a clean cloth and isopropyl alcohol to remove salt and moisture.

• Prevents surface rust buildup and keeps braking consistent.

Brake earlier in wet or snowy conditions

• Cold temperatures can slightly stiffen mechanical brake cables. 

• Increase stopping distance to maintain control.

Check lever feel before each ride

• If the lever feels soft, pump it a few times or inspect for moisture buildup.

5. Electrical Components Care

Winter moisture can affect displays, connectors, and wiring.

Keep connectors dry

• Wipe snow or slush away before storing. 

• If riding in harsh conditions, inspect connectors regularly.

Avoid deep water, slush, or salt puddles

• Never submerge the motor, wiring, or battery mount. 

• Wet roads are fine, but deep puddles can cause damage.

Do not open sealed components

• Motors, controllers, and displays are sealed units. 

• Opening them can compromise insulation and void warranty.

Dry the display after any wet ride

• Prevents moisture damage and screen fogging. 

• Use a soft cloth and avoid abrasive materials.

Additional Winter Riding Tips for Better Control

• Ride slowly and increase stopping distance. 

• Avoid leaning into turns on icy surfaces. 

• Keep lights on at all times for visibility. 

• Consider brighter front and rear lights during snow or fog. 

• Expect occasional sliding and stay relaxed.

Additional Winter Riding Tips to Stay Warm

• Wear layered clothing to trap heat and manage moisture.

• Use a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat off your skin.

• Add a thermal mid-layer for insulation on colder days.

• Finish with a wind-resistant, water-resistant outer shell to block cold air and snow.

• Wear insulated gloves and bring a thin backup pair for roadside adjustments.

• Use thermal socks and keep a dry spare set in your bag in case your feet get wet.

• Add a helmet liner or thermal cap to retain heat, since a large amount of warmth escapes through the head.

Troubleshooting

• Battery range drops in cold weather → This is normal. Store the battery indoors and start rides with a warm battery.

• Moisture or rust appears on metal parts → Wipe the bike after every ride in snow, slush, or salt. Apply wet lube more frequently.

• Brakes feel stiff → Cold temperatures can stiffen mechanical cables. Pump the lever a few times and clean the rotors with isopropyl alcohol.

• Tires slip on snow or ice → Reduce speed, avoid leaning in turns, and maintain proper PSI.

• Display shows fog or moisture → Dry the display immediately and store the bike in a warm, dry environment.

• Battery feels slow to charge in winter → Warm the battery indoors before charging. Never charge a cold or damp battery.

FAQs

• Do I lose battery range in winter?
  Yes. Cold temperatures reduce efficiency temporarily and range will return to normal in warmer weather.

• Can I charge my battery when it is cold?
  No. Always let the battery warm to room temperature before charging.

• Can I store my MOD BIKE outside during winter?
  No. Storing the bike outside in winter will cause corrosion and long-term damage.

• Do I need special winter tires?
  No. MOD BIKES use model-specific tires that cannot be replaced with wider or studded versions.

• Is road salt harmful to my bike?
  Yes. Salt is corrosive. Wipe the bike down after every salted winter ride.

• Why do my brakes feel different in cold weather?
  Cold temperatures can stiffen mechanical brake cables. Cleaning the rotors and warming the bike indoors helps performance.

• Is moisture around the display or connectors normal?
  Some moisture can happen in cold weather. Dry the area fully and store the bike in a warm, dry environment.

Warning

⚠️ Important Safety & Liability Notice

Winter riding introduces additional risks, including ice, reduced traction, and low visibility. Always ride slowly, brake earlier, and avoid charging or inserting a wet or frozen battery. Improper winter care may result in damage, injury, or voiding of warranty. If you are not comfortable performing winter preparation, contact a qualified MOD BIKES technician or authorized service provider.