If your e-moto is going to sit for the winter, a couple of hours of prep now saves you a dead battery, a rusty chain and seized parts in spring. This guide is about putting the bike away properly. If you're riding through the cold instead, see our winter maintenance tips and cold-weather battery guide.
Step 1: Clean it properly
Don't store a dirty bike. Mud and road salt hold moisture against metal all winter.
- Wash at low pressure with a cleaner like Muc-Off Motorcycle Cleaner. Keep a pressure washer away from the battery, controller, connectors and bearings.
- Dry it completely, including under the seat and around the battery bay.
- Clean the chain with Maxima Clean Up, then lube it so it's protected while it sits. The Maxima Chain Guard Care Kit covers both steps.
Step 2: Inspect and order parts now
Winter is the cheapest time to fix things, because you aren't missing riding days while you wait for parts. Go over:
- Brake pads and rotors. Find replacements in our brake pads collection.
- Chain and sprockets for hooked teeth, stiff links or stretch (sprockets and chains)
- Tires for cuts and worn knobs (tires)
- Fork seals for oil weeping, plus the wheel bearings and swingarm pivots for play
- Connectors and wiring for corrosion or chafing. A thin coat of dielectric grease on connector seals helps keep moisture out.
Replacement OEM parts for many bikes are in collections like Sur-Ron Ultra Bee OEM parts and Talaria Sting OEM. If you're not sure what fits, ask us.
Step 3: Battery storage, the most important step
A lithium pack that sits too full, too empty or too cold all winter loses capacity it won't get back. Your manual is the authority here because the numbers differ between brands. As one example, Sur-Ron's Ultra Bee owner's manual says to:
- Store the pack at 60–80% state of charge
- Keep it at 10–30°C (50–86°F)
- Check the charge level every month, and top it back up to 60–80% if it drops below 30%
- Never charge it below 0°C (32°F)
General rules for any e-moto:
- Don't store it fully drained. A pack that self-discharges to zero over the winter may not recover.
- Don't leave it on the charger all winter unless your manufacturer says that's OK.
- Store a removable pack indoors, somewhere dry, away from heat sources and anything flammable. If the battery stays in the bike, turn the bike and battery fully off, and use the battery's power switch if it has one, to reduce parasitic drain.
- Set a calendar reminder to check the charge once a month.
Step 4: Tires and suspension
- Get the bike up on a stand so the tires aren't carrying weight all winter. The Tusk Aluminum MX Stand works, and so does the Tusk MX Mini Stand for smaller bikes.
- Set the tires to the recommended pressure before storage.
- Wipe the fork tubes clean so grit doesn't sit on the seals.
Step 5: Where and how to store it
- A dry, above-freezing space is best. A damp shed is the worst option.
- Use a breathable cover, not a plastic tarp that traps condensation.
- Plug any openings rodents might use, and keep food or nesting materials out of the area. Mice like chewing wiring.
Step 6: Use the downtime for upgrades
With the bike apart anyway, winter is the time to do the work you've been putting off: new tires, brake pads, a skid plate, handguards or a gearing change. Browse upgrade packages and maintenance, or check our winter upgrades guide for ideas.
Spring wake-up checklist
- Charge the battery indoors at room temperature using the correct charger.
- Set tire pressure and check for cracks.
- Re-lube the chain and check its slack against your manual.
- Squeeze the brakes. If the lever is soft or spongy, find out why before you ride.
- Test the lights, the throttle return and the kill switch.
- Do a slow test ride before you send it.
FAQ
Should I remove the battery for winter? If it's removable and you won't ride for weeks, yes. Store it indoors and check it monthly.
Can I leave it plugged in all winter? Only if your manufacturer says so. Otherwise store it at the recommended charge level and top it up when it drops.
Can I store it in an unheated garage? The frame is fine. The battery is better kept inside, and it should never be charged below freezing.
Questions? Email support@tbelectricmoto.com. Our team rides these bikes and can help you pick the right parts.
