How to store an Ebike
In this article we aim to explain ways you can store an ebike at home in a shed or garage or at work. We will be answering questions like;
- Why are ebikes difficult to store?
- What are all the ways you can store an ebike?
- how to store an ebike on a wall hook:
- Is it OK to hang an ebike by the wheel?
- How to store an Ebike in a garage?
- Can you store an ebike in a shed?
- Can you store an ebike outside?
- How to store an ebike at home
- What’s the best way to store ebikes at work?
- Can I store an ebike somewhere cold?
- How to store and look after an Ebike battery
- How to store an Ebike (general tips)
If you don’t have time to read all this, here is a summary:
Ebikes can be stored on the floor or vertically, with their back wheels on the floor to save space, but should not be lifted onto wall hooks because they are so heavy. For the same reason they should not be hoisted into the ceiling space. Ebikes should be secured in private and public spaces because of their high value. They can be stored in the home in a shed or garage but it should be somewhere dry. The battery should be removed if the bike is not being used for more than a few days, especially in cold weather.
Why are ebikes difficult to store?
Ebikes can be difficult to store due to their larger size and weight compared to traditional bicycles. The electric components of ebikes, such as the battery and motor, add extra weight and bulk, making them more cumbersome to move and store.
Additionally, ebikes often require more careful maintenance and storage than traditional bicycles due to the sensitive electrical components. Proper storage of the battery is particularly important, as it can be damaged by exposure to extreme temperatures or moisture.
Finally, some types of ebikes, such as those with full suspension or larger tires, may require more space for storage than traditional bikes. This can be a challenge for those with limited storage space or who live in apartments or small homes.
Overall, while ebikes can be more difficult to store than traditional bikes, proper storage and maintenance can help ensure their longevity and performance.
What are all the ways you can store an ebike?
- storing an ebike by leaning it up somewhere
Photo by Eric Prouzet on Unsplash
This is what most people will do, be it in a garage, shed or outside the pub. It’s fine for short term storage (a few hours or even days) but if you have more than one ebike they are heavy and cumbersome to move to get to the each one. They are also likely to get banged and scratched and may even fall over resulting in some major damage and problems.
- can you store an ebike on a floor rack
A floor rack (like a giant toaster) isn’t a bad idea as it saves you lifting it. However, because the wheels are held in a fixed-width slot, if the wheel is fat (like an MTB wheel) it may not fit in the slot. If the wheel is too narrow the bike will want to fall over. Some ebikes also have large brake rotors and these sometimes catch on the sides of the wheel slots.
- can you store an ebike on a pulley system in the roof
Don’t even think about this option. Ebikes weigh anywhere between 20 and 35 kg so pulling it up into the air will be a real effort. You also need to be sure that the roof structure and the way the pulley system fixes to the beams is up to the job. If it’s above a car (or you) and it falls down the results can be disastrous.
- can you store an ebike off-the-floor on a hook
Lifting an ebike onto a hook mounted high on the wall, with the back wheel off the floor, is possible but ebikes are very heavy. You need to be careful that you don’t hurt your back when lifting the bike and while trying to hook the front wheel. You also need to be 100% confident that the hook itself is up to the job and that you have fixed it to the wall properly, otherwise it could come crashing down.
A better solution for heavy ebikes (or any heavy bike like a downhill bike) is described below.
- can you store an ebike vertically (but not hanging)
You can store an ebike so that it is held vertically against a wall but it is not hanging. To do this the rear wheel stays on the ground at all times (so you never lift the bike) and it is prevented from falling over backwards by a hook in the wall. Standard hooks are unlikely to be suitable for this but the GearHooks B1 bike hook is designed to allow the front wheel to be hooked without ‘hanging’ the bike. It also fits via one very heavy duty fixing to make sure it holds the bike against the wall.
How to store an ebike on a wall hook without lifting:
- wheel the bike forwards up to the wall (in line with the hook)
- hold both brakes and take two steps backwards (the bike will very easily rise up onto the back wheel)
- release the brakes and roll the bike forwards on its back wheel (till both wheels hit the wall)
- hook the front wheel (the bike will tilt backwards slightly but will be firmly held in place)
This will only work with some bikes hooks (like the GearHooks B1 and all the Gearhooks wall mounted racks for 3 or more bikes) where the hook is angled and will easily fit between the spokes.
Is it OK to hang an ebike by the wheel?
Hanging any bike by the front wheel is fine. However, because ebikes are so heavy they are hard to lift so we recommend storing it vertically with the rear wheel on the ground, as described above. It will not damage the wheel or any other part of the bike. It’s actually better to store bikes with front suspension forks like this as it keeps the seals lubricated and stops them drying out. Hydraulic brakes, that have air in the system, may be spongy after storing vertically but this can be solved by pulling the levers a few times or by bleeding the brakes (a better solution).
How to store an Ebike in a garage
You can store an ebike in a garage flat on the floor or vertically on the wall with the rear wheel still on the ground. Storing the ebike(s) vertically will save floor space and make the ebikes easier to get out and put away.
A single ebike can be mounted on a single bike wall mount like the GearHooks B1. If you have a couple or several several bikes then 3 or more ebikes can be mounted on a wall bike rack. Both of these can be mounted so that the rear wheels do not leave the ground and the ebikes do not have to be lifted at all.
In order for the back wheels to be on the ground the hook (or rail, if it’s a wall rack) should be mounted at the point the front wheel of the ebike touches the wall. The ebike hook(s) need to be angled and easily fit between the spokes.
Fixing things to a garage wall is a relatively simple process. Here are some steps to follow:
Choose the right location: Before you start fixing anything to your garage wall, make sure you choose the right location. Bear in mind the height you need to fix a hook or rack (typically around 1700mm) and the width of the handle bars. This may mean you need up to 800mm width per bike. With our hooks you can angle the front wheel and handlebars to avoid them catching.
Consider the weight of the item you want to fix to the wall, and ensure the wall is strong enough to support it. If in doubt, consult a professional. The fixings we supply are suitable for any solid wall (brick/block/concrete) or wooden wall (battens in a shed or behind plasterboard).
Choose the right tools: You will need a tape measure, spirit level (for racks), an electric drill, 8mm or 5mm drill bits, hammer and vacuum cleaner. We supply heavy duty wall fixings and wall plugs for hooks and wall racks.
Mark the location: Once you have chosen the right location, mark the location where you want to fix your item. Use a pencil to mark the position of the holes you will be drilling. You need to drill 1 hole for a single hook and 3 holes for a 1 meter long rail for up to 5 bikes.
Drill the holes: Use a drill bit that matches the size of your wall plug to drill the holes in the wall. Make sure the holes are deep enough for the wall plug and bolt.
Insert wall plugs: hammer the wall plugs into the holes. Make sure they are flush with the wall.
Fix the item to the wall: Hold the item against the wall and insert the screws through the item and into the wall plugs. Tighten the screws with the Allen key we supply (not a power tool).
Check the item is secure: Once you have fixed the item to the wall, check that it is secure and won't come loose.
These steps can be used for fixing a variety of items to a garage wall, such as shelving, tool racks, or bike mounts. It's important to choose the right location and ensure that the wall is strong enough to support the weight of the item you want to fix.
Can you store an ebike in a shed?
An ebike can be stored in a shed providing it is dry and you follow some simple steps to keep the battery in tip-top condition. During cold weather the battery should be removed from the bike and stored at 60-70% capacity somewhere warm.
Fixing a hooks or wall mounted rack for ebikes in a shed is similar to mounting in a garage except you will be drilling and mounting to a wooden frame.
Single bike hooks can be mounted to the vertical uprights that make up the shed structure. Bike racks should be mounted to 2”x2” battens fixed horizontally between the uprights.
Care should be taken to make sure holes and mounting screws do not puncture the outside walls of the shed.
Fixing things to a wooden shed wall is similar to fixing things to a garage wall. Here are some steps to follow:
Choose the right location: Before you start fixing anything to your wooden shed wall, make sure you choose the right location. Consider the weight of the item you want to fix to the wall, and ensure the wall is strong enough to support it.
Choose the right tools: You will need a tape measure, spirit level (for racks), an electric drill, 8mm or 5mm drill bits, hammer and vacuum cleaner. We supply heavy duty wall fixings for hooks and wall racks.
Mark the location: Once you have chosen the right location, mark the location where you want to fix your item. Use a pencil to mark the position of the holes you will be drilling.
Drill the holes: Use a drill bit that matches the size of your screw to drill the holes in the wall. Make sure the holes are deep enough to hold the screws, but do not drill through the shed wall!!
Fix the item to the wall: Hold the item against the wall and insert the screws through the item and into the wall. Tighten the screws with the supplied Allen key.
Check the item is secure: Once you have fixed the item to the wall, check that it is secure and won't come loose.
These steps can be used for fixing a variety of items to a wooden shed wall, such as tool racks, shelves, or hooks. It's important to choose the right location and ensure that the wall is strong enough to support the weight of the item you want to fix. If you are unsure about the strength of the wall or the weight of the item, consult a professional.
Can you store an ebike outside?
Any bike can be stored outside but they should at least be covered by a waterproof cover. However, anything stored outside is likely to get damp and this can be a major problem, not just for the chain and other metal parts, but also for the electrics inside an ebike. Ebikes stored outside will be easy pickings for thieves so you should consider security for the bikes as well.
How to store an ebike at home
If you don’t have access to a garage or shed then you can store an ebike inside the house or flat if you have space.
A single ebike can be mounted on a single bike wall mount like the GearHooks B1. If you have a couple or several several bikes then 3 or more ebikes can be mounted on a wall bike rack. Both of these can be mounted so that the rear wheels do not leave the ground and the ebikes do not have to be lifted at all
What’s the best way to store ebikes at work?
Many companies offer somewhere to store bikes at work. Since there are likely to be several bikes being stored the best way to store them is on one or more wall mounting bike racks. This will save space wherever they are being stored. Ebikes can be stored on a GearHooks rack without lifting the bike onto a hook. To do this;
- wheel the bike forwards up to the wall (in line with the hook)
- hold both brakes and take two steps backwards (the bike will very easily rise up onto the back wheel)
- release the brakes and roll the bike forwards on its back wheel (till both wheels hit the wall)
- hook the front wheel (the bike will tilt backwards slightly but will be firmly held in place)
Security is likely to be an issue in this situation and being able to lock the bike, or at least the front wheel, to the rack is a big advantage.
If you want to be able to secure your bikes on the rack you can use the loop on the top of the bike hooks on any GearHooks bike rack. Just feed a cable lock (not supplied) through the loop and the front wheel. For added security use a longer cable and feed it through the frame. For even more security you can drill out the hex head on the fixing screw to make it almost impossible to remove the hook. If the hooks are fitted over the rail fixings, a thief can’t even unscrew the rail. All of this will prevent opportunist theft and is a huge deterrent to even the most determined thief.
Can I store an ebike somewhere cold?
Cold will not affect an ebike itself but it will affect the battery. This should be removed for storage and kept somewhere warm but not too hot.
Cold locations can become damp and this is more of a problem for anything electrical, like ebikes.
How to store and look after an Ebike battery
Storing an ebike battery properly is important to maintain its health and prolong its lifespan. Here are some tips for storing an ebike battery:
- is it OK to leave an ebike battery on the bike
Keep the battery at room temperature: Store the battery at room temperature, between 20°C (68°F) and 25°C (77°F), in a dry place with low humidity. Avoid storing it in extremely hot or cold temperatures, as this can damage the battery. If you are storing an ebike in a shed or unheated garage in the UK you will need to remove the battery most of the year and keep it in the house.
- should I keep an ebike battery inside?
Store the battery in a safe location: Store the battery in a safe location, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and flammable materials. Make sure it is not exposed to moisture or water.
- should I keep an ebike battery fully charged
Charge the battery before storing it: Charge the battery fully before storing it for an extended period. This will help to maintain the health of the battery and prevent it from discharging completely.
- do ebike batteries drain when not in use?
Yes they do over a long period of time. To reduce this effect, remove the battery from the ebike during long-term storage: If you plan to store your ebike for a longer period, such as several months, it's recommended to remove the battery from the ebike and store it separately. This will help to prevent damage to the battery from environmental factors.
Store the battery at a partial state of charge: If you plan to store the battery for several months, it's recommended to store it at a partial state of charge, around 50% to 60%. This will help to prevent the battery from becoming fully discharged, which can damage the cells.
Check the battery periodically: It's a good idea to check the battery periodically during storage to ensure it hasn't discharged completely. If the battery has discharged, recharge it to a partial state of charge.
How to store an Ebike (general tips)
Storing an ebike properly is essential to maintain its performance and longevity. Here are some tips for storing your ebike:
Clean your ebike: Before storing your ebike, it's important to clean it properly. Use a soft cloth and mild detergent to wipe down the frame, wheels, and any other parts that may have accumulated dirt and grime.
Remove the battery: If your ebike has a removable battery, it's recommended to remove it before storage. Make sure to charge it to around 50-60% and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Check tire pressure: Make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure. This helps prevent flat spots from forming on the tires.
Store in a dry place: It's best to store your ebike in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. If you're storing your ebike outside, consider covering it with a tarp or bike cover.
Check on it periodically: Even if your ebike is in storage, it's a good idea to check on it periodically to make sure everything is still in good working condition.
If you are planning to store an ebike at home in a shed or garage or at work, we hope you found that article useful.
If you need any help or advice please take a look at our bike storage products on our website or drop an email to luis@gearhooks.com.
