Are you looking at how to store electric bikes in a garage? Perhaps trying to figure out how best to keep it safe from weather damage, theft, and other safety hazards?
Well, it’s safe to say you’re not alone!
Electric bikes have become increasingly popular over the last few years, and more and more people are looking for ways to safely store their e-bikes in their garages.
As experts in all things garage storage here at GearHooks, our professionals will give you the lowdown on best practices for keeping your E-bike in tip-top condition when not in use.
So let’s get a quick takeaway before we get into the details.
Storing electric bikes includes keeping the battery charged, ensuring proper ventilation, cleaning it before storage, and keeping it in a dry and secure space. Avoid over-discharging the battery and use appropriate hooks to store the bike upright without heavy lifting.
How to store electric bikes in a garage
Electric, road and downhill bike stored in a garage
So with the mini answer covered let’s start by discovering exactly what an E-bike is so you can understand more easily how to store it like a pro!
What is an electric bike?
Electric bikes are becoming more and more popular these days and for good reason! They're like regular bikes ... but with a little extra oomph.
According to bike experts, Halfords, more and more of us are turning to electric bikes to cruise around our countryside, towns and cities.
Currently, around 59 to 60,000 are sold every year and they are set to grow significantly in numbers over the next three decades.
An electric bike is simply one that has a motor which helps you pedal. Thus making it easier to cruise up hills and go further with less effort.
But what do you do with your electric bike when you're not cruising around on it?
Storing electric bikes safely is important to keep them in good condition and make sure they last a long time.
One thing to keep in mind is the need to keep the battery charged, but not to overcharge it, as this can shorten its lifespan.
You'll also want to keep your electric bike in a dry, secure place, like a garage or bike shed.
So now let’s look in a bit more depth and start with one of the most crucial steps on how to store electric bikes in a garage.
Clean your electric bike before storage
Before storing your electric bike, it is important to give it a thorough cleaning.
This includes removing any dirt or debris, wiping down the handlebars, and greasing the chain.
As well as helping to prevent rust and corrosion during storage ...it also makes it easier to get back on the road when you retrieve it from storage.
Here are five of our garage storage experts' best tips to help you clean your electric bike easily:
- Avoid using a pressure washer, as the high-pressure water can damage electrical components.
- Fill a bucket with warm, soapy water, and use a soft brush to scrub the bike's wheels, frame, and any components that have accumulated dirt.
- After scrubbing the bike, rinse thoroughly with water from a garden hose or another clean bucket of water.
- Ensure that you avoid spraying directly on electrical components, like the motor or battery.
- Dry the bike with a clean, soft cloth or towel and wipe off any water to prevent any electrical (and subsequent corrosion) problems.
Another problem caused by moisture is that it can lead to rusting. Components made of metal, including bolts, chains, and gears, can rust when exposed to moisture.
Rusting can make the bike difficult to operate and cause a safety hazard. So it is important to park your bike in a dry area of your garage, away from any water source or moisture buildup.
Keep your electric bike dry
Moisture can cause severe damage to your electric bike.
One of the primary components is the battery, which is the powerhouse of your bike and provides energy to run it.
Moisture can cause the battery to short-circuit, which can lead to serious damage.
Also, the controller, motor, and other electrical components can get damaged due to exposure to moisture, leading to costly repair bills.
To combat this, install a dehumidifier in your garage to keep the air dry and prevent any potential damage.
Alternatively, use a breathable bike cover to shield your bike from dampness.
Take care of the battery
The battery is one of the essential components of an electric bike.
If you're planning to store your e-bike in a garage for an extended period, it's crucial to take proper care of the battery to ensure its longevity and optimal performance.
Make sure the battery is fully charged
One of the most critical steps in taking care of your e-bike battery before storing it in your garage is to make sure it's fully charged.
Leaving your battery partially discharged can lead to permanent damage to the cells since they may be subject to sulfation –– a process that occurs when the battery is left drained for extended periods.
Before storing your bike, charge the battery to its maximum capacity, then disconnect it from the charger.
Store Your Battery in a Cool, Dry Place
The environment where you store your e-bike battery can impact its lifespan and overall performance.
It is recommended that you store the battery in a cool, dry place to avoid exposure to heat and moisture.
Keep it away from direct sunlight, and opt for a location with a consistent temperature, typically between 15 ºC and 20 ºC.
Avoid over-discharging your e-bike battery
Overdischarging your e-bike battery before storage is a big no-no if you want it to last for an extended period.
Over-discharging occurs when you ride your electric bike until it runs out of power, leading to a complete battery drain.
This process can damage the battery cells ...and result in permanent loss of capacity.
Therefore, it's advisable to avoid over-discharging your battery by monitoring its capacity levels frequently.
Storing an electric bike upright
Storing an electric bike upright in your garage can be a bit of a challenge. This is mainly due to its weight when compared to a typical road bike.
However, there are clever ways to hang your e-bike without needing to lift it high and risk back injury.
Using the correct hooks, you can keep the rear wheel on the ground and easily bring the bike up onto its back wheel.
Then, all you have to do is roll the bike against the wall and hook the front wheel. No heavy lifting is required.
This technique is perfect for both single hooks and larger racks with multiple hooks, but it might only work with our GearHooks bike specific hooks which are angled to fit through the spokes. Check out the easy steps below!
- Wheel the bike up to the wall, ensuring it's in line with the hook.
- Hold both brakes and take two steps back - the bike should easily rise onto the back wheel.
- Release the brakes and roll the bike forward on its rear wheel until both wheels hit the wall.
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Finally, hook the front wheel onto a suitable bike hook (such as the GearHooks B1 or wall-mounted racks for three or more bikes) - the bike will tilt slightly but will be firmly held in place.
- Remember, this method only works with angled hooks that can fit easily between the spokes.
Ensure proper ventilation
Finally, ensure proper ventilation in your garage, where you store your electric bike.
The fumes from cars, machinery, or any chemicals stored nearby can cause damage to your bike.
Open windows or install a ventilation system to keep the air flowing to avoid any potential damage.
How to store electric bikes in a garage – To finish on
Proper storage of an electric bike can extend its lifespan and preserve its performance.
Ensure you take care of all the components, including the battery, by cleaning, charging, and storing them correctly.
Keep your bike dry, and invest in good quality and purpose-made garage wall hooks and racks, while always ensuring proper ventilation to prevent damage.
By following our top tips, you can rest assured that your electric bike is always safe and ready to ride!
