5 WINTER battery care tips for e-bikes, e-scooters and esk8s

Learn how to make your own battery with my book DIY Lithium Batteries: amzn.to/2jbxvzS or check out my second book - The Ultimate DIY Ebike Guide: amzn.to/2BGx4Fn
Here are some of the products I use:
Bafang BBS01 kit: goo.gl/VxhTHu
Bafang BBS02 kit: goo.gl/9cfWfk
Bafang BBSHD kit: goo.gl/dWX2pm
250W complete e-bike kit: goo.gl/7HSQye
500W complete e-bike kit: goo.gl/xWPgtj
1,000W complete e-bike kit: goo.gl/UdUWK9
36V 13Ah Hailong (shark) battery: goo.gl/K9PsuC
48V 15 Ah triangle battery: goo.gl/6zjneY
52V 17.5 Ah triangle battery: goo.gl/e1E8ug
All ebike batteries: goo.gl/7pAi9Z
All 18650 cells: goo.gl/hYWnwU
Xiaomi QiCycle: goo.gl/Ys6JTZ
500 Wh folding e-bike: goo.gl/UWgoJU
Weird suspension folding e-bike: goo.gl/T9xBqN
Segway ES2 scooter (AliExpress): goo.gl/32szNF
Segway ES2 scooter (Gearbest): goo.gl/25URD9
Xiaomi M365 scooter: goo.gl/iEQWJw
100W Flexible solar panel: goo.gl/jK1CSB
100W Folding solar panel: goo.gl/WnHmgY
Cycle Analyst: goo.gl/RsmE3N
The parts that I use for building batteries:
18650 cells: goo.gl/aEabAQ
18650 positive insulating washer: goo.gl/HBVOuc
Nickel strip: goo.gl/VIrNQq
Spot welder: goo.gl/KN3Uaw
BMSs: goo.gl/S6gSQx
Silicone wire: goo.gl/xmpbKD
Black 18650 cell spacers: goo.gl/hQxWF6
Vruzend cell spacers: goo.gl/5ReLqA
Large heat shrink tubing: goo.gl/6v1ow9
Small heat shrink tubing: goo.gl/OU3Z6u
Foam sheet for protecting battery: goo.gl/5e71tE
Kapton tape: goo.gl/D6BT57
Chargers: goo.gl/js0T0V
**Question response book giveaway rules**
When you guys asks questions in the comments of my videos, I'll try to answer them. If there are questions that I think would make a good video response, I'll choose them to do a longer segment. If I choose your question for a video response, you'll win a copy of my book The Ultimate DIY Ebike Guide (the paperback or the ebook), or my book DIY Lithium Batteries.
Here are some things that KZbin makes me say: This contest is not sponsored by KZbin and KZbin isn't affiliated with it. I'm supposed to provide a link to the community guidelines for KZbin (kzbin.infocommunity_gu.... KZbin is not a sponsor of this "contest" and by participating, you are releasing KZbin from any potential liability, whatever that might be. Privacy notice: I won't steal your info. If you do win, you can choose to send me your address so I can mail you a paperback copy of the book (or some other prize if that changes) or you can send me an email address and I'll send you a copy of the ebook. I will do everything in my power to immediately forget your personal information afterwards.
Music by Kevin Macleod

[@rocheuro]

golden rule discharging your li-po's: - using your batteries - try not to discharge below 15-20% (should avoid discharging completely) - during winter 40-100% - for long storage - 50-75% charged. (preferably around 50%) , - for safety should use batteries below -15/-20max degress C. - after riding below 0*C bring home wait 2hours in warm and then recharge. the worst thing you can do to your batteries 1. expose to heat (45*C and more) and use / charge when its very cold (below -15*C) 2. store on a full charge or full discharge for long peroid of time 3. discharging batteries to flat 0%.

[@jimjim2822]

Thanks… great tips! Got a Giant e-Trance a couple months ago. I’ve never done any winter riding but I am now. Living in the “great white frozen north” (Canada) your tips are exactly what I needed. 👍👍

[@jdmccorful]

I'm about to do a mid Bafang upgrade on my bike. Looking forward to this project. I've enjoyed reading two of your DIY'S, the one on Batteries and the other on bikes. Keep up the videos. Thanks

[@97ajf]

Love the tips. Defintitely will help me maintain my escooter that I have been experiencing issues with battery in winter. I would not charge fully, of course to maintain battery longevity, but I found that my performance was pretty terrible and I was even running out of charge by the time I hit my destination, as my e scooter is for short commutes only with a modest max range of only 8-10 miles in optimum conditions. Now I know how to maintain performance through winter to get me to my destination safely. 👍👍👍👍

[@Makemrule1973]

Just repaired my 48v eMTB battery after watching your school, I had x5 dead cells - replaced and back out on the dirt. I don't think the winter killed them as your advice I had done already so maybe they were NG anyway and the lack of use over the past few months. Keep up the school :)

[@TheElokim]

Thank you, adding a bikeboard to the front this year (live in Mtns), so your info is really GREAT!! Thank you!!!

[@ANTxMC]

Its cold 80% of the time here in the UK so thanks for the tip. I'll take my battery out when i get to work. Thanks!

[@LChow-xq3xm]

Thanks for all those informitive videos you make for us.

[@stackcruiser7]

Love the free swag endorsements at the beginning. Mica lives my dream job.

[@chrisackert8774]

Great advice for cold weather, Thanks!

[@environmentalcanadian2338]

Just the information an Ebiking Canadian needs. Thanks brother, Calvin.

[@hughmccormick6844]

really like the videos, they help me to learn about batteries for my bikes

[@Kyle22030]

Thank you! Very useful tips 😀

[@awo1fman]

A couple of things I hadn't heard before. Informative as always.

[@charleswerba8722]

Another great video... keep them coming!

[@edwardshonka4068]

I like watching your videos I learn a lot from your videos keep up the good work

[@BillyLew]

Thanks for the upload. Really need some good info for my scooter.

[@dimamanzano]

I really love your videos, great job.

[@R.B.forMER_S.]

Yeah so do I Micah is good at giving tips and hints,very useful info.

[@redbets1]

This was really helpful. Charged my battery full before storing it for the winter. Now I'm hoping for a warm day to discharge some of it.

[@jamesgrennan]

Good advice, didn’t realize the damage I could cause to my battery in winter . Top man . Thanks

[@Mishakol1290]

That's about he stupidest and more retarded thing to have to learn from someone on the internet, when the battery manuals never say anything at all about cold weather charging being forbidden or bad for your battery. Sounds like a bunch of bs trying to make you worried for no reason.

[@StigBSivertsen]

Thanks for the great tips and thanks for the video 😊

[@kyleniedermeier6651]

Great tips! I didn't know all of these!

[@samw514]

great video, thanks for the tips.

[@michaelkerr4545]

Great videos ! Keep up the great work Could you make a video or comment how to waterproof your electric devices ? I.e bike e-skateboard etc (Would like to waterproof my Onewheel)

[@jaimesmoran4136]

Great video, very informative.

[@badgeofhonour]

Thanks for the tips.

[@JohnnysCafe_]

Very useful information, thank you 👍

[@nettoyageadriance]

Awesome tips!

[@etiennegignac]

Good info! I was just wondering about that the other day!

[@pl-ps2pd]

Great tips. Thanks Micah

[@crowhurd]

Subscribed! Great content!

[@jovahsangel]

Good information for cold conditions. 😎🤙

[@LAPGOCHINSTRUCTOR]

Great very timely and useful video Happy Thanksgiving all

[@bradybrown510]

Great info, thx again for sharing

[@JCBike32]

Very informative and very well done .! just ran across your channel... just got an Ebike ... rarely gets that cold in South Mississippi but love the charging tips 👍👍

[@TheronChaplin]

Thanks for the tips!

[@a-aron2276]

Great video, a lot of people dont realise the affect winter has. Another point to add is to check what your cell capacity is at 0°c . As i know i was caught by this on my first ebike, along with the increased voltage sag is that your battery capacity is infact lower due to the lower voltage. So where you might have 2.9ah for the summer you might only have 2.5 - 2.7ah in winter. Which also means a 1C discharge is different in winter than summer so watch your power output. Safe riding :)

[@a-aron2276]

I said lower voltage when i ment lower temperature, woops. Micah if you pick my comment can you ignore the typo :P

[@morenituvieja]

cool tips!!! thanks m8!!

[@stvcolwill]

Looks Freaking Freeeeeeezing!!!!! Thanks for another great video!!

[@stevenm9236]

Great info. thanks

[@Swimmydude11]

I don't typically have cold weather where I live but here I am watching.

[@djlourisme]

Great tips thanks

[@markgratto8734]

Great video

[@jozefznanec9826]

Nice video Mike

[@carltrottier1324]

Thanks for the heads up. Appréciated !

[@sergiocastillo380]

i would love to see a video explaining the differences between mid drives vs hub motors

[@DENSUTUBE2008]

Great info everyone should know.

[@giotinez]

Thanks it helps a lot

[@mikesmicroshop4385]

Cool thanks for the information!

[@jamesnewsom5899]

Another great and informative vid. Thank you. Do you have recommendations on 4" fat studded tires for E-bike cruisers?

[@Troobeli69]

Good advices. Thanks!

[@tkassim]

very helpful tips thanks

[@elscanoe]

thanks for the tips!

[@ebhodaghe5431]

Good video 👍🏿

[@mattalford3932]

My scooter has BMS. It protects the battery pack from overcharges. It also prevents 100% drain on the battery. If you leave it 100% dead the BMS will brick the battery, and void the warranty. Pretty neat for a 700 dollar electric scooter. Most lithium ion battery packs have some form of BMS. Even lithium drill battery packs.

[@freeetosaywhatilike7473]

Great tip

[@abdulmajeedroshan]

Great advice.

[@shadowdance4666]

I thought on how to insulate my battery on my trips and came up with using 2 neoprene thigh wraps on top of a bread bag for wind. You can cut or tear the bag to make your connections. The wrap goes across battery & down tube

[@johnreese3762]

Super, thanks!!

[@luisalbino5095]

Nice life project keep up, the environment is thankful ;)

[@jacob1628]

Fantastic!

[@k9teamzagrebskolazapse149]

Thanks good tips

[@carlbole2142]

very good video dude(coming from a 11 year lifepo4 user)...cheers

[@robertmartinez9786]

Sweet thanks bro!!!

[@Keppler22b]

Thanks!

[@Awsomeman328]

I've always kept it as a general rule to never store &/or charge the battery outside except for the summer and to never ride my bike when it gets to around 0*F.

[@kellyfarrell542]

I live in Upstate New York where temperatures are below freezing for most of January. I have taken scooter out, quick trips to the store or pharmacy, 5 city blocks away. I have MS, don't drive anymore.. Does it where on the battery? Yes. I can see that it takes double amount chrg normally use in above-freezing temperatures. I never take it out in snow or rain. I've been riding ft for probably 5 yrs. I changed the batteries myself and I always have a backup.

[@samclarke1495]

Great help I live in a colder climate and was wondering if it was good for the battery to run them in cold weather

[@lamasta1]

Commuting to work in low teen temps (Fahrenheit) so this info is very timely.

[@ThanosSustainable]

Great video. Thinking of translating to Greek!

[@JoakimGarde]

Thank you, god advice!

[@dimyttt1780]

You are amazing Micah!! Always giving us the best solutions to safely ride our electric means pf transport.. i am following your tips :)

[@D60Ebby]

Good advice.

[@pirpy2]

Hello Should I put my e-scooter in to the garage to 18 C or shal I leave it outside over te winter.

[@joeltaylor4821]

Good video. With a smart charger, is there a scenario where the smart charger will not charge the battery because the pack is too cold? Or does the battery controller decide if the pack is in temperature range to charge?

[@colonelwirehead2045]

WOW.... snow not seen that for many years, were lucky to get below 15c here in winter and summer 25c to 45c. how about a how to care for batteries in HOT climates.

[@GeorgeFryd]

Any ice on the road will still flip you off on a corner, even at lower speeds, especially with bikes where the weight of motor and battery adds that extra umph. I learnt the hard way, once or twice.

[@WHITELIONNYC]

Pretty much if it's too cold for me to go outside to buy coffee just leave the ebike alone. Got it!

[@theamazoner4075]

does the ancheer battery use lifepo4 or Li-ion i like lifepo4 because of it's longevity but Li-ion for the price thanks

[@lonewolf14779]

very good again

[@xTinBenderX]

Great info! Where were these tips years ago?

[@mikebravo6636]

Thanks Micah will discharge ORBEA GAIN to 50 percent rather than keeping topped up. Only problem battery not removable and garage only location. Any tips for insulation for battery or not necessary?

[@iamuiamu4569]

Hi , im planning on storing my scooter for the winter , i was thinking of keeping it in a unheated garage temp can get to -35 will my battery be alright ?

[@wdj935]

Nice

[@ronhearell2668]

Use small rv watse heaters to leave it at a good temp it will only turn on when close to freezing put a protective barrier between it and the battery itt will turn itself off and on and you can get them 12v or 48v so easy also you should add a cold trickle charger and cold protection bms

[@darcygibbons3836]

Timely tips!

[@wheeliekingsdarmstad]

What temperature is the perfect temperature for stoaring? Thanks a lot

[@mattiefrey716]

I have a Talaria XXX and it can get to 15F here and sometimes even colder in NY during winter. It's kind of a pain to get the battery out because I have to swing down the rear wheel. And I'm unable to bring the entire bike inside. Is it fine to leave it in the garage? I've heard it shouldn't damage the battery but I've also heard that it will.

[@rynmcmahon]

Thanks for all the videos. Can you do a video on the best setup for getting a heavy (fat) guy up a hill on a 700c road bike?

[@chrisvergari2705]

I think you mentioned that you're living in the Boston area now so I see you did get some snow from that storm a few days ago.

[@DOTCurrency]

Do one about hot batteries. Also is it okay to house batteries in an insulated container when driving in winter?

[@jrotor3301]

Great info Micah. Is it helpful to cycle the battery once a month during the winter or is keeping it at storage level adequate?

[@nl1cat]

Jrotor 2nd option and check the soc now and then.

[@siyavash65]

nice tips! what about the motor and controller in very cold temperatures?

[@l3MTA3l]

Are there trickle chargers if you plan not to use your electric vehicles for several months maybe a year?

[@mikelech1545]

I put a couple of cheap 5v boot warmer pads under my battery bag, keeps the battery a little warmer.

[@AdamSolar]

Nice Tips! What kind of capacity loss do you think happens from storing at 100%? Or how long is it ok to store at 100%? I tell people as long as they are riding at least weekly not to worry about it. Trying to keep a pack around 50%- 80% SOC might be a bigger deal for a lot of people than it is worth.

[@RavindraKempaiah]

The loss could be such that the usable cycles may reduce to 400 instead of 700+. The decay in capacity is not linear... it is exponential. The impedence build up is what prompts this exponential decay.

[@patswayze2493]

Is there a way to discharge the batteries. It's already full blown winter here with a lot of snow, so riding is out

[@xeroxwc]

Thanks for your tips. But Could you please tell us about the motorcycle on which you are sitting? is it an electric motorcycle? What technical characteristics does it have?. Thanks

[@securitor8161]

I want to push my bike below -20 Celsius because I'm used to doing it with my mechanical bikes for years and years I've written as cold as -50 wondering if anyone has any solutions for battery protection for the bike for the winter if you wanna push it other than neoprene cover

[@audiecarter8886]

Can you explain AH in batteries and how that relates to the power?