Experts Warn Against E-Bike Mistakes During the Cold Season

For Greater Safety Experts Warn Against E-Bike Mistakes During the Cold Season

2026-10-27 Source: PD-F, ADAC | Translated by AI 3 min Reading Time

For cars, switching to winter tires has long been mandatory. But e-bike riders are often completely unprotected when riding in ice and snow. Experts are now warning against DIY hacks—and revealing how bikes can safely get through the winter.

The right tires are crucial for safety and better control in winter driving conditions.(Source: www.pd-f.de / Luka Gorjup | Lux Fotowerk) — The right tires are crucial for safety and better control in winter driving conditions.
(Source: www.pd-f.de / Luka Gorjup | Lux Fotowerk)

Anyone who commutes to work by e-bike during the cold season is familiar with the problem: As soon as snow falls or freezing rain turns bike paths into slippery slides, every turn becomes a nerve-wracking experience. The right tires are crucial for safety and better control in winter road conditions. The Pressedienst-Fahrrad provides an overview of the various options.

Spikes on Bicycles: Allowed or Banned?

All-season tires such as the Marathon 365 have the required “ECE-R75” certification for use on electric bicycles traveling at speeds up to 50 km/h and can be used.(Source: www.pd-f.de / Luka Gorjup | Lux Fotowerk) — All-season tires such as the Marathon 365 have the required “ECE-R75” certification for use on electric bicycles traveling at speeds up to 50 km/h and can be used.
(Source: www.pd-f.de / Luka Gorjup | Lux Fotowerk)

What has long been strictly prohibited for car drivers is completely legal for regular bicycles and e-bikes (up to 25 km/h / 15.5 mph): studded tires. In black ice conditions, tires with metal studs (e.g., Schwalbe Marathon Plus Spike) are lifesavers. They literally dig into the ice. Rule of thumb: The icier the conditions, the more studs you need.
Warning: Spikes are strictly prohibited on high-speed S-pedelecs (up to 45 km/h / 28 mph). Since these bikes are classified as mopeds, you risk fines and the loss of insurance coverage. In this case, an approved all-weather tire (meeting the “ECE-R75” standard) must be installed.

The Simple, Free Trick for Better Grip

A digital tire pressure gauge provides a quick and accurate reading. To inflate tires properly, we also recommend using a floor pump with a pressure gauge, such as the “Airkompressor 10.0” from SKS Germany.(Source: www.sks-germany.com | pd-f) — A digital tire pressure gauge provides a quick and accurate reading. To inflate tires properly, we also recommend using a floor pump with a pressure gauge, such as the “Airkompressor 10.0” from SKS Germany.
(Source: www.sks-germany.com | pd-f)

If you want to save money on a tire change, you can resort to an old home remedy for occasional drives in the snow: simply let some air out of the tires.
If you reduce the tire pressure to the minimum pressure indicated on the tire sidewall, the tire becomes wider, the contact patch increases, and the wheel immediately gains noticeably more traction. Caution: Don’t rely on the thumb test; use a floor pump with a pressure gauge.

Warning About This Life-Threatening Internet Trend

According to the Fahrrad press service, a supposedly ingenious “life hack” is currently making the rounds on many forums: To save money, cyclists are wrapping thick cable ties around their rims and tires to improve traction.
Warning: The plastic in the cable ties can break or slip in cold weather—a sudden lockup and crash is inevitable.

Storing Your E-Bike for the Winter? Here's How to Prevent Total Battery Failure

E-bike batteries should be stored indoors starting in the fall if the bike is left out in the cold.
(Source: ADAC/Ralph Wagner)

Do you prefer to leave your bike in the bike shed when there’s snow and ice? Then there’s another danger: A new e-bike battery can easily cost up to 1,000 euros—and improper storage often spells certain death for the sensitive cells. Cold temperatures and long periods of inactivity can lead to what’s known as deep discharge. If the voltage drops too low, the battery won’t recharge in the spring and will be ready for the scrap heap.
Follow these ADAC tips to save your battery:

Keep it out of the cold: Remove the battery and store it indoors (ideally at 10 to 20 degrees / 50 to 68 °F).
The 60-Percent Rule: Never fully charge the battery before winter storage, and don't store it when it's completely empty! The ideal state of charge is between 40 and 60 percent. Check the charge level every few weeks.
For winter drivers: If you've been driving outside, let your frozen battery slowly warm up to room temperature after your drive before plugging it in. Charging at sub-zero temperatures damages the battery cells.

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