Do you ride your e-bike or bicycle in the winter? Just like with motorcyclists, there are significant differences among cyclists: Some brave all weather conditions, while others prefer to pedal in good weather. Whether you're an all-weather rider or prefer milder conditions, riding in winter requires special attention and preparation as soon as you're carrying a child in a trailer or cargo bike. In this article, we'd like to give you helpful tips on how you and your child can get through the cold season safely and comfortably.
How to keep your child warm in the trailer
Of course, you know that children need to be warmly dressed before they get into the trailer or cargo bike in winter. But there are a few additional tricks to best protect little ones from the cold. Make sure your child always wears a warm hat and scarf when it's frosty outside. Protection from the wind is also particularly important: with a rain cover, you can ensure that the wind stays outside and your children are comfortably warm. For babies and toddlers who sit in special toddler seats, an extra blanket is recommended. Special blankets for toddler seats that fit perfectly and are warm are ideal for ensuring optimal warmth. For older children, you can pack a cozy fleece blanket to make even longer winter journeys comfortable.
Prepare your cargo bike or e-bike for winter
After ensuring your children's well-being, you should also winterize your e-bike. Have you ever experienced your e-bike not working properly after a particularly cold night? A common problem is frozen brake cables, caused by moisture in the brake cables. This isn't noticeable in the summer, but problems can quickly arise in cold temperatures. To prevent this, it's advisable to check the brake cables regularly and, if necessary, protect them with special anti-freeze care products.
General bike care is also especially important in winter. After riding through snow and mud, salt and dirt can build up on the bike frame and mechanical components, which can lead to rust and damage over time. Therefore, after every ride, gently rinse your bike with lukewarm water and then dry it thoroughly. A soft cloth is particularly suitable for carefully cleaning sensitive parts like the chain and brakes. Also, remember to service your bike regularly, especially if you leave it outside overnight.
More tips for safe driving in winter
In addition to caring for and keeping your children warm, there are a few other things you should keep in mind in winter.
- Tire choice: In winter, special winter tires with a coarser tread pattern are a wise investment. They offer more grip on slippery surfaces like snow and ice and ensure more stability on the road.
- Lighting: Days are shorter in winter, and the light is often dimmer. Powerful, highly visible bike lights increase not only your safety, but also that of your child. Make sure your lights work well and are bright enough.
- Battery care: E-bike batteries are sensitive to cold. It's best to store the battery indoors at room temperature when not in use. Protecting the battery with a special case while riding can also be helpful to maintain performance in cold weather.
With the right preparation and the right measures, nothing stands in the way of a safe and enjoyable winter ride – for both you and your children. Whether it's rain, snow, or icy cold, with an e-bike and trailer, you're well equipped to stay mobile even during the cold season.
