Do you ride your e-bike or bicycle in winter? Just like with motorcyclists, there are clear differences among cyclists: some bravely defy all weather conditions, while others prefer to pedal when the weather is nice. Regardless of whether you are an all-weather rider or prefer to ride in milder conditions - as soon as you take a child with you in a trailer or cargo bike, riding in winter requires special attention and preparation. In this article, we would 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 in winter before they are put in the trailer or cargo bike. But there are a few additional tricks to protect the little ones from the cold as best as possible. Make sure that your child always wears a warm hat and scarf when it is 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. An additional blanket is recommended for babies and toddlers who sit in the special toddler seat. Special blankets for toddler seats that fit perfectly and are warm are ideal for ensuring that the warmth is optimally retained. For older children, you can pack a cozy fleece blanket to make even longer journeys in winter comfortable.
Prepare your cargo bike or e-bike for winter
After you have ensured the well-being of your children, you should also prepare your e-bike for winter. Have you ever experienced your e-bike not working properly after a particularly cold night? A common problem is frozen brake cables, which are caused by moisture in the brake cables. In summer, this is not noticeable, but problems can quickly arise in low temperatures. To prevent this, it is advisable to check the brake cables regularly and, if necessary, protect them against freezing with special care products.
General care of your bike is also particularly important in winter. After riding through snow and mud, salt and dirt can build up on the bike frame and mechanical parts, which can lead to rust and damage in the long term. Therefore, after every ride, you should carefully rinse your bike with lukewarm water and then dry it thoroughly. A soft cloth is particularly good for carefully cleaning sensitive parts such as 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 your children and keeping them warm, there are a few other things you should keep in mind in winter.
- Tire choice: In winter, special winter tires with a coarser profile are a sensible investment. They offer more grip on slippery surfaces such as snow and ice and ensure that you are more stable on the road.
- Lighting: The days are shorter in winter and the light is often weaker. Powerful lighting on your bike that is clearly visible not only increases your safety, but also that of your child. Make sure that your lights work well and are bright enough.
- Battery care: E-bike batteries are sensitive to cold. It is best to store the battery indoors at room temperature when you do not need it. It can also be helpful to protect the battery with a special cover while riding to maintain performance in cold weather.
With the right preparation and the right measures, nothing stands in the way of a safe and pleasant ride in winter - both for you and your children. Whether it's raining, snowing or freezing cold, with the e-bike and trailer you are well equipped to stay mobile even in the cold season.
