Prepare your e-bike for summer 2025 with essential maintenance and upgrades. Start with a thorough clean, inspect tyres for wear, and check brake performance. Charge and store your battery safely in warm weather. Upgrade with summer-ready accessories like lightweight helmets, water bottle holders, and pannier racks for longer rides.
Ensure chain lubrication and tighten all bolts to handle heat and longer mileage. Whether you’re commuting or exploring trails, a well-maintained e-bike means safer, smoother, and more enjoyable summer rides.
Discover expert tips and top gear at Storm Sports to keep your e-bike in top condition all season.
1. Heat‑Safe Battery & Storage Tips
Shield your battery, never leave your e‑bike in direct sunlight for long periods, leave it in the shade or indoors (18–25 °C). Smart state of charge: Keep between 30–60% if you won’t be riding daily to preserve cell health. Charge carefully, avoid charging right after long rides—let it cool for 20–30 minutes first.
Cooling & Cleaning Routine:
- Gentle wash after sandy or salty beach rides—use low-pressure water and mild detergent.
- Lubrication once the chain is dry, use some WD40 to lightly lubricate the chain to keep it performing to its maximum performance.Â
- Protect brakes – Dust off with a soft brush; deep clean monthly to avoid overheating hazards.
Inspection Checklist:
- Tyre check: Inflate to manufacturer-recommended summer psi (\~50-60 psi road, \~40-50 psi MTB). Avoid Charging Below Freezing: Charging a frozen battery can damage its cells. If your battery is cold, let it warm up indoors before charging.
- Brake test: Squeeze levers—should feel firm and immediate; bleed or pad-replace if spongy.
- Fasteners: Summer’s heat can loosen bolts—inspect and torque where needed.
2. Safety Gear & Comfort
Wearing the right gear in summer is very important, to keep cool, have clear visibility on the road, have enough hydration when needed.Â
Top Summer Tips:
- Ventilated helmet + sunglasses to keep cool and shield your eyes, you want maximum visibility to see other road users, such as cars and pedestrians. Top Tip, polarized sunglasses give you even more visibility in the bright sunlight.Â
- High-vis accessories such as reflective ankle bands—night rides still happen late.
- Hydration solution:Â Panniers or frame bags with water bottle mounts are essential for longer rides.
Example: An urban commuter who often rides in sunny conditions might often get sunglare, which can be particularly dangerous when at cross-junctions, busy roads, or traffic hot spots. Always be aware of your surrounding, be visible and have maximum visibility at all times – Watch out for other bikes and bikers! Â
3. Top Speedy Summer Tune‑Ups
Going on a picnic? Fancy taking your new Ebike? Get it looking and riding how it should!
Top Tips:
- Quick rinse + lube:Â after riding on grass, dusty roads and definitely the beach! Dust dirt and debris can get between tyres, into the chain and cause rust.
- Brake checks:Â Always do a brake check, first thing, last thing and after going through puddles! Again also sand.Â
- Weekly battery top‑up: (if riding often); store at \~50%
Example: An off-road explorer, riding on the beach can often get sand trapped between brakes and the tyres causing poor to slow brake performance, always keep this in mind and clean up after long rides.Â
4. Lube it up: Keep Moving Parts in Motion
Summer months, means longer rides and different cycling terrains, off-road, dusty roads, mud, grass, beach and more!
Lubrication Tips:
- Use a Wet Lube: Dry lubes are more resilient against dirt, grit and mud making them ideal for summer. Apply it to the chain, derailleurs, and any other moving parts exposed to the elements.
- Wipe Off Excess Lubricant: After applying, wipe away the excess with a cloth to prevent dirt accumulation.
- Reapply Regularly:Â You may need to reapply every couple of weeks, depending on how often you ride.
Example: A recreational rider who frequently rides on salted roads, sandy beaches or muddy terrains might notice a rusty chain if they only lubricate monthly. Switching to a dry lube, will help prevent ingress of the those dirt, debris and sand.
5.  Brake Check: Vital for Summer Safety
Summer riding brings heat, dust, and longer distances—factors that can impact your braking performance.
Brake Maintenance Tips:
Inspect Brake Pads and Rotors: High temperatures and dusty trails can cause faster wear. Check pads regularly and replace them if they’re thinning or uneven.
- Clean Brake Components: After each ride, wipe down rotors and calipers to remove dust and grime that can reduce stopping power.
- Monitor for Brake Fade: On long downhill rides in hot weather, brakes may feel less responsive. If this happens, stop to cool down and inspect pads for glazing.
Example: A rider tackling summer trails with steep descents may experience heat-induced brake fade. Regular cleaning and pad inspection can restore consistent braking and boost rider confidence.
6.  Lights and Visibility: Stay Seen, Stay Safe
While summer offers longer daylight hours, visibility can still be compromised by glare, shaded trails, or evening rides.
Lighting Tips:
Use Daytime Running Lights: Even during daylight, a flashing front and rear light improves visibility to motorists in bright or shadowed areas.
- Add Reflective Elements: Use reflective ankle bands, helmet stickers, or frame decals to stand out, especially at dusk or under tree cover.
- Check Battery Life: Long summer rides can drain lights—charge them before every trip and carry backups if riding after dark.
Example: A cyclist commuting home at sunset may blend into the background without lights. Using daytime running lights and reflective gear helps ensure drivers spot them early and clearly.
7. Summer Storage for Your E-Bike
Even during riding season, your e-bike may spend time parked—especially during holidays, hot spells, or weekends away. Storing it properly protects both performance and lifespan.
Storage Tips:
Keep It Cool and Shaded: Avoid leaving your e-bike in direct sun or inside hot vehicles. Store in a shaded, ventilated spot when not in use.
Battery Management: If not riding for several days, store the battery at around 50% charge and disconnect it from the bike.
Clean Before Storing: Dust, sweat, and grime can damage components over time—wipe the bike down and apply chain lube if it’s staying put for a while.
Example: A rider taking a weeklong break during peak heat can maintain their e-bike’s performance by storing it indoors, partially charged, and clean—ready for smooth rides on return.
Final Thoughts
Summer e-bike care doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right maintenance routine, you’ll boost your bike’s performance, extend its lifespan, and stay safe on every sun-filled adventure. From protecting your battery in the heat to checking your brakes and gearing up for visibility, every step counts.
So whether you’re cruising coastal roads, commuting under clear skies, or exploring dusty trails, you can ride confidently knowing your e-bike is summer-ready. Embrace the season, stay cool, and make the most of every warm-weather mile!
