How to Get Your Ebike Ready for Spring

Two women ride in sunny weather on a RadRunner 3 Plus in a suburban neighborhood.

Sure, you can ride an ebike year-round, but plenty of riders wait for warmer weather before hitting the road.

If your ebike’s been in storage for a while, a quick checkup can keep you safe all season long. Here’s what to look for before taking it out of hibernation and getting back in gear for spring.

Two college students ride a RadKick ebike on campus.

How to Check & Charge Your Ebike Battery After Storage

Your battery is the most expensive component of your ebike, so it makes sense to start with a little TLC before your first ride.

What to Do:

Inspect before charging: Check the battery and mount for dirt, rust, corrosion, or leakage. Also, inspect the charger and cables for any signs of damage.
Check the charge level: If your battery was stored for more than two weeks, it should be at 40-70% for long-term storage — so you may need to top it off before riding.
Charge safely: If charging on your ebike, power it off first. Always charge in a stable, uncovered spot so the battery can air cool, and only use the official charger that came with your ebike.
If your battery wont charge or isn’t holding a charge contact customer support ASAP and our team will help you troubleshoot.

Pro Tip: For more in-depth battery care, check your Owner’s Manual or revisit the Rad Power Bikes' Battery Essentials.

Ebike Battery Temperature Tips

Just like you, your battery doesn’t like extreme temperatures, so be mindful before riding or charging.

Charge indoors: Keep temperatures between 41-77°F, away from direct sunlight and tripping hazards.
Avoid extreme heat: Riding in temperatures above 105°F can strain the battery, reduce its lifespan, and potentially lead to safety hazards.

Check Your Ebike Tires Before You Ride

Whether you have a RadWagon cargo ebike or a RadRover fat tire ebike, if your bike has been in storage, your tire pressure has likely dropped — and riding on underinflated tires can hurt your range, handling, and safety.

What to Do:

Check the PSI: Find the recommended PSI printed on the sidewall of your tire and inflate as needed.
Inspect for damage: Look for cracks, dry rot, embedded debris, or worn treads.
Spin the wheels: Make sure they rotate smoothly without wobbling or rubbing against the brakes.

Pro Tip: Properly inflated tires reduce battery strain and help you get more miles per charge.

Check Your Brakes and Safety Features

After months in storage, your brakes may feel different — they could be too tight, too loose, or show signs of wear. A quick check ensures safe stopping power before your first ride.

What to Do:

Test the brake levers: Squeeze both front and rear brake levers to make sure they feel firm and responsive. If they feel spongy, they may need adjustment.
Check the brake pads: Inspect the pad thickness—if the material looks thinner than the metal backing, it’s time for a replacement.
Look for wear and tear: Make sure brake hoses and rotors aren’t cracked, frayed, or excessively worn.
Ensure proper alignment: The brake pads should be correctly positioned in relation to the brake rotors — if they’re misaligned, they could cause uneven wear or weak braking power.
Test the motor cutoff switch: Your ebike’s brake levers should automatically cut power to the motor when squeezed. Check that the taillight brightens when you pull each brake lever — if not, you may need an adjustment.

Need to make adjustments? Check out our guide on adjusting hydraulic and mechanical disc brakes for step-by-step instructions.

Pro Tip: If your brakes feel weak, make noise, or drag, they may need a quick tune-up at a Rad-authorized local bike shop.

Two women ride a RadRunner 3 Plus on a suburban street in sunny weather.

Check & Lubricate Your Chain

Your chain is the heart of your ebike’s drivetrain, and after months in storage, it may be dry, dirty, or even rusty. A quick clean and lubrication can improve shifting, extend chain life, and make your ride feel smoother.

What to Do:

Inspect the chain: Look for rust, dirt buildup, or stiff links that could affect performance.
Check for chain stretch: A worn chain can cause premature wear on the chainring and freewheel. If it skips while pedaling or feels loose, it may need replacing.
Lubricate properly: Apply a high-quality bike chain lube (wet or dry, depending on riding conditions) to each link, then wipe off any excess with a clean rag.
Check the drivetrain alignment: Make sure the chain moves smoothly through the derailleur, chainring, and freewheel without skipping or grinding.

Pro Tip: Avoid using WD-40 or household oils since they attract dirt and don’t provide the long-term protection your chain needs. Stick to a bike-specific lubricant for the best results.

Final Ebike Safety Checks

For the safest ebike rides, make sure you go through Rad Power Bike’s official pre-ride checklist before every ride:

The seat must be properly adjusted to the operator's leg length, not extend beyond the minimum insertion point, and be securely tightened (not able to slip or twist).
The handlebar must pass the twist and push tests described in the handlebar twist & push test guide. You must be able to move your handlebar both left and right without interference from any accessories. Turning your handlebar must not pull any cables taut or strain electrical connections.
The battery should have enough charge to get you where you need to go before your next charging opportunity. Remove the key from the battery or frame before riding.
The brakes must securely stop both wheels, and brake levers must operate easily. When the brake levers are fully squeezed, there must be enough space between the lever and your handlebar grip to not pinch any fingers on the handlebar grip.
The wheels must be securely attached, with axles tightened according to the Owner's Manual instructions and torque values. If your front wheel has a quick-release lever, be sure to secure it according to the instructions in the front wheel with a quick-release lever installation guide.
The tires must be properly inflated, not wobble when spinning, and not have any cuts, cracks, bulges, or bald spots.
The chain should have some flex, but not be "floppy" or sagging.
All moving parts (chain, wheels, cranks, etc.) must be clear of any gear, clothing, straps, or other objects that might touch, interfere, or rub against them.
All bolts and other fasteners must be tightened according to the instructions and torque values specified in your Owner's Manual. Accessories must be securely attached according to manufacturer's instructions.

Your Owner's Manual includes a comprehensive safely checklist tailored for your ebike model, so always review that information before riding your ebike.

A woman poses by the beach on her RadRunner 3 Plus on a sunny day.

Time to Ride!

Once your ebike is tuned up and ready to roll, it's time to take a spin. But before you do, keep an eye on your riding conditions to protect both your bike and your battery.

What to Watch For:

Avoid extreme heat: Riding in temperatures above 105°F can shorten battery lifespan or lead to fire hazards.
Keep away from salt water: Direct exposure can corrode metal components.
Never submerge your ebike in water: Ebikes can handle rain, but full submersion will cause electrical damage.
Store wisely: Avoid prolonged sun exposure and store in a cool, dry place.
Don’t forget the basics: Your body needs maintenance too. Always wear a helmet, apply plenty of sunscreen, and bring a bottle of water for some much-needed hydration.