The Accessories You Need for Cycling During Winter

Winter cycling offers a unique opportunity in riding your two-wheeler because there are challenges such as low temperatures, snow-covered roads, and fog, among others. Understandably, riding an electric bike during winter might have few drawbacks because of electric components. However, we believe that with enough skill and preparation, cycling can be safe while enjoyable. We emphasized the importance of preparing your eBike for winter cycling in a previous article: “Winterproof Your eBike: Your Guide for the Coldest Time of the Year”  Now, let’s dive in further in our preparation by gearing up with the right accessories. Whether you are an enthusiast or a daily commuter, you can find value in the items we listed below.

We can separate accessorizing into two categories — for riders and for the eBike. The accessories for riders are mainly for their comfort and safety, while the accessories for eBikes are usually for convenience and protection.

Winter accessories for the rider are:

All of these are just recommendations and it is important to consider your comfort level and choose clothing that would not interfere with the activity. The key in dressing for winter cycling is appropriateness and adequateness — avoid under/overdressing. 

1. Full-Face Helmet This type of helmet offers top-tier protection against the wind and the cold. It is also the safest type of helmet, which is highly recommended for challenging rides such as winter cycling. 

2. Headwear Helmets are designed with vents, allowing airflow and thermodynamics. This is a good feature all year round, but it may not be enough during winter. There are special headwear made for winter like Bern’s Winter Liner. These products are made to provide enough warmth without compromising your safety. You can finally ditch the beanie and wear something perfectly made for helmets. 

3. Windbreaker/Waterproof Jacket Wearing a jacket is a non-negotiable when going outside during winter. A windbreaker/waterproof jacket has lightweight design and provides warmth by blocking wind and light rain. With a jacket on, there is ample space so you can wear a thermal long sleeve underneath.

4. Pants It is recommended to wear layers when protecting your lower body during winter. The base layer is usually a long johns, then a thermal bib for a mid-layer, and then waterproof pants as a protective outer layer.

5. Gloves It is necessary to wear a good pair of gloves when cycling during winter. This is to keep your fingers warm so they don’t go numb. We recommend wearing full-finger gloves, but you may need to wear mitts if the temperature is unbearable.

6. Shoes You may still use your cycling shoes, but you can find a specific pair made for winter cycling. They are designed as a solution to usual problems that you may encounter with regular cycling shoes like when cold and water may seep through the ventilation — a staple feature for regular cycling shoes.

Winter accessories for the eBike are:

1. Reflective elements Your eBike could benefit from having reflective elements on key areas that may show the extents of your eBike and even on the clothes that you are wearing. This accessory is beneficial to increase your visibility on the road during dark and foggy nights.

2. Light All lights are necessary for winter cycling because it allows you to see and be seen. Some provinces include clauses for lights as part of their regulation. Check them to make sure your eBike is up to standard. All provinces in Canada require the use of lights (Find the specific requirements on our Article: Canada’s Rules and Regulations for Electric Bikes

3. Handlebar grips You may opt in adding insulation, putting grip tapes, or installing heated grips. These can improve comfort and control especially during winter.

4. Waterproof covers Some parts are more sensitive than others especially on extreme temperatures. Employing a waterproof cover can help you safeguard these parts and protect the performance of your eBike. Look for the following covers compatible with the parts your eBike have:

• Motor cover

• Battery cover

• Cover for Phone Mount

• Silicon cover for Controllers and Display

• Cargo cover (cover for baskets, bags, etc.)

5. Winter Tires You may be able to change your tires on your eBike, but not all. You should inquire about this matter to your dealer or to its manufacturer before proceeding. If your tires are replaceable, look for one compatible with your tire and wheel size. Winter tires are known for features such as:

• Threads are deep

• Flexible

• Puncture-resistant

• Studded (based on preference)

• Compatible with cold temperature

6. Tools for tire pressure A crucial aspect in winter cycling is maintaining the tire pressure to prevent over- or under-inflating the tires because both of them are unsafe. Overinflated tires are stiff, have less grip, and prone to punctures. Meanwhile, underinflated tires will have you pedalling harder than usual because it increases the rolling resistance. Your motor and battery will use more energy and your ride will be less efficient. Maintaining your tires at recommended pressure gives you better control, stability, and traction.

7. Fenders This accessory can keep both you and your eBike clean and dry because it blocks road spray. Some prefer fenders because this can keep their eyewear clean for clearer vision.

8. For Passengers Do not let winter stop you from bonding with your loved ones, but make sure they are geared up for the activity. Here are some recommended accessories so your passenger can enjoy winter with you:

• Passenger seat

• Seat pads or cushion

• Railing or a handlebar they can hold on to

• Seatbelts

• A full-sized cover

• Warm and comfortable clothing

There are a lot to buy — what should I get first?

The best way to start building your accessories is to start small and work your way up. At home, gather your cycling accessories and see what stuff is readily available. Sort the accessories you do not have yet and prioritize what to get first by what you need the most. To help you further, we have few suggestions on which ones could go first.

The accessories dedicated for safety and visibility must go first. Next, consider the products that can improve the performance of your eBike like brakes, tires, and tire kit. Now, make sure you and your passengers are warm and comfortable. Then secure other electronic parts by providing insulation or waterproof covers. Lastly, equip additional accessories you can find convenient like fenders and grip tape.

What we think here at CLOUD eBikes:

Be an unstoppable force this coming winter by investing in the best and most useful accessories for your eBike. Winter cycling is a unique experience, yes, but not quite the reason to ditch cycling this season. Bring your capable eBike anywhere and ride it til your heart is content, but with warmth, comfort, and safety that the right accessories can offer you.