Cold weather would affect your riding experience on an electric skateboard, batteries drain faster, roads get sketchy, and your usual smooth rides might turn into a bit of a challenge. But does that mean you have to pack up your e-board and wait for spring? Not at all.
Winter riding is totally possible if you know what you're doing. So, how do you stay safe, keep your electric skateboard in good shape, and actually enjoy riding in colder months? I’ve got you covered. And if you’d rather store your electric skateboard until the snow melts, I’ll walk you through the best way to do that without wrecking your electric skateboard.
Winter Riding Tips for Electric Skateboards
1. Check the Weather Before You Ride
First things first, don’t just grab your board and head out blindly. Check the forecast. Heavy snow, black ice, or freezing rain? Maybe you should skip that ride. Cold pavement is one thing, but hidden ice patches can turn your ride into an unexpected ice-skating session.
Moisture is another enemy, water and electronics don’t mix. Keep in mind that UDITER recommends avoiding rides your electric skateboards below 32℉ (0℃). Extreme cold can make the silicone casing on your battery brittle, and no one wants to deal with cracked components mid-winter. While UDITER’s battery cases are built to handle anything from -10°C to 80°C, long exposure to freezing temps would still mess with the battery durability.
Live somewhere with mild winters? Lucky you! Ride as much as you want, but don’t store your electric skateboard outside. Nighttime temps can dip suddenly, shortening your battery’s lifespan before you even realize it.
2. Choose Proper Electric Skateboard Protective Gear
Winter riding means more risk, so proper gear is non-negotiable. A helmet is a must, no excuses. Knee, elbow pads and gloves are smart choice, frozen fingers mean slower reaction times, and you do not want that when you’re cruising at speed. Wear warm layers, but nothing too bulky that’ll mess with your movement.
3. Inspect Your Electric Skateboard Before Riding
Winter is not the time to be lazy with electric skateboard maintenance. Before heading out, take a minute to inspect your electric skateboard:
• Check Electric Skateboard Wheels: Worn-out wheels mean less grip, if your electric skateboard wheels are looking slick, swap them for textured, harder rubber wheels with better traction.
• Charge Electric Skateboard Indoors: Cold drains battery life fast, so charge your e-board at room temperature before you go. A half-dead battery in winter won’t get you far.
• Test your brakes. Ensure the brake on your electric skateboard actually work before flying down the street.
4. Tips On Winter Riding
• Avoid riding on wet or icy roads, your electric skateboard will lose traction on these roads.
• Go slower than usual. No sudden acceleration, no sharp braking. Just smooth, steady riding.
• Plan your route. Stick to low-traffic areas or places where electric skateboards are allowed.
• Keep an eye on your battery life. Cold weather drains it way faster than normal, so always leave enough charge to get home.
Best Way to Store Your Electric Skateboard in Winter
If you’re not riding in the cold, proper storage is key. You don’t want to pull your electric skateboard out in spring only to find a dead battery and rusted parts.
1. Pick the Right Storage Spot
It's better to store your e-board in a place between 10°C to 25°C (50°F–77°F). Avoid places like garages, sheds, or balconies, the outdoor temperature swings are brutal on electronics.
Pick a dry and ventilated place to store. Humidity can cause rust on bearings, motors, or any metal parts on your electric skateboard.
2. Charge the Battery to 50% Before Storage
Never store the battery fully charged or fully drained. Aim for 40%-60% charge to keep it in good condition. If you plan to store your electric skateboard for over a month, recharge the battery every 4-6 weeks to prevent deep discharge or the battery entering a "sleep mode," which could make reactivation difficult. If your electric skateboard has a removable battery, consider storing it separately in a warmer, dry place while keeping the electric skateboard in an appropriate storage space.
3. Give Your Electric Skateboard Some Proper Care Before Storage
• Clean it up. Wipe down the deck, motor, and wheels—especially the bearings—to prevent rust.
• Don’t use water. A damp cloth is fine, but no direct water exposure.
• Check screws on your e-board. Tighten any loose screws before riding your electric skateboard.
Check Your Board for Its First Ride After Storage
When it's time to bring your electric skateboard out of storage, don’t just hop on and go, take a few minutes to inspect it for any issues.
• Battery? Charged and holding power? Good.
• Wheels? No cracks, no weird shapes?
• Brakes? Working smoothly?
• Any loose screws? Tighten them up before your first ride.
Winter riding isn’t off-limits, you just need to ride your electric skateboard smart. Layer up, take it slow, and keep your e-board in top shape. If the weather’s looking brutal, no big deal, store your electric skateboard, and it’ll be good to go when the sun comes back.
Stay safe, have fun, and keep rolling!
