Winter may be a tough season for electric skateboards. Cold temperatures, snow and ice can all challenge their performance and longevity. If you are an electric skateboard enthusiast, ensuring that your electric skateboard operates smoothly during the winter while extending its lifespan is an important concern. In this blog, we will share some practical winter maintenance tips to help keep your electric skateboard in top condition during the cold season.
SAFETY FIRST
First and foremost, it's not recommended skateboarding in snowy conditions. Here's why:
- Snowy roads are slippery, making it difficult for skateboard wheels to grip the surface. This can lead to loss of control. Additionally, snow splatters on the deck can reduce friction between your shoes and the deck, making it harder to stay balanced.
- Low visibility in snowy weather increases the risk of accidents.
- Braking distances are longer in snowy conditions, increasing the risk of collisions.
- Low temperatures can significantly reduce the range. You may end up draining the battery and have to carry the board back.
Precautions for E-Skateboarding in Snowy Weather
While skateboarding in snowy weather can be tempting, it's important to prioritize safety. Here are a few safety tips if you decide to do so:
Check the Weather Conditions: Before heading out, check the weather forecast and road conditions. Avoid riding if there’s heavy snow, ice, or freezing temperatures, as these can make the surface dangerously slippery.
Prioritize Safety Gear: Always wear a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads. Snowy and icy conditions increase the risk of falls, and wearing the right protective gear can minimize injury.
Check Your Board Before Riding: Make sure your skateboard is in good condition. Please check the battery level, brakes, and wheels to ensure everything is working properly before heading out. If charging is needed, warming the battery slightly before charging is recommended (e.g., by bringing it indoors for a short time), if the board is placed in cold environment.
Stay on Clear Surfaces: Avoid areas with thick snow or ice buildup. Stick to cleared paths or roads that have been treated with salt to prevent slipping.
Ride Slowly: Reduce your speed to maintain better control. Snow and ice can cause your skateboard to slide unexpectedly, so riding at a slower pace allows you to react more quickly to potential hazards.
Use the Right Tires: Consider using all-terrain or winter-specific wheels like OMW 7-inch Pneumatic tires, larger and more durable, provide better performance in snow, and are easier to get the board started. Slightly lower tire pressure can get a better grip on snowy or icy surfaces.
Keep Your Distance: When riding in snowy conditions, keep a safe distance from other riders or pedestrians, as sudden stops or swerves can be dangerous in slippery weather.
Stay safe and enjoy your ride, but always remember that safety should come first in winter conditions!
Winter Storage Tips for Your OMW Electric Skateboard
If you won't be able to ride your electric skateboard for the next few months, here are some tips to help you protect it:- Careful Inspections: Carefully check for any damage to your e-skateboard before storing, especially after riding in harsh conditions.
- Clean Your E-skateboard: Thoroughly clean your E-skateboard to remove dirt, grime, and debris. This will prevent corrosion on metal parts.
- Lubricate Moving Parts: Keep moving parts properly lubricated to prevent them from freezing or seizing up.
- Control Storage Environment: Store your skateboard in an environment with a temperature between 64°F and 86°F (18°C and 30°C) and humidity between 40% and 85%.
- Maintain Battery Level: Keep the battery charged to around 60%(3 bars). Check the battery level monthly and recharge to 60% if it falls below 40%(2 bars).
- Occasional Use: If possible, try to use your skateboard occasionally, even for short rides, or simply drain the battery and recharge it to keep it active.
