If an electric motorcycle stands for weeks without care, the traction battery slowly loses charge and the small 12 V battery (if fitted) can go flat. A lithium battery left almost empty for a long time can be damaged and may refuse to charge. Good storage keeps the battery at a safe level and temperature. Follow your own manual first; the values below are one maker's advice, as an example.
Safety
- Store and charge on a hard, non-flammable floor, away from exits and sleeping areas.
- Do not store a battery that is damaged, swollen or was in water. See Handle a damaged battery pack.
Steps
- Clean and dry the bike. Do not use a pressure washer on the motor, controller or battery area.
- Choose a place out of direct sun and rain. Indoor storage is best; outdoors, use a breathable, weather-resistant cover (Zero). Zero Motorcycles advises storing at 10 to 35 °C.
- Battery charge: follow your manual. As an example, Zero says to leave the bike plugged in so the BMS can manage the charge, and that its BMS lowers the battery to about 80% after 30 days. If the bike is not plugged in and drops below 30%, Zero says to charge it.
- Check the charge every month: Zero says to turn the key every 30 days to check SoC.
- 12 V battery: if your bike has one, keep it on a suitable maintenance charger, or disconnect it as the manual says. Some EVs cannot wake up with a flat 12 V battery even when the main battery is full (SolarQuotes). See Check the 12 V auxiliary system.
- Tyres: pump to the correct pressure. Use the centre stand if you have one.
- Swap-battery bikes: tell the operator if you will not ride for a long time. Gogoro, for example, asks riders to swap at least once every 30 days and to contact the network to suspend the plan if they will not ride for that long. Do not keep an operator's battery at home unless they say you may.
- Before riding again: charge fully. Zero advises charging for 24 hours before the first ride so the cells can balance. Then check brakes, tyres, lights and do a short test ride: Pre-ride check.
Check your work
- The SoC stays at the level your manual recommends during storage.
- The bike wakes up and charges normally after storage.
If it did not fix the problem
- Bike will not wake: Small 12 V battery is flat.
- Battery will not charge after storage: Battery will not charge.
Reference values
| Item | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Storage temperature | Zero Motorcycles: 10 to 35 °C | Zero long-term storage guide |
| BMS storage level after 30 days plugged in | Zero Motorcycles: about 80% SoC | Zero long-term storage guide |
| Charge if unplugged and below | Zero Motorcycles: 30% SoC | Zero long-term storage guide |
| Check interval | Zero Motorcycles: every 30 days | Zero long-term storage guide |
| Charge before first ride | Zero Motorcycles: 24 hours | Zero long-term storage guide |
| Swap interval | Gogoro: at least once every 30 days | Gogoro product information |