When winter hits, and riding conditions turn cold, wet, or icy, most electric skateboard owners put their boards away for a few months. How you store your electric skateboard during winter matters more than many riders realize. Poor storage can permanently damage the battery, corrode electronics, and shorten the overall lifespan of your board.
This guide shares real, practical tips based on how electric skateboards are built and how lithium batteries behave in cold weather. Follow these steps to keep your board healthy, safe, and ready to ride when spring arrives.
Why Winter Storage Matters for Electric Skateboards
Electric skateboards are not just decks and wheels. They contain lithium batteries, sensitive controllers, motors, and wiring that do not react well to cold temperatures or moisture. Winter storage problems often show up later as reduced range, sudden battery failure, rusted bearings, or unresponsive electronics.
Proper storage protects your investment and saves you from expensive repairs or battery replacements.
1. Clean Your Electric Skateboard Before Storage
Before storing your board for the winter, give it a thorough cleaning. Start by wiping down the deck to remove dirt, dust, and road grime. Mud and debris can trap moisture and slowly damage the deck material over time.
Next, clean the wheels and trucks. Remove small stones, sand, or salt residue if you ride in urban areas. Road salt is especially corrosive and can damage metal parts quickly if left on the board.
Finally, dry everything completely. Never store a damp electric skateboard. Even small amounts of moisture can lead to corrosion inside bearings and electronics.
2. Check and Tighten Hardware
Winter storage is a good time for a quick inspection. Check that all bolts, motor mounts, and truck hardware are secure. Loose screws can shift during storage and cause alignment issues later. If you notice rust starting on bolts or washers, replace them before storage.
A quick inspection now prevents unpleasant surprises when riding season returns.
Related: 13 Winter Riding Mistakes That Can Damage Your Electric Skateboard
3. Battery Care During Long-Term Storage
Battery care is the most important part of winter electric skateboard storage.
Do Not Store the Battery Fully Charged or Empty
Lithium batteries last longest when stored at around 40 to 60 percent charge. Storing your board at 100 percent for months stresses the battery cells. Storing it near zero increases the risk of deep discharge, which can permanently damage the battery.
Before storage, ride the board or charge it until it sits in the middle range.
Recharge Periodically During Winter
Even when not in use, lithium batteries slowly lose charge. Check the battery level every 4 to 6 weeks during winter. If it drops below 30 percent, charge it back to around 50 percent.
Do not leave the board unattended on the charger overnight during storage checks. Charge it, unplug it, and store it again.
Store Batteries at Room Temperature
Cold temperatures are harmful to lithium batteries. Never store your electric skateboard in a garage, shed, or car during winter if temperatures drop near freezing.
The ideal storage temperature is between 10°C and 25°C. A closet, spare room, or temperature-controlled basement works well.
4. Protect Electronics From Moisture
Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of electric skateboards.
Avoid Damp Storage Areas
Do not store your board in basements with high humidity or near windows where condensation forms. Even water-resistant boards are not designed for months of moisture exposure. Choose a dry, indoor space with stable humidity.
Use Silica Gel or Dehumidifiers
Placing silica gel packs near the battery enclosure or inside a storage bag helps absorb excess moisture. If you live in a humid area, a small room dehumidifier can make a big difference.
Avoid Plastic Wraps That Trap Moisture
Covering your board can be helpful, but avoid airtight plastic covers. These can trap moisture and worsen condensation. Instead, use a breathable fabric cover or an old bedsheet.
Read: Top 11 Cold-Weather Riding Gears Every Electric Skateboarder Needs
5. Store Your Electric Skateboard in the Right Position
How you position your board during storage also matters. If possible, store the board horizontally on a shelf or rack. Hanging the board by the trucks is also fine and helps reduce pressure on wheels and tires.
Avoid leaving the board standing on its wheels for months, especially if it has pneumatic tires. Long-term pressure can cause flat spots or slow air leaks.
6. Reduce Stress on Wheels and Bearings
For boards with inflatable tires, slightly reduce tire pressure before storage. This reduces stress on the tire walls and helps maintain shape.
Spin the wheels occasionally during winter to keep bearings from settling and to prevent grease from pooling in one area. If your board uses urethane wheels, storing it off the ground prevents uneven wear.
7. Keep the Remote and Accessories Safe
Do not forget about the remote control. Charge the remote battery to around 50 percent and store it in the same temperature-controlled environment as the board. Avoid leaving it fully charged or fully depleted.
Store chargers, tools, and spare parts together in a dry container so everything is easy to find when riding season returns.
8. Avoid Turning the Board On in Extreme Cold
If you need to check the board during winter, allow it to warm up to room temperature before turning it on or charging it. Powering up a frozen battery can cause internal damage.
Let the board sit indoors for several hours before use or charging.
Useful: 3 Long-Range Electric Skateboards You Don’t Want to Miss
Spring Readiness Checklist
When winter ends, take a few minutes to prepare your board for riding again.
- Check battery health and fully charge it
- Inspect all bolts and fasteners
- Spin wheels and listen for bearing noise
- Test brakes and acceleration at low speed first
- Look for any signs of moisture or corrosion
These simple checks ensure a safe and smooth return to riding.
Final Thoughts
Storing your electric skateboard properly during winter is not complicated, but it does require attention to detail. Clean the board, care for the battery, protect electronics from moisture, and store it in a temperature-stable environment.
These real, practical steps can add years to your electric skateboard’s life and ensure it performs just as well when the weather improves. A little effort during winter means more reliable rides and fewer repairs when spring arrives.
