Get your VELLO Bike Ready for Winter: Your Bike Maintenance Guide for Autumn and Winter
How do you get your bike ready for winter? Whether you’re storing your VELLO for the winter or keeping on riding through cold, rain and snow, the right care protects the frame, drivetrain, brakes and battery from the strain of the cold season.
Which steps make sense depends on your model. A folding bike without a motor needs different care than an e-folding bike with a Bosch or Zehus drive. With the VELLO SUB, you also need to consider how wet and slippery roads affect the handling of a loaded cargo bike.
This guide shows you how to winterize your VELLO folding bike, VELLO Bike+, VELLO VIA+ or VELLO SUB, from battery storage and drivetrain care to the bike check after the winter break.
Getting your bike winter-ready: The key points at a glance
- Winter storage: Clean and dry your bike, then store it protected from moisture.
- E-bike battery: Store Bosch and Zehus batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Drivetrain: Clean and lubricate bike chains; care for Gates Carbon Drive belts without oil.
- Winter rides: Remove road salt; check tyres and brakes regularly.
- Maintenance: Schedule a professional bike check at least once a year.
What winter care does your VELLO Bike need?
Whether it’s a normal folding bike, an electric folding bike like Bike+ and VIA+ or our cargo bike SUB, every VELLO has different components. The following overview shows what to pay particular attention to on your model.
| Model | Drive | Winter Care |
|---|---|---|
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Zehus all-in-one drive with integrated battery and Gates Carbon Drive belt |
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Bosch Hub Line drive TOUR: chain URBAN: Gates Carbon Drive belt |
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Bosch Cargo Line drive and Gates Carbon Drive belt |
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Specifications may vary depending on the model generation and equipment. Please refer to the respective user manual.
How to prepare your bike for the winter break?
If you won’t be using your VELLO over the winter, clean it thoroughly and let it dry completely. Remove dirt and salt residue and store your bike somewhere as dry and well-ventilated as possible. Check the tyres, brakes and moving parts before storing it so any damage can be spotted early.
How do you store your e-bike battery correctly over winter?
The right battery care depends on the drive system. While the Zehus battery of the VELLO Bike+ is integrated into the rear hub, the VELLO VIA+ and VELLO SUB use removable Bosch batteries.
| Model | Battery System | Storage |
|---|---|---|
| VELLO Bike+ |
 Zehus all-in-one drive, battery integrated in the rear hub. |
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| VELLO VIA+ |
Removable Bosch PowerMore 250 Wh battery |
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| VELLO SUB |
Removable Bosch PowerPack battery |
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How to care for the Zehus battery of the VELLO Bike+?
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On the VELLO Bike+, the motor, battery and electronics are integrated into the rear hub. For longer periods of non-use, Zehus recommends:
For the VELLO Bike+ AUTOMATIC, you should also follow the model-specific instructions for calibrating the tilt sensor after a longer period of non-use. |
How to store the Bosch batteries of the VELLO VIA+ and SUB?
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The removable Bosch batteries of the VELLO VIA+ and VELLO SUB should be stored as follows during longer breaks from riding:
After riding in sub-zero temperatures, let cold batteries reach a suitable temperature before charging. Range may drop temporarily in cold weather. |
How to care for chain and belt drives in winter?
Road salt, dirt and moisture can stress the bike drivetrain. It is important to know whether your VELLO uses a chain or Gates Carbon Drive belt drive.
| Drive | VELLO models | Winter care |
|---|---|---|
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Chain drive |
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Belt drive |
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Important: Oil and grease must never get onto brake discs or brake pads.
How do you protect your VELLO when riding in winter?
After particularly dirty rides, remove road salt and slush as soon as possible with water and a soft cloth. Use a mild bike cleaner if needed, then dry your bike.
Important: Avoid using a pressure washer, as water can get into bearings, seals and electrical components.
On the VELLO SUB, it’s also worth checking the rear rack, footboards, kickstand and accessory mounts, as a lot of dirt and salt residue tends to collect there.
What to keep in mind with the VELLO SUB in winter?
When transporting children, shopping or luggage, anticipatory riding is especially important. On wet or slippery roads, braking distances can increase. Additional load increases the mass that has to be slowed down when braking.
Check your brakes regularly and adjust your speed to the road conditions. In icy conditions, you should avoid riding altogether.
How does the SUB Cocoon protect children from winter weather?
The VELLO SUB Cocoon 360° Reflective protects child passengers from wind and rain. It attaches to compatible SUB rails and adds weather protection when carrying children.
The SUB Cargo Bags 360° Reflective can provide additional weather protection for the leg area. Also make sure children wear warm clothing and that child seats are correctly fitted.
How to stay visible on your VELLO in winter?
Rain, fog and early darkness make working lights especially important. Check your front and rear lights before every ride.
The VELLO VIA+ and VELLO SUB feature integrated SUPERNOVA lighting systems. The VELLO SUB also features a brake light function. VELLO folding bikes can be fitted with LED safety lights for extra-high visibility.
The VELLO 360° Reflective accessories provide extra visibility with their reflective elements.
Which tires are suitable for your VELLO in winter?
Regularly check your tyre pressure, tread and the condition of your bike tyres. Good grip is especially important on cold, wet tarmac.
If you often ride on snow, suitable winter tyres can be a good idea. On ice, compatible studded tyres offer extra grip. Make sure you have the correct tyre size, enough tyre clearance and the permitted load rating. Check your VELLO Bike’s user manual for more information.
What to check after the winter break?
Before your first ride after a longer period of non-use, a bike check is recommended. This overview shows the most important things to check.
| Area | What to check | Models |
|---|---|---|
 Tyres |
Check tyre pressure, tread and for damage. | All models |
 Brakes |
Check braking performance, pad condition and unusual noises. | All models |
 Drivetrain |
Check chain or belt for wear and dirt. | All models |
 Battery |
Check charge level, function and electrical contacts. | Bike+, VIA+, SUB |
 Lights |
Check front and rear lights as well as reflectors. | All models with the relevant equipment. |
 Folding |
Check the folding mechanism and locks for corrosion and smooth operation. | Folding bikes and e-folding bikes Bike+ and VIA+ |
 Accessories |
Check the kickstand for corrosion and smooth operation. Check luggage racks, child seats and mountings. |
All models with the relevant equipement and accessories. |
Conclusion: Well cared for through the winter
Whether it’s an ordinary folding bike, electric folding bike Bike+ or VIA+ or our cargo bike VELLO SUB: with regular cleaning, proper battery and drivetrain care and working brakes, your VELLO is well prepared for the cold season. Please also follow the maintenance instructions in your VELLO Bike’s user manual
Important: Have your bike professionally serviced at least once a year, both after winter use and after a longer winter break. This way, wear and potential damage can be detected in good time.
Book a service appointment with your trusted specialist dealer or directly at your VELLO store in Vienna.
Frequently asked questions about bike care in winter
How do I winterize my bike?
Clean your bike, remove road salt and store it in a dry place. Check the tyres, brakes and drivetrain. For e-bikes, also follow the manufacturer’s instructions for battery storage.
How do I store the Zehus battery of my VELLO Bike+?
The Zehus battery is integrated into the rear hub. For longer periods of non-use, aim for a charge level of around 60%, store the bike in a dry place and check the battery regularly.
Do I need to oil the Gates belt of my VELLO?
No. A Gates Carbon Drive belt does not require oil or grease. Water and a soft brush are usually sufficient for cleaning.
Can I transport children with the VELLO SUB in winter?
Yes, as long as road conditions are safe and the VELLO SUB is properly equipped. Make sure children wear warm clothing, child seats and rails are correctly fitted, and adjust your riding style. In icy conditions, you should avoid cycling.
How often should I have my bicycle serviced?
Professional servicing at least once a year is a good idea. With frequent use, heavy loads or lots of winter riding, shorter intervals may be necessary.
Last updated: October 28, 2026. Technical details and care instructions may vary depending on the model generation and equipment. Please refer to the respective user manual.
