Winter on Two Wheels: Safely with Scooter or Motorcycle Through the Cold Season

"In city traffic, the advantages often outweigh the disadvantages," says Georg Scheiblauer, chief motorcycle instructor at ÖAMTC Driving Technology. Those who ride in winter benefit from fewer traffic jams, better parking situations, and no parking fees. On cleared roads and with defensive driving, using a scooter or motorcycle is possible even in cold weather.

Safety Equipment is Mandatory

Suitable protective clothing is important. It should not only keep you warm but also be highly visible with reflectors. Scheiblauer also emphasizes the importance of anticipatory driving: "Motorcyclists have no crumple zone – they must recognize others' mistakes early and react accordingly."

Consider Traction on Cold Roads

A risk remains the reduced traction at low temperatures. "There is no legal requirement for winter equipment for motorcycles, but we recommend winter tires for regular use – especially for scooters," says the expert. However, riding in snow or ice is not advisable – the risk of falling is too high.

Tips for Winterizing Motorcycles and Scooters

Storage: Motorcycles and scooters should be protected from snow, salt, and grit as much as possible. "If you don't have a weather-protected storage option, you should rent a garage space to let the motorcycle winterize in dry conditions."

Outdoors: "Special covers provide at least some protection for the two-wheeler," says Scheiblauer. If the motorcycle is parked on the street in winter, it must be regularly checked to ensure it is still standing safely. For example, temporary no-parking zones may require repositioning.

Cleaning: The bike must be thoroughly cleaned, and then the chain should be lubricated.

Fill up the tank: For metal tanks, it is advisable to store the motorcycle with a full tank to prevent corrosion damage – this is not necessary for plastic tanks.

Disconnect the battery: "To maintain the battery's functionality, it should be disconnected over the winter or – even better – removed and connected to a charger," advises Scheiblauer.

Increase tire pressure: Before storing, slightly increase the air pressure and place the motorcycle on the main stand or lift it to prevent the tires from flattening.

Deposit the license plate: "If you are sure you won't need the vehicle during the winter months, you can deposit the license plate with the vehicle registration office of the insurance company and save the money for the insurance premium," is the final tip.

(Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.