How To
Maintenance

How to Winterize your Can-Am Electric Motorcycle

By Can-Am On-Road

6 min read

January 2026

Winter may be in full force but for riders, the adventure mindset never really shuts off. It simply shifts to anticipation mode. Whether you’re tearing through city streets on the Can-Am Pulse or exploring beyond the pavement on the Origin, colder weather is your cue to get your motorcycle ready for its seasonal downtime.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to winterize an electric motorcycle, why it matters, and how Can-Am makes the process easier than ever.

Cold temperatures affect every motorcycle. Batteries discharge faster, tire pressure drops, and moisture can impact exposed metal surfaces. Following a few smart storage best practices can help protect your Can-Am electric motorcycle through the colder months.

These recommendations are meant to guide you, not replace a full maintenance routine, and show just how simple electric ownership can be. With fewer components to manage, your Can-Am motorcycle is easy to store, so when spring arrives, you’re ready to ride again with confidence!

Storage & Preseason Checklist

1. Pre-storage inspection: Perform a general inspection before storage, including fluids, tires, controls, and overall cleanliness.
2. Storage location: Store the motorcycle indoors,when possible, ideally in a dry space with minimal temperature fluctuations between 0°C and 25°C (32°F to 77°F).
3. Battery state of charge: Store the motorcycle unplugged, with no charging cable connected to the on-board charger, at a 30%-60% state of charge (ideally around 30%).
4. Monthly battery check: Check the battery’s state of charge monthly. If it drops below 20%, charge it back to 30%, then disconnect the charging cable.
5. Tire care: Slightly rotate the tires once a month to help prevent flat spots during extended storage.
6. Preseason preparation: When you’re ready to ride again, consult the Preseason Preparation section of your Operator’s Guide and charge the battery to at least 70% before your first ride.
7. Ready to ride: You’re all set for another season of thrilling electric riding.

Why Winterizing Your Electric Motorcycle Matters

Winterizing helps ensure your ride is ready to go when the season returns! And it’s actually less work than you probably think.

No stabilizers, no engine oil changes, no moisture or pests in the exhaust to worry about. Even the chain doesn't require frequent maintenance : the Pulse and Origin’s sealed chain case only needs an oil change every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or once a year.

Like any motorcycle, basic steps still apply: check brake fluid and coolant, inflate tires to spec, lubricate controls, clean off dirt, and store under a breathable cover to protect components during downtime.

Everything About Storage

Recommended Storage Conditions

For optimal winter storage, choose a location that helps protect battery health and overall condition. The ideal storage temperature is between 0°C and 25°C (32°F–77°F), though your motorcycle can withstand –20°C to 45°C (–4°F–113°F) temperatures.

⚠️Avoid areas with major temperature swings or direct sunlight, which can prematurely age certain components or affect battery longevity.

While outdoor storage with a high-quality cover is acceptable but not ideal, a garage or sheltered space is the perfect choice.

Pre-Storage Inspection

Before storing your electric motorcycle, take a few minutes for a quick inspection :
• Look over bolts, fasteners, cables, and visible components for any irregularities.
• Check brake fluid, coolant, and chain case oil levels. (No replacements are needed at this stage, just verification).
• Lubricate the brake lever and pedal pivots if necessary.
• Give your motorcycle a full wash and ensure it’s completely dry before covering it to prevent corrosion while it’s not in use.

High Voltage Battery Charging Practices

Battery care is one of the most important parts of winterizing an electric motorcycle and Can-Am makes this process simple.

Just like a traditional motorcycle, the 12 V battery requires periodic maintenance during storage. Use a trickle charger to keep it ready for spring, but always follow the charger manufacturer’s instructions and the battery’s recommended charging rate.

These steps apply only to the 12 V battery—not the high-voltage battery.

Before charging, disconnect or ideally remove the 12 V battery. For extended cold storage, keep both the motorcycle and the removed battery in a warmer environment to maintain performance.

⚠️Do not leave a charging cable plugged into the motorcycle throughout storage.

Keeping the high-voltage battery at 100% for extended periods creates unnecessary heat, which can reduce long-term battery health. Instead, aim for a state of charge (SOC) between 30% and 60%, ideally around 30%. The battery loses only about 1–2% per month, so check the SOC monthly. If it drops below 20%, recharge to about 30%.

To simplify this, you can preset a charge limit of 30% in the charging menu.

Tire Care During Storage

Just like the tires of any electric or combustion motorcycle, tires need a bit of attention too. Inflate them to the recommended PSI as per your Operator’s Guide.

Rotate the tires slightly once a month to prevent flat spots caused by long-term pressure on one area. Using motorcycle stands to elevate the bike can also help, though it’s optional.

Preseason Preparation Before Your First Ride

When spring returns, wake your Can-Am Pulse or Origin up with a few quick steps :
• Check fluid levels again
• Ensure proper tire pressure
• Recharge the high-voltage battery to at least 70% before your first ride

Get Ready for the Ride Ahead

Once those steps are done, your motorcycle is ready to hit the road or trail with the same electric excitement you left it with.

For more detailed information on storage best practices, as well as recommended preseason preparation steps and maintenance schedules, be sure to consult your Can-Am electric motorcycle Operator’s Guide.

It provides comprehensive guidance to help ensure your motorcycle is properly stored and ready for the riding season ahead.