How to stay warm & dry: The winter clothing guide

The key to staying comfortable during biking in winter is smart layering and reflective clothing. Here's how to achieve that:

The layering principle
Think of your clothing in three parts: a breathable base layer (not cotton!) to wick sweat; a warm mid-layer (like fleece) for insulation; and a insulated, windproof, waterproof jacket. The flashier the better (reflective details = street cred).

Gloves & hat
Invest in full-finger, thermal gloves. Your hands get the coldest and need to be warm enough to operate your brakes safely. A warm, brightly colored hat under your helmet (if you wear one) is also a must.

Shine bright
Once again: Wear reflective details or bright colors. Even with our always-on lights, extra reflectivity increases your visibility and your safety.

Bike maintenance tricks you can do at home

Subscribing to Swapfiets means getting free maintenance, repairs, and free winter check-ups. However, for those of you who want to do a few quick checks at home next to a cup of hot cocoa, here's what you can easily do to keep your bike rolling smoothly:

• Frozen gears: When you park, set your bike in 4th gear. That way, if things freeze up, you're ready to ride smoothly.

• Slippery roads: Use the rear brakes only when going straight. That’s your best bet for staying upright on icy roads.

• E-bike battery: Your battery won't fully charge below 5°C, so it’s best to always bring it with you, wherever you go.

• Frozen lock: Don't use boiling water. It can damage the locks and, ironically, make the problem worse by causing the water to re-freeze. Use a hairdryer instead.

If you live in an apartment, you can also use a lock de-icer spray (available at most supermarkets or petrol stations).

NOTE: Love our maintenance tips but hate the actual maintenance part? Don't worry. If your ride is making weird noises (or you can't remember the last time you visited us 😉), book your free check-up and let us do the heavy-lifting this winter. Our swappers will need ±10 minutes to give your Swapfiets bike a full check-up.

Pedal vs. e-bike: Which bike matches your commute?

If you are thinking about starting a subscription with Swapfiets, winter is the true test of reliability. Your bike needs to be able to handle ice, wind, and rain without causing you unnecessary stress. Don't worry, we've built our bikes for exactly that.

For the pedal bike lovers: Deluxe 7
Our Deluxe 7 pedal bike is your most reliable choice for the icy roads, and here's why:

• Anti-slip tires help with grip on wet or icy roads.

• Ideal for winter commutes & errands.

• No charging required, just hop on & go!

• Perfect for staying active throughout the season.

• 7 gears for more control on slippery streets.

For the e-bike lovers: Power 7
Want to conquer winter with maximum speed and minimum sweat? Opt for out Power 7 e-bike for:

• Wider anti-slip tires for more control on icy roads.

• Perfect for arriving fresh in every weather.

• From 65 to 150 km per charge, even in cold weather.

• Motor-assisted comfort for longer commutes & strong headwinds.

• Glide past winter traffic with maximum speeds of 25 km/h.

Don't let bad weather slow you down, and embrace biking in winter with Swapfiets.