Living in the UK, rainy days come a lot more often than not. This makes the construction and quality of your Electric Scooter particularly important for regular commuters. Some models are waterproof, others have water resistance, but certain types of E-Scooter have no protection, so you cannot ride them in wet conditions at all. This blog will answer the question “can you ride Electric Scooters in the rain?” As well as provide tips on how to further improve your E-Scooter experience.
IP Ratings
IP Ratings are a two-part number included in an E-Scooter’s specifications, as well as on the scooter itself. These ratings measure how well the scooter can resist dust and moisture. The first part of the number indicates the resistance to solid matter (dust, foreign objects, etc.) The Second number indicates water resistance.
The higher each number is, the more protected your scooter is from damage. Any E-Scooter with a second number lower than 4 is not recommended for riding in wet conditions. Similarly, you should not ride scooters without an IP rating in the rain.
From 4 and up, the levels of water resistance are as follows:
4 – protected from water splashes
5 – protected from low-pressure water jets
6 – protected from high-pressure water jets
7 – protected from a short period of immersion in water
8 – can withstand a long period of immersion in water
For example, a scooter with the rating IP54 has protection from water splashes. You can ride these E-Scooters in light rain and through shallow puddles. An Electric Scooter with a rating of IP67 can be totally submerged in water but comes at the cost of twice the weight and a reduced range compared to more budget-friendly options.
Common Questions
Will I Get An Electric Shock?
No, you won’t get an electric shock from riding Electric Scooters in the rain. The grips and standing deck are rubber, which does not conduct electricity. Neither do your shoes. Even if a large amount of water gets into the battery case of your scooter, the worst-case scenario is that the scooter will simply stop working.
What If My Electric Scooter Dies While Riding?
If the rain is extreme, and your scooter’s IP rating is not high enough for the conditions, it is very possible that the scooter will break down. Following the advice on this blog will help you avoid this scenario.
What If The Tyres Slip?
As long as you keep an eye on the quality of your tyres, and you are careful while riding Electric Scooters in the rain, you should be able to ride without stress. It is fairly easy to get used to riding in wet conditions, even for turning corners.
Riding Safely
Of course, even if your Electric Scooter is fully waterproof, there are other aspects to consider when riding in the rain.
Poor visibility is a big risk to those commuting on an E-Scooter. Not necessarily because you can’t see well, but because those around you can’t. Car windows will have watermarks, and fog up in the rain. Their drivers will be experiencing heightened anxiety driving in dangerous conditions. You will be less visible to people driving cars, and also less protected. In low visibility weather, it is best to find alternative transport.
We recommend equipping your scooter with lights that are bright enough to see in the rain. Since you will need a raincoat anyway, it is also a good idea to get one that is high visibility. Do not ride in the rain wearing dark clothing, like grey or black.
The ground will also be slippery when riding in the rain. Be very aware of your scooter’s braking capabilities at this time. It is not likely that you will be able to make quick, sudden stops on your E-Scooter. It is best to avoid going too fast whilst riding in the rain, and avoid making any sharp turns. You should also watch out for particularly slippery surfaces. Painted roads and metal manhole covers can be dangerous when riding in wet conditions. Going at a slower speed will help you stay in control of your Electric Scooter.
If you find it especially difficult to ride your E-Scooter in the rain, you can try adjusting the tire pressure. Lower pressure on wet surfaces creates better grip, increasing safety. Just be sure to increase the pressure again when the ground is dry.
In temperatures below zero when you’re faced with freezing rain, it is best for both you and your scooter to find alternate transport. Operating your scooter in the rain below freezing temperatures can cause your battery and components to degrade.
Unless your E-Scooter is waterproof, rather than water-resistant, you should not use it in areas prone to high water levels. Floods, overflowing rivers, and deep puddles should be avoided. These can render your Electric Scooter inoperable, and could permanently damage it. If you live somewhere that sees a lot of high water, a scooter with an IP level of 7 or more is necessary.
Your E-Scooter should have a slip-proof deck, and fenders to keep your legs and feet from getting soaked and dirty in wet weather conditions. You can also aid your Electric Scooter by using Dielectric Grease to protect its electrical connections from dirt and corrosion.
Try not to leave your Electric Scooter outside while it’s raining. Store it somewhere dry and warm to avoid damage. You can get rain covers for your scooter, as well as scooter bags for models that fold down to help with storing them.
So, if you are planning to ride in the rain, remember to have the following:
A high visibility raincoat
Additional lights for your E-Scooter
A Scooter with a high IP rating and fenders
Maintenance
If you’re wondering about the upkeep you should do for your scooter to elongate its life, there are some things you can look out for.
The biggest killer of E-Scooters is corrosion. Even if your Electric Scooter is water-resistant, water and moisture will still do some damage.
Things to Check Internally:
Wires
Battery Case
Batteries
You will need some tools and some basic scooter DIY skills to perform these checks.
If you do find signs of corrosion, you should take your scooter to a workshop. In extreme cases, you may need to change the parts.
Things to Check Externally:
Frame
Disc Brakes
Corrosion in these areas is a lot easier to spot. If you do see any signs of corrosion, be sure to get them looked at as soon as possible.
You should also keep an eye out for dampness or water inside of the lights on your Electric Scooter.
